FF: Milestones (Sequel to Unexpected Consequences)

[tasha]

yay it's back!!



off to read...



tasha

[effrena]

goddess, thank you so much!!!!



*frustrated with her slow computer*

[littlecrazy80]

update! update! update! update! update! update! update! update!



I´m off to read it!



eta: This chapter is fantastic! There is so much going on. And you described everything so well.



*lil´c*

Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.



Check this out

Edited by: littlecrazy80 at: 4/29/03 12:51:20 pm

[Nation]

OMG!!!! I'm drooling and I haven't even read the chapter yet. I'm torn between reading it right now (taking an extended lunch hehehe) or waiting and savoring the moment....uh....guess which one I picked? Lisa, we have missed you. I can't wait to read this....I'll give feedback later, just wanted to say THANKS for now....



Nation

[Marilda]

Oh heck yeah. That was soo awesome. Wonderful job Lisa. I think I'll go read UC and the beginning of Milestones again. Yes, I'm addicted, why do you ask?

[justin]

That was a brilliant chapter, definitely worth the wait.



I'm glad that they were able to covince Briana to not take the trial and that the transfer of power went well.



Though I got rather annoyed with Buffy getting all judgemental and buttinsky about it.



When Brent said that there was a family problem at the gate I thought it might be Beth, I wasn't expecting it to be Brent's mother.



After the Keepers tried to kidnap Tara the guardians scarred and broke the legs and arms of everyone who worked for the Keepers. Was Brents mother included in that?

I understand, you should be with the person you l-love


I am

[Domaris]

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!



I've been waiting for that update for SOOOOO long.. Goddess Lisa your writing just freaking rocks!



now I can't wait for part 17.. ehehhee take your time tho, if it's gonna give a result as great as this one





Domaris

"Rock my world!" - Gia

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you'll be a mile from them, and you'll have their shoes" - Somebody

[Puff]

Oh so Bren't mother has arrived, Cousin Beth is on her way, Willow has mage powers and Buffy needs a slap. Great update Lisa (thanks DrLloyd for posting it) loads happened and I am SO glad that Brianna is ok and took the challenge back. Oh and I wanna hit Kaley as well

---

Cheese. It's milk that you chew.

[Lisa of Nine]

First off-

Thank you, Drlloyd for posting for me. I've fighting my PC all day and couldn't get logged in.



Second, I am glad you are enjoying the chapter.



Quick drive by comment on things to come in the form of one of Anya's upcoming lines..



Anya: "Hello? Shit.... meet fan. 'Nuff said."



Ack! The squirrels have returned. I have to hide.

Lisa

[peggy of sunnydale]

yipee

the update i was praying for im so happy im rolling on the floor



i like it its wonderfull i like that they are explainning everything to brianna its great im all a glee



heres hoping the next be soon



Willow:thats alright i dont need to be snuggled

Tara:vixen

thank you

[Gimpgirl]

...woo and hoo....I absolutely love this fic and would have wanted forever for an update, but you Lisa were so awesome and gave us one. I do hope that your Law stuff is going well....I know how school can kick you in the butt. You are awesome girl...and the update....wow.... ...yeah that was awesome...but the part that intruiges me is the whole Dawn and Bre situation.....I just wanted to shake them both and just get them together....but I digress....

awesome update awesome fic....it's all good.



Michelle

"just when you think you got me figured out the seasons already changing...."-Meredith Brooks

[Modjadji]

Wow.



I've been lurking for a long, long time, but my need to gush has finally overtaken me. As a result, this may get long, stuffy and repetitive. You have been warned.



Addiction isn't even the word I would use to describe my attachment to this fic. I'm almost terrified to read every update because it makes the resulting 'withdrawal' so much worse. And now I've read it. I guess it's back to nervous twitches and compulsively rearranging my sock drawer.



The way you fully develop every storyline without detracting from the interaction on which it is based is a talent Buffy has rather lacked in recent seasons. In fact, this very oversight by the writers is probably the reason the show's fanfic community is as large as it is. I may go so far as to say that if the holes left in the story by Joss and co. can produce a piece of writing like this, then may they remain as, erm, holey, as possible.



