The Art of Burning Bridges

[DreamLover]

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

sigh romantic sigh I think you broke me

I have a big ? a really big ? Are you planing to tease us for a reaaaallllllly long time? Don't get me wrong you know I love it... and I will love it........just you are driving me crazy with those little steps.

Could you maybe let them kiss? A sneaky kiss .... maybe one of them wakes up and gives the other a little kiss on the cheek or shoulder....ok i know it isn't the time for that yet... how about a hug there is no harm in that right??

So what will happen next Em.... do tell....I'm impatient...I can't help it.

Henny

[Graceland]

Guests are like fish…after a few days…they all start to stink.

Benjamin Franklin?

[Emms]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to leave a note to let you all know where the next update stands. It's nearly finished. There are just a few minor tweaks I need to make to it, but it should be ready to be edited by tonight.

xoxo
Emms

[hermitfish]

Hi-ya Emms...

I'm not exactly sure how I missed the last update until now but you have my heartfelt sorry for the reply delay.

*sigh*

I love this story. It is engrossing. It is vivid. It is unique.

The beginnings of their relationship are written so...um delicately magical I guess. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it. The depth of detail you put into nonverbal actions is wonderful.

Like so many others I eagerly await the ensuing conflict that you have already suggested but at the same time I just want to see them flow gently closer without it. Thanks so much for this.

~Cyd

[Emms]

Hi everyone! I'll have to post replies on Saturday....but I wanted to get the update out to you, cause I know there are some of you that have been waiting an extra long time for it.

Oh and....sorry about the shortness of the chapter. I had more...but I wasn't really feeling it and I didn't want to rush things.

All Disclaimers Apply

The Art of Burning Bridges: Chapter Eight



"Are you going to tell me who this mystery woman is, or am I going to have to keep getting my information from the children?" Lana broke the ice as the two of them squatted just along the edge of the water-pit. They were taking advantage of the early morning sunlight to wash a few key pieces of wardrobe. "I heard that you were seen parading around against the black of night, with a lithe little nymph of some kind or another." Lana teased her daughter, tugging gently on Tara's thick, blonde braid. She didn't really know what to make of the children's tales, but she did suspect that there was some modicum of truth to their chatter.


Tara kneaded the pants that she had taken from Willow this morning while the redhead slept. Tara crunched the material in her hands, before pressing it against the washing-stone. Sloshing the pants back and forth in the water, Tara wrung them again and again in her hands until she could feel the water reddening her skin . It stung, but in a good way. At least she was thinking about Willow less and less the more her hands ached. Tara didn't know if she wanted to talk about Willow just yet. It wasn't that she was trying to keep anything from her mother, she just.... didn't know what to say on the subject...mostly because most of everything concerning Willow was still a mystery to her. "I have never known you to listen to idle gossip, Lana," Tara said, dodging a curious glance from her mother. Tara offered a smile to make up for the evasion.


"Only when my daughter is concerned," Lana said as she took another shirt from the pile of clothes on the ground. "The beating of the Hammock trees has come to an end." Lana spoke nonchalantly, deciding to leave the subject of Tara's night travels for another occasion. It was her philosophy that things had a tendency to work themselves out before too long. She was in no hurry to extract information from her daughter if the time wasn't right to do so. Besides, there was another subject that Lana intended to discuss.


"I hadn't noticed." Tara pretended to be uninterested in talk of the upcoming Woman Ritual. She had already decided not to participate, so she saw no reason for her to agree to it now. Even Lana couldn't change her mind this time, Tara was certain. Still, there was something in her mother's voice that made her to keep her tongue on the subject.

"Have you chosen a partner for the ritual?" Lana asked, eyeing Tara curiously.

"No." Tara stated simply, hoping that Lana would leave it at that, even though Tara knew better.

"What about Anya?" Lana suggested. Tara had performed the Woman Ritual many times with Anya. They had been best friends since childhood and had always chosen each other when time for the ritual rolled around; she didn't see a reason why it should be any different this time. Even so, Lana knew more than she was letting on. She knew Tara had been pulling away from the group, becoming introverted in a way that she had never seen before. Lana chalked it up to knowing her daughter too well, because there were no outward signs of this behavior in Tara's conduct. Tara had always been a quiet child, one to keep to herself on occasion, but Lana had never sensed this feeling of isolation that she felt from Tara now. It worried Lana.


