"The Garland Days" (Completed 09/05)

[Katharyn]

Hey sweets... You know all about what I think so I don't want to be all specific instead I want to be way more general.



I am always massively impressed by the risks you will take to tell your stories. I mean... wow. 1967 and with all the research to boot. You didn't pick a year - you picked a year and found out about it - more than the events you want to get at... the whole culture then. Details ooze from this (in a good way.)



Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised by that. If you couldn't research it then ordinarily your have made it all up in your head and created that world.



There are things to worry about all through this story... but thats the point. Its why we read - the tension and the way it will be resolved.



Bravo honey.



Plus Michele... definitely good influence gal.



Katharyn

-------------------------




If I want a little pussy, I got my own to play with.
Chance in Chance.




------------------------

[mariacomet]

Hey all,

First again I want to thank you. The kittens have always overwhelmed me with their graciousness and encouragement and this posting is a great example of what I mean by that.



Second....I'll update in a couple hours.





SlayerSydney



Hiya! Thanks for letting me know that you are enjoying everything. Next update will be longer, I promise.



I love the idea of fate and our girls too. I love the idea that no matter what and where, they are meant to be.



Puff Dearest Puffster, every part of this will not be an easy read BUT...people are often brought closer together by hardship. Love often needs obstacles in order to set down the deepest roots.



onyxsundrops Thanks for the comments. There are a few references to music and what not that I slid in so that the story is a bit more authentic. You, being a fan of the time period, I hope you like them!



The Rose24 I think when you are faced with someone that is a beast, you have a choice of becoming the beast or not. I'm not sure it's always a question of stopping as much as standing up in a way that maintains dignity. and yes, I believe our girls are chock full of dignity



nika I promise you that my talent is FAR from endless. I struggle to post what I post. It's not an 'easy' process and half the time I am sure I am doing it wrong. But I do my best, and I'm really gratified when one of my stories touches someone.

Quote:

---

I'll say it again I'm amazed and it's stories like yours that make me glad I found this board.

---

Wow....thank you for saying that. That's a huge honor. I hope this story flows in a way that warrants such kind words.



bindingwiccan - I'm glad you found her too.

Quote:

---

true love knows no gender. dont be afraid to be yourself

---

You know what? That is wonderful advice. Sometimes it's hard to have faith. But seeing someone that so clearly does is very inspiring to me.



Cindy Lou Who Oh luminous reader of rants and ramblings!



I was more just commenting generally than TO YOU regarding men and my concerns. It was something I was afraid I might winding up doing in the story unintellionally.

Quote:

---

No *one* gender holds the title of "Grand Perpetuator." But women and men alike should get credit for turning their minds to what could be.

---

Huzzah! I very much agree. I think many men helped the women's movement and the GBLT movement as a whole. And youhave to wonder what women would do had THEY been the sex in charge. I think wanting control is a human thing mostly.



Ahem...did I mention that sometimes I ramble?

Quote:

---

And Tara recognized the eyes.

---

Yeah, that was one of my favorite bits that I wrote in that last part. I really want our two girls to be potrayed as meant to be. So I try and slip little ideas (sometimes big ideas ) in, backing that. And Tara, I can see her being "senstive" enough to magic that she might have prophetic abilities. Even ones not totally developed. Besides...I thought it was romantic.





Red Jassy Always glad to provide color. (come on, you knew I was gonna go there, didn't ya?)



When I write Willow it is often easy to thrown in humor. Especially in 'Willowthought.' I think she has a very vibrant imagination and I like to play with that.



Er...did that come out the way I meant it to?



bluewillowwitch -

Thank you for commenting! I am glad that you are liking the story and... and







the vamp nurd Definately fate...Our girls are fated to be together.



shuyaku I think, if I was Tara looking at Willow - esepceially given the dreams - I'd be dieing for that first embrace.



Pssst...we'll get there



TareBearRS Well, I do promise more goodness. But...there is some dark. Hopefully the goodness will make up for it though.



willntlover They did indeed meet, and that's the beginning of a great story that...well Amber and Aly deserve muuuuuuch credit for.



Didja notice that Willow's hat had a kitten on it? All true.



some dark thing

What your post is about - among several things - is the question of evil and evil acts. It's an interesting topic, and it raises tons of interesting possibilities and problems. The first thing I believe is that overgeneralizing, while good for logic, always leads to scenarios where that logic does not apply. At least when you try to apply it to human beings.



There are always those that are exceptions to the rule.



Also, there's a difference in my mind between an evil act and an evil person.



ALLLSOO, when you talk about good and bad...right and wrong...and well...evil - it all becomes subjective at some point.



Lastly, I can say that I have studied human beings. But not all of them. And not exclusively. So my expertise/logic/conclusions in many things may be as thin a toliet paper. Insert comment about worth of said thoughts ALSO being possibily worth the same. (I said that, you didn't)



An evil act....I believe...is one that willfully destroys. Destruction is somewhat relative. It can be emotional or physcial. The most damning type is when it is 1. both 2. to someone that cannot defend themselves and that you are AWARE is weaker than you 3. to someone dependent on you



Someone that is evil...seeks out to willfully destroy. Not once, not twice...but is in active pursuit of it. The need to destroy -in short - is what they live for, and what they compose most of their life around.



I believe in a phrase that states "there but by the grace of God, go I." I believe that anyone is capable of anything - if they are in the right (or wrong) circumstances and/or frame of mind. There are people out there that kill in the heat of passion. I don't think these people are evil.



In one of my worst and most needy states of mind - wayyyy before I ever found the kitten - I lied to someone for about

three months straight. I knew it would hurt them if they found out. And I knew that they WOULD find out eventually. But somehow I cared much more about what I was getting from them, then any pain that might come later. I used them to make ME feel better about ME. And I knew I was doing it. I knew it was wrong. I knew how it would end. That person cared about me. And I put them in a position to be deeply hurt. Because my needs - at the time - were more important to me then anything else. It is the only time in my life that I have ever been a pure unadulterated user.



But that's not who I normally am. And someone that can lie that long, and put someone's heart in that much danger is not who I normally am, either.



What amazes me is how quickly I became what I have always despised. How little - in the end all, be all - that it took.



The reason for me telling you all that is - we all screw up. Most of us act in evil ways. I think we all embrace a darker, much more selfish side sometimes. Sometimes we are egged on. Sometimes we are not ourselves. Sometimes we are pushed. And sometimes we push ourselves.



As a friend told me once...the reason that we screw up is so that we can learn who we are, and who we want to...NOT so that we can learn that we like screwing up.



So....to quoeth myself (and you) "I think some people have things in them that others don't."



If I believe that anyone is capable of anything, what do I mean by this?



Some people...enjoy the destruction. Enjoy it, in general. Enjoy the using. Enjoy the taking. From the word go. There is no reviewing the issue later. There is no care if/when they realize how they are effecting others. There is only hunger for more of the same.



We may all have the potential to be Ted Bundy for a day...but we do NOT all have it in us to BE Ted Bundy.

Quote:

---

But is it true only for people that "have it in them"? like DMW was in Willow, but there was no Dark (Magick) Tara in Tara.

---

Are evil men(women) born or made? Tara was mistreated (by cannon) for a good part of her life. I believe that she made choices to turn away from both anger and the darker aspects of her own power. To embrace the ideas of nature and healing, as opposed to seeking power.