However, the most amazing thing about the complexity in your storylines is not the logistics involved in playing them out but the fact that the characters involved never seem to lose their appeal. In fact, I'm in the miserable position of wanting to know absolutely everything about every single character you've introduced, something which is more than likely to produce stomach ulcers if I allow it to continue. Of course, your 'borrowed' characters are just perfect as your originals. I love the fact that you allow Willow and Tara to be angry at one another without portraying it as a step in the wrong direction. Fights are healthy, normal, even necessary in any long-term relationship, and glossing over this point would be disingenuous at best. Perfect characterization all round, right down to Brianna. She's a typical five-year-old with an untypical amount of love and understanding at her disposal, an obvious side effect of being raised by two (or 20-odd) of the most loving and understanding women in fiction.



Dawn and Bre - brilliant! Being in love with your best friend is an uncomfortable dilemma at best. Between fear of ruining the friendship by confessing your feelings and fear of poisoning it with lies it can often seem like there's nowhere to turn, something you capture wonderfully. Bre is perfect, perfect for Dawn and perfect for the role she has to play. I love the steadfast and loyal air all the guardians maintain, even through the trials to which they are subjected. They are all essentially human beings with flaws (none more so than the very compelling Kaley), but they are also human beings who understand fully the concept of loyalty, one which much of the human race could really brush up on



One thing that really strikes me about your writing is how incredibly witty it can be without even really trying. Your Slayer has me in stitches for all the right reasons, something the original hasn't managed in a while. There are no cheap shots and the overall tone retains its emotional depth and resonance, but some of the interactions are just. so. funny. It's as if you've cut open a normal (ok, maybe not normal) segment of life, with all the hilarity and horror that entails. Life is heartbreaking, difficult, sometimes even terrifying, but you capture perfectly the underlying current of beauty which is the reason we cling to it so dearly.



I would never deign to rush artistic creation, but if you possibly could...more. please. soon.



Spoken like a true addict...



Cheers,

Mojo

[Urn of Osiris]

Damn Lisa! That was fantastic!!!!!



I've missed your writing more then I realized. As I inched down the page I kept looking at the sidebar hating that I was drawing closer to the end of the update and still enjoying every moment you created. You have honed every word, carefully painting a colorful world where Willow and Tara are as strong and unified as ever.



I was going to give my adoration for Buffy and Dawn and the fantastic scene at the hospital but I just want to skip ahead to the awesome Willow and Tara moments. You are an artist!!! Your words create such a brilliant picture. I could read on... endlessly!



The tenderness in understanding as they discussed the transfer of magic. The way a simple touch eased the moment. Willow's fear and Tara's nurturing soul are captured splendidly once again. It felt alive! They felt together and connected and every moment reminded me of what is WILLOW and TARA!



The decision to explain Willow's abuse of magic was a bit unexpected but the scene was wonderful. I could see it all happening. Every bit unfolded brilliantly. Willow having to admit her mistake and take responsibility, knowing that her daughter would forever see her differently. Tara sharing that, showed the level of love that they have for one another. Knowing that forgiveness is what will strengthen them in the end. I love how you displayed that truth opens the door to understanding and perhaps preventing the same errors in judgement.



Just when I thought I might burst from all the tension you toss in a bit of humor. I loved the scene where they are transferring the magic and Brianna suggests the protective field. The comments were wonderful. The sarcasm is perfectly timed. You gave me everything in this update!! Your fiction brought me to this board. Your creativity and talent at storytelling is so wonderful.



Thanks for this chapter. It was worth every moment I waited.

