Poor Buffy! Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place! (and no, I'm not referring to having William in bed with her ;-))
Slayer dreams have always confounded me. I fear I'm no good with the symbolism either, but can see that she's in some type of limbo between the two worlds. And obviously will have to choose which one to cleave to.
Author's Response: Ooh, dirty. :) Yes, Buffy is definitely in a really troubling situation, and stuck with the memories of two different lives. The choice will be hard. Thanks for letting me know what you think!
Hmm. That's quite an interesting twist, to throw the time change in there as well.
My first thought is that if the badness of her 17th b-day can be avoided in this world, she should stay here. But the slayer dream specifically stated that circumstances in the world she didn't choose to remain in would still exist ~ meaning that Angelus would be left to rampage in the "other" Sunnydale. Okay, I officially have no clue where you're going with this so I'll resolve to stop analyzing ang just hang on for the ride!
Author's Response: Hopefully it'll be a fun ride! Love that you're trying to work out the whys and the hows of this screwed up spell, and glad you liked the twist! Thanks for reading.
Hi! Just found this fic and need to catch up. A great start to an already intriguing tale. I adore past-life and past-times AUs and I've rarely seen a fic set in this time period.
You must write in other fandoms because this can't possibly be your first work! Welcome to the world of Buffyverse authors!
I really enjoyed the prologue with present-day (or late S6) Spike presumably on his way back from Africa and can't wait to see how you weave the tales together.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for reviewing, Thundercat! It's great to hear from you! Aw, and thanks for the welcome : ). I've been in the X-Files fandom for the past few years, but now I'm a total Spuffy obsessor...Glad you liked the prologue! The frame story is indeed circa early season 7.
Not exactly a warm welcome for poor Lizzie. I'd be feeling out of sorts with that bunch as well.
William wells' diary excerpts are very intriguing.....
Thank goodness for Tara, in any time! I see Lizzie is starting to learn to "work within the system". I fear for her when Dawn's lessons come to light.
William's diary entries are heartbreaking. He is obviously a watcher who lost his slayer and feels it to be his fault. Can't wait to meet him within the context of the story.
Loving this. You don't know him quite yet, Lizzie, but just wait a few hundred years or so......
Tara & Warren ~ Ha! Riley Finn! Emma (aka Anya). Hey, the gang's almost all here!
Creepy dream.... perhaps a slayer dream?
Eagerly off to the next chapter......
And heeeeeerrrre's Giles! Yay!
William and Lizzie are every bit as impulsive and stubborn (respectively) as they are in our time. Love it!
I'm so glad I came across this story! Your writing is wonderful, and the story gets more exciting with each chapter. I've no idea how often you update, but I have a hunch I'd better slow down or I'll be disappointed to find I'm at the end of what's written so far.
Author's Response: I've loved reading all of your comments, Thundercat, thank you! I love it that you picked up on the William-Slayer connection so early on and the Emma/Anya. lol I didn't know if anyone would get that one. So happy you're enjoying the story--an update's coming soon! : )
Way to ruin a moment Lizzie...... snails? You couldn't think of any better response to Williams' poetic statement about blood than snails?
Namreg demons are persistent little buggars, aren't they? Especially tough to dislodge once they get their claws in.
Loving this.
Author's Response: Haha Namreg demons...yes. That's actually another word spelled backwards--but I'm not trying to say another about the other word by making it a demon! lol
Lovely interlude, despite Giles' unfortunate timing.
Elizabeth is just blasting through all types of boundaries ~ her own and William's. Hard to imagine her going back to live within the strictures and mores of the town.
Author's Response: Indeed--she's entered her own world now--lengthening the gap between herself and her family. There might be some rough times ahead...
Sweet chapter.
I'm very curious about Uncle Nathaniel and just what his true story is. I'm also quite surprised that Giles agreed so easily to letting Elizabeth stay on. Will we learn what the reaction has been in town to Elizabeth's disappearance and what theories the townsfolk have come up with?
William is a man full of surprises and has led quite a full life for his age.
Author's Response: Nathaniel's story will eventually be revealed--I won't leave you hanging. As for Giles, he has his own agenda...The town will indeed be revisited, and what has gone on in Elizabeth's absence will be explained.
Sounds like a close-to-perfect day to me! Even in this life, they have a training room to share. Loved the lazy ride with Sunshine and Sassy, and the kiss......::sigh:: I'd have a tough time sleeping after that as well.
Whoo Hoo! A girl's first vamp dusting is a very special day.
Very touching diary excerpt, although I wonder how William knew it was Townsend that killed the child? Also, how would Townsend (or any vamp, for that matter) have gotten the baby? I presume it had been tucked up in bed and was not wandering outside after dark on it's own looking to become a vamp snack. No matter, still loving this story to pieces and determined to catch up fully despite knowing I'll have to endure the waits for more as you write it.