But if Willow and/or Dawn had been murdered in front of Tara - does Tara have that IN her? Oh hell yeah, I think she does.

But unless she let go of who she is...and became someone else....unless she fostered that darkness and fostered it again and again. I think though, that OUR Tara could not exist in concert with that much darkness. She would have to become someone else. She would stop being Tara in all but name and face.



xita I think that the past...the dark times were all about finding strength in yourself and in love. I think that is why things change - love - if and when they do.



Katharyn I don't know that I mean to take risks. But I do want to try and give new takes on things...



I try to love the characters and the time period. I try and be honest. And I have a lot of help from you (and Michele) on that. On what you think, and what you feel is emotionally truthful.



Thank you, my dear, dear friend

Edited by: mariacomet at: 5/27/03 6:30:29 pm

[bindingwiccan]

yeah.. i have to put up with my mothers bullcrap all the time about how unperfect i am.. so you know..

thats just how i am.. always try to look on the bright side of things or you just might slip and fall into darkness

[mariacomet]

bindingwiccan noone's perfect. But you do seem wonderfully strong, and confident. And let me tell you...that's one hell of an achievement in this day and age



More responses in a bit, gang....



Without further ado





The Garland Days





Title: The Garland Days

Part: 3/8

Email address: mariacomet@hotmail.com

Feedback: Feedback is fuel for the imagination.

Distribution: Just let me know.

Spoilers: Everything before and including season five.



Rating: NC-17. There will be…Adult situations. I deal with some very dark themes as well as some very light themes.



Disclaimer: All characters contained herein were created and are owned by Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Legally, yes he owns them all. But I have the right to hold the opinion that he doesn’t deserve them anymore. I am only doing this because well...it's fun to play with Willow and Tara. Not making any money.







What did you do when a beautiful woman in a lesbian bar asked for your help? For one thing, Willow thought, you felt just a little…excited about it. Excited? By the request for help, after such a long time? After all, it had been years since someone had officially needed her help, especially in a witch capacity. Was that it? Was she a helping junkie?



Or was it…



Something about this woman.



She had a stutter and Willow could tell it made her self-conscious. That made Willow feel a pang of regret. It was a small thing. Nothing at all, really. Willow decided she would tell her so, if she ever got the chance. Why did it feel like they were touching? They weren’t. They weren’t even close to it. But Willow felt held in place, with the emphasis on held, was it some sort of energy – something unspoken – moving between them.



The magic?



No, she’d been around other witches before. Granted they were friends of Giles, which placed them in a certain mature but still valid category. Even so, none of them had been like this particular witch. Something about her. She had watched the other witch’s chin lift in resolve when she’d asked for help. There was strength there, the kind of wisdom and deliberateness that could bind things together in a lasting way. Willow could almost taste the ebbing and raising of the forces the other woman had subjected herself to and used in the name of the magical arts. It was so subtle. She wouldn’t be the type that would go for the big showy spell. Nor was she, unlike Willow, someone who would alter magic – take the natural and make it bigger or fiercer.



This witch worked within the limits of nature, she used what was there and shifted it just a little…and the effect would ripple and ripple. So confident in those small twists and turns of the natural world. So young and so sure about her power and its limits. So controlled and wise in its use.



Willow had never gotten there. She had tried. She was still trying. She was always looking for the next big spell. One more powerful than the last. That she could practice and master, and then list on her internal resume of spells. She always felt restless in her pursuit of magic.



“Maybe,” Willow said thoughtfully, “this calls for an introduction. I’m Willow Rosenberg.”



“I’m Tara Maclay.” There was a moment that Tara studied her then, taking in not only her clothes but the abandoned pen and paper she had been using to take notes. She saw a lot, Willow guessed, more than most.



There was silence then, as if neither was really sure what else to say. Well, Willow thought, the whole exchange so far had been…unusual. Unusual good. Unusual…interesting. They were still being all…non-talky. And now their eyes were doing the avoidy looking down or around thing. That lasted just a moment though because their eyes did catch again…and with that moment of meeting gazes, they both began to smile. Partially giddy, partially bemused smiles of a connection they didn’t quite understand yet.



But sudden twirling surges in her tummy aside, Tara had asked for help. “Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Willow asked.



“Are you g-going to d-do a spell on me?” The tone there was mild, but Willow heard…something…in the voice. Something very Giles-ish and vaguely disapproving.



Her explanation came in spurts that never quite made it to coherency. She didn’t want Tara to think…badly of her. “Um, well I was trying to…I didn’t…see, I was…”



And then…everything stopped. Tara was laughing softly. Not cruelly, just…well…almost affectionately. Willow Rosenberg, writer of a column about beauty was suddenly transfixed. For this was beauty. Tara laughing, eyes letting in the light and shining. Her face relaxed, and young. Her lips fully tilted up… why that did that remind her of Greece…or somewhere far away…somewhere seductive with sand, and sun. The sweet air mixing with the salt of the sea. She felt the hint of a taste, or maybe the promise of it. Tara’s mouth….



She snapped herself out of it and managed a bemused expression at herself.



“I’m a reporter. I needed…a little room?” She hadn’t meant that to come out as a question. But she didn’t know that it explained things…well. Tara nodded though, seeming to understand.



“Because your writing…about the raids?”



Yep, this one didn’t miss much. “Right.”



“I think…there’s only t-t-two reasons a reporter w-would come here. One is the r-raids.”



“What’s the other?”



At this, the blonde’s expression grew uncertain and a little sad. “Because…a n-novelty piece. To show how d-d-differ-r-rent w-we are.” Willow’s shoulders fell as she considered that. She suddenly felt sad too. Very sad. Gay or not gay, no one had the right to treat another human being like an animal in the zoo. “But you don’t s-s-seem the type for that so I figured ‘raids.’”



Another shy smile, which Willow returned.



Whoa, there. It’s like we’re flirting. Are we flirting? Am *I* flirting? How can I be flirting?



Tara’s a… a…woman.



She could have bonked herself on the head at that thought.



Her eyes skimmed over the curves of the blonde in front of her. The inviting curves. Tapered waist, full hips…like a finely crafted violin rising up to a long pale neck…and then up…to those bountiful lips. Willow wondered idly how soft they were. What they would feel like - if they would part under her own, if she kissed her.



“You’re staring.”



“What? Oh….yeah. I was but I shouldn’t be. I mean I’m not…ya know.”



“Gay?”

**********************



And with that Tara felt something in her sink, and crumple. Her dream – just a dream. Always just a dream.



And then suddenly there was light so blinding that it threatened to blast away all the darkness that had ever touched Tara’s life. “But…I don’t think it matters. I mean, if you like someone…you like someone, right? I mean, there’s nothing that’s certain from the get go. All relationships – all dating for that matter – are a dice throw right. And you can rolls 7’s or roll 8’s. I think it’s 7’s and 8’s. I’ve never played craps by the way. Blackjack and poker. But not craps. Not that like…I’m a gambling fiend. Though, I have done articles on fiends. Drug fiends. Not that they were really fiends at all. That was my point. I’m not saying I agree with drugs! Just that…fiends and drugs don’t always go hand in hand. Which is what my article said. Only it was never published. Because, well…people like stories about fiends. I think. Am I talking too much? Because if I am, I can just shut it off…just like water faucet. Only I tend to…maybe talk a lot when I’m nervous. But I can be quiet. Willow ‘mouse’ Rosenberg, that’s what they call…”



“Why are you nervous?” Tara interrupted right about the time that Willow stopped just long enough to take a breath. She was smiling again. She couldn’t help it. The ‘mouse’ over there was charming her.



