The Art of Burning Bridges

[AlysonGoddess]

awwww how cute Tara was worried about willow but then again who wouldnt be please comtinue

ERIN

[DreamLover]

Emms, Emms, Emms this is the most amazing, wonderful day. Why?
Well let me tell y.... first my granny's B-day and you updated and....10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0 we have lift off... Discovery ....and I got a cookie I got a cookie I got a cookie.. is it with chocolate?? or strawberries?? I got a cookie I got a cookie I got a cookie.

I wonder if the sky captain of the Discovery will read the Kitten board? and maybe The Art of Burning Bridges ..... I think I will e-mail them.

Well what can I say about this update....

I think you have a thing for spiders....lucky me I'm not scared. ooo wrong emo

But serious... great update!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know why but this story makes me think... it reminds me a little of an American Indian story... Tara as the nature indian maybe even an medicine indian. I know it sounds silly ..... it just ...reminds me a little of that especially in this update.

Ahhhhh Willow why does she always sleep on the wrong time she had Tara in her arms wake up girl...... hot woman on top of you.

"I'm sorry...." Willow spoke softly though she didn't really know what she was apologizing for, it had been the blonde after all,

Willow is so uncertain and I know it has to do with her parents. She is trying to hide it under her brave soldier attitude and now slowly it's coming all out all the accumulated feelings... that was restrained by anger and revenge for her parents. That all because of one person... one person she needs to trust later on when the feelings will be to much to handle. And now she just don't know why? Why she is saying those things and why she is feeling certain things.

She may have been frightened, but she'd have a great tale to tell at the next night's meal.

Well Tara has a great story to tell but Emms can tell her story even better.

Tara expelled a heavy breath; she turned away from Willow and began walking in the other direction. Tara told herself that she no longer cared if Willow followed, though she couldn't deny that she was relieved when she heard Willow’s boots fall into step with her from behind

Yeah that's our Tara all shy and innocent...love her... she can tell herself that .... but we know better... she longing hopping begging to follow her

Now I'm going to eat my cookie and hopping to read more updates.

Take care,

Henny

[hermitfish]

I know huh...But there were so many interesting senarios that could have transpired...it was too much fun to resist the midnight bare-foot walk through the woods. I had to do it. Creatively...i just had to...you understand dontcha Cyd?

I never question your mastery of all things creative.

Besides yummy warrior Tara made a valiant rescue and that was worth the hazardous adventure into the night at any rate.

But see I told ya' it would be a big scary creature. And an oversized spider...ewww. Well, at least it wasn't a snake...I have honkin' irrational issues in that department.


Now, one of these days I'm gonna figure out the secret to how you create such lovely and sweet interactions. Until then, I’ll just scratch my head and sigh.

~Cyd

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Emms,
Another great update. Probably my favorite so far. You do a really wonderful job of making the reader feel the forest around her. I mean I felt like I was with Tara with the darkness and the moonlight and the smelling Willow's fire burned down (bad Willow!). I continue to be amazed at the difference in the seeming peacefulness of Tara and her people and Willow's perception of them. I have to wonder if there wasn't a spinter group years ago who broke off from the Shinty and make these attacks. I just can't believe that it was Tara's group.

The interaction between them is lovely and it's quite interesting that neither of them seems to really understand what is happening between them, particularly given that Tara is familiar with girl-on-girl action (at least theoretically). I'm wondering if Willow would have been as willing to come along if Tara hadn't just killed a potentially fatal spider in front of her.

Well done.

[fun in dysfuntion]

Heya Emms,

Enjoyed the update immensely. Quirky trait of myself but I love it when there are added extra details such as the Ashkak song at the beginning. It just builds extra dimensions to the fictional universe.

I can see how Willow continually being bombarded by generous actions from someone who she has grown up believing is part of a group of lawless anarchists will eventually reshape Willow's prejudices toward the Shinty. Her naïveté of the dangers in the forest only underscores the reality of her situation: her current survival is tied to the kindness of a Shinty woman. I look forward to reading how Willow will incorporate the discrepancies between her previous beliefs of the Shinty and her current experiences with the Shinty.

Thanks for the lovely update.
teddy

[Emms]

Okay kittens, here are the replies to your responses regarding Chapter 6. Id like to thank you all for reading and leaving feedback. I am absolutely blown away by the amount of thoughtful feedback I've received from all you wonderful kittens...and I'm reminded again of the reason why I love to post fics here. Thank you all so much.

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Alyssa

Yay! I am getting so lucky with this fic - first I read it all in one night, and then you update it in the same night!

That is lucky sweetie....I wish that would happen to me sometime.

Waking up to Tara on top of you, watching her get all aggressive with the spider - I could deal with that.

I think we all could find a way to deal with that.

Oh man. I like this story

Thank you.

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watson

Strange that an experienced hunter like Tara wouldn't spot a sleeping form like Willow

yes....but in her defense she had been lost in spider thought at the time....also, I think when it comes to Willow her thinking tends to get a little cloudy.

So...yep, Willow is going to be spending some time with Tara in Tara's environment....and there might be some kisses and gay love....but I'm holding out though, until I get an update to Lamplight. Yep...no kisses and gay love, until you update your story.