Author's Response: That's a good point about Townsend killing the baby...I actually do have an answer, though it shall be forthcoming. Thank you so much for the reviews! I'm really glad you're enjoying the story. : )
Ooooh! A real slayer dream! With Faith/Susan! Awesome,
What in the world caused William to close up like a clam? Just that Elizabeth didn't respond in kind to his sentiments? That doesn't seem fair. Or embarrassment and shame? No, William wasn't shy and seemed very forthright in his actions and desires.
"311 ahead stained with red." Hmmmmm.....
Author's Response: He's just a stupid man. They really can be ridiculous at times. : ) Glad you picked up on the Faithyness!
Oh Yikes! And of course there's no more to read right now..... drat and blast! I loathe the dreaded cliffhanger, but I will try my utmost to be patient until your next update.
The creature reminds me of the Beast from AtS S4. I wouldn't leave the (supposedly) protective circle of salt if I were them. Oh wait, they didn't use salt, they used ashes. Huh. William could be sending Elizabeth running headlong into the critter's clutches but I suppose they've got to do *something*. Can't wait to find out more about this mystery monster.
Author's Response: I'm sorry for the suckiness of that cliffhanger--I'll try to update soon! The Beast parallel was intentional...this creature is quite similar. Actually they did use salt--the "ash" was in reference to the soil or lack thereof. But that's definitely confusing the way it's worded...Thank you so much for all the feedback, Thundercat! You rock!!
Argh! Hopefully *this* time the review will post. Anyway.....
Thank you for revealing William's age in this time! I was very curious.
Lovely, lovely chapter -- despite the terrifying beginning. Seriously, my heart was in my throat the whole time they were being chased by the demon. Very strange that it just vanished.
William's present & future lives collide in his nightmares, as do Elizabeth's in her dreams. I relly appreciate the insight the diary excerpts provide and the clues they offer as to where the story night be going.
Thanks so much for the update. I didn't have to wait long at all for the evil cliffhanger from chapter 14 to be resolved!
Author's Response: Thank you, Thundercat! Yes, the age...I think I mentioned somewhere the year that he was fourteen, but I figured that'd be hard to catch...Yay! Always happy to scare you. : ) Thanks, I'm really glad to hear you've enjoyed William's litle excerpts. Trying to give him a voice in a predominantly Elizabeth story.
Holy hell.... What a powerhouse chapter! Brava!
Where do I start with my thoughts and praise on this? *Loved* the references in Giles' books that helped Elizabeth decode Susan's cryptic message. It also reminded me that this entire story started in quite a different time and place (S6 Spike returning from Africa) and brought the two threads back together again.
William's opening diary entry and his heartfelt words of eternity during his proposal, which tie into Susan's "He'll remember for you" comment in Elizabeth's earlier dream. Wonderful.
The *dreams*! The terrifying glimpse of William the Bloody and Drusilla with commentary by future!Giles. The sick feeling of foreboding that preceded the entrance of the Wethersfield contingent. Oh Elizabeth! Yes, the sex was brilliant (and it always will be - lucky you!), but never let it blind you or allow you to fog out on those gut feelings of doom. I honestly can't blame her, she's new to the "seer" business and the sex *would* be quite distracting, but I just ached for them as it all fell apart when the thugs from Wethersfield broke in.
And finally, those Wethersfield folk! Couldya have made their re-entry into the story any more dramatic? I think not, and I both curse and praise your inventiveness. Hearing 'ole Uncle Nate telling her "not to fear".... yeah, good luck with that, Lizzy.
You'd better post again soon or I'll..... I'll..... Dammit! Don't leave us hanging like this!
Author's Response: Thank you for such a well thought-out review Thundercat! Always look forward to hearing from you! : ) I'm so happy the pieces are making sense and coming together. And it's so awesome to hear that you're finding the thematic connections with where Spike is at the beginning of the story leading to where he will be at the end. haha William!sex would distract me too...Next chapter's coming soon!
My first thought, upon reading the diary excerpt, was that Giles was somehow behind the capture of William. That he had colluded with or simply contacted Nathaniel and betrayed William and Buffy. After all, you have not revealed the details of the existing "agreement" between Nathaniel and Giles. And having Giles be a turncoat with regard to William would harken back (or "forward") to Season 7 history.
My second thought was, shallowly, wondering whether they allowed poor William to dress, or if they took him in chains naked for a day-long ride back to town. I spent several minutes pondering how odd that may have looked - not to mention how uncomfortable it would be for William.
More an observation than than a complaint, but I had to fight to remain in the tale while reading William's casual, almost Spike-ish speech patterns in this chapter. I understand he grew up in the slums of London and is very distraught and resigned at the present moment, what with his life in Nathaniel's hands, but he uses proper Queen's English in his diary even! Hearing him speak so informally and "slang-y" really threw me. Or possibly, it's past my bedtime and I'm being uber-critical. Sorry ~ still happily reading and enjoying.
