Paths Diverged/Divulged

[her BRIGHTeyes]

^^^ Auburn it's okay, i won't watch the Willow/Oz scenes, it's so horrible, I have to look away and put on mute. hehe. *shrugs*



now, about the fic. great job!! more soon?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

she had eyes bright enough to burn me --conor oberst

[JustSkipIt]

Sorry for the delay responding to the great comments. I wrote responses Tuesday at work but kept forgetting to transfer them to my home computer. Finally remembered today:



Washi – Thank you to one of my most loyal readers! I’m so flattered that you found it great end to a great story. I wanted the sand to really symbolize a new start and also that this is “the real world,” rather than a magical event.



No. I’m not planning a sequel to this story. I feel that it’s complete with this and then the epilogue. The family is great and I’ll give them your regards. Thanks.



Arwen276 – Yes, definitely settling in for good. Thanks so much for your emotional reaction. I’m glad to know that my writing and my creation touches people. Thank you for all your great thoughts.



Sabina – Sorry about your computer and about RL getting in the way. On the other hand, sometimes RL is SUCH good thing… Thanks for your kind works. It’s wonderful to have all the feedback that people loved this story and hate to see it end. Thanks for thinking the ending was

beautiful. Thanks for all your thoughts.



wimpy – Ahhh. How sweet. Thanks for all your thoughts. I’m happy to know that it touched you. I’m not planning another story but I will continue to write Please as inspiration strikes. It has always been a joy to write and post on this board.



Aine – Thank you for your kind words. Yes, it’s sad for me to see it end too but it had to: the story I wanted to tell is over and so it

ends.



Jennpurr – Hey. Nice to see you. I hope you are feeling better. Ok, you confused me. You haven’t started to read it but you are struck with a question about Buffy and closure?



In answer to your question though. I hope that the indication of Buffy’s closure is adequate. At the same time, I made a conscious effort to not complete every aspect of this story including what is happening in Willow’s original universe. That was a conscious effort on my part. The thing is that it’s very handy in literature to be able to tie up every loose end. That’s the way we like things. But that’s not really reality. How many times in your life have you wondered what happened to someone? To someone you went to school with or worked with and you never see them again. More intense, how many times have you had a “friend” who appeared to have a falling out with you and you never knew that it was over? Life is like that; we don’t always have answers to our questions.





When I started this story, I had points that I definitely wanted to tie up (Willow definitely staying, Tara’s farmhouse and riding again, Eliza & Michelle becoming engaged) and others that I planned to leave loose(a visit to Sunnydale, Willow’s relationship with her parents, and communication with her own world). I don’t know that if my rationale makes sense but it seemed important to me to leave a few open doors.



Thanks for your comments and questions. Come back and leave more after you finish reading it.



AmbeRocks – I knew that the ending would shock some people. I’ve been trying to communicate in my comments for the last few weeks that the story is almost done but still many people seemed surprised. Thanks for your thoughts and believe that I’ve enjoyed writing this as much as you have enjoyed reading it. Thank you.



shuyaku – Thank you for all your praise and kind words. I’m glad that you enjoyed this update and the meaning behind it. Yes, I can see the unhappy about

Willow’s parents but I think she’s accepted that.



willowtree114 – Hello and welcome. You might want to see my comments to Jennpurr regarding Buffy getting the letter. No Willow will never go back; that was the intent of the final scene, watching the dirt blow away and with it, any possibility of her returning.



na71684 – Thanks. I’m not planning a sequel to this story as I feel that it is complete. But thanks for the hoping.



The Rose24 – Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, you are right that the apartment was a huge commitment – one that Tara obviously recognized at the time. But this is a much larger commitment. Thanks.



barnabasvamp –

Quote:

---

It's always great to see a wonderful story come to an end.

---

That sounds kind of funny but I get what you are saying: thank you. You are exactly right about

Willow’s sacrifice. If you think of it this way, Tara sacrificed all the years that she spent waiting for Willow to arrive.