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SallyMcFine

I suppose it goes without saying that the ending will be happy since this is the kitten board.

Oh of course, scouts honor (except for the tiny thing being...that I was never a scout....of any kind...) yes of course happiness will abound.

So we've seen Willow in Tara's culture, I wonder - will we get to see Tara in Willow's culture?

There is a very good possibility of that happening. It would be interesting to see what happens

Very interesting world that you have created here.

Thank you sweetie.

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AlysonGoddess

awwww how cute Tara was worried about willow but then again who wouldnt be please comtinue

Thank you for the feedback sweetie. I will most definitly continue.

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Henny

and I got a cookie I got a cookie I got a cookie.. is it with chocolate?? or strawberries??

one of each of course

I think you have a thing for spiders....lucky me I'm not scared.

Oh please...come on Henny....you hafta be scared of the big ol' hairy spider....what if I told you that it was a foot high with a leg span of three feet?? huh?? scared now?? well....you should be

it reminds me a little of an American Indian story... Tara as the nature indian maybe even an medicine indian. I know it sounds silly

no, not silly sweetie. But Tara is more of a story-teller. I think Anya's got the medicine thing under control.

Ahhhhh Willow why does she always sleep on the wrong time she had Tara in her arms wake up girl...... hot woman on top of you

my sentiments exactly, Hen....

Willow is so uncertain and I know it has to do with her parents. She is trying to hide it under her brave soldier attitude and now slowly it's coming all out all the accumulated feelings... that was restrained by anger and revenge for her parents. That all because of one person... one person she needs to trust later on when the feelings will be to much to handle. And now she just don't know why? Why she is saying those things and why she is feeling certain things.

Thats right....and as her trust in Tara grows, I'm certain more and more about Willow's past is going to come to the surface.
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Irene Ooooooooo *squeals* I'm ADORABLE!! hehehehehe Oh wait... I've just realized that you were saying that my update was adorable..... Okay...that's good too.

Emms, I've just got to ask...HOW do you come up with all these wonderful creations of yours?

it's a gift....no really, it is.

From Ashkak and Ord to the oogly-boogly creatures like the Gammbots and Mussoks, to that hideous thing that was the parasetic spi-i-i...spid-d-d...spide-e-e...ARACH-NEE!!! How big was that thing?

Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig really Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig

I was once bitten by a brown recluse...yes poisonous...when I was 14. God it hurt so much!!! Thank goodness my coach acted quickly and took me to the hospital. It was no big whoop. I got the anti-venom meds and I was able to go home that same night. But god did it hurt!!!

Ouch Irene...I am so afraid of being bitten by one of those spiders..We have the Brown Recluse here in Oregon (even though officially they say we don't..but really we do, because hehe and this is funny considering Oregon's natural resource is lumber, but we have a lot of lumber from places like Arizona shipped in and the little buggars like to hide in the shipments....anyway, we also have the dreaded Hobo Spider, which is just as bad as the Recluse, their bites are basically the same. ewwwwww *shudder shudder*

But the more I read this passage the more I wonderd if it's because the Shinty have been in constant battle with the Plains people for so long, that eventually it would be invetible that influences from both sides would trickle down and inadvertently become a part of their everyday lives? Or am I reading too much into this?

I don't think you're reading too much into it at all...and I'm certain (being the writer) that as the story progresses we'll learn more about the whys and wherefores of certain things. But I think you are most definitly right, even though the Shinty and the Plains people have been at odds for so long, it would be almost impossible for they not to have an inadvertent affect on eachother...maybe without even know it was happening.

Hey, Willow's having nice, pretty dreams about Tara. I mean come on...to the point where girlfriend reached her hand up and wrapped it around Tara. Hmm...me thinks Willow has a crush-y on the Shinty lady

me thinks you are correct my dear.

As usual Emms you've managed to make me dig deep down, into my very soul so that I...who is me...Irene...can leave you feed back worthy of the gift that is this wonderful fic. Yes I said my soul...because my brain is not capable of leaving proper feed back

Well, I'd like to thank you for leaving such wonderful feedback. Such thoughtfulness and thoroughness really helps me to think about certain aspects of the story in ways I hadn't been before...Thank you so much Irene.

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Cyd

Besides yummy warrior Tara made a valiant rescue and that was worth the hazardous adventure into the night at any rate.

Yes indeed she did and I'm happy you find it was worth it.

But see I told ya' it would be a big scary creature. And an oversized spider...ewww. Well, at least it wasn't a snake...I have honkin' irrational issues in that department.

yes...you did tell me it was going to be a big scary creature cyd...Good job sweetie.

and actually...the fear of snakes and spiders are two of the biggest phobias affecting people in the US today (i'm not sure about other parts of the world though) I think the fear of hights is mixed in there too, somewhere. I have an extreeme fear of spiders... and an irrational fear of Dramatizations. You know the kind on television where they get the shot of the spider lurking on the other side of the tin can...and then the kid or woman (it never seems to be a man... go figure) picks up the can and the spider is sitting right there ready to strike.....those freak me out so bad. The last time my wife and I were watching TV and one of those came on...I ended up holding my hands over my ears and shouting DRAMATIZATION!! DRAMATIZATION!! it was insane...anyway...to keep things on topic... that's why I chose the spider for the story...cause I wanted to freak people out.

