On Second Thought

[darkmagicwillow]

The ending was wonderfully sweet for Willow and Tara. You also did a good job of wrapping things up with everyone else and renewing their bonds of friendship, especially Anya.



The Hellmouth greeting cards were hilarious. There were many very funny moments throughout this part, particularly with Buffy and Giles. And Tara was so sneaky and naughty when she found out just what kind of girl Willow was.

--

"Omnia mutantur, nihil interit." -- "Everything changes, but nothing is truly lost."

[pacou]

Wow Antigone



I know, I wasnt around here and saying aloud how much I loved this but now Ive got some time to do so



I LOVED IT!



Thanks for every little word, every "a" and every "e" and every... yeah every single letter



-Viv-

[snuggle79]

*makes a happy sigh* What a great ending!

I can't believe i've missed 3 updates including the end!

I'm so glad that Willow cleared things with Oz and lives happily with her one and only Tara now!

Thanx for this lovely and powerful story!

snuggle79

__________________

"I got so lost"

"I found you, i will always find you"

[Vampivy]

Exceptional conclusion Mary.



Thank you for all your hard work. I’m not a writer myself, not even close. I have a hard enough time expressing myself verbally, so I applaud you for your ability to write such a riveting, beautiful, stunning story. I very much enjoyed reading it. I am very excited to hear you might write more soon, unless I’m wrong. Regardless, I thank you for all your efforts I truly hope they don’t go unrewarded. Once again Thank You Mary. I look forward to reading any of your future projects.



Patty

[Sister Bertrille]

First “oil-of-peppermint enemas” and now “a billboard advertising a hemorrhoid ointment?” Mom, is that you?!



You started out on with a tough premise, and you tamed that premise into an obedient love slave who cleans your house and does a little work around the yard too. Like Secretariat in the Derby (there, I’ve just compared you to a horse!), you began strong – style, plot, imagery, characterization – and managed to get stronger in every aspect as the story progressed. Parabéns!



As for your conclusion, you ended the story in the truest way possible. Earlier I mentioned that I was a bit uneasy with Oz still running around (I would have made the Initiative, or the police, an offer they couldn’t refuse), but you were right – your resolution is much more consistent with Willow’s past affection for Oz and Tara’s “disciplined” nature (although what would she have done had he attacked Willow, I wonder). Man, I have seen too many Steven Seagal movies!



Thank you so much for your lovely story and your thoughtful and indulgent commentary, and I am really looking forward to seeing “what’s on the slab.”



SB

[mscheckmate]

AntigoneUnbound, I'm way late with the praise, but I just wanted to thank you for an incredible story. Add together your beautiful use of the language, perfect characterization, and laugh-out-loud humor, as well as some of the most tender, intimate, passionate, and just flat-out erotic love scenes I've ever read, and "On Second Thought" goes into my W/T fic hall of fame.



Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

Xander: "Tara, nice axing." Tara: "My first."

Edited by: mscheckmate at: 11/23/02 8:12:11 pm

[Tulipp]

I am late in responding to the end of this fic, but I want to echo the praise that others have given. Yes, the humor and the plot and the premise were all fantastic, but let me focus on one thing in particular.



For me, the real star of this story was your characterization, the way you were so careful with Willow's speech patterns and thought patterns and babble patterns and with the loyalty and devotion and enthusiasm and real care that we know she feels for whomever is the object of her love and affection. And, yes, that includes Oz, at least in retrospect, as you show so well during that painful scene between the two of them when Tara is in the hospital.



Someone mentioned that there is a turning point for Willow in this story; we can see the moment when she is forced to leave behind a version of herself that could see love as always safe and lovers as always kind or at least only hurtful by accident. She has to grow up here, and you show a transformation happening that is at once startling and completely natural. I've always wondered about the relationship of some of Willow's canonical behavior--babbling, her occasional little-girl voice--to the trials she goes through. I don't think it's an accident that in season 6, we saw much less of Willow babble than previously.