“You.” Came the answer. Tara had never made anyone nervous before. She blinked in confusion and her eyes asked a wordless question. “You’re…you’re beautiful and you’re a witch. You’re a beautiful witch. And there’s something…something about you. Did I mention you’re beautiful?” The redhead shook her head fervently, as if trying to clear it. She rushed on, not letting Tara get a word in edgewise. ”But you wanted help. Did you need help with a spell or…And also, sorry…do you want to sit down?”



Tara did, at the chair next to Willow. Someone started toward Tara suddenly…a potential dance partner. She heard Willow mutter something, and suddenly…the woman who had been coming close, looked around confused, then begged off. Tara glanced to Willow who was smiling almost apologetically.



“You made her…not see us.”



“Must be something about this table.” Willow said.



“You’re near the butch section.” The other witch filled her in.



“There…there are sections?” The redhead asked in a tone so befuddled that Tara laughed again softly. “I really didn’t see the sign. Was there a sign? Anyway, no one will bother us now. And…um…” She gave a little shrug, and looked down at the table. “If anyone is going to ask you to dance, I think it should be me.” She dared a glance up. “Women and witches first, and all.”



Tara’s heart stammered in her chest in a wonderful kind of way. She felt her face grow hot with a blush, but she couldn’t keep a lopsided grin from her lips. Actually that same smile graced both of them at once, though neither of them could look at one another again for a full sixty seconds.



“We keep getting off topic.” Tara said in what was a reminder to herself more than

to the reporter.



“Right. Right…I’m sorry. What…what can I do to help?”



“Do you know anything about auras?”



“I’ve read about them, but I don’t see them. I’ve never met anyone who can.” This is where things got tricky, the blonde thought to herself, and tentatively raised her hand. Well…trickier. A lot of witches, Tara had read, thought aura readings were something of a crock. Willow’s expression didn’t change though. She was waiting, still interested.



“There’s….” She stilled her emotions, and closed her eyes for a moment. Her heart was beating fast. Because of Willow, because she was near Willow. She couldn’t read like that. She counted slowly, letting herself concentrate fully on the numbers. Only they filled her mind, and everything inside her was silent save for the methodical counting. She opened her eyes then, and looked…she sought out what she had seen before, hoping it wasn’t there. Only it was. “Sometimes, I see green in people’s auras. It can mean different things if it’s only one person. But today, today I saw it seem to spread. I’ve never seen it do that.”



She didn’t add that the only reason she knew this was because she’d been reading Willow.



“What can we do?”



“It…m-might be nothing.” She admitted. “It might only be something people see or…something small. My ‘readings’ never give me s-s-specifics. Also…it’s p-possible that a lot of the people in here are just…down.” She felt herself give a small shrug. “It’s not an exact science.”



********************************



Neither was interpreting apocalyptic ancient Sumerian texts, Willow thought with sympathy. She had soooo been there. Oh sure, world is ending, but it’s all in this riddle – with references thousands of years old. And who the hell knows where you can get some of the components you need to counteract half the things set in motion.



Darn pesky green auras.



Willow reached out, and patted Tara’s hand comfortingly and then they both froze. Willow’s thumb moved, as she considered retreating…only the effect was a caress across Tara’s knuckles. Words seemed appropriate, but which ones…what to say?



I’m sorry…I touched you. And that I liked it. Did that sound reasonable?



More surprising…most surprising was the reporter did not want to let go. Again, the small movement of her thumb. Almost a test…a test of texture but also of her own internal reactions. Her mouth grew dry. Little tingles were resonating from her fingertips. From where she was touching Tara.



“You don’t have to.” Tara all but whispered.



“What?”



The blonde nodded to her hands, and it seemed to Willow that her new friend was holding her breath. “That.”



No, I don’t have to. Nope. Probably should just let go. Probably making a fool out of myself. “Can I?” Then internally, please?



It didn’t help that somewhere in the background a song by Frankie Valli had started. One that Willow had allowed into her heart since the moment she’d first heard it. Because the words…were the way she wanted things to be. The way she wanted to feel about someone.



You’re just too good to be true

Can’t take my eyes off of you

You’d be like heaven to touch.

I wanna hold you so much.

At long last love has arrived…



Here, holding Tara’s hands, looking into her eyes…music became truth.



The writer struggled to find words. “We’re…um…off topic again.”



********************************************

Oh green eyes, you have no idea.



Tara didn’t answer the question, she wasn’t sure she had the courage too. She had always been shy by nature, and there was the stutter too. But she shifted her hand slightly so that it was easier for Willow to run small circles over her hand, to mingle their fingers, to trace her fingertips and in between.



“We could do a protection spell.” Willow suggested suddenly.



Tara was all focused on the touching. The small, delightful touching that was making her breath hitch over and over again in her chest. Her hand trembled just a little under Willow’s.



Pardon the way that I stare.

There’s nothing else to compare.

The sight of you leaves me weak.

There are no words left to speak



Damm that Frankie Valli, anyway.



“Usually,” She said with a struggle to find her voice, and when it came it sounded thick to her own ears. “I thought you h-h-have to… do that s-spell either on one person or against something specific. Or both. Unless you know of…”



*******************************************



“No, no…that’s right.” Bad idea, Willow…bad.



And not just on the spell thing. Willow was seriously thinking of raising the pale, long fingers she was caressing to her lips. To feel Tara’s hand against her cheek, to feel her skin against her mouth – even in such an innocent display as kissing a fingertip.



Tara, Tara, Tara…



The name sang in her mind.



What are you doing to me, blue eyes? What are you stealing from me…or what am I giving without my even realizing it.



And shouldn’t I be feeling more surprised? Shouldn’t I be shocked? Or something?



Tara was, after all, as she had pointed out to herself before, a woman.



My heart doesn’t seem to know the difference. It doesn’t care. The point is…this is Tara. Tara who I feel this…connection to. I know her. I know I do. I know that she’s giving, and gentle, and wise. I know that she would never hurt anyone on purpose, even if it costs her. I know that she would be the first to embrace the wounded around her. Whether she knew them or not. Whether they were her friends or her enemies…or just someone she saw out of the corner of her eye. I know that inside her she has more strength than most people do, and much more than she thinks she has. She’s got this quiet strength. It doesn’t need to brag or boast. It just is.



Her soul stares out at me through those eyes. Unhidden. Unyielding. Inflexible in her gentleness. Courageous in her compassion.



She’s single, right? She has gotta be single. I mean…not because she’s ugly or anything. NOT that outer beauty matters. Um…thinks the writer of the beauty column. Moving on. My point is…she has to be single…because. Because…



“There are spells,” Willow continued, forcing herself to focus on green auras and not on blue eyes. “Where you can ask for signs. Maybe that would help. Or we could…oh!” Her voice rose in her excitement and she had to remind herself that only dorks got excited over spell tinkering. “I once did a spell where anyone with hostile intent was blocked from entering a friend’s house.”



Tara worried her lower lip with her teeth.



Willow was overly aware of anything involving Tara’s lips. Or hands. Or…anything really. She saw an image of Tara leaning close, their bodies not quite touching. Tara lightly nipping at her…not quite kissing…once then again. The image danced in Willow’s mind and then when it had tormented her senses just enough, it ran off with a giggle.



Damn taunting…um…taunts.