Now, one of these days I'm gonna figure out the secret to how you create such lovely and sweet interactions. Until then, I’ll just scratch my head and sigh.

awwe thank you cyd...but I think you already do a fine job of that already.

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Debra

Another great update. Probably my favorite so far. You do a really wonderful job of making the reader feel the forest around her.

Thank you.

I have to wonder if there wasn't a spinter group years ago who broke off from the Shinty and make these attacks. I just can't believe that it was Tara's group.

yeah, you're right. It is hard to believe that Tara's group could have been responsible for the attack that killed Willow's family. But I'm sure all will be explained in future updates.

The interaction between them is lovely and it's quite interesting that neither of them seems to really understand what is happening between them, particularly given that Tara is familiar with girl-on-girl action (at least theoretically). I'm wondering if Willow would have been as willing to come along if Tara hadn't just killed a potentially fatal spider in front of her.

I dont know....I think they have a fairly good Idea of what's going on between them...I think their only problem is in admitting that it's there and that they want it to happen. I don't see the girl on girl parts being that big of a deal in Tara's POV being that we know they are a woman centered group and that Tara has two mothers...but we don't really know that much yet about Willow's side of things....it will be interesting to find out what The plains peoples view on Lesbianism is....

Well done.

Thank you again Debra. Your comments on any of my stories is an appreciated event.

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Teddy

Enjoyed the update immensely. Quirky trait of myself but I love it when there are added extra details such as the Ashkak song at the beginning. It just builds extra dimensions to the fictional universe

Oh I totally know what you mean. I love when there are little added things that help to flesh out the universe around the characters in a story. It's one thing to be drawn into the immediate surroundings by descriptions of the here and now...but I love when descriptions go beyond the standing point and into places you wouldn't know about otherwise.

1) I can see how Willow continually being bombarded by generous actions from someone who she has grown up believing is part of a group of lawless anarchists will eventually reshape Willow's prejudices toward the Shinty. 2) Her naïveté of the dangers in the forest only underscores the reality of her situation: her current survival is tied to the kindness of a Shinty woman.

1) yes, I think you are absolutely right.

2) And she knows that too. In the second update, willow even says as much. I can definitly see a kind of forced trust developing between Willow and Tara because of the fact that Willow needs Tara in order to survive...I don't think she would have been open to such a thing happening, if it wasn't absolutely neccessary to her survival.

Thank you for your wonderful feedback Teddy.

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xoxo
Emms

[DreamLover]

Em, I'm NOT afraid of a spider lol......spider hehehheehe just a silly little thing!!

Oh please...come on Henny....you hafta be scared of the big ol' hairy spider....what if I told you that it was a foot high with a leg span of three feet?? huh?? scared now?? well....you should be

I will ride that spider...... because I am COW-SPIDER GIRL!!!!

So are you afraid of a spider? aaaaa come on just say it yes you are.

Henny

[Graceland]

Hey there,
Ahhh. This update is just so moving. I mean there's Tara out in the dark searching for Willow and she doesn't even realize she's tripped over her. Kind of glad neither of them reached for a spear too quickly or anything like that. Wouldn't be pretty.

Lol about Tara killing the spider. I don't really get why Tara's mood turned so uncommunicative. I mean she turns to go and doesn't really even care if Willow comes with? Yes she does! I know she does because she went out there and becasue the kisses and smoochies and gay love will be starting any time.

Well done.

[Emms]

Henny yes sweetie, I am to admit that I am afraid of spiders.....

I will ride that spider...... because I am COW-SPIDER GIRL!!!!

okay....from now on you shall be known as Henny Cow-spider girl!

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Graceland

Ahhh. This update is just so moving.

Thank you.

Lol about Tara killing the spider. I don't really get why Tara's mood turned so uncommunicative. I mean she turns to go and doesn't really even care if Willow comes with? Yes she does! I know she does because she went out there and becasue the kisses and smoochies and gay love will be starting any time.

Well... Tara's pretty much been that way throughout the whole story so far....and if you remember, she didn't even want to go out searching for Willow at all.... she just felt compelled to. I think when Tara gets around Willow she can momentarily forget about the fact that her mother is dying...and that she's going to have to lead the shinty (something she doesn't want to do at all) , but killing the spider brought things back into perspective for her. hence the switch in emotion. Tara wants to connect with Willow but its hard for her to let it happen because of all the things going on in her life.

I'm glad you're still interested in the story thanks for leaving feedback.

xoxo
Emms

[Artemis]

Great chapter You already know I love the Willow/Tara goodness, and yay for Tara being all warrior woman Nasty spider. I especially liked the end of the chapter, Tara's conflicting feelings, or rather her feelings conflicting with what she's telling herself she should be feeling - she puts on the face she thinks she should wear, but she can't help being glad Willow's following her.

I also enjoyed the opening about the sun and the moon, the names and beliefs associated with them. Especially the hint of a common ancestry to both peoples (I think, anyway), in that the Shinty Folk use the same mundane names, sunlight and moonlight, even though they've supplanted sun and moon with more mythological terms when they refer directly to them.