"Maybe. You know how busy she has been lately." Tara sounded nonchalant, even to her own ears.

"Yes, this is true." Lana flattened a newly cleaned shirt onto one of the many drying stones that surrounded them. "She came to see your mother earlier this morning." Lana tried to sound chipper, but she couldn't help the small fleck of pain that entered her voice at the mention of her the woman she loved.

Tara paused in her work. "D-did something h-happen?" She gripped Willow's pants so tightly in her fingers that she could see the whites of her knuckles through the redness of her skin. She waited for Lana to speak.

"No, Sweetness." Lana touched Tara's cheek and chuckled. "I have a mind to go in and rescue Soma at times though. You know how Anya can be. " Lana took another shirt form the pile, but the smile on her face felt worn and inadequate.

"Yes." Tara smiled at her friend's reputation before setting back to the task at hand. Tara kneaded Willow's pants against the rock again. "Actually, I haven't decided if I'm going to participate in the ritual this cycle." Tara sighed, knowing that she had to come right out and say what was in her heart.

"Oh?" Lana couldn't say that she was surprised, she had known for some time that Tara had been feeling disillusioned. Lana blamed herself for not bringing up the subject sooner, but with Soma ill there really had not been time left over for that much needed conversation to occur. Still Lana blamed herself.

"Forgive me, Lana. I mean no disrespect to the elders or to you, but, I've found myself in quite a state with regards to the woman ritual." Tara bit her bottom lip.


"Tara, do you think I want you to participate in the ritual, because I think it holds some mystic power in and of itself?" Lana stopped what she was doing to look seriously into Tara's eyes. "You must truly believe that I had lived the beginning of my life in a cave, cut off from the outside world." Lana let out a ragged breath.


"I don't think that, Lana..." Tara adjusted herself on the stone so that she was facing her mother. "You and Mama always told me from the time I was this high" – Tara held her hand out in front of her indicating the height of a small child – "to think for myself and not to simply believe everything people say to me." Tara took both of Lana's warm hands between her own. "Everyone believes that the Woman Ritual has mystical power to protect us against the Marauders but I don't believe that."


"Tara, I don't want you to participate in the rituals because I think it's some kind of magical cure. I want you to participate so that you can feel as a part of the group again. Do you think I haven't been witness to the way you have been receding?"

Tara looked down at her hands.

"What is wrong, Sweetness? Is this about Soma? Is it because you will be looked to for guidance, once the time comes?" Lana asked; understanding graced the corners of her eyes. She desperately wanted her daughter to confide in her, but she could tell that pushing Tara would do no good. Lana squeezed Tara's hands in her own before withdrawing.


Tara didn't answer. Her greatest fear in life was that she would disappoint her parents and she was afraid now that she might say something that would make them see her differently.


Lana spoke softly "Tara, I can't force you to do anything you don't want to do. Soma and I have always wanted you to think for yourself and to be your own person, but that doesn't mean that you should cut yourself off from the people that love you."


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Willow woke up alone. She reached for her pants, feeling suddenly very vulnerable. Daylight streamed in around the curtain. Her groping hand came up empty and a visual scan of the room provided no better results. Her pants were apparently missing. They were gone, vanished, lost, mislaid, AWOL and any other word that meant the same. Willow felt suddenly very vulnerable, and she knew it wasn't just because of the disappearance of her pants. She was feeling vulnerable because she had allowed her guard to weaken and now she was feeling helpless. Willow sighed, she was finding it hard to find anger, there was something was something almost comedic in her predicament.


Willow was still wondering on the disappearance of her pants when the curtain parted and Tara stood silhouetted against the bright light of morning. "I knew they were dirty...but...I hadn't expected them to sprout legs and make a break for it in the middle of the night...it's a shame too, we have been through so much together..." Willow sat back on her hands, and was aware that the heavy wool of the blanket barely covered her, but she felt no shyness in the knowledge, which seemed fairly strange to her after the hard time she'd had taking them off the previous night.