“I wish we could do more than a blanket spell.” Tara was saying. “Maybe we s-should t-try to get some more specifics. But w-we’ll need to find somewhere…quieter to try it, I think.”



“There’s a shop, I know of. It sells…um…well charms and jewelry mostly. And history books.” It was NOT, Giles had told her clearly, to ever be called a magic shop. Not around laymen. People were very antsy about that sort of thing in this day and age.



“I don’t have a car.”



“I do…I mean…my friend does. He’s outside.”



“He?”



***********************************

Edited by: mariacomet at: 8/5/03 6:56 pm

[Scout]

Just wanted to chime in and say how much I'm enjoying this story. So many wonderful parts - the description of Tara's dreams, Tara watching for Willow's reaction to her stuttering, Willow becoming fascinated with Tara's lips and eyes and everything. hehe



Wonderful stuff! Looking forward to more.

[notl33t]

Whee! Update! I'm so happy happy happy!



haiku for your fic

cannot be an even trade

for such lovely stuff



sensual writing

beautiful description

takes my breath away



as rain falls to earth

i will turn my mortal eyes

to the new update





It's not very inspired, but its all i can offer. Thank you, I love this fic.

[Cindy Lou Who]

MC (who shines beyond the telling):



I believe your fears of unfairness regarding your portrayal of men to be unfounded. That said...hope I didn't take things too personally - just personally enough. Your writing is a personal experience for me. I think that's a good thing. Therein lies much of its power to spark different ways of thinking.



I appreciated the "nature of evil" discussion. I don't agree with everything (the "Bundy Potential" for instance). But I wholeheartedly agree that we are all capable of despicable things of which our "best" selves can barely conceive. Anyway - thanks.



Really enjoyed all the internal reactions. And the early description of "touching/being held" even before they were is simply as good as it gets!

Quote:

---

Her soul stares out at me through those eyes. Unhidden. Unyielding. Inflexible in her gentleness. Courageous in her compassion.

---

Why can't *I* ever get an oxymoron to work so effectively??? Yay on you! Beautiful images.



Thanks for the story and the update.~~Suse

[bindingwiccan]

quote

________________________________________________



"What are you doing to me, blue eyes? What are you stealing from me…or what am I giving without my even realizing it."

________________________________________________

ur such a sweetie.. this story amazes me how u capture a different side of the two charecters a big bravo oh yeah and a happy cry hehe. is this your first fic? if not could u maybe send me the links to others via email? bindingwiccan@aol.com

later babe



-bindingwiccan

[AntigoneUnbound]

MariaComet--I've admired your reading since I started "The Stone Circle" a while ago, and I apologize for being so remiss about giving feedback there. I read so much of it at once and then felt almost overwhelmed at the idea of trying to condense my comments into one post. So I'm jumping on the Garland band wagon early in the game to say how much I admire and enjoy both the idea of this story and your wonderful skill in delivering it.



The premise is fantastic. I applaud and share your gratitude for those who went before us; those who risked more than many of us can even imagine just to find a place to be together. I really commend your sense of history and respect.



Your writing, MC (may I be so cavalier as to abbreviate?!?), is simply remarkable. I think many writers make a false distinction b/w content and style. It seems almost archaic to say that such things as the ability to form a complete sentence and spell correctly are invaluable to effective writing, but I believe it to the bone. Your writing is such a wonderful combination of plot and style.



Of all the delightful moments in this story, I think the following lines gave me the greatest pleasure: She patted his shoulder. “You know how these summer romances go.” Following the revelation of the demon crush, it was so simple, even understated--and absolutely perfect.



I can't wait to read more.

Mary

[the vamp nurd]

Like the eyes.



And like the fic.

Willow (with pointy ears): "NO kissing and gay love?!!!! That's illogical!" The Sci-Fi Bard W/T trekkie ramblings.



Bardlet no #27



"Why Mother because I won't be baking cookies for the mental patients at the county Hospital?" Alex It's In The Water

[Puff]

Hey MC great to see another update of this. Wow are we really halfway though the story already? There were some wonderful images in the last update and my favorite one was this line.

Quote:

---

The image danced in Willow’s mind and then when it had tormented her senses just enough, it ran off with a giggle.

---

That was a perfect description of taunting. I love the instant connection and bond that is forming between Willow and Tara. It's already so strong. I hope that they both learn to understand, trust and accept it soon.



Thanks for the update (hugs)

---

Cheese. It's milk that you chew.

[bluewillowwitch]

,

I lov your fic so far! I can't wait to see what happens next. To see where you take and .





bluewillowwich

--------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[Grimlock72]

I liked that Willow first noted that she was attracted to Tara and after that mentioned that she was a woman. Nicely fits with my view of Willow and how/who she loves.



About that ending... that left Tara wondering if Willow had a friend already. Besides that when they meet up with Xander, Tara is bound to be a little scared... Xander being a police officer and a rather obvious squad car and such. Should be interesting to see how that plays out.



Was fun to see Willow sitting in the 'butch' area without noticing it :-). Should be good for her self-esteem that so many women want to dance with her, heh. She's already kinda claimed Tara for a dance, wonder when she's going to make good on that claim.



Grimmy

--

She(Tara) knew that she was Willow too. If she knew that then why hadn't Willow herself? That wasn't fair. She was Willow. she should have known that first. -- Willow in _Sidestep Chronicle_ (part 80)

[Nation]

If this is only a 6-parter, and part 3 has already been posted, and there's still NC-17 stuff to come..... ....then YAY!!!!! Loving this MC, you've done a great job capturing the time frame (I'm assuming...I wasn't born until the mid 70's....but it seems pretty accurate). I always enjoy your work....thanks for this wonderful fic!



Nation

[The Rose24]

I love the way W/T get distracted by each others eyes. It shows a very beautiful connection between the two of them.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[butcherfly]

This is my first post about a fic - I felt that I just had to mention how well-written this fic is! After the so many drab, poorly structured pieces I have read in the past, yours is entirely refreshing and exciting. I eagerly await the next installment!



Butcherfly

[Stroke of Luck]

HI



Wow 3 gorgeous chapters . I dunno why I havent read your story till now, but I am glad that I did it



There are so many great emotions around Willow and Tara and I cant wait to read more of that.



And I hope they find a great nice and quiet room. Wonder when they share their first kiss



They just belong to each other.



Update soon??? I need more to



CU

SoL/Natti



There are two kinds of tears, tears for those who leave you, and tears for those you never let go - Gabrielle/The Quest

[ukxenafan]

Adding my appreciation. Like the set up, but best of all is the way you have written this initial encounter. It's very romantic and sweet - but yes, they better get a move on!!!



Looking forward to reading more.

[Marilda]

More. More. More. Oh please can we have more. This is, as all your writing is, incredible. I am completely in awe of your talent and this story is sweet and captivating. Did I mention that I would appreciate more?

[TareBearRS]

Loved the last update.



Glad Willow just went with her feelings and didn't freak out.



Come on Tara, be more bold!!!



More soon.



Renate

[mariacomet]

Mea Culpa, ladies and gents...



And LOTS of extra apologies to anyone I worried. Michele moved in with me for the summer a bit ago - and round about the same time I started a new position at work. Both have had, well...a significant effect on my free time. The job I am doing now is much more intensive and the hours are longer, and a much different schedule then I am used to.