In fact, we see all these characters from the show at a time of their lives when they are changing the way we all change when we leave home and make our own lives: sometimes the things that define us in the beginning are not the things that define us later on. And one of the things that was perfectly wonderful about this story was the way your characterization changed from beginning to end but remained absolutely true to the characters. That's a rare and subtle achievement.



What a wonderful story. I hope you will be writing another soon.



Edited to clarify a few things and to add a "brava," as I don't think my initial response was nearly as enthusiastic as I meant it to be!

"And I'm eating this banana. Lunchtime be damned!" -- Willow in "Doppelgangland

Edited by: Tulipp at: 11/25/02 12:20:15 pm

[MAISEY12]

Hello Mary,



I loved reading this story and your ending, like all of your updates, was truely perfect.



I especially liked and admired how throughout this fic you continually grasped, IMHO, the true essence of all of the scobbies. Sadly, this is something that ME have completly lost.



Thank you again for writing it, it's been a real pleasure to read it. I hope you may consider writing more W/T fanfic, I for one will certainly read it.





Ann-Marie

[Kalita]

I actually read the whole thing over the last 2 days. Somehow I missed it earlier; let me make up for that with effusive praise!



This was just a wonderful experience. Beautifully loving intimacies, wonderful character notes, sharp comedic moments, and taut drama. And the first thing I've ever read with this particular antagonist - which you pulled off in fine order.



Altogether, a real masterpiece. Bravo.



Kal

"...you can make those two characters as dewey-eyed in love and it would never be too much."

-Chris Golden, on W/T

[Sleek]

Mary,



*sigh*



Such a beautiful ending, a foreshadowing of the happy future and the depiction of the present contentment. You struck the right finale note, nothing hanging, but definitely something that can be continued. (Nudge. Nudge. Sleek looks around, sniffs like a hound for clues for a sequel.)



====

"Yep, every time I think I’ve found my favorite spot on you, I see you from a different angle and I have to head back into the voting booth and recast my ballot."



I think the same could be said about your fic. You have woven all the right elements that I could not decide what aspect of your fic I found compelling and what makes it such a delightful read.

====





You have just about the right amount of Swoon Factor with lines such as these:

====

She suspected that she would have great fun over the next several years finding various ways to convince Tara of just how incredibly beautiful she was… (Sigh)



Willow raised their linked fingers to her lips, and kissed Tara’s hand gently. (A simple act, but the impact was just…sigh…)



Tara looked up at her, eyes bright with unshed tears. "Why does everything you say just melt me? I think I could listen to you read the phone book and you’d make my heart sing." (Now if this wasn't utter adoration I don't know what is. The devotion and adoration between your Willow and Tara was never underplayed or overplayed…it was just…sigh…just right.)

====





Also the movement of your narrative always propels the readers forward. Never static and dull. Like this simple sentence below:

====

From the appearance of the room, she had simply walked through the door and gone into convulsions.

(This is a great way of SHOWING how Tara felt as supposed as to TELLING the reader what she felt. You leave a trail of descriptions behind and allowed the readers to react/respond in their own way. Truly remarkable writing.)

====



And Ofcourse. The impeccable dialogue and the characterization and humor contained within.



These lines below:

====

"Oh yes; Willow won’t get jealous unless you grab my ass."



"Tara! I’m afraid that Willow is rubbing off on you, and oh God don’t I wish I’d picked a different phrase…What I meant was, will it hurt you if I hug you?"

====

..pretty much had me howling with laughter.





Did I mention your great characterization? Oh I just did, did I? Anyway these lines below:

====

Watching the scene, she realized that for all of the orgasms Xander may have given her, Tara had just treated Anya with more humanity than anyone else in the ex-demon’s short mortal life span. (This is a character revelation as realized by another character. Giving the readers a firmer grasp of Willow's changing perceptions of Anya, that may have also swayed the reader's perceptions of Anya as well.)





… Buffy replied, "I think we’re both pretty lucky to have Willow in our lives." Pulling back, she nodded in Willow’s direction. "But don’t let her hear me say that, OK? It sorta undermines the whole ironic teasing thing, you know?" (This dialogue just summarized the kind of friendship Willow and Buffy have. They are both loyal to each other and are both naturals at humoring each other. Well done)

====





So after the gradual build up towards a crescendo, you end with thes lines:

====

"Willow…I can’t believe you chose me."



