The Art of Burning Bridges

[Artemis]

Yikes, what a brutal place this is... such a stark contrast to Tara's people. I can understand Xander's liking for his own environment down in the lower levels - I'd much rather be in a small space on my own, than out in the open and having to rely on shields and guards just to keep from being run down by a mob. Pity Buffy doesn't seem to see that - she thinks if only Xander would live up there with her, her life would be perfect, whereas I think it's pretty evident that Xander's life would then be anything but. Buffy does seem to be very able to ignore parts of her surroundings.

And those protesters - willing to protest when their oppressors are evidently willing to so casually kill them? That's some strong anti-war feeling there.

All in all, I'm kind of cringing from this new area of the story, both hoping to return to the relative peace and tranquility of Tara's people... and fearful that the military will be bringing its brand of 'order' into that tranquility all too soon.

[irishgrl3]

Ooh cool an update!
I was really nervous when Buffy suggested that Willow had been captured. I could just see them attacking Tara's people to try and save her, that would have been awful. Hopefully Xander convinced her that she isn't imprisioned. It will be interesting how Willow and Tara might react to each other when they find out who each other are.
Happy Holidays Emms!
-anna

[FineyMcFine]

Emms, this was a very good snapshot to give us some information about what kind of environment Willow comes from. I don't blame her for being a loner, I would too. For that matter, I don't blame Xander for being a Rat - I would want to be as far out of the line of fire as possible in a place like that. I'm glad you wrote this because it helps to paint the picture more of who Willow is and why she is the way she is.

I second the call for more WT goodness in the next update! Just because you write them so well, and without pants to boot!

[Darth Pacula]

G'day, Emms.

Cool, another world of your own design, again so different to our own, but at least they still have a Willow and a Tara of their own. Which of course is a necessity, or I wouldn't be reading it here, now would I?

The idea of having our favorite two ladies on two opposite sides is a ... well, okay so nice really isn't an appropriate word for the situation, but ... um ... what is? Well, it's certainly dramatic, and chock full of material to mine for the aforementioned drama.

The world you've created here seems to have a few puzzling dichotomies present; there seems to be signs of advanced technology, such as Willow's transmitter, her water purification device and all the stuff you showed in that last update with Buffy, Xander and the rest of the Plains People's military machine. But then you have Tara's people, living in huts, washing their clothes by hand, and pretty much living off the land.

What is responsible for such a difference in technological standing? Are the Shinty Folk like the Amish, shunning technology on ethical or idealogical grounds? Or, since you mentioned that this has been a 1,000 year old war, have the Shinty Folk descended into such a state because of military disasters?

Another question that rises is that if the Plains People are so much more powerful, militarily speaking, why haven't they wiped out the Shinty Folk by now? It can't just be because the Shinty Folk hide in the forests. If the Plains People hate them that much, why not just raze the forest to flush their prey out?

The tentative nature of Willow and Tara's budding relationship, fraught with deception though it might be, is cute to read. I like it when they have to work to get together, rather than just having everything fall into place. Does that make me a sadist? Or a masochist? Meh ... who gives a stuff, right?

There are plenty of other issues that I could dig my feedback teeth into, since you've weaved such a rich pattern here for we appreciative kittens, but my stomach's telling me I have to go and have breakfast, so I'll have to stop here and bid you adieu.

Can't wait for this to continue.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Emms]

Hi everyone! Thank you for all the lovely feedback. I'm working on the next update as we speak and I promise a whole lot of Willow/Tara goodness.

xoxo
Emms

[tarebear]

no way?! really? wow! i gotta open my schedule to make time reading the update!

can't wait... though it seems i haven't left feedback but i have read this wonderful story awhile back... i love it like everything else you write (and draw)!

[PancakesinBellies]

Yay! Oh, the promise of an update soon! Somehow that might help get me through all the paper writing I have to do...

[Shy One]

Emms, you've done it again!

Another brilliant story that has me hopelessly hooked!
I'm very glad to hear there's an update on the way.........
I'm anxious to find out what happens next.

So, when are you going to go professional?
Cause I'd certainly be one of the first in line to buy your books!
And, yes, you really are that good.

I hope your other fics will be seeing updates soon as well.

Take care,

Shy One