Romy – Thanks for all your support for all this time. No, this is the true end before the epilogue. I don’t have another sequel planned and feel that this story is over. I hope that they will get them too.



Sammi – Thanks.

I’m glad you liked it and thought it was lovely. I’ll post the epilogue in a few days.



Grimaldi – Thanks. I’m glad that you liked it and that you enjoyed the balance between letting the old gang know what is going on with her and her committing to Tara.



Grace – The family is wonderful. Asher is nearly 3 months old and very precocious. It’s great to be a mother and we’re enjoying it so much! Thanks for asking.



I’m pleased that you enjoyed the ending. Yes, I wanted to solidify her commitment. Thanks for all the great feedback throughout.



Puff – Hey and welcome to catching up. I know the feeling sometimes. Yes, the beginning was dark which is part of my intent. I wanted to show the difference between the darkness of the start and the ending with light and sunshine and fresh

starts. I like your analogy of Willow being Tara’s anchor. I think that by the end, both are the other’s anchor with the way they fit. Thanks.



numbered words – Thanks so much. I’m glad you liked both stories so much. I have enjoyed writing them and sharing them throughout.



mo – Well thanks for expressing your tears.

I look forward to your other feedback.



Insanity – You can believe it. Yes, I always intended to allow Willow to communicate with her friends and let them know that she was happy. And Tara riding seemed to complete the circle and the growth. Thanks for all your wonderful feedback throughout.



russ – Wow, what a cool analysis. You are right though: the story is kind of condensed right here to a

triumph. I wanted this part to emphasize how far both women have come.

Quote:

---

The contrast between Willow's deep thoughts in the first paragraph and the playfulness of the second shows how thorough her commitment is. Knowing she can never go back, that she's burning her bridges, doesn't hold a candle to the prospect of tickling Tara awake.

---

I like that!



I’d say that yes, her friends will be there to get the package. You can assume that anything on this board means that all universes veer from

canon s7.



Yes you are right that Tara’s action is as important as Willow’s. I find that often when someone you love does something fearless, it inspires you to take action and walk into and through your own fear. This is what I feel both women have done and now they can walk together.



Thank you so much for your sincere praise for my story. You are exactly right-I wanted to chose the exact beginning and ending and I hope that everyone likes the Epilogue.



TemperedCynic – That is such a cool way to put it. I think that when I started writing, I wanted to do just that:

Quote:

---

took the horrors of Tara's demise and

transformed that monent into a catalyst for Willow to find Tara in

another dimension.

---

I wanted to be able to heal the loss of Tara in myself and others. I’m glad to hear that it worked for so many

readers. Thanks for your eloquent summary of their beginnings and ends.



willowfan13 – Thanks so much for your praise. I enjoyed having the readers along with me as much as you enjoyed the story. Sorry but no sequel is planned.

Quote:

---

loved the "newclippings" Willow sent to Buffy - here's to hoping they all come true!

---

Finally! Someone said something about the news clippings!



WiccaGirl – Thanks so much. I’m not sure about keeping writing more long works but Please will be an ongoing project as the inspiration strikes.



Grimmy – Wow! There will be more overall feedback after the epilogue? That’s so great. You always offer such insightful and indepth feedback that it is truly a gift to all the Pens writers.

Quote:

---

She didn't have earth from her destanantion I think Will have to go back to the first chapters and re-read a bit.

---

When I said that she checked what she had in her backpack, I always had it in my head and planning that she had the dirt from Buffy’s yard but I didn’t want to point it out because I thought it would be too obvious. Of course not doing so means that 33 parts later, people may be like, “wait? Willow brought dirt with her?” So the answer is yes, she always thought she would be returning so she definitely brought the dirt as a ticket.



Yeah, you are right, she didn’t have anything worthwhile to return to.



No, Tara’s not afraid and it’s a big step for her but she felt compelled by Willow’s actions. Both girls know that they can do greater things together than alone.

Quote:

---

That tent had me wondering, how cold does it get in Texas during winters ? It ain't funny sleeping a tent with temperatures well below zero. It's do-able sure, but it ain't fun.