So Tara's worked out Willow isn't from a forest clan - are there many more options before she figures out the truth? Presumably there are non-forest people around, but who are they aligned with? Interesting, I'm eager for more of course

[Emms]

Artemis

Tara's conflicting feelings, or rather her feelings conflicting with what she's telling herself she should be feeling - she puts on the face she thinks she should wear, but she can't help being glad Willow's following her.

Exactly. But I really can't see that resolve lasting too long.

I also enjoyed the opening about the sun and the moon, the names and beliefs associated with them. Especially the hint of a common ancestry to both peoples

Thank you. And ...you could be right. I think the Shinty use of the name's being more mythological, as you said...really helps to seperate them from the more modern Plains people on many different levels but at the same time, they still manage to find common ground. Maybe that's suggestive of the Shinty being more open than they thought to the Idea of resolving the conflict between themselves and the Plains people. We really haven't gotten into what the Shinty feel about the war, we just know that they run whenever the plains people get close to them.

Tara's worked out Willow isn't from a forest clan - are there many more options before she figures out the truth? Presumably there are non-forest people around, but who are they aligned with?

I haven't really gotten into that yet, but I will. From what I can say right now, there is two major players in this world. The plains People (being the superpower) and The Shinty folk ( a markedly smaller group) There are also sub-groups that are not directly involved in the conflict between the two forces, though these sub-groups are still in danger, because The plains people are a kind of a marauding establishment...but I'll get more into that a little later.

I hope most of that made sense...

xoxo
Emms

[cooper]

Emms,

This is a beautiful story. I have been reading it, my lack of feedback is because I am a slacker. I wonder how big one of those scary spiders were.

Willow sounds as if she is growing to respect not only Tara but the Shinty people as well.

cooper

[Emms]

HI Kittens....The next chapter is written, it's just awaiting the beta process...so when that's complete I'll be posting. I hope you all are having a wonderful morning/day/evening/night (that should cover it. )

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Cooper, There you are sweetie. HI.

This is a beautiful story. I have been reading it, my lack of feedback is because I am a slacker. I wonder how big one of those scary spiders were.

Willow sounds as if she is growing to respect not only Tara but the Shinty people as well.

Oh, that's okay. I'm a slacker most of the time...so no biggie. I'm glad you've decided to deslack for the moment though.

And...about the spiders....Like I told Irene....It was biiiiiiiiiiiiiiig..............really biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig I'll just leave it at that. I wouldn't want to give you nightmares afterall.

And yes...I think you are right about Willow and her growing respect. How could she not respect someone as great as Tara.

thanks for the feedback Cooper.

xoxo
Emms

[Emms]

Hi kittens. The update is posted. It's a little on the short side, but what can I say? Sometimes that's the way the cookie crummbles I hope you all enjoy

All Disclaimers Apply

Note A big thanks to Carleen for beta'ing.

The Art of Burning Bridges: Chapter Seven

The candle that had to be relit when they'd returned now burned brilliantly once more. Its light set the dirt walls ablaze in its glow, but Tara barely noticed. She turned her back to Willow as she silently pulled off the shirt she'd thrown on only hours ago. Tara replaced it with a slightly longer version that came to her knees. Lana had embroidered the bottom of the sleep shirt in a design that traditionally represented a peaceful slumber. Tara expected to find little comfort in that sentiment that night though. Tara's skirt joined the pile of clothing her shirt had begun, leaving her legs bare and vulnerable. Tara was relieved to find that Willow had adverted her eyes and was examining the belt slung low on her waist. Tara pulled the pallet covers back and got in. She sat waiting for Willow to do the same.

Tara had shared her bed with many women before Willow, though purely in a platonic setting. The Shinty were a very progressive community when it came to personal space. Tara had grown up around women, being close to them and touching them in loving ways. The Shinty had no boundaries between them when it came to things such as sharing sleeping accommodations. So why was she feeling so uncomfortable now? Tara shifted under the rough textured blanket as she waited for Willow to join her.

Tara lifted her eyes to Willow who was standing stalk-still against the back wall. She wondered for a moment, if Willow was going to remain so for the rest of the night. "A-are you c-coming?” Tara asked with raised eyebrows. She couldn't help the way her words halted in her mouth and she hated the way her voice sounded when she stuttered. Tara realized that she had done more of that since meeting Willow than she had done in her entire life.

Tara's stutter started from the time she could verbally communicate. When she was seven, a highly regarded spiritual man from the deep within the Cave Clans told her parents that her stutter was an effect of having so much spiritual information stored inside her mind but having little knowledge to expel it. That explanation had seemed grand to her as a child but now that she had grown it seemed less grand and more like an inadequacy on her part.

Willow regarded Tara carefully. She didn't really know what the blonde expected of her at this point. Their eyes met but the gaze was broken when Tara took her eyes away from Willow's view. Willow's fingers began to sweat as she worked them around the metal clasp at the front of her utility belt. It snapped loose and Willow removed it, setting it on the floor next to the pallet. Willow didn't know what to do next so she moved on to her boots. She decided that the neutrality they offered would buy her more time to figure out where she should go from there. After all, she didn't know of any culture that slept in their shoes.