Willow bent lower until her lips were poised just over Tara’s. "Then let me spend the next sixty or so years convincing you that I did."

====

…and I know I couldn't have asked for a better ending.



Exquisite writing Mary. From start to finish. Keep up the good the work.





All my appreciation,

Sleek

[AntigoneUnbound]

Oh Kittens…How do I appreciate you? I’m no good with numbers, so I won’t even try to count the ways.



I just wanted to respond to the amazing feedback I received after posting the conclusion to "On Second Thought." Then it’s off to the "Completed Fics Archive," if someone can point me the way. Again, I so appreciate everyone’s time and energy in both reading this story and giving me such thoughtful feedback. I’ve started a new piece and should be posting it by the end of this week or early next.



Thanks, hugs, purrs, and kisses to you all!



>>Stef: You’re welcome for the story, and right back ’atcha with the gratitude!



>>Celia: I’m glad you like the final line. It just sorta hit me, outta the blue, and it definitely felt right. Thanks for your kind words and keeping up with this story.



>>Slowontheuptake: I love writing humor, especially in the midst of such angst as our girls often find themselves in. Thanks for your responses, and for reminding me of the whole "Kiss rocks?" query of Willow’s way back when. Cracked me up…



>>LittleM: Glad you liked Buffy here. I’ve grown so annoyed with her that this board and early episodes are about all I can handle. Thanks for writing!



>>MadeinNZ: I’m so glad you enjoyed this! There’s a lot of good writing to choose from in Pens, isn’t there? Thanks for checking this one out.



>>Nickole: Thanks for posting such consistent and positive feedback. I really appreciate it. I hope you enjoy the next story!



>>Sonya: Tingles, eh? Color me humbled…Hold onto your hat, MacDuff—more’s a’comin’!



>>Mollyig: I agree: vixen Tara makes most of us sorta..you know…appreciative… Like you, I enjoy scenes (both here and on TV, though the latter are increasingly hard to come by) where "the gang" comes together and acts in the interest of a member’s happiness. Thank you so much for your consistently kind and thoughtful responses.



>>Sela: I have to say, once again, how much I’ve appreciated your incredible responses and ideas throughout this story. You obviously have a sense of our girls and their unique strengths and struggles. I share your picture of Tara as having been underestimated for a long time. Isn’t it remarkable how easily people misconstrue aggression for strength? Yet I see her as the strongest of them all with regard to emotional resilience and wisdom. You also have remarkable insights into Willow and her centrality (or lack thereof) in previous relationships. Tara is the one person who can really take (and indeed wants) all of who Willow is—the energy, the enthusiasm, the insecurity—and hold that close. Thank you so much, Sela, for your continued reading of this fic and you’re definitely not alone in enjoying the exchange b/w reader and writer!



>>Barnabasvamp: Yeah, the greeting card idea was a fun one for me. And Giles, like Anya, is fun to write b/c he serves as such a foil to the unfettered and free-roaming ids of the group. Thanks a lot for keeping up with this story and for your responses.



>>Grimaldi: You and BV enjoyed the same things—the greeting cards and Giles’ reaction. I’m glad it was a good romp for you! Thanks a lot for reading and writing back.



>>TK’sHeaven: Hey, hope you enjoyed the "2 for 1" Update Special. Thanks for the good thoughts. I certainly considered killing the bastard, but went with the chip (obviously…). I clicked on the image as you suggested and you’re right—it’s a hoot! Nice work.



>>Littlecrazy80: I’ll definitely be writing again; will it be a sequel, or a new plot-line…? Stay tuned! Thanks a lot for all your responses and for keeping up with this story.l



>>Karen: Yeah, I definitely have some feelings about the way the old gang pulled together versus what seems like the raging self-absorption of today’s "show." I’m curious—are you no longer watching out of boycotting, or do you not get UPN? I’ve arranged with a friend who does get that station to tape the episodes, but I definitely feel ambivalent about watching them. I mean, my favorite part is gone, and how many times can you watch (or do you want to watch) Buffy and Spike exchange meaningful glances while Xander prattles on in the background? (Can you tell I have some feelings on the subject?) Anyway, I’ve really appreciated your thoughtful comments and your encouragement throughout this story. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you enjoy the next story.