---

In that part of the state any given night might have a low of about 40 Farenheit or more like 30. I wouldn’t expect anything lower than that except for during a storm. Either way, a warm sleeping bag will do you and I’ve done that before.

Quote:

---

The letter idea was fun, even if Buffy never gets it (unlikely) it will give Willow a sense of peace. It's a one-way letter so if the scoobies want Willow to come they can't tell her, goooood thing that.

---

You are right: in effect the point of the letter is for Willow to feel complete, not her friends. It’s like having a conversation with someone who you can’t really ever see again. As long as you feel good about it, it’s ok.



Thank you, thank you, thank you.



justin – I’m glad you liked the story and the symbolism of the dirt.

Quote:

---

I'm looking forward to the epilogue (and did someone mention a sequel?

---

You did but you might notice that it wasn’t me.



Auburn – I hope you will read it and the epilogue too as they tie it together. Just remember that you can read and reread all the great fics for another dose of W/T lovin. Thank you for your kind words.



her BRIGHTeyes – Welcome. Thanks so much. For your kind words and good advice to Auburn.

---

"Your little will can't do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn't mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you and with you - the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions." - Katagiri Roshi

[JustSkipIt]

Title – Paths Diverged/Divulged Part 37/Epilogue – Dream



Author – JustSkipit - Debra



Spoilers –Season 6



Rating – Part 37 – G



Disclaimer – Guess what… I don’t own W&T, Buffy or the rest of the BtVS crew. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental and fortunate.



Notes - Thank you to all the readers who make writing such a fun experience. While writing this story, my life has changed in ways I could never have imagined. I wish you all magic and joy throughout your days, starting with today.



This story is for Rachel and Asher; my family and my everything.



Thoughts in italics



… about 8 years later…





Willow nuzzled her nose into the soft skin of Tara’s neck, as if she were trying to stay asleep a little longer. Much as they would have liked to stay in bed and snuggle or more, the giggling and whispering from the doorway was too much. Tara’s eyes lit up as she glanced toward the foot of the bed to see the same blue looking back at her.



The witch laughed at her daugher’s predictable question: “Can we make pancakes, mama?” No “good morning,” just “can we make pancakes?”



Leaning over the side of the bed, the blonde gathered five-year-old Becky and her two-year-old brother in her arms and pulled them onto the bed. William looked as if Becky had woken him before coming to their mothers’s room. He dragged his blanket behind him and had his thumb in his mouth. It had only been a few weeks since the toddler had started sleeping in his own room and Tara was half-way surprised that he hadn’t been in bed with them when she and Willow awoke. He immediately resumed his familiar position, snuggling into Willow’s side and mumbling his good morning without removing his thumb from his mouth.



Becky gave quick hugs to her mamas before tugging on Tara’s arm. “Pancakes?” she again asked.



“You better go, sweetie,” Willow teased, “or Ms. Persistent here will keep asking and the rest of us will starve.” As she called the young girl “Ms. Persistent” she began tickling the girl’s ribs.



Tara sighed dramatically before asking her daughter, “Can you take your brother to go potty while I get dressed to make pancakes?”



Becky jumped on the bed clapping her hands before the blonde witch caught her in mid jump and set her on the floor. “Come on,” the child said as she stuck out her hand to take her brother’s free one.



After watching the kids go out of the bedroom toward their bathroom, Tara turned back toward her wife. Placing a hand on Willow’s large stomach she gently asked, “how are you and Buffy-Xander feeling today, my love?”



“Buffy-Xander wants to be a slayer,” Willow groaned, “she or he’s kicking and punching the heck out of my ribs.”



“So I noticed,” Tara smiled. She leaned close to tease, “but how else are we going to get a redhead to keep you company?”



“Pancakes, mama?” Becky persistently asked.



Both women laughed at their daughter’s characteristic single-mindedness. “Sometimes I swear she’s has your g-genetics,” Tara teased as she put her hair back in a band and reached for her cane.