Also, living with someone - while wonderful - is very very new. First time for me. And everyone has wanted to meet her. Anyway, I have felt a bit like I am in a whirlwind - but it is FINALLY slowing down.



Garland days will posted totally this week. Part 4 today, Part 5 on Tues and Part 6 either on Thursday or Friday.



Sorry about the delay, gang.



Am working on replies even as I type....get those up ASAP. I'll tack em on at the end.







The Garland Days





Title: The Garland Days

Part: 4/8

Email address: mariacomet@hotmail.com

Feedback: Feedback is fuel for the imagination.

Distribution: Just let me know.

Spoilers: Everything before and including season five.



Rating: NC-17. There will be…Adult situations. I deal with some very dark themes as well as some very light themes.



Disclaimer: All characters contained herein were created and are owned by Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Legally, yes he owns them all. But I have the right to hold the opinion that he doesn’t deserve them anymore. I am only doing this because well...it's fun to play with Willow and Tara. Not making any money.



Thanks to: Michele who inspires me in more ways then I can say, and Kathayrn who makes all efforts to keep me in line – writingwise.







A story came into Tara’s mind that a friend of a friend had once told Sabby. About married couples who ‘cruised’ bars like this looking for a third person.



And just as soon as that thought came, another followed it – and it was a tiny part of her that wouldn’t care whether she was a third or not…just as long as Willow was touching her. She quelled that voice. Never in a million years could she ever seriously go through with something like that. Even if it was with this lovely woman. A lovely woman who…perhaps… had haunted her dreams. If such a thing could happen. Could dreams come true so….literally?



Anyway, it was nice, in a strange kind of way, to have an irrational voice in her head to counter her over-rational one. She was always the sane one.



She didn’t feel sane now. She felt like…part of her mind was on fire.



So this was what it was like to be really attracted to someone, huh.



“He’s a friend.”



“Who is outside.” Tara completed.



Willow seemed to see her hesitation. “Um, or we could…maybe walk somewhere or…if you’re worried about him…he’s harmless. So am I. Really.”



Not harmless, green eyes, not harmless at all. No one that can make my heart pound just by walking up to me is harmless. Well, I did ask her for help. Time to extend a little trust and take a few chances, Tara. She considered trying to find Sabby and let her know that she’d be gone awhile. But she already felt the press of time, felt that she had lingered…with Willow…too long. Besides, she realized, looking around intently, Sabby was nowhere to be seen. It was very possible, she too, had already left for a little while. Her friend didn’t always think to tell her or anyone what she was going to do, or was thinking of doing. She was far too spontaneous for all that.



Tara had envied that sometimes.



Until tonight anyway. When she was about to take a plunge of her own, over a beautiful pair of green eyes. She shook her head at herself inwardly and laughed. She would have never considered herself the type to be so…swayed by the mere presence of someone…no, not just someone. This someone.



“Okay.” The blonde said carefully. “My apartment is…just five minutes away.” That was good. Her apartment. No point is running off with someone into an environment she had NO control over. She would add some safety to this situation by dictating the place. Though the truth was, she didn’t believe in a million years that Willow would ever be a party to hurting anyone.



And… She felt safe.



The woman with those amazing eyes hesitated, wanting to be sure Tara was certain. “You sure? I know you barely know me…so…”



Not entirely true, green eyes. “It’s o-okay.”



Willow slowly lifted Tara’s hand to her lips and kissed her knuckles lightly. It was a gesture of respect, and even reassurance. But…so warm, Willow’s kiss. Her lips parted at the touch on her hand as if the kiss had not been an innocent brush, but had blazed across her mouth instead. Their palms pressed against one another, and their gazes were both searching, though for what, Tara couldn’t have said.



They walked together outside, still in lost in the fog of one another. They weren’t touching now, but it didn’t matter.



“Willow!” Came a loud voice, and a police officer started toward them. Tara froze, and looked worriedly from Willow to the cop and then back again. Maybe this…could it be entrapment? She heard about this – but mostly with men. Cops would get a man to agree to leave with them, or encourage a man to make an offer – then get him outside and arrest him. No…no she didn’t want to believe that. Maybe Willow was in trouble?



***********************************



Willow felt Tara tense, and looking to Xander, she could understand why. She’d wanted to break the cop thing to Tara slowly. But Xander charging toward them, drawing looks from patrons entering the bar had just blown apart that little plan.



“It’s okay.” The reporter said quickly. “That’s my friend.”



“You’re friend is a cop?” Tara echoed, and in her voice Willow could tell there was so much doubt and not just a little fear.



“He’s one of the good guys.’



The police officer lightly took Willow’s arm. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve been signaling you for the last ten minutes.” He said, and worry mixed with anger in his eyes. It was just fear for her, she knew, and so she lightly disengaged herself without worrying him further.



“Ten minutes?” Color rose in her face. Apparently she’d been…busy. She just hadn’t realized how…held…her attention had been. “I didn’t hear the siren or the car horn…”



He rushed on, not giving her a chance to continue. “Yeah, well, I did the siren, horn-horn thing about a hundred times. I’ve been hearing chatter on the police radio and…” His dark eyes glanced worriedly to Tara, then back to Willow.



“Tara…this is Xander. Xander, this is Tara.” She lowered her voice. “She’s a witch. She thinks something is gonna happen tonight. We’re gonna do a spell.”



“There’s no time for all that.” He hissed back. “Something is happening, alright. They have four cars coming and two paddy wagons on their way. We have to get out of here.”



“But this is why I’m here!”



“No, Will…usually they just send a couple guys, and they grab the owners and then shut the place down. Tonight’s different. They never send two paddy wagons. Plus, I don’t know whose bright idea it was to put this guy in charge…but I know him…he’s got a mean streak. And I’ve heard rumors of what he can do.”



The two women shared a long, pained look. They both mentally were going through all the ‘should haves’ and ‘could haves’ of the situation. They should have left the bar sooner. But how quickly could you go from an introduction to casting a spell together? They could have been a little less…involved…in one another. But…but that hadn’t been on purpose. It hadn’t even been expected. They should have guessed that the bad thing that was going to happen involved the police. Yet…it could have been a thousand other things too.



Willow knew how many other things were out there.



And now they were too late.



There was no time now to do research and find the spell that would cover the most bases. No time to find a quiet place to cast. No time to gather components.



They were too late.



“We’re gonna get you outta here.” The policeman was continuing. “Your friend can come too.”



“No, Xander.” She argued, managing to tear her eyes from Tara’s. “The deal was I go in, I scout around and get the atmosphere. If anything happened, I would come out here, sit in your car, and report whatever I saw.”



Xander looked decidedly nervous as he looked down the road and then back to his friend. “That was when I thought it was a couple of guys like me coming, and I could make them back off if I made this my collar. Stole their thunder, ya know. But this show they are putting on tonight…I can’t stop it. I don’t outrank a lieutenant. And the lieutenant they’re sending is a class A jerk. Not B, or C…or E. There’s nothing more dangerous than a jerk that has power. If I try and do what I was gonna do, he’ll not only just take over, but he’ll smell a rat. Especially if he see you. He’ll go to the chief about me, and go to your newspaper about you, and then there’ll be no reporting anything…ever.”



“But…”



“I have to warn my friend.” Tara cut in quietly.



The police officer nodded. “That’s a good idea. And you can tell more people than your friend, if you want. Just…try and keep the source quiet, okay?”



Tara took a few steps back toward the bar then paused. “And…and…I should be in there when it happens.”