>>Jixer: Like Karen, you (and a lot of people) responded to the Scooby dynamics as well as the W/T love story. And I can’t remember the last time I was called graceful, what with having had about 205 knee surgeries from softball…so thanks! And thanks, more seriously, for your positive remarks and feedback on all of the chapters. I’ve really appreciated it.



>>JD—Hey you! I always love coming to your feedback, and writing to you in response! And bullets…how Power Point are you?!? Very impressive!

1)Tara’s homecoming—yeah, it was gratifying to write and imagine Buffy being less self-absorbed for a change. And Anya? I’m so glad you caught that dynamic—her sentiments are dead-on honest and a refreshing change from the "OK, we both know that there’s something going on between us that’s affecting our friendship/relationship but let’s not say anything directly, OK, let’s just exchange rueful glances of growing dread and hope it goes away" relationship communication that so many other characters seem to espouse. I also agree entirely with your theory re: her friendship w/ Tara. I think Anya definitely sees Tara as the least prone to human self-delusion and the most genuinely kind person of them all. And it’s no surprise that I didn’t have the boys as rescuers—why do you think I was so addicted to Xena? (Well, there was that leather thing…)

2) The love-making: First of all, enjoy that game! I was actually the beneficiary of said game after a major tournament that left me hobbling and scraped up. Heh. Oh yeah, heh. Willow’s concern over Tara? Definitely wanted that coming through, b/c she’s so filled with lust over this new dish she’s just found, and yet that pales next to her beloved’s well-being. And you’re right—this isn’t the same Willow that would cast a spell w/ such cavalier nonchalance to make the world look as she wanted it. And I’m so glad that the climax ("Big O" and other-wise) felt real and compelling to you, because it IS the promise of something more, the joining of two to make something larger than themselves. It’s the focused attention on someone else and learning her language.

3) Overall: I’m really relieved that the final "I did the right thing" didn’t come off as cliched or contrived. You capture it well: it really is qualitatively different than trying to convince oneself through deductive logic or persuasive dialogue.



JD, I can’t thank you enough for the quality and supportiveness of your feedback. You’ve just been incredible throughout this entire project and seeing your name on the thread always brought a smile to my face. Remember: if you wanna bounce any ideas off of me for your own next work, consider me on-board! You rock, sweetie!



>>Hermitstull: I’m glad that Oz-as-villain worked for you. Like you, I’m intrigued by the notion of white-hats in moral disarray or struggle. Yeah, strong emotion gets used a lot for lots of reasons, but at what point am I responsible for my actions regardless of the degree and legitimacy of my pain? I’m also glad you like the character depictions. Giles was a lot of fun to write, because he has such a qualitatively different feel to his humor and outlook. I was really struck by how many people have commented on missing loyal-friend Buffy the last 2-3 years. Thanks a lot for writing; I really appreciate it. Hope you like the next story.



>>VampNo12: Oh, good soul, you’re another Kitten whose name I absolutely love to see on the thread—on any thread, for that matter, b/c your comments are always so thoughtful. It seems that you and I both live and die by characters: Do they seem real to us, and do we give a rat’s ass about them? It’s been sad to see how many people have found the characters less engaging over the past 2 years—like watching a beloved niece join an organized crime syndicate or, even worse, a far-right religious group. You’re definitely right about Willow’s ongoing appreciation of ALL of Tara’s attributes. Who of us WOULDN’T be excited about such an ongoing treasure hunt? As for the sexuality—I’m immensely glad and relieved that it struck the chords it did. I wanted it to be sensual, but I also wanted the graphic elements to have an emotional twin that was apparent to the readers. You’re right—they’re definitely in touch with the other’s needs and desires, and that’s not a difficult energy expenditure for them: it’s just how they HAVE to love each other; it’s how they experience their love.