“Leave the baby with me,” Willow smiled, opening her arms to invite William back into bed with her. Tara quickly replaced the toddler and kissed both Willow and the boy on the head before succumbing to Becky’s relentless demands to go downstairs.



As they reached the kitchen Tara watched for a moment as Becky began pulling bowls and spoons from the cabinets for their ritual of making pancakes together. “We’re going to make pancakes just like you did with your mama when you were a little girl,” the child declared knowingly.



“That’s right, baby,” Tara confirmed as she pulled the milk and eggs from the refrigerator.



“And we’ll put in cimminon and nutmeg but we won’t tell anyone and it’s a secret,” Becky whispered.



After pulling a chair to the counter so that Becky could help mix the batter, Tara asked her. “Do you want to go to the office with me today?”



“Are there some puppies there, mama?” the child asked excitedly.



Tara pretended to think for a moment as she handed the girl an egg to crack. “Hmmm, any puppies? Let me think. Puppies? Like baby doggies? I think there might be a few.”



“We should go to your office and we could bring home a really cute puppy and she could sleep on my bed,” Becky suggested.



Tara smiled indulgently at the child. She knew that the girl missed Scooby but Tara and Willow had decided that they didn’t want to simultaneously potty-train William, bring home a new baby, and house-train a puppy. They had told the children that they would get another puppy in a few months. She ruffled the girl’s hair, attempting to gauge how much, or little, of the egg had reached the bowl. “In a few months, sweetie,” she told her daughter.



Becky appeared to think seriously about this before declaring, “I’ll still go to the office with you, mama.”



Tara smiled as she heated the skillet. “Good,” she responded, “we’ll take your brother and we can have lunch.” She knew that Willow needed to finish up a project before beginning her maternity leave and wanted to give the redhead some time. “Hmmm, I wonder what we should do for dinner,” she teased playfully.



“Mama!” Becky shouted immediately, “We have to get Aunt Eliza at the airport! She’s coming for dinner.”



“Oh do we?” the blonde asked playfully. “Well, I guess we should do that then.” The lawyer had called earlier in the week to say that she had an unexpected break between her visit to her family in San Antonio and returning to California.



“Mama?” Becky asked seriously.



“Yes, baby?”



“Do you think that Aunt Eliza is the MOST beautiful woman in the whole entire world?” Becky continued.



Tara giggled as her suspicion that her daughter had a crush on their good friend was confirmed, “well…,” she drawled, “I think that your Ima is the most beautiful woman in the world.”



“But you think that Aunt Eliza is almost as beautiful as Ima?” Becky suggested.



“She’s beautiful,” Tara smiled.



The five-year old seemed to take this as evidence for her next declaration: “When I grow up, I’m going to marry Aunt Eliza.”



Tara was glad that she had not taken a drink of her coffee yet as she giggled at the seriousness of Becky’s commitment. “Don’t you think that Aunt Michelle would be sad if you did that?” she suggested.



“Nope,” Becky answered confidently as if she had thought through her plan, “Yum-yum will marry her.” Again the blonde witch was grateful that she didn’t have a mouthful of coffee. In addition to the double image in her mind of her daughter marrying Eliza and her son marrying Michelle, was the reminder of William’s nickname. When Tara had been pregnant with the boy and then after he had arrived, Becky couldn’t say “William.” Instead her pronunciation had been “yum” for the last syllable and eventually it had been turned into “Yum-yum.” Even Willow and Tara were as likely to call the boy “Yum-yum” as William.



“That’s a thorough plan,” Tara told her daughter, not wanting to discourage her dreaming. “Chocolate or White?” she asked as she held up two cartons of soymilk.



“White,” Becky chose as she pulled two sippie-cups from the cabinet and handed them to her mama. As Tara poured the drinks she suggested, “Should we have a picnic with Ima and Yum-yum?”



“Nic-nic, mama?”



Tara looked up at the sound of William’s voice and reached out to take him from Willow. She gave the redhead an admonishing look as she warned, “You shouldn’t be carrying him, love.”