“What?” The young police officer blurted. He circled her, blocking her escape. He held his hands up in front of him so that she knew he meant no harm. “Look, miss…I don’t know if they’re out to arrest people or…if they’re just giving you ladies a hard time...or worse. No matter what though, it won’t be pretty for anyone they nab. And this is too big…I can’t…I don’t know what I can do if things get bad. You stay in there, you could be risking a helluva lot.”



She nodded slowly. Her forehead knit in thought. “S-someone h-h-has to, don’t they?”



The young man’s hands fell to his sides. He adjusted his cap and shook his head. “Look, I’ll…I’ll stay nearby. Just in case. I’ll do what I can.” He exhaled a long breath, and glanced again down the road leading to the bar. “Good luck.” He said finally, meeting her eyes, and not knowing what else to say.



She touched his arm, in thanks for his concern. Tara stopped just before rushing back toward the bar, and turned to this woman who had been making her world spin faster and faster from the moment they’d met. There was both an invitation in her eyes to follow, and yet an expression of understanding if Willow chose not to.



The choice, the young woman seemed to be saying by just that one look, was entirely up to Willow. She started back then, without another word.



Willow paused, caught between her friend’s rightful concern, and her desire to follow Tara anywhere…everywhere. Wherever she might lead.



When she looked up at her life-long friend, he was staring at her intently. “You can’t be thinking what I think you’re thinking.”



The redhead was chagrinned. “She’s something, isn’t she?”



His brows rose. Xander did a classic double take between Willow and the retreating blonde, then he scratched the back of his head. “Aw, geez, Will. What…ah…what happened in there?”



What was the best way to explain? How could she make him understand something she didn’t understand herself? Something that she had stumbled upon, fallen into….a treasure that couldn’t be measured, not even by her. Someone she hadn’t known existed till tonight had made all the heavens of her sky fill with an over-abundance of stars. So much so that night became day and day became night…and they were both her friends. They both warmed her. Her heart was a sudden, intense lighthouse, and the world was the sea….and Tara was the keeper of whatever light she could ever yield. She had the strength, oh the forbidden, scandalous power to never darken – no matter what anyone or anything told her she should do. Every breath was a thing of power, and magic…and the best part of it all – of feeling more herself, more alive, more filled with her own spirit than she ever had been - was that all she wanted to do was to give it all away. To one person. And that was a miracle too. The giving, the desire to give, the ability to give to someone who had stoked the fire of that giving.



All of that… in such a short time.



“You know how we always used to wonder about people who did sky diving and motorcycle racing, and all that stuff…because we knew what it was like to face death – and we couldn’t imagine why someone would seek that kind of thing on purpose? I feel like it’s crazy…but I know what gives people that kind of courage now. They want to feel alive. They want to take risks, and not let the fear of anything hold them back.”



“So…she makes you want to race motorcycles?” He asked, with raised brows.



“She makes me want to jump…with my heart.”



His expression turned from confusion and surprise to compassion. “I don’t get it, but…if she makes you happy…” He took her hand and looked down. “You deserve to be happy.”



“So do you.” Willow said simply. She had an idea of what he was thinking of and why. He’d broken her heart once upon a time. His regret over hurting her so deeply shadowed so much of their friendship even now.



He smiled suddenly. “You know…she …Tara…is pretty righteous. Think she has a sister?”



His friend gave a mock-serious look. “If she does, I’ll try and arrange it so you have first dibs.”



“You know it won’t be easy if you and Tara….it’s a rough world, kid. You sure about this?”



Her mind didn’t rebel at his looking at the long term. Xander knew better than to take her crushes lightly. A crush? Is that what this was? Gosh, what on earth was this? She was about to follow Tara into possible danger, risk her career, diving in head first without a thought. It was all…very unlike her. And the best part was…she didn’t care.



“All I’m sure of is that I can’t walk away.” She said quietly, honestly. “When I met her, my life became bigger. I don’t know how that can happen just by meeting someone. But it did.” She hesitated. “Just in case I get through tonight…will it be easy for you…if she and I…?”



“Hell no.” He answered frankly, but then smiled. “But…if you…if she and you…if you decide she’s what you want….” Their eyes met. “Then I’ll be here for you. And if you decide she’s not…I’ll be here too.” He gave an offhand shrug. “You’re my...you’re Willow. That’s all you have to be.”



There were things that Buffy had taught them, and ways that she had bound them. Unbreakable ways. She embraced him lightly.



He returned the hug and sighed into her ear. “Look, I’ll be out here…and no matter what, I’ll be close by, okay? I’ll do whatever I can to stop anything from…I’d rather give up my badge then…”



“I know,” She answered him quietly…gently. “I have to go.” Then she squeezed his hand. “See ya later.”



“Take care of yourself.” He murmured after her, his expression worried.



********************************



The last thing Tara expected was to hear her name called, and then feel a gentle hand touch her shoulder. She had been looking for Sabby…and had found her in the lap of a prospective suitor. She’d started to tell her about the danger…about what was coming. Tara had been focused on that. And she was sure that Willow wouldn’t follow. Why would she - on purpose - engage in something that was way out to the left of sane?



Yet…here Willow was.



“Um…haven’t we met somewhere before?” The redhead asked with a shy expression.



“Willow…Willow, if they ar-r-est you. Your j-j-ob.” Her job, her apartment….friends…contacts. She could be risking a lot. For Tara, it was one thing, but she would never ask it of someone else. She wondered if with just a few words, or even a look, she could convey it all. She wondered if she had enough time to warn Willow of all the dangers, big and small, that being arrested in this place could mean.



Some weren’t even that obvious. Willow would think she knew, but Tara doubted that she really did. You had to… Willow would have to live the life to understand all of that.



“I’m staying. I mean…if that’s okay.”



Tara looked into a face that was so dear…becoming…oh so dear. “But you…you’re n-not…”



Willow lifted her hand to caress the other woman’s smooth cheek. The warmth of Tara’s breath teased over her thumb as she lightly stroked down, around the corner of her lips.



The small touch terrified Tara. But also, she was afraid for Willow. This was such a long road she might start. Such a long, difficult road and she wasn’t turning onto it in the easiest place either. Tara had seen things… she’d experienced things. How could she wish them on Willow? How could she make her understand without more words? Without time… a chance to tell her…to warn her.



“Hold that thought.” The reporter whispered to her.



She took Tara’s hand and led her to the bartender. “The police are on their way.” Willow told the man behind the bar. When he looked uncertain, the woman at Willow’s side nodded her head in confirmation.



A few moments later the music in the bar stopped. An older woman appeared and made the announcement. The crowd was silent and then everyone seemed to talk at once. Whispers and hushed voices – some angry, some frightened. The bartender, as Willow looked back, was putting away alcohol though she couldn’t say why. Someone else was going around to the tables and quickly emptying glasses, as well as collecting all the beer bottles. Some women had begun to duck out the back door.



The redhead turned to Tara again. “Do you want me to stay?” Willow asked her.



Others were leaving now. A steady stream of others who were terrified to be caught here. Tara could see them out of the corner of her eye. And in the middle of all this, a pair of green eyes were on her questioningly, waiting. The reporter wanted to know if Tara wanted her to stay.



The word ‘always’ blossomed within her in answer. It was much too soon for ideas like that. Yet…they were spinning inside her and she couldn’t deny it. She didn’t have the strength to, or maybe…with her green-eyed dream here at her side…she didn’t have the cowardice.