        Thanks so much, kind wise one, for keeping up with this fic and for the incredible feedback and support you’ve given throughout. You’re a great Kitten!



>>Ruby: Hey, glad you liked the Mounds joke! It was crackin’ me up in the wee hours when I wrote it! And your feedback is always "considerate [and] literate"—you just convey it in various ways each time! Thanks so much for your responses and certainly for helping me with my laying problem. (YOU know the one…) Thanks again!



>>Bagheera: What kind words! I’m especially heartened by the humor/horror balance you think I struck, b/c that was definitely a prevailing goal of mine. Now all I have to do is figure out what a "big, big six over mid-wicket" is. I’m assuming it’s cricket…I don’t know exactly WHAT it is, but I do know that I’ve been walking a little taller and prouder ever since you wrote it, so thanks! And thanks, again, for all the support you’ve given me in this endeavor. Your patient, non-sneering instructions on using the EZ board and general posting considerations were so very helpful; and of course, your comments here have been invariably thoughtful and supportive. Now I just look forward to more of "Night Maneuvers"!



>>Sara: I’ve been so touched by your responses, because they speak to being moved by the characters, and that’s so invaluable to me. It sounds like you and your girlfriend have some powerful stuff going on, and I hope you’re enjoying it immensely. And please don’t minimize your feedback—sometimes eloquence is used as a device to cover a lack of true sentiment, and the honesty and thoughtfulness of your responses spoke powerfully of your ability to register things at a deep level. I appreciate the time that you’ve taken throughout this story to let me know how you liked it and to point out what worked for you. That’s more eloquent than perhaps you know. Thanks, Sara, for the time and the heart!



>>Nika: Glad you liked the ending. Thanks for writing.



>>Rose24: Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I’m on a different story now—hope you enjoy it. Thanks again for writing.



>>Hush30: Thanks for selling your partner on the story—I hope she enjoyed it if she’s had the chance to read it! I was relieved that the Willow/Oz dialogue worked for you—it was a tough chapter to write (as was Chapter 8), so it’s helpful to hear that it worked for some people. Yeah, it felt important to clarify that Willow would have ended up w/ Tara regardless of Oz’s presence or absence. You’re right—it’s not cruelty, it’s honesty in the hopes of long-term decline of regret. It’s also a statement of her integrity to her relationship w/ Tara: she won’t collude w/ any insinuation or belief that she and Tara would have been kept apart by anyone or anything else. Finally, like a lot of other Kittens you mentioned enjoying the connection w/ the Scoobies. We’ve all missed that, haven’t we? I’m glad you liked the humor—it was the easiest part for me to write and I’m glad it worked. So…That sounds like one hell of a stats exam…Your Honors program IS different from the US system, which is typically just an advanced course of study for undergraduate/baccalaureate students (before graduation). Sounds like a very difficult, arduous program…Is it comparable to grad school in the US? I’d be curious to hear where you’re going with it. And no, I certainly don’t think you’re illiterate for having a different spelling, and anyone who would should just have their marrow sucked out by a Lei’ach demon. Thanks a lot for your comments—they’ve been so thoughtful and supportive. I really appreciate it.



>>Zahir: Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, it felt very important to note Willow’s absolute belief in the ultimate rightness and inevitability of her relationship w/ Tara. I’ve really appreciated the time and thought that went into your comments; thank you, immensely.



>>Jenny: I have to say, I love your phrase: "stoic butchness"! I also immensely enjoyed your "take" on Anya. I’ve never heard of the phrase "humanity quester"—would you be willing to explain it to me? Like you, I see her as having such fundamental honesty …You know when she doesn’t like you, but you also knows when she does, and why she does. JD also feels that connection you do b/w Tara and Anya, for much the same reasons. Thanks so much for your supportive comments and thoughtful observations—I’ve really appreciated them.



>>Allyson: Thanks for the nice words! Hope you like the next story.



>>Insanity: Yes, it’s over; yet its sibling is on her way. And hey—our girls deserve all the laughter and monkey-lovin’ they can get! Thanks for keeping up with this story!