Endless gratitude

Urn of Osiris

Peace is not the absence of conflict; it's the absence of inner conflict. Unknown
When we stand up, we are standing up for everybody. Each of us needs to know, in fact, that we are rainbows in the clouds... for everybody. MAYA ANGELOU

Edited by: Urn of Osiris  at: 4/29/03 4:07:46 pm

[Lonewolf22]

Lisa of Nine: First off let me say WELCOME BACK, Second of all GREAT UPDATE, I Absolutely loved how Willow and Tara were comforting each other when they were talking, I love how they are able to calm each other down, just great. I also really loved how Brent was able to keep Brianna calm until her mommies got there, just like a real grandmother, very cool. I keep wondering what Beth is going to do once she gets there? I really hope that Dawn and Bre can work everything out and see whats in front of their faces already. I was a little pissed at Buffy for not trusting Willow and Tara to know whats best for Brianna, I know she means well but she has to know that Willow and Tara and rest of the guardians would never let anything happen to her. What is it with Brent that has her so worried? And why is her mother there? I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[sheila wt]

Goddess, I didn't know exactly how much I was missing this fic until I started reading the new chapter...



Welcome back, Lisa!



Wonderful update! I'm so relieved that Brianna is as far from the challenge as she can be and that Willow is doing ok with the magic and her tummy (as ok as it's possible...).



But now everybody's coming to join the party?? Brent's mother, Beth... why I have this feeling that this just can't be a good thing?



Gotta run and print this chapter out because my girl has been asking about it all day...

--------------------------
"She had tasted Willow on her tongue, and she had worn Willow on her skin. There wasn't a shower in the world that could have washed that away." (Terra Firma, by Tulipp)

[damron39]

I also am really glad to see this fic up and running again. I have to admit that Unexpected Consequences and Milestones are my fave fics. I love the compicated storyline, and all of the great characters you have created. I will look forward to the rest.



Thank you for taking the time to write this incredible story.



Damron39

[RaiStarr]

Oh Happy Day!



A most excellent update!





Rai

[Lisa of Nine]

Wow!

I read back through the thread and just, wow. I am amazed and touched that so many people have given such in-depth replies. Even more so, that so many people are able to explain possible future plot elements so perfectly.

I love that you already had an idea that Brianna had to be 'called' before she could challenge. This lets me know that the world I created for my Willow and Tara is consistent.. what a concept. ;-)



I want to reply to each person, but that will have to wait. I'm heading up a "Women Take Back the Night" event that runs all day and tonight. It should be great. Sadly, our fabulous organizer is MIA with family stuff, so we are all pulling together to make sure the event works out. It should be fun... though someone should tell them... giving me the bullhorn? That is so not a good idea. ;-) Yeah, me, a bullhorn, and a mob of empowered women. I'm grinning just thinking about it. Maybe I can detour them to some offices in LA?



I'll get to those replies ASAP... for now, I'm off to whip those empowered gals into shape. *EG*

Lisa

[Grimaldi]

yay an update



i liked how Brent explained everything that Brianna overheard.

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?

[Arwen276]

WOW! JUST PLAIN WOW!!



On this day i have many things to thank you for!

- 1st for updating FINALLY!

- 2nd for just ending my misery and worries at how our lovely witches were going to save themselves out of this trouble!

- I love the way you dealt with Dawn and Bre's feelings,loved the way you described their unconscious attraction towards one another, the hand rubbing and all! and for ONCE Buffy's less clueless discovery about those 2.

I can't wait for the next part, I just hope that it wont take LONG pwease???

And take this as the symbol of my profoundest respect towards your writing.

Arwen

[tiyodragon]

Hey Lisa,



Great to see an update! It was very cool that you FINALLY allowed Buffy to have a clue (re: Dawn and Bre). It's good to see how the characters have matured over the years and even recognize it themselves when they inadvertantly slip.



It was cute the way Brianna had the brilliant idea. Makes me wonder what her problem-solving skills are gonna be like when she's older, and has more resources. I don't envy the guardians their job.



Emily seems like an annoying older sister to Brent. She has that relaxed demeanor from not taking herself too seriously, but gets to laugh at Brent when Brent still does.



Now, just where in the heck are you going with Kaley? I was all primed to see her get booted head first, but she seems sort of unconcerned. I sooo want to see Willow unleash some verbal whoop-ass on Kaley. Kaley is such a snot!