Was she really wishing she could be more of a coward? No… But surely she should be afraid? Oh, but she was.



Terrified in fact. Trembling with fear and excitement deep inside. It was too powerful. Too…suddenly here and warm in front of her. But Tara knew what a gift that was. Knew that longings didn’t always have answers. That dreams didn’t always walk in and offer you a chance.



Sirens started to sound outside. Still a short ways in the distance. But there, hovering like a specter in the night.



Tara caught Willow’s hand and now it was she who gave a small, tender kiss. It was answer enough.



**********************************************



Sometimes, even Willow, who tended to babble when she was nervous, didn’t have the words. And it was hard to hear words when her heart was pounding so…as if it was trying to leave her chest and lay itself in Tara’s arms. For good. Forever. But she had a tune inside her, and she knew the words to that…and they were everything she felt.



She spoke…loudly. Loud enough for everyone to hear. Tara. The patrons in the bar. The cops that might burst in at any moment. “You’re just too good to be true. Can’t take my eyes off of you. You’d be like heaven to touch.”



The reporter could feel all the eyes in the place turning to her, and at about the third line`. And then it was her own, shaky voice - plus her and Tara that were center stage.



She made the mistake of trying to sing the next bit, and winced as she was reminded that she had little concept of tone. But Tara’s eyes were shining…and there was no room for shame or embarrassment. Not here. Not now. “I want to hold you so much. At long last love has arrived, and I thank God I’m alive. You’re just too good to be true. Can’t take my eyes off of you.” She took both of Tara’s hands, and saw that Tara’s lonely soul - having found her own – had begun to send tears down those soft pale cheeks. But that was okay. Because it wasn’t sadness that had come to Tara, but wonder.



“Pardon the way that I stare. There’s nothing else to compare. The sight of you leaves me weak. There are no words left to speak. But if you feel like I feel. Please let me know that it’s real…”



She stopped then, because Tara’s eyes had filled with a myriad of desire, hope…and…more that stole the singer’s breath. They paused there, their feelings born into such a common night when the old world was stripped down to its core, and then reborn. The old flavor of time was gone, and it was replaced by indescribable sweetness.



How could I know how cold I was, until I began to burn?



And she was. She was a being of fire, consumed by it, breathing it into her. Which was what it was like to be with Tara.



They reached for one another and claimed the kiss they’d been waiting for their whole lives. Their mouths moved together as gently as a whispered question. Once and then again…until the kiss became an answer. Its softness burned and simmered…and lasted. Their mouths clung to one another, as each kiss grew deeper than the first. It was suddenly easy for Willow to imagine getting lost in a kiss. There was a kind of hunger she was discovering in Tara’s arms. The kind that could infuse itself into your mind and body till you didn’t have the strength to see. Till you could only pull the one in your arms closer, and closer, as touch became your only way through the passion…the only sense that mattered. Their tongues circled, wet and warm, as they pressed tightly to one another. Willow’s hands lifted, and both of them pressed deeply into Tara’s hair. There was an edge of desperation to that caress. She just…needed to keep Tara close. To offer whatever Tara wanted to take. And oh, it seemed she wanted so much. And so did Willow. And there, it was Tara who gave. Tara’s hands that cupped Willow’s face and needed…needed each and every kiss. It was dizzying.



They opened gateways to one another in those first kisses, and tasted…and nibbled, and wanted to devour. They drifted away from what had been their lives, and found themselves on a new road. Together.



The audience around them cheered.



Willow fell away from the kiss, breathing unsteadily. Holding Tara still. Unable and unwilling to let go.



And some - those who had had stayed - began to sing, putting their arms around their partners and prospective partners. Their voices filling the bar, just as Willow’s had a moment before. “I love you baaaaby. And if it’s quite alright, I need you baaaaby to warm the lonely night. I love you baaaaby. Trust in me when I say….Oh pretty baaaby…Don't bring me down, I pray. Oh, pretty baaaby, now that I found you, stay. And let me love you, baaaby. Let me love you.”



And it was at that moment, with most of the bar singing, and Willow and Tara still in one another’s arms, that the police entered the building.



********************************





Happy Fourth to everyone who celebrates it. And Happy NON-4th to those that don't.



Scout Thanks for the chiming..er...in. I always like to create a timeless quality to the girls. And...I like building lust. Love, lust and romance with an extra heaping of lust...stir - then post. That's my formula.



notl33t I'm deeply impressed and appreciative. Honestly. Noone's ever given me a haiku before - especially not in feedback. I think you honored me a great deal, thank you so very much.



I was sitting here trying to write you a haiku back, when I realized I have a very limited grasp of poetry. But I did manage this...



Wonderful words in poetic form



My gratitude, my appreciation, my friendship is sworn...



For one such as you to give such an honor to me..



I shout out your praises for all kittens to see.



But since the poet's pen is not my forte.



I'm signing off now, and the Sims, I will play.



Cindy Lou Who - (Oh Poster of shining posts)

Quote:

---

Your writing is a personal experience for me. I think that's a good thing. Therein lies much of its power to spark different ways of thinking.

---

You hit on something that is the heart of most of my writing. I want my writing to involve people. I'm not arrogant enough to believe I can 'teach' anyone anything through my stories. But to linger somewhere or to move people to feel...or think. That is the greatest compliment and the greatest desire that I have. It is...why I write.



A pleasure, as always, to hear from you.



bindingwiccan I have managed to write a few other things. Many of which are on the pens.



Legends of the Kiss



Miracles



Also, my good friend Toni has some of my stuff at: here



Thanks for asking, by the way.



some dark thing -

Quote:

---

I can't get enough of fics that show them falling for each other. I won't even say that I particularly like yours.

---

I'm not one of your favorites? But...but...I bribed you and everything!



I'm teasing. You are always really wonderful about giving feedback on the 5,789 stories I currently am writing on the pens. (Okay, maybe there are just 2)



The angst is coming...and i may even put up something of a special warning for it. It's dark. But I am - i believe - ulimately going to a good place.



AntigoneUnbound - You are one of Michele's (my girl's) favorite writers on the Pens and she has read me quite a few scenes of your work. She RARELY does that, but she knows I love humor and sentiment and you seem to be able to express both in wonderful ways. When I get a moment, I have every intention of reading in detail everything that she has been raving about. The ONLY reason I haven't yet is a rather determined craziness in real life stuff.



All of that just so I can say....WOW...Antigoneunbound is reading my stuff!

Quote:

---

I apologize for being so remiss about giving feedback there. I read so much of it at once and then felt almost overwhelmed at the idea of trying to condense my comments into one post.

---

Huh. Trying to condense feeback on a story with three alternate timelines and that now numbers over 200 pages was difficult?



No worries. If you forgive me for being too busy to read your stuff as of yet....I will promise to do my best to do so asap and will as a bonus forgive any slight - whether real or imagined - that not posting in Stone Circle implies. Deal?

Quote:

---

I applaud and share your gratitude for those who went before us; those who risked more than many of us can even imagine just to find a place to be together. I really commend your sense of history and respect.

---

I've learned a lot in the last year and continue to learn more. Mostly through the gentle guidance of good friends. Like you, I think, I do my best to paint a picture with words. I know that it won't be without flaw, that it won't be a perfect capturing. But I trust - or, I try to trust - that it will have enough honesty in it's colors that it will preserve the heart of what I mean to express. I know that this story is just a gentle treading compared to what some went through. Some part of me thinks I should have tackled a bigger event but even then it was bound to be imperfect. I wasn't there and I can't fully imagine all of what people went through of the courage they had.