>>DarkMagicWillow: Glad you liked the Hellmouth greeting cards. Don’t you think they should have some? What a sure-fire business venture! I’m also glad the wrap-up resonated with you; I definitely like having Anya there both as clarifier of others’ unspoken thoughts and feelings, and for her own, intrinsic worth. Thanks so much for writing.



>>Pacou: Wow…thanks for every single letter? You’re most certainly welcome! I’m so glad you liked the story—thanks for letting me know!



>>Snuggle79: Thank you so much for your consistency and your warm responses. I always enjoyed seeing your VERY appealing avatar on the thread!



>>>>Patty: Your words make me doubt your assessment of your verbal skills, kind Kitten…Thank you for keeping up with this story and for your consistently supportive and insightful comments. Yeah, I’m climbing back into the literary saddle pretty soon…Wish me luck! Thanks again for writing; I appreciate it.



>>SlayerSydney: Once again, I have to say how many people talk about missing the characters they originally fell in love with…Glad I (and other Kittens) could help ease the loss a little bit, but isn’t it sad they were taken away in the first place? I love your reference to Season Sux—that’s the most succinctly apt description I’ve encountered. Yeah, I was thinking about that too, when I wrote the scene of Willow’s panic at the thought of losing Tara. Thanks a lot for writing; you’ve been a kind and supportive Kitten.



>>SB: Yes, Bertrille, ’tis I, your mother. Now drink your castor oil and stop thinking those lesbian thoughts. Thanks for the obedient love slave reference—any thoughts on how to translate premises into paramours? And no sweat on the horse reference—they’re my favorite animal and let’s face it, Secretariat (like Miss Kitty Fantastico’s cuteness) just re-set the scale. On the slightly more serious side, I really did wrestle w/ what to do about Oz, and ultimately I went with something that felt more in character w/ Willow’s nature (as I see it) than long-term plot stability. You also make a very good point about Tara’s gentleness going on an extended hiatus when Willow’s threatened. Had Oz hurt Willow instead of Tara, I suspect the latter would have had no qualms about disemboweling as a communication strategy. Insofar as the slab is concerned, I will eagerly invite you up to the lab as soon as I remove the sheet. (Er, you know what I mean…) Thanks a lot, SB, for your insightful and incredibly, sublimely witty responses. It’s always a pleasure to see your moniker on the screen. I really do appreciate your feedback.



>>mscheckmate: Hey, no sweat on the timing. I’m just thankful that you checked this out and took the time to write. I’m honored to read the Hall of Fame reference, b/c there’s some incredible stuff on this site, isn’t there? Thanks a lot for the kind words.



>>Tulipp: Ah, what can one say to one so literate as you? I struggle for words…In all seriousness, though, your ongoing feedback (knowing how well you write) was extremely helpful and meaningful to me. Like a number of other Kittens, it seems you and I both need the characters to ring true before we give a damn about what happens to them, no matter how ingenious the plot is. I agree that Willow reaches a turning point in this story, and one from which there’s no easy return (not that she would want to). Her cute babbling is endearing up to a point, but past that it become (at least for me) grating and unrealistic. I think that few things would (or should) provoke that maturity more than the peril of her mate. Thank you for keeping up with this story and for sharing your ideas with me and the other readers. Your words have a lot of power.



>>Ann-Marie: Thanks so much for following this fic and for the supportive comments you’ve passed on to me. Like you, I miss who these characters have become. Their chronological development hardly seems proportional to their emotional maturity. Thanks again for writing.



>>Kal: Wow…you can bring on the effusive praise any time you want to! I so appreciate the specificity of your comments, esp. since they resonate with what I most wanted to convey. I struggled with making Oz an antagonist vs. an innocent, hurt bystander—I’m glad it worked for you. Say, do you do any writing yourself? I’d love to see it.