Willow didn’t even respond to Tara’s admonition. By now it was a joke between the two witches. Each time Tara had been pregnant, Willow had been very protective. Now Tara was returning the favor. “Decaf?” Willow asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.



“Close enough,” Tara answered as she took a sip of her half-caf/half-decaf combination.



“More kicking,” Willow mumbled as she took a drink. After sending the children to carry the silverware and their cups upstairs she leaned over to kiss Tara. “Mmm,” she murmured as she breathed in the scent of the cooking pancakes, “cinnamon and nutmeg.”



“Hey,” Tara protested, “that’s a secret.”



“I have my sources,” the redhead giggled as she started from the room.



“Speaking of your sources,” Tara called out as her daughter came back into the room. A few minutes later the two blondes carried the platter of pancakes and a bowl of fruit into the bedroom.



After William’s passable effort at blessing the food, the family enjoyed their breakfast picnic. Along with their mothers, both children were excited about their new sibling. “Come here,” Tara coaxed as she pulled each child into her lap to clean the syrup from their hands and faces. William squirmed and attempted to get free of the torturous process but Becky sat resignedly on her mother’s lap with an expression that conveyed that she thought this was exactly what a “big girl” would do. After dressing herself and the children, Tara took them on their planned outing while Willow finished her project.



If she had thought about it, either woman might have noticed how this morning was so similar to so many other mornings. If she had thought about it, either woman might have noticed the similarity of this morning to so many dreams. But, if she had thought about it, all either woman was likely to notice was that everything was exactly as it was meant to be.





The End – Thank you.

Oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment

[justin]

that was a wonderful end to a wonderful story



I admit that when I read the first part of the story my initial reaction was but this has been a very enjoyable story, one of the best on the pens



so the only thing left for me to say is I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy

There's more than one way to do it. - The Perl mantra

[littlecrazy80]

A fantastic end to a fantastic story.

I hope that you´ll start a new story. I love your writing style.



*lil´c*

"Okay, we’re here, we’re queer, let’s kick this shit into gear," Five by Five (Taras Shadow)



SweetAmber

[Insanity]

Oh Wow!



They are just cure and sweet and oh so happy together!!!



Three children..

I'm kinda glad, that their life is just perfect!!!

And it seems Becky will keep the traditions *gg*





Debra! This is an awesome story. Thanks for sharing it with us. I will miss the updates and commenting to the story. I was always looking forward to learning more about "your" Willow and Tara(s). But lets finish with : And they lived happily ever after!!!



I hope you and your family will be as happy as W/T are in the epilogue!



Yours Insanity

"Nobody messes with my girl!"Tara, Bargaining

[Washi]

That was SOO sweet! SOO sweet! Seriously, now, that's what fics are supposed to end with, a sweet piece of everyday life.

I loved the Yum-yum nickname, so sweet. A great end to a great fic. You've made us cry, you've made us smile and laugh, truly Kudos.

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



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB



.:Dark-bliss.net :. .:Blink.Flash.Sparkle.:. .:My blog:. .:Blood and Ink:. .:Washi's 70s Site:.

[Arwen276]

Thank You Debra.



Your story has accompanied me throughout a big stretch of time. I can say the same of Y'all. This whole universe you created was wonderful.



The previous part left me teary eyed at the prospect of the story coming to an end.

The epilogue left me elated. Thank you... Path shall be missed, this whole universe will be missed.

But it was a great wrap up.



Can't wait for other stories from you,

and good luck for you and your family.





~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[russ]

First, a comment on the epilogue. How delightful to see W/T happy in their life together. Nice that Willow is keeping the memory of her old friends alive in the new baby's name; I wonder what stories they tell the children about Willow's origins. Becky is delightful, and reminds me of my grandson. You've captured exactly that wanting to be "big" and the tendency to say preposterous and hilarious things in utter seriousness. A beautiful ending to a beautiful story.