Tara swallowed the lump that had arisen in her throat at the sight of the redhead barely clad, and was confused for a moment before she realized what Willow must have been talking about. "Oh your pants!" Tara covered her mouth with her hand. "I washed them for you. I had hoped to be back before you woke up. You were sleeping so soundly, I thought I would have plenty of time." Tara kept her hand over her mouth, while the other palm cradled the lightweight stone slab in her hand.


"Where are they then?" Willow lifted her brow when Tara made no move to hand over the missing clothing.


"Drying on a stone down by the water pit. I could keep you company while you wait for them," Tara offered; she hoped that Willow would agree to this given the current state of her undress.


"I should think so, after all it's you who has done away with my pants in the first place." A small smile turned the corners of Willow's lips upward the slightest amount.


"I brought you some food...just in case you were awake." Tara stretched the slab she had been holding out for Willow to take, her hand trembled in the process. The cooked Pontoo eggs stuck to the rough textured stone and Tara was grateful for that; had it been any other surface, the food surly would have taken a tumble. Tara disappeared back through the curtain, but returned momentarily with the Pragmartin milk. "It's not much..." Tara apologized, handing the drink to Willow.


"Thank you." Willow said, taking the drink from Tara. Their fingers met along the cylinder of metal, housing the milk. Willow moved her fingers so abruptly that she nearly lost the drink all together. She caught the drink rather awkwardly just before it slipped completely out of her grasp. There was a moment as their gazed locked, but Willow looked away, and the moment passed.

TBC

[DreamLover]

I wanted to be first ..... so ummm .... back in a little.... going to read now.... bad bad bad Henny or smart smart Henny

Runs back..... I'm back....

Well it is a little short ....but I loved it .... I forgive y lol....
Wooohooooo I can't help it...... I so needed to do that....UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really like Lana she is pretty cool for a mom. And she is right pushing Tara to hard will push her further away. She is a smart lady and caring.

Are you sure Willow's pants are all right I mean Tara was pretty harsh with them..... and you know Willow's pants well we cant have Willow without her pants. Well for a few reasons it can but we aren't talking about that now... the little kids aren't sleeping jet

Tara is so in love with Willow .... when does she find out that she is ssoooo mega in love with her? Will she be scared? I know she knows about the love between woman .... heeee two moms but still.... these feelings are new for her. Will she go to Lana and talk about them...cry...laugh what ever feeling will come out. Will her other mom Soma find out that her daughter is in love so she still can be happy for her? Will she meet Willow? Will she talk to Willow and warn her to take good care of her little bundle of joy Tara.... even if Willow doesn't know about Tara's feelings...and her own.... I know I know I have to wait...I'm just wondering and trying to get a hint... can y blame me for trying? OOOOOOOooooo!!!!!!!! are they going to marry on the end of the story. Will there be a sequel... about them when they are married and expecting there own little baby?

Shy Tara seeing nearly naked Willow that was so cute.... lucky for her there is a thing as sticky food.
And Willow was so clumsy with the milk. What was all that about? Was that a moment!!!! I think so.

Well I loved it Emms and thank you for the new update.

Take care of yourself,
Henny

[watersong84]

Yay!

I really loved Tara and Lana's conversation in this update. It showed so much about both of them - Lana, the loving mother and lover who has way, way too much to worry about right now, and Tara, who is pulling away from everyone, it seems. The only person Tara is not pulling away from at the moment is Willow, even though she does not really know the first thing about her.

"I knew they were dirty...but...I hadn't expected them to sprout legs and make a break for it in the middle of the night...it's a shame too, we have been through so much together..."

Hehe. I hadn't been expecting comedy, but then, poof! Comedy!

Their fingers met along the cylinder of metal, housing the milk. Willow moved her fingers so abruptly that she nearly lost the drink all together. She caught the drink rather awkwardly just before it slipped completely out of her grasp. There was a moment as their gazed locked, but Willow looked away, and the moment passed.

Oh man. It's gonna be a while until we get any Willow/Tara lovin' isn't it?

-Alyssa

[Emms]

Hi everyone! Here are the replies to feedback left on the previous chapter.

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beanie

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

I love when things like that happen!

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

None. No harm at all.

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

I can say without a doubt that it was indeed deliberate. I love symbolism and I use it a lot, such as the trees; the