Willow looked down at her dirt stained pants and wondered if it would offend Tara if she were to keep them on. Willow chanced a glance in Tara's direction but the look she got came back inconclusive, so Willow began to reason with herself. The blonde didn't have pants on, but then again she hadn't worn pants in the first place. Willow bit her bottom lip as she pondered her situation. It was either climb into bed with muddy pants and soil the woman's bedding or take them off and risk humiliation. Would Tara spring from the pallet in disgust? Tara cleared her throat and Willow cursed silently at her own cowardice. Once again spurred into action, her fingers moved to the button at the front of her pants. She stalled for only an instant before moving forward with clear intent.

Willow moved quickly to the pallet. She pulled the cover back and slid inside next to Tara. Their bare thighs touched without warning and the soft smoothness of the blonde's leg touching hers in such an intimate way caused Willow's breath to catch. Willow tried to cover the sound behind a yawn, but Tara had already moved away from her by the time Willow regained her composure. "Until tomorrow...” Willow spoke softly. She didn't trust her voice above a whisper.

"On the morrow" Tara replied. She closed her eyes against the candlelight, but not before she caught a glimpse of Willow through slanted vision. She didn't know what to make of the way her heart had sped up at the feel of Willow's leg against her own. Could it be that she was feeling something beyond the common bond of friendship for this woman? Tara reminded herself that she was over-committing with the use of the word "friendship.” It was too soon to make such assumptions anyway. And Tara wasn't even sure if she wanted a friendship with Willow.

Tara couldn't help but feel uneasy about the information she'd surmised about Willow that night. Tara wondered about the woman's culture and about where she had come from. There was nothing about the redhead that singled her out as belonging to any specific group outside the forest clans – and Tara had met quite a few. From the Celestine Clan that inhabited the mountainous region beyond the forest to the people from the Cave Clans that resided, as their name insinuated, in Caves along the salted sea.

Tara had never been away from the forest, but people from those near and far places would track the Shinty Folk as far back as Tara could recall, coming from high places and low places to obtain the sacred knowledge held onto by the elders of the village. Tara had seen man and woman alike, turned away by the elders and had memorized their features....the shape of their head, the slope of their jaw...anything that would connect her with the outside world beyond the confines of her own heritage.

Tara felt trapped. She felt trapped in every way possible. Tied to this life by the bonds of her people. Tara used to dream about breaking free, she used to dream about leading a life outside of duty and expectations...but she could not just up and leave her family or her people. So they had been only dreams and nothing more. But then this redhead showed up and seemed to be succeeding in turning Tara's mostly secure world askew.

Tara listened to the steady sounds of sleep as Willow's chest rose and fell with each exhalation of air. Tara had thought that relaxing enough to fall asleep was going to be an impossible feat that night, and was surprised when sleep easily overtook her body's ability to stay awake.

The night went by relatively uneventfully, each keeping to her own designated area. Tara awoke only once to find her hand brushed up against Willow's bare arm. Tara left it there for a moment; she kept her eyes shut tight. She lived silently in the moment and without moving she memorized the feel of Willow's skin against her fingers.

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TBC

xoxo
Emms

[watty]

Three lines of dialogue, a total of 8 words. Yet the whole chapter spoke volumes about the unease, the awkwardness and yet ... the desire of these two women who felt an inexplicable bond toward each other. It's telling that even Tara, who lived in a community of women

close to them and touching them in loving ways

felt the discomfort.

Willow, of course, had no choice, the alternative was to go back to the fire that went out and the giant spider threat. Loved how you described her hesitation, when taking her belt and boots off, safe and neutral items. Like the internal debate about the muddy pants, I'm glad she decided against spoiling her hostess' bedsheets.

You know, it's true. If you feel absolutely nothing for that person, it's almost a no-brainer to be sharing a bed if circumstances dictate. I've shared beds with people other than my gf and purely for sleeping, it never was a problem. At all. And then when I was on the verge of getting back together with gf, the little touches, bed sharing, everything begat a big debate in my head and when she first came over for a sleepover we were like ... separate duvets, opposite side of the bed, staying very stiff. So I know exactly what's going through their minds.

Lovely chapter. Fantastic flow, your descriptions again at the top of your game. I didn't feel the shortness, the length doesn't matter, it's the depth and substance.

Oh, lastly, my absolute favorite part:

Lana had embroidered the bottom of the sleep shirt in a design that traditionally represented a peaceful slumber.

I can really feel the love of Tara's mothers, such a simple design, a simple aside that you added, that was so lovely.

Thanks again.

[GayNow]

I have to agree with watson, Emms...you so so much with so little dialogue. It's really beautiful.

I haven't left feedback for a bit, so I wanted to make sure I got something here for you to let you know how much I'm enjoying this fic. I love the world you've created. The explanation for Tara's stutter is just marvelous. I'm wondering if you're going to bring up the "Tara fulled with spiritual knowledge" concept later in the story. I think that would be fascinating.

The interactions between Willow and Tara are just lovely. Their discomfort is palpable. You do so well at conveying those feelings with just a look or a gesture. Beautifully done, Emms.

I'm looking forward to more updates. Can't wait....can't wait.

Car

[AlysonGoddess]

Wow that was a great update emms! And with the cuddling YAY another update would be wonderful Thanks for this update!!