>>Sleek: And how appropriate, dear Sleek, that your comment is the final word…As ever, your feedback puts a smile on my face and spring in my typin’ little fingers. (Loved the image of you sniffing like a hound for clues about a sequel!) You obviously took such time to spell out what worked for you in this story, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I have to say, I loved writing the "swoon factor"! I think there’s a sometimes-delicate balance b/w swoon induction and faint nausea from hyperbolized devotion. I guess I’m a big fan of the "less is more" school (not to be confused with the Manchester Academy of Bondage and Domination—I think Ruth’s working on the school insignia and sweatshirts). More than anything, I’m glad the characterizations felt on-target to you, and that the dialogue sounded real. You do that really well in "Finding You" and I know that it just gets readers involved so much more deeply than caricatures and/or leaden verbal exchanges. Thank you so much, Sleek, for following this story so closely and for offering such incredibly supportive feedback on such a consistent basis. You rock my literary world!



So, Kittens—one last favor to ask of you: How do I send this over to the completed fics archive? I don’t want to bump this thread to find out, so if anyone knows, please send me a private e-mail and I’ll gift-wrap it, kiss it goodbye, and send it out into the computer beyond.



Thanks again!

Mary

[xita]

New to the archive! You can still leave feedback!

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

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

Edited by: xita  at: 12/11/02 1:18:11 am

[lipkandy]

hey mary,

ack! I was in the process of leaving very belated feedback when this got moved to the archives. scary, scary...



I just wanted to add my bravas and huzzahs to the well-deserved tsunami of praise. not only was this fic beautifully written and conceived it was brave. dealing with the darker side of some well-loved characters (Oz) is always tricky and sometimes downright dangerous, but you handled it beautifully... and plausibly IMO. it's so tricky to deal with that inner demon and to admit that sometimes even the best people give in to it. and, as always, your spot-on characterization of Willow makes this willow-phile forever happy and grateful.



anyway, you deserve a special prize along with the mods of the Pens for not only your incredible fic contribution but for all the insightful and intelligent feedback you provide to so many writers.

I just hope for more, more, more.... (especially the fic



Thanks again,

melissa

[Puff]

So I really can't believe I missed this whole story when it wa son the main board but what a treat to read it completed. The only thing wrong was the whole time I was reading I was aware that there would be an ending. It was marvellous though, wonderful plot, characters, dialogue, emotional rollercoaster content. I really loved it.



I really hope you decide to write another story someday, I know if you do then I'll be reading it. Thank you for the entertaining afternoon

---

I could crap a better existence than this.
My view on season severed.

[doofus68uk]

I'm so glad if found this on the Completed Fics and thus avoided that terrible chewing off of my hands if I'd have to wait for an update. Of course, as soon as I see your next story on Pens I'm so in trouble (unless you update every few hours - that's fair, right?)[br][br]Anyway thanks for a gripping and entertaining read - you are very much in my group of elite Kitten writers to watch out for.[br]Lisa

"Gosh,look at THOSE!" (Dopplegangland)

[veronsmygirl]

and so beautiful..something tells me your speaking from experience,,you should definatley be published your writeing is quite unique

[WillAndTara4ever]

ooooh I love it I love it I looooove it!! That was a great, wonderful story! Always knew Will was a breast gal

[ukxenafan]

Just read this story and wanted to add my hearty congratulations and thanks for a fabulous story. Loved the setup but most of all the dialogue - I could really hear the actors saying the words, especially the quips and humour! This is one of the very best W/T fanfics IMO..



Thanks a lot and I'll look out for more of your work - definitely!!

Edited by: ukxenafan at: 1/4/03 6:18:42 pm

[JustSkipIt]

Hi. I just read the entire thing. Totally amazing. I love the beauty and tragedy. Everyone warns for angst but I can't remember reading such angst as the first few parts. The incredible pain Willow feels over here choice and over the fact that she can't be with Tara is just crushing.

Then the shift when they make love and are together and in love is hot and beautiful. Although I didn't like the incorporation of such an evil Oz, I can see the why and it did create beauty for our girls.

But most spectacularly is your speaking by the characters. They say the greatest, funniest, and most intriguing things. YOu hit them on the head and some too far but hysterical and catchy. I loved it. Great job. Debra

---

"War may be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary it is always evil." - President Jimmy Carter after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize

[diamondgrl]

This is one of my most favorite fics and trust me I have read alot. and their love for eachother shone so much with the protectivness! and of course loved the smut Wonderful awesomely made fic.