It's hard to know what to say here, Debra. The 10 months or so you've been posting this story have been full of much change, sadness and joy. There were times when the Pens stories, yours chief among them, provided a refuge that helped me to cope. Thank you for sharing some of what was happening in your life, at the same time as you brought so much magic and joy to ours. Thank you for writing for us and bringing these wonderful characters to life in a unique and special way. May you and Rachel and Asher be blessed with the joyful lives that Willow and Tara have in this epilogue.



Russ

[Modjadji]

Whew. *makes a passable attempt at regaining her composure, as promised*



Well, you've gone and done it. Absolutely fantastic ending to a beautiful journey. Needless to say it's been quite a ride since I first laid my eyes on Y'all all those months ago. I feel like I've grown up with these fics, like late-adolescent bedtime stories. I'm more than a little sorry to see them go, I must say. Despite that, though, their real genius is that, unlike that bizarre AU story where Willow never went to Texas, the saga is now complete. I found myself saying, "Yes, that's right. That's where they should be."



Between sobbing my eyes out as that little pile of dirt blew away in the breeze and grinning inanely as we finally get to meet those exquisite children, I forget to commend you on the writing skill that makes all this emotion possible. Thank you for giving W/T back to us forever!



Oh, and as an aside, my very first teddy bear's name was William, but I always called him Yum or Yum-Yum. Still have him...my mom knitted him while I was 'percolating', and he's bright yellow for some reason, but still one of my most valued possessions. So bravo on your accurate translation of baby-speak (something I'm sure you'll be getting very good at before too long )



Best wishes for the family and the future!



cheers,

mo.

No matter how short life may seem, it's still the longest thing you'll ever do.

[Puff]

Thank you, that was a wonderful epilogue to your story. I have really enjoyed following this, I shall miss seeing the updates. It was so sweet to read about Willow and Tara's family life in the future.

---

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

[Footman311]

Great end to a great story



This ranks up near the top of my favorite fics and though I'm sad to see it come to an end, it couldn't have ended better.



Bravo!

Lifes a bowl of punch G'head and spike it-Nick Hexum

[wimpy0729]

Hi Debra!



I'm going to keep it simple -- Beautiful ... "meant to be" ... Just beautiful.



Thank you again for such an amazing journey. I'm still checking out your other stories too



Take care, and give your family lots of hugs and kisses from us kittens!



Wimpy

[Apache138]

Debra -



Thanks so much for this story. The writing was beautiful, the scenes/dialogue all flowed together so elegantly.



One question - When Willow was dreaming and heard the phrase "Soft, soft, right, soft", I tried to find the connection and for the life of me - could not. I probably also can't see the forest for the trees, but could you give this poor person a clue. Thanks.



Again - all I can say is "wonderful".



Take care,

Dena

[The Rose24]

This is the end of another legacy. I have definitely enjoyed both of your stories. This is exactly how it should be. W/T living happily ever after with their family.



Are you working on another project?

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[sam darls]

That was so amazing, and so sweet.. . Love sammi xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

[JustSkipIt]

Justin – Thanks so much. I’m glad that you liked it and that you gave it a chance after your initial reaction.



Romy – Thanks so much. As I said, I don’t have any story ideas right now but I appreciate all the encouragement. I’ll keep working on Please as the impulse strikes though.



Insanity – Thanks. Yes, it’s just like their dream (hint, hint…). Tee hee about Becky. Thanks for all your feedback and praise. And for your well wishes.



Washi – Ahhh. That’s what fics should end with? I like that. Thanks for everything.



Arwen276 – Yes, the time has certainly passed while I’ve been writing and y’all’ve been reading. I’m glad that you liked it. Thanks for everything.



russ – That’s a great question: how will they explain the “how did mommy and Ima meet?” one. Tee hee. Glad you like Becky.

Quote:

---

It's hard to know what to say here, Debra. The 10 months or so you've been posting this story have been full of much change, sadness and joy. There were times when the Pens stories, yours chief among them, provided a refuge that helped me to cope.

---

Wow, that is an understatement for me too. I’m glad that I could be part of what helped you cope and hope that others found joy in the story also. Thank you for your blessing.