Oh, and bless you for bringing back the flame-thrower fingers! It's always entertaining to watch. I shudder to think what would happen if Brianna were able to do that...



Pilamaye,

tiyo

"Wiggly is good." Xita - Vegas 2003

[WiccansIllusion]

Lisa



All I can say is thank you. It was so well worth the wait. I'm definetly a Dawn/Bre Shipper...( Brawn?? Dawny/Bre, Brawny?)) Anyways. I love how you developed their friendship into much more, even if it isn't obious to themselves, just to others. But thats how real life works sometimes isn't it?



Anyways thank you so much for the update, yet again. I like the developments with Willow and Tara's magick as well.



Good luck with the bullhorn. Let me know if you rally the troops against M.E hehe.





WI

"love is touching souls" surely you touched mine 'cause part of you pours out of me in these lines from time to time-Joni Mitchell 'A case of You'

“Oh yeah,” Tara sighed in Willow’s ear. “I’m your bitch. I’m your girl. I’m your everything,” she panted. “Don’t you ever fucking forget it."- CN Winters

[Shinnen]

Oh... excellent update, Lisa! Definitely worth the wait ... but now... another wait! I could see the story unfolding graphically in my head... in a more than cartoonish style

CheerZ

Shinnen



Who cares how tall your lover is ... height doesn't matter in bed



For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it

[dekalog]

Lisa



Thanks so much. What a wonderful story, and a fabulous update. I couldn't even begin to express how much I enjoy this. The world you have created from the one I used to love is so rich, and full that I find myself teasing out some of the different threads and playing with them in my own mind - that is until you honour us with an update and get to see what you have decided to do with them. Then I just sit back with a huge grin on my face and see a world that deserves the wonderful characters which inhabit it.



I also wanted to say thanks so much for all the other work you have been doing in serving W/T's memory. I am glad to see that they are living the life they were meant to live in your fics instead of being mired in the misogynist drivel currently being flung at viewers who continue to watch ME's crap on their tv's.

[dykeleen]

Lisa,

I was so happy to see your update that I practically mauled one of my coworkers. Too bad it was a guy blech

OK here we go!

As for Tara and Willow the most important. I am so happy that they still exsist in our fantisies, in our minds, In our wildest dreams. I can read this fic over and over agian and still take something from this story!!! Willow and Tara's connection is one I ralate too! The ritual was great how they put their powers connected. I was waiting for Brianna to touch them after Brent did to see what her touch would do to her mothers. Due to the fact the Bri is the Imbolc Mage and truely, Tara and Willow carried the powers that Tara shed durring the challange, Briannas touch should calm her mothers powers!

But

I see that You had to put a wrench into the works with Brents Mother showing up!

So does she have the scar or 3 broken limbs?

Huuum....

As for Dawn and Bri you are really killing me! Although Kaley surprised me I didn't think she would go after Dawn although she does have an alterier motive.She cant be that good!

Why doesn't Dawn grab Bri and Kiss her already! dam it

Brianna is the cutest thing and I love her!

But Buffy is getting a little indignant I thought that Tara was going to open a can of Whoop ass on her!

and...

Beth are you trying to make us feel sorry for her with this whole demon thing. Cuz you dont have me she called Tara a bitch and I dont forget things like that easily. I am sorry I love Tara and No One calls her a bitch and gets away with it. May be you should sick one of your little squirls on her! That would be really funny!

Ok so this is what should happen Dawn should attack Bri and tell her that she loves her

Willow and Tara should sick some squirls on Beth

Brent should boot the old bag (her mother)!

and live happily ever after! OH and Anya should hook up with Michael! hehe



I loved the update and I hope you dont leave us hanging as long as before I would be so greatfull I know that you just finished 16 and everything! Its just I love this fic and I dont get Tara on Tuesdays So I have to live vicariously through this fic.

I will worship your fics forever

Defender of the Flame

Dykeleen

[WebWarlock]

Well, what can I say really?