[EyesLie]

I too, just finished reading the entire thing, and to echo, everyone else. I loved it! I think you totally captured everyone's character, 'specially loved the dialogue! (i.e. Willow offering to kill Buffy ) It stuck w/me (the dialogue), I don't think I'll be able to resist quoting you on my sig. You won't mind?

I think what totally made this story worth it though (for me anyway) was that you took Oz, (who I will always have eternall love & devotion for, though of course only as a second to my Tara) and made me want to hurt him. But, no that's a good thing, most people who make Oz out to be evil, don't succeed in making it believable, you did. As for the W/T moments, this is me sending you my love .

'K, bye now

"'God Baby, I love how you paint things, how you make me see your world' She called me 'Baby'. So, that's one of her pet names for me. We have pet names!"
-On Second Thought, by AntigoneUnbound

[walker]

That was a fantastic fic. I just read it from beginning to end and I just couldn't tear myself away from it. Your depiction of Tara was wonderful. I think you got her humour spot on.

"See, that's where you're a dummy. I think about what you grew up with, and then I look at what you are. It makes me proud. It makes me love you more." - Willow

[bluewillowwitch]

Hey, love the fic. I think I would have like to see something like this actually have taken place on the show. and are just ment to be together and I think the fact that you showed the struggle of being apart really hit that home.





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"Human kind can not bear much reality."----T.S. Eliot

[dslagel64]

Hi there!



I was revisiting this wonderful story when I noticed to my dismay that in the past few days, maybe after the EZ Board Reset Ad Infinatum, 2 chapters are now truncated.



Part 4 on page 5 is now missing a hilarious parting quip by Giles to Xander.



Also missing is the end to part 5 on page 7.



Is there any way these could be restored to their complete glory?



Many thanks, by the way, for this great story!

Edited by: dslagel64 at: 4/1/03 6:49:34 pm

[theWTspell]

noticed the chopped up chapters too. i want my funny giles loin line!!! :D



-stacy

[primalfigure]

I'm speechless, Unable to think, or even type well. My fingers are numb and my eyes won't focus. I've read the whole story, cried, laughed, giggled, been silent with wistful feelings, been silent with naughty feelings. All in one VERY WELL WRITTEN Fiction. You my dear AntigoneUnbound have a gift, a gift to convey emotion beyond mere words. I sit silent in awe. Please write another when you can I look forward to reading whatever you put your typing skills towards.

[Brin Londo5]

To quote Keanu: "......whoa......"



This blew me away. As a straight male, okay, occaisionally I found myself echoing Xander Giles, and Riley a few times, even as I was rolling on the floor laughing (esp. at Anya....her overly detailed descriptions always make me smile!) . But hey, you managed to nail everyone so perfectly.....damn, I have no words. Way too Keanu for me. (that's a big, BIG "whoa")



thank you.

Brin Londo5
Horseman of Debauchery
Cage Barbarian and Unofficial Cage Barkeep
"COME GET SOME!"

[TinyWillow]

I'm loving it so far, but chapters 4 and 5 are still missing the end. Help!

[Tinkerbella1]

Heya there Mary! Well, I have (finally) just read your whole fic (I'm a bit slow on the uptake )... To echo Brin Londo, but to alter the origins of the quote slightly: May I just say *Puts hands out to steady self*, to quote Rachel from Friends "Whooooaaaaa!!!"



I have a few things I could say with the feedback thing (don't know if you still want feedback?).... You said something about sending you a private email - but, your email's listed as private? So.... I dunno



Just to say this now: I greatly appreciate the time and effort (and ....practice? ) you put into writing this fic. I know writing aint easy! I also appreciate that you obviously have a deep....(to use the word again) appreciation , passion and affinity for these two divine characters. So thanks for writing this.



Hey! This is my very first post on this board I have a couple of Amberholic friends? who frequent this board (you know who you are) - *waves*

[lil evil911]

wow, i gotta say that was a great fic. I write some fics, but they dont even come close to that. I am truely impressed. lil evil911