ERIN

[sam]

Wow..wonderful and so cute update emms . Love sam xx

[JustSkipIt]

Emms,
You must be on break or something to be writing so much these days. I'm enjoying it and know that many other kittens are too. This is a very dense update. I mean 8 words (as Watson of course compulsively counted) and all they do is get into bed but so much is happening. It's hard to imagine that Tara is just now considering that perhaps she feels more than friendship for Willow but that does seem to be true. Perhaps it's just that her conscious mind is realizing it but her subconscious mind has known since meeting her. Either way, it's quite exciting. It was interesting the way you said that Tara has shared her bed with many women. I know that it was immediately preceded with the statement that it was just sleeping but it was a strange vision.

Quite intresting that Tara's stutter comes from her spiritual overload, as it were. So the people coming from all over would be coming for that knowledge? Interesting also that it seems to me that while Tara is destined for leadership the only leader-like thing we have seen her do is telling the story.

Willow's confusion is very well done and the last few paragraphs describing their contact and their confused feelings are beautiful.

Ok, now my predictions (or at least the way I would probably go). I'm thinking that Tara's mother will die in the night or the morning showing Willow #1 the humanity of the Shinty Folk and #2 how much it pains her when Tara is hurting. I suspect that if that happens, it will give Willow an opportunity to try to take care of Tara as Tara has been doing.

I'm quite excited about this. Well done.

[Emms]

Hi kittens! I've been trying to post replies for the longest time now, but the board keeps eating my post...so I'm going to try doing one at a time. Watson's first, since she was the first to reply. But I'll be editing momentarily to add the rest of the replies.
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watson

Three lines of dialogue, a total of 8 words. Yet the whole chapter spoke volumes about the unease, the awkwardness and yet ... the desire of these two women who felt an inexplicable bond toward each other. It's telling that even Tara, who lived in a community of women felt the discomfort.

Wow watson hehe you counted the number of words? After I read your feedback, I was like.. "No way. There can't be only 8 words..." Cause it seemed like many more to me. But I went back and counted them and sure enough there were only 8.

Tara's discomfort in spite of the fact that she is apparently comfortable with women and being around them in close proximity definitly illustrates the fact that she definitly views Willow as more than a frustrating complication and possible friend. I think she's felt something for Willow from the beginning, but has been reluctant to admit it to herself....sleeping next to Willow and feeling what she felt, will hopefully give her a little push and force her to be honest with herself.

Willow, of course, had no choice, the alternative was to go back to the fire that went out and the giant spider threat. Loved how you described her hesitation, when taking her belt and boots off, safe and neutral items. Like the internal debate about the muddy pants, I'm glad she decided against spoiling her hostess' bedsheets.

Thank you. I've never been in that situation, but I can imagine how Willow would have felt. She didn't know about the pants so she, like you said, started with the safe Items. I thought that that moment was the most "Willow-esque" moment she's had so far. Also, I think it's interesting that the more she is around Tara, the more Willow loosens up and begins to act like the "Willow " we all know and love.

You know, it's true. If you feel absolutely nothing for that person, it's almost a no-brainer to be sharing a bed if circumstances dictate. I've shared beds with people other than my gf and purely for sleeping, it never was a problem. At all. And then when I was on the verge of getting back together with gf, the little touches, bed sharing, everything begat a big debate in my head and when she first came over for a sleepover we were like ... separate duvets, opposite side of the bed, staying very stiff. So I know exactly what's going through their minds.

That's exactly what I was trying to illustrate. The difference between platonic bed-sharing and sharing a bed with someone you are feeling something for.

I can really feel the love of Tara's mothers, such a simple design, a simple aside that you added, that was so lovely.

Thank you watson.

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Carleen

I haven't left feedback for a bit, so I wanted to make sure I got something there for you to let you know how much I'm enjoying this fic

No worries sweetie. Its my firm oppinion that feedback is not a mandatory obligation. Leave it if and when you can. Besides I know you're reading, cause you sort of have to in order to edit for me. Though, don't get me wrong I love reading feedback from you.

I love the world youve created. The explanation for Tara's stutter is just marvelous. I'm wondering of you're going to bring up the "Tara fulled with spiritual knowledge" concept later in the story. I think that would be fascinating.

Thank you. I think the concept you mentioned will definitly be part of the story. But that's all I can say about that right now

The interactions between Willow and Tara are just lovely. Their discomfort is palpable. You do so well at conveying those feelings with just a look or a gesture.

Again, thank you Carr. Those words coming from you really mean a lot.

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Erin

Wow that was a great update emms!

Thank you for your kind words sweetie.

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Sam

Wow..wonderful and so cute update emms

Thank you darlin'.

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Debra

You must be on break or something to be writing so much these days. I'm enjoying it and know that many other kittens are too.

yep, I am indeed on a break. My babies are in Spokane right now on vacation, so I'm on vacation too. I used to work for a teacher and principal so I'd get every Summer off...*sigh* oh how I miss those days.

This is a very dense update. I mean 8 words (as Watson of course compulsively counted) and all they do is get into bed but so much is happening.

I never really realized how compulsive she really was until that moment.

It's hard to imagine that Tara is just now considering that perhaps she feels more than friendship for Willow but that does seem to be true. Perhaps it's just that her conscious mind is realizing it but her subconscious mind has known since meeting her. Either way, it's quite exciting.