Well. I got to read this first! Hey, someone has to be Lisa's HTML monkey.



Like Dekalog this is a world I enjoy as well. There are some fantastic fics here and some really great authors, and it has been my pleasure to work with some of them on various projects. But this is the world I come back to.



This is Willow and Tara to me. Sure this Tara is a little more aggressive and this Willow is a little more sedate, but to me that is 10 years of dealing with issues like apocalypses, magic run amuck, people trying to kill you, not to mention in-laws and kids!



I also feel I know the secondary characters just as well. Few fics do that for me. Tiggr's "The Next Generation" does. CaptMurdock's Trek AU is starting to. But I *know* Bre and Brianna and Brent. I am getting to like Emily and looking forward to learning more about Megan. Plus when reading a fan fic I ask “if I remove the fan created elements and was left with nothing but the author’s original stuff would this still work?” or would I read a fic set in this world without the trappings of Buffy’s world or the characters. Yes I would. I would love to read a story of the future adventures of Brianna, with or with out her mothers present. Of course I doubt I could ever convince Lisa to write about Bri and not include Willow and Tara.



Of course I love the Daughters of the Flame. But then again I have been writing stuff about them for games since 1999. Lisa has really added new vistas to their myto-historical background. I also love the whole idea of Imbolc Mages and Mages. I introduced the idea of an Imbolc Mage to a group of people I work with on witch stuff. I described them then as "what witches are humans, mages are to witches." And Lisa has yet to let me down on that one. There is a myth here and one I love to explore.



This last update was great. I was shocked at the end. I was expecting Beth. Of course now I have renewed loathing for Donnie.

I am also enjoying the little tidbits of information on what sets the superior Lisaverse apart from the perverse Whedonverse. I know where the two worlds departed, I am glad I chose this path.



Coming back here was like seeing an old friend again and finding that not only do you still have a lot in common, but they have something new to show you that you enjoy.



Thank you Lisa! For the story and the links.



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side,
home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"If this is all the gods can do, I'm over to the Darkside so fast." - Tom Servo Mystery Science Theater 3000, Episode 903 "Pumaman".

[Aradia785]

*Turns off cell phone, phone, and tv. Puts "Disturb and Die" sign on door, locks door, closes blinds. Puts pillow over snoring roomates head, hopes she doesn't suffocate. Relaxes in front of computer screen, maintains liberal distance from Gong of Doom, shares economy sized bag of shelled walnuts with Ferral Squirrels (almonds are still too damn expensive!). Reads chapter 16*



*Many many MANY sniffs, laughs, and "dear god thats brillant" 's later* ... wow...



Lisa that was absolutely marvelous. Honest to god, no BS, no kissing up, that was so wonderful and completely worth the wait. You've got the touch. Thanks so much for the update.



*Backs away from computer and munches on walnuts with the squirrels. Overhears one of them muttering about building a stronghold in the states where food is provided. Ignores that comment. Considers beginning the wait for next update, reminds self that one was just posted yesterday. Gets back to computer to reread chapter 16.*



Ann

If I hear that Gong of Doom I will send stoned squirrels to raid your kitchen
- Lisa of Nine

[barnabasvamp]

As always, a wonderful update. Well worth the wait.



Glad to hear that presently all major distractions have slowed enough for you to get back to this great story.



Poor Brianna, but I agree it's time she knew, if she understands enough to question.



Brent's mother, I sense some angst coming our way!

BV

"When choosing between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before"-Mae West

[Willowfan]

As usual....a masterpiece! Incredible, and you left us wanting more, more, more! Lisa, I don't know how you do it, but I am so glad you do! i can't wait for more!



And please...PLEASE!! more Dawn and Bre time!



keep up the good...no...great work!



Willowfan

[shuyaku]

Gosh I love this fic! It is totally engaging. This is the first update in I don't know how long and I didn't have to go back to reread - I knew exactly what was going on. That's how much I am caught up in your version of the Buffyverse.



More please



-shuyaku