But I do try and honor it. As best I know how.

Quote:

---

It seems almost archaic to say that such things as the ability to form a complete sentence and spell correctly are invaluable to effective writing, but I believe it to the bone.

---

I have a LOT of help. Often, I can't spell to save my life. I have beta readers who make me look much more coherent then I really am.



But thank you for all the kind words about style and plot. And thank you for telling me what you think so far.



By the way, please feel free to call me MC - and I welcome your thoughts anytime.

Edited by: mariacomet at: 8/5/03 6:58 pm

[Puff]

Gosh MC it's great to see you back. No need to apologize with an update like that. Bloody hell I feel tense at least I don't have to wait a long time to see what happens next.



I love the instant connection between Willow and Tara. The willingness to just follow each other anywhere. There were so many sweet tender lines that I couldn't pick one.



Great update (hugs) hope RL is calming down for you

---

So, the day started and I knew my name and had my pants on. So far, so good. Yay.
Amber Benson

[shuyaku]

Welcome back MC!! RL may have delayed the story slightly, but at least the RL stuff appears to be all positive



Love at first sight - Willow really has no choice but to follow Tara anywhere, danger be damned. I'm, of course, a little scared for the girls with the police coming. But I'm glad Xander will be near by. Hopefully he'll be enough...



And the kiss. I don't think I can leave feedback to an MC fic without mentioning the kissing. This one was just... WOW!



Great update,

-shuyaku

[AntigoneUnbound]

MC~~ I was so psyched to see an update to one of my favorite stories! You know, I read over this chapter twice, knowing from the first that I was emotionally involved in the unfolding events, but wanting to understand better just why. And I think that part of what you do so well is to capture the inner worlds of your characters. Particularly effective is the way you express that "Full steam ahead!/Whoa--what the hell am I doing?" craziness that happens when we meet someone who, from the first moment of shared reality, simply rocks our world. Both Willow and Tara are desperately trying to carve a path that's both intelligent and vibrant, honest...in the middle of a situation that gives them no time for prolonged introspection or that most prized of lesbian traditions: processing. You also use physiology really well to convey what they're feeling. My heart just danced a little bit at this line: " And it was hard to hear words when her heart was pounding so…as if it was trying to leave her chest and lay itself in Tara’s arms." God, that's just beautiful.



Finally, I really respond to how you draw out the impending arrival of the police, and what they represent: not just one particular threat, but social reprobation and fear and the desperate struggle not to give in to shame. God, every chapter of this just makes me admire these women, in this time, so incredibly much.



Oh--the kiss...Gulp, and gulp again. Very...evocative, MC.



Hope life is going well for you. It sounds like you've had some major events taking place on pretty much every front. Take care, and have a great weekend!



Mary

Edited by: AntigoneUnbound at: 7/3/03 8:18 pm

[The Rose24]

An outstanding kiss!!!!! Wow!!!



But then, Ugh!!!! A cliffhanger.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[xita]

Great update It's such a tense situation and the anticipation of violence perhaps yet you disarmed us with such a terrifically romantic update. That kiss was well worth the wait. Now, we have the suspense of how the cops will react to this display of love.

- - - - - - - - - - -
"The suspense is terrible. I hope it'll last."

-Willie Wonka

[the vamp nurd]

My mind is blown, I'm just trying find the pieces of it....



visual!!







to the scribe of this wonderful piece

Sorry I missed church, I was busy becoming a lesbian and worshiping Satan



Bardlet no #27

[mariacomet]

Puff - It made me grin when I wrote that description of taunting. I wanted to - without question - have that connection you were refering to be immediate and tangible. I have to justify the NC17 bits somehow, don't I?



When you get a chance, drop me a message and let me know how everything is going, given all the exciting events you are going through!



HUGS!



bluewillowwitch Well I hope you like where the story ends up, and am glad you are anticipating it. Thanks for reading.



Grimlock72 I like to think of Willow as someone who leads with her heart. But attraction isn't always about the heart.



As for Tara and her reactions to Xander. I think it was and was rightly initially distrusting...concerned for Willow. But ulimately I would like to believe that the connection between them lends itself to a feeling of trust beyond reason.



Or, at least, that's what I was going for.



Not sure the girls will have a chance to dance...er...on the dance floor. The inneudo is just floating in my brain though, can you tell?



Hopefully the kiss will make up for the lack of slow dance. As always, Grimmy...love hearing your comments and observations.



Nation Firstly, thanks for the email checking on me. I'll drop you a line back as soon as I can. I wasn't born until 1972 so I am not 100% sure about every aspect of what I am writing. I struggle over the dialougue a lot. And I'm doing a lot of reading on the time frame. Much of what I discovered was so surprising to me, and made me appreciate deeply the history of the gay rights movement.



Beyond that, it's really fun to write lines like: "Tara is a righetous babe."



The Rose24 Sometimes when I write I like to image Aly or Amber standing here in front of me. And then I transpose some of thos emotions into what it would be like for Willow and Tara. I'm thinking Willow would fall into Tara's eyes and want to stay there.



butcherfly - Thanks for posting. Sorry I made you wait for more.

Quote:

---

After the so many drab, poorly structured pieces I have read in the past, yours is entirely refreshing and exciting. I eagerly await the next installment!

---

Thank you for the compliments. There are a lot of wonderful pieces of work on the pens. It actually amazes me the variety of writers we have here. We have writers from the ages 13 and up...and from quite a few different countries. Some of which have English as a second or third language.



With my fic, my rule is simple - I do my best. And sometimes I am left with the feeling that I have done okay...and sometimes not so much.



I hope you like the next installment!



Stroke of Luck You wondered about their first kiss...I have a feeling this last installement answered that one.



They DO need to find a nice quiet room, don't they? Not just yet. Bad things are coming. But afterwards they will be together and they will find a quiet place.

Quote:

---

They just belong to each other.

---

I couldn't agree more.



ukxenafan - Ah, your nic bring back the old days of xena to me. Annnyyyhooww....I will push the girls along a bit for ya. But they can be stubborn. I think in Part 6, they should be in full gear for ya.



Thanks for reading!



Marilda I think maybe you want more? Incredible? My writing? Um...well...um...I don't know about incredible. But thank you for being so kind and for the warmth of that thought.



TareBearRS Well, bold can come in many forms. Tara is a strong woman, and I think she'll make what she wants clear enough soon.

Edited by: mariacomet at: 7/5/03 9:07 am

[Katharyn]

Didn't you used to tell me off for cliffhangers?



Eviiiiil



Slightly less evil as I know some of what is coming - which makes things easier.



It's a lovely, sensitive and strange (in a good way) story which takes the girls out of time as well as place. (I am getting the idea you just do not like the 1990's and 2000's!



Nice to see you back and with at least one very good reason for being away...



Bravo on both counts.



Katharyn

-------------------------




If I want a little pussy, I got my own to play with.
Chance in Chance.




------------------------

[nika]

I couldn't quote all the lines that I liked in the last 2 parts because I'd be pretty much copying the whole thing. I love your way with words, they make me feel right there, living the moment, practically breathing in the same air as the characters. They're all very human, flawed but beautiful. I love the courage that both girls show in the last part, their kiss made my breath catch.