I think you are right.I think she's moving out of the denile phase in regards to her growing feelings for Willow. In the beginning we saw a very adament Tara...she wasn't even willing to let herself get involved with Willow at all on a concious level and it was only because of her deep down caring nature that wouldn't let her resist helping Willow in the first place. I think Willow is definitly moving out of the "complication" catagory and into the "something more" catatogry...now it's only a matter of that information transforing from Tara's subconcious into her conscious mind.

It was interesting the way you said that Tara has shared her bed with many women. I know that it was immediately preceded with the statement that it was just sleeping but it was a strange vision.

I didn't really think that was any more strange than reading the stories where Tara has had previous lovers before meeting Willow. There is no reason we should believe that Tara cant be loving and close to other women without it being something sexual. I think that it only goes to show that the bond the Shinty have within their group. They are very loving people, sharing not only the care of children, but also the security and comfort of human touch: a hug or handholding, even sharing a bed can all be used to show affection and love without it being anything more than that.

Interesting also that it seems to me that while Tara is destined for leadership the only leader-like thing we have seen her do is telling the story.

Good point Debra. I haven't really written much else about Tara's role in leading her people, because for the most part it's been about getting Willow and Tara together...Also, right now she's more of a role model and less of a leader. Her anxieties are coming from the prospect of leading her people not from having actually done any leading herself. Tara wont come into any duties until her mother passes away.

Willow's confusion is very well done and the last few paragraphs describing their contact and their confused feelings are beautiful.

Thank you so much Debra.

Ok, now my predictions (or at least the way I would probably go). I'm thinking that Tara's mother will die in the night or the morning showing Willow #1 the humanity of the Shinty Folk and #2 how much it pains her when Tara is hurting. I suspect that if that happens, it will give Willow an opportunity to try to take care of Tara as Tara has been doing.

Oooooo Ooooo I love predictions...cause that means that you are trully interested in the story line. And what good predictions you've made...though I'm not going to go in that paticular direction. I don't think there's enough established trust between Willow/Tara yet to warrent Tara believably accepting comfort from Willow. Not to mention the fact that Tara hasn't actually mentioned to Willow the fact that her mother is dying. But the thought of Willow comforting Tara is very good and there will definitly be some comforting going on in the future, just not quite yet. I plan to drag this out for awhile more...cause I'm

I'm quite excited about this. Well done.

Thank you so much Debra. I always appreciate so much that you take the time to leave such thoughtful feedback. It really helps me so much. Thank you.

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Alyssa

I'm so glad that you liked the little details, such as, the part about Lana and the description of the closeness between the shinty women. I was hoping to get that kind of response.

and you are definitly right. This update was about Willow and Tara and the fact that they were sleeping together for the first time, but it was also about culture and learning more about Tara's life.

I can't tell you enough, how much your comments have meant to me. It's so awsome to get a whole feedback on the small details that were placed behind the actual event happening center stage.

Thank you so much sweetie.

[watersong84]

That was... well, it was... . I don't really have the right adjective to describe it right now . Much applause.

I think the best part about this update is something that you've been doing throughout this whole fic. It wasn't only about Willow and Tara and the awkward pleasure of them sleaping side by side. Little things like

Tara had grown up around women, being close to them and touching them in loving ways. The Shinty had no boundaries between them when it came to things such as sharing sleeping accommodations.

teach us about the culture Tara has grown up in, and this quote:

Lana had embroidered the bottom of the sleep shirt in a design that traditionally represented a peaceful slumber.

gives us a little insight into Tara's family life.

And then, you provided information about other cultures around the area. Plus, it's kinda funny that Tara has NO idea where Willow is from. She doesn't even guess that she might be from the Shinty's rival tribe.

And of course, the last sentance:

She lived silently in the moment and without moving she memorized the feel of Willow's skin against her fingers.

beautiful image.

-Alyssa

[FineyMcFine]

Emms, a superb update. This really took me back to high school when I would have sleepovers with friends. If I had a crush on the friend, I would try really hard not to inadvertantly touch them in bed, all the while hoping it would happen accidentally - and a thrill/electric shock/whatever would run through my body. Sounds like it's similar for others, and I'm guessing you as well since you wrote it so well?

Your description in this update was very vivid. I really felt like I was there in the room with Tara and Willow, and could smell the scents of leather and wood and suchlike, and feel the rough texture of the blanket on Tara's bed. Looking forward to more.

[Emms]

a reply
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hi SallyMcFine ! I'm glad you're still reading and enjoying it warms the cockles (can cockles be warmed?) of my heart to know my humble little story is being received so well.

Emms, a superb update. This really took me back to high school when I would have sleepovers with friends. If I had a crush on the friend, I would try really hard not to inadvertantly touch them in bed, all the while hoping it would happen accidentally - and a thrill/electric shock/whatever would run through my body. Sounds like it's similar for others, and I'm guessing you as well since you wrote it so well?

Actually....I've never really been the passive type...I was always more of an aggressor...you know the one at age four, runnin' around kissin' all the girls on the lips I was big on the whole....want, take, have senario But I tried to imagine what it would have been like to be in that situation when I wrote that part of the story...I guess I pulled it off, aye?