Modjadji Yes, all those months ago… I love your reaction, that this is right. Very sweet. Thank you for your praise.



That is so great about your bear and his name. :smile Thanks.



Puff – Thanks for your praise and feedback.



Footman311 – Thanks. I’m glad you liked it so much. One of your faves? Awww shucks.



wimpy0729 – Thank you. Enjoy the other stories then.



Apache138 – Thanks for your praise.

Quote:

---

One question - When Willow was dreaming and heard the phrase "Soft, soft, right, soft", I tried to find the connection and for the life of me - could not. I probably also can't see the forest for the trees, but could you give this poor person a clue. Thanks.

---

In “Y’all”, the first time that Willow and Tara sleep together (literally) they both have that thought. Honestly, it’s a scene that didn’t come out as well in the story as it did in my head…



The Rose24 – Awww thanks. I like the idea that it’s how it should be. Right now my chief projects are mothering, working, working out, and reading.



sam darls – Thank you.

Oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment

[LizPuRR]

I'm so sad to see this fic come to an end



I loved it....and I'm gonna miss it....



Heres to you and your amazing stories

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



"Oops, that kind of talk's more appropriate for the bedroom. I apologize."

Alyson Hannigan, That 70's Show

[Grimaldi]

its sad that this story is over, but that was a sweet ending. i really enjoyed reading it

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
Welcome friends, how may I pervert you?

[bluewillowwitch]

Debra ,

How is the family? Everyone doing good? 3 months already! It doesn't seem that it has been that long does it?



I loved the ending. It was perfect! preganat and being all protective. I love Becky and William. Oh and to name the next one either Buffy or Xander. I can't believe the story is over. BTW, you know if you want to write a 3rd part that is okay right?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[tinnakaren]

Hey Debra,



I just wanted to thank you for this story. I've been following it, and WT Season 3 y'all since the beginning and they're both one of my favorites. I haven't left much feedback due to my overwhelming shyness .. but I'm over it now, and sort of felt obligated to tell you that I love your stories and that they've made me all happy-go-lucky on several occasions.

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

Tinna Karen

-tölvunörd í fyrsta ættlið

[sabina]

Hi there



The epilogue was beautiful. It was the perfect end to a really great story.

I wish we could have seen the Scoobies reactions to Willow's letter but I guess it doesn't matter, what matters is that W/T are together and happy and that Buffy and the others know that.



I'm sure going to miss reading the updates of Paths but hopefully you'll keep writing fanfiction.

You'll keep writing, right?

---

"I know I was born and I know that I'll die.

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam

[Betinha]

Hi.



Well my hectic life kept me away from the board for a couple of months and when I finally get some time to catch up on my favourite fic, I find it's ended! But what a ending. The beauty of the last chapter and the epilogue was amazing, as was the entire story. You wrote it beautifully and it was touching to accompany the development of this story and the way you shared it and the important events in your life while it was written. Thank you for sharing it all with us. I will be waiting and hoping to see more of your writing soon. All the best for you, Rachel and Asher and that you may share the love and joy that you have expressed in this epilogue.





I'll just go dry my eyes now...

[numbered words]

that was beautiful. The whole story was beautiful. i think I"m going to have to go back and read the whole thing again sometime. You're a very talented writer and I'm so happy that I've been able to read this story throughout most of it's being written. I'm going to miss looking for updates for it.

Thank you for sharing it with all of us.



-Kristyn

[good2cats]

Hi Debra,
Thanks ever so much was writing yet another wonderful tale.When this story began it was heart breaking I didn't think it possible to arrive at a happy ending but you pulled it together with charm grace and wit.I hope that you will write another when time permits.
Best wishes for you and yours,Karen

[JustSkipIt]

FunGirl – Sorry that you will miss it. Remember, there’s always reading and rereading my fics and the other great ones on this board. Thanks for your praise.



LizPuRR – Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your praise.



Grimaldi – As always, thank you for your kind thoughts.