Author's Response: Interesting theory...I like it. : ) As far as poor William and his nudity--I should have made it clearer, but I meant to imply that yes, after he was torn from Elizabeth, he was allowed time to dress. With William's casual speech--I assume you mean the way he conducted himself in court. I intended the speech there to be in part, defiance, revealing his frustration at this society and not being able to be honest, in his own defense and also to imply that he is simply exhausted. The language in his journal entries is meant to contradict the way he speaks, because he hides his intelligence and his true, more sensitive nature behind a very Spike-ish mask...Thanks for reviewing!
Cripes. Sorry for the multiple postings. Thought my review wasn't going thru at all - not getting the "thank you" message. This site has been acting wonky for me lately.
Just take it as additional feedback for any chapters I missed!
Author's Response: Oh no worries! I'm glad you kept trying! The site's defintely been a little funky lately.
Heartbreaking!
So nice to see the new chapter, and of course it was Giles to the rescue!
Elizabeth played her role in the escape plan admirably ~ for a moment I feared she'd lose herself in William's embrace and allow them to be re-captured (as has happened in *so many* other tales!). I'm pleased that she agreed to Giles' plan without much argument.
I also love the blood bond they formed and of course, revisiting the symbolism of William's words regarding blood and their clasped hands ~ lovely.
I am worried about Elizabeth now. Will she wed Riley as a cover for her pregnancy or will she lay herself on the line and simply hope that Giles and William return in time to save?
Heartbreaking!
So nice to see the new chapter, and of course it was Giles to the rescue!
Elizabeth played her role in the escape plan admirably ~ for a moment I feared she'd lose herself in William's embrace and allow them to be re-captured (as has happened in *so many* other tales!). I'm pleased that she agreed to Giles' plan without much argument.
I also love the blood bond they formed and of course, revisiting the symbolism of William's words regarding blood and their clasped hands ~ lovely.
I am worried about Elizabeth now. Will she wed Riley as a cover for her pregnancy or will she lay herself on the line and simply hope that Giles and William return in time to save?
Author's Response: Thanks for the review, Thundercat! Yep--reliable Giles to the rescue! Elizabeth was indeed willing to give up her present happiness for WIlliam's sake and didn't lose her courage in follwing through...I'm happy you enjoyed their bond and the symbolism behind it--that was actually one of Spike's visions in the prologue, though not sure if anyone remembers that far back....Elizabeth is defintely in a tough situation now--she really is forced to be at the mercy of others.
Welcome back! So glad to see more of this tale. Hope your move went well and that everything is going great for you.
I cried at the desolation Elizabeth feels in this chapter. She knows that it's going end just as it all should be beginning and I feel her pain. I hope that Elijah's fate (surviving, albeit with Giles) in her dream/vision is able to give her some comfort, however small.
Off to finish the chapter....
Author's Response: Thanks for the welcome, and I very much appreciate the well wishes : ) I don't think this move will never end. Oy vey...I love that you were able to feel where Elizabeth is coming from here, and I think the vision did offer some reassurance, though of course not what she would have wanted.
I am broken as well. My eyes are red and swollen. My nose is stuffed up. A pile of damp tissue is next to my keyboard. I, most emphatically, do *not* cry pretty.
But that was worth it. Devastating and beautiful, much like William and Elizabeth themselves. I would have felt cheated if you pulled off a deus ex machina in order to end on a "happily ever after". *That* would ring utterly false. Who read the first 20 chapters of this tale thinking it would turn out blue skies and fluttery birds with William and Elizabeth frolicking back in the Bahamas? Not me.
Glad you broke here for the time being. Gives a chance for the de-puffing cream and eye drops a chance to work! Seriously, this has been a captivating and enchanting tale, and I'm so glad you have the artistic integrity to follow your vision, critics be damned. I'm looking forward to wrapping up this tale and moving on to whatever other gems you offer us.
Author's Response: Now I think I'm going to cry from hearing how moved you were by the chapter! Thank you for the reassurance about the ending--this is where the story needed to go even if it was a bit hard going through with it...I can't thank you enough for all of your feedback! It keeps me fueled! : )
::sniff:: Okay, so we are ending William and Elizabeth's part of this tale in sunny Bermuda, with the blue skies and the fluttering birds.
Willow was a surprise, but Dawn opting to stay on with William wasn't. Once his Niblet, always his Niblet.
I'm really looking forward to the epilogue, and hope you bring it back round to where we started, with Spike, all those chapters ago. That aspect of this story has kept me very intrigued.
Author's Response: Ha well, I just killed the heroine and I'm a sap, so a little bird fluttering was in order. Funny when you mentioned that in your last review, I was like "Well...er, no birds per se..." lol. Epilogue is coming! Had some writer's block with it but hopefully I'll have it finished up soon. Thanks for the comments!
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