Your description in this update was very vivid. I really felt like I was there in the room with Tara and Willow, and could smell the scents of leather and wood and suchlike, and feel the rough texture of the blanket on Tara's bed. Looking forward to more.

I'm so glad you were able to invision things so well...that is one of the biggest issues (good kind of issues) I have when I write a story...I'm practically obsessed with putting the reader into the story and because I'm a very visual person, I like to think others are too.

Thank you for leaving feedback sweetie. It is so much appreciated, and makes me want to get right back to work on the next update (even though I have other stories that are long overdue for an update *cough* Sunflowers *cough cough*

xoxo
Emms

[beanie]

haha. what a coinky-dink. I just starting reading this story on the through the looking glass archive and spent the ENTIRE night (not really, but let's pretend) wondering when the story would be updated. Then BAM, I log in, and it's a miraculous thing really.

All the complimentary things I had going in my mind while I was reading your story were basically said by all those preceding me. But, what's the harm in reiterating praise?

The candle that had to be relit when they'd returned now burned brilliantly once more. Its light set the dirt walls ablaze in its glow, but Tara barely noticed.

I thought these sentences were a brilliant way to start off the chapter. I don't know if it was deliberate on your part (though I'll hazard a guess and say it was) the candle symbolism was a nice touch. You managed to pretty much sum up an entire chapter with the image of a candle.


The description of the sleep shirt was also eye-catching. The relationship comment . . . duude. Then the progression of this moment where first Tara's mind flits to the boundaries of her Shinty life, and then she is comforted by the deep breathing of Willow's sleeping form. It was just all so . . . so . . . MAGICAL!

I can't wait for the next update.

btw, if you didn't get it from this entirely too lengthy post, YOU ROCK MY PURPLE SOCKS. Full stop dude.

[fun in dysfuntion]

Hey Emms,

Having experienced the unease of being in an unfamiliar culture, I can say you captured it very well in this chapter. One is never quite sure what will or will not offend. The general awkwardness in actions and the hesitancy were well written.

After all, she didn't know of any culture that slept in their shoes.

This just made me giggle.

Also, I must say I'm very impressed with Cave clan explanation for Tara's stutter. It was very unique and creative. Again, your eye for small details makes this story memorable to me.

In this chapter, the sense of longing that Tara has in wanting to connect to the world outside of her culture really struck me.

Cheers for the update,
teddy

[CrazyTaraWitch]

I loved the last two updates Emms, they were fabulous
i really enjoyed Tara's thoughts in this last chapter
keep up the good work!

[irishgrl3]

Oops, I'm an update behind, sorry Emms!
Wonderful 2 chapters. I like when they were apart, each one thought of the other and now that they're together neither can think what to say. Kind of funny how that works. Once again your descriptions are so colorful, I can totally see Willow debationing about the dirty trousers. And it's interesting how Tara has dreamt about "breaking free" and moving away from her people. I guess with her mom being ill she can't very well leave right now.
Can't wait till the next update!
-anna

[tarawhipped]

Hi Emmy! I've been meaning to stop by for the last oh 8 or so chapters and tell you how much I'm enjoying this, but just now managed to get caught up on updates. I love the world you've created....you manage to do so much with just a few words and phrases to make it seem completely different and real. As usual, your writing is visually stunning without skimping on the character developement and dialogue. I get the impression that Tara's people couldn't have been the ones to cause Willow's parents' deaths, but then who did? I love the pacing of W/T's relationship to each other...very very slow, though Willow's clearly allowing herself to trust Tara somewhat. I hope it doesn't all go to hell when Tara finds out Willow really IS a spy and Anya is proven right. Of course, that way lies angst, which is always fun to read (when it's not painfully heartbreaking, and then it's even better!). Part of me hopes that Willow renounces her vengeance and decides to shack up for life with her new pal, but I have a feeling her absence is not going to go unnoticed for long by Buffy et al. Oh, the impending drama!!! Love it!

-Cam

[Artemis]

Such a lovely, low-key chapter - there was so much going on, but all in silence and thought. And in the end it all came down to a touch - I liked that. Tara memorising Willow's skin

You describe the Shinty Folk in a very interesting way, making them very attractive in some ways - having a very relaxed approach to personal space and interactions (yay for not being repressed ), yet there's the spectre of Tara's unhappiness in the role that's been set for her among her people. It seems pretty evident that, whatever trials and tribulations happen along the way, Willow is going to have to give up the way of life she follows now if she wants to be with Tara - now I'm wondering if the reverse is also true.

[Safuega]

Hey Emms,

I am thoroughly enjoying this new world you have created for Willow and Tara. I particularly like the contrast between your Willow and Tara. For instance, your Tara is eager to expand her horizons, while your Willow is determined not to expand hers. It makes for great angsty conflict. Yay!

Also, I don't really see Tara's people as the brutal enemies Willow holds them to be, but memory is a fickle thing, and the memory of a traumatized child even more so. I suspect that Willow is in for a world of hurt if and when she realizes that her whole existence has been based on a faulty assumption/belief.

Finally, got a kick out of the fight to the death with the spider. I'm not afraid of spiders but I've known to freak out a little when I see one that has markings on its body.

Great story. I look forward to reading more.

Safuega