Grace – The family is wonderful. In fact today I had a semi-holiday with working from home. Perfect day, the baby slept soundly while Rachel made lunch and I worked. Very domestic. Then we went for a hike and got lost for over 2 hours. Great!



I’m glad you liked the ending. Yes, I know that another part would be ok but I’m not planning it. Thanks always.



tinnakaren – I’m glad that you like both stories even if you haven’t left much feedback. Thanks for the praise!



sabina – Glad you liked the epilogue. I wrote it a few months ago and it helped me break through my writer’s block. Yeah, the Scooby reaction would have been good but not necessary for this story. I haven’t decided about what to write next. I’ll continue with Please as inspiration strikes but other than that, have no plans.



Betinha – Sorry for hectic life. I hope it was good hectic. I’m glad you liked the epilogue and the entire ending. And this board was a true gift to me during the events in my real life. I treasure every post and every conversation and wish from all the kittens. Thank you for your blessing.



numbered words – Thank you. I’m glad to hear you would want to read it all again. And I hope you like it as well or better. Thank you so much.



Karen – Thanks so much for your praise. Yes, it ended in a much different position than it started didn’t it? I’m not sure about writing more but the encouragement is wonderful. Thank you.

Oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment

[Always410]

no WAY!



*pouts and sighs* This was sooooo good! And then just..poof! Its gone. Y'all and Paths have been very enjoyable to read. I'm gonna have to go back and read Y'all again.



Keep up the good work!



Jen

Tara: Willow, you are using too much magick. What do you want me to do, sit back and keep my mouth shut?

Willow: Well that'd be a good start.

Tara: (Shocked) If I didn''t love you so damn much I would!

[JustSkipIt]

Thank you so much. I'm glad that you enjoyed both stories. Please read and reread to your heart's content. And don't forget... completed fics Two Days and Turned as well as serial but in progress Please.

Oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment

[Grimlock72]

That W/T would have kids was obvious, but so many already... at least they will never get bored .



Becky was of course adorable, she has her future planned already. Kids that age can indeed be very sure of such things "When I grow up, I'm going to marry Aunt Eliza.", heh... she has something to live for.. lofty goal



It's nice to know that eight years from now Willow and Tara have a fun filled life with lots of kids (I think Tara mentioned that she wanted to have lots of 'm)



As for the overal story; I liked the beginning the most. I like the searching for Tara, the nervousness if everything would work out... Willow finally approaching Tara at her pet-docter job.



Seeing this story continueing from "Y'all" was nice as well, since it seemed to fit. I like stories that play in their own universe so to speak. I liked the way you handled the connection between the two Tara's, what happened to her during the glory period... the paintings and how she painted both her desires and her fears. Nice touch those paintings, even *I* saw the images . I general there was a lot of symbolism in this story that got me, which is rather unique I'll tell you.... I generally don't like symbolism that much so you must have done something right



After that Willow gradually got sucked into everyday life, got a fullfilling job with her pc plan all very nice. Reading about Tara's friends and how they had supported her was also reassuring. As you know I tend to worry about Tara pining for Willow for years on end. Very good to read her friends were there for her when needed.



Lots of other tiny details which were nice, hopefully I mentioned those in the chapter feedback ;-) Lots of emotion in some of those chapters too, I remember Tara burning that final painting she made in her scrapbook, poor Willow... all upset at the image.



I guess all thats left is to copy/paste this chapter into the Word document, pretty big document it is now too Thanks for the story, have lots of fun raising your own familly and hopefully you'll write another story eventually...



Grimmy

--
"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 4/24/04 3:20 pm

[onyxsundrops]

My feedback has been somewhat non-existent throughout the story, but I've finally decided to leave some (a bit late). Anyway, loved the entire story and especially the epilogue. It's good, and I was really glad to see that it ends on a happy note (as if it would be any other way). It is sad to know that the story's over, but I'm sure you're already thinking up something else to grace us with, in addition to your other fics on the board. Overall, thanks for the wonderful story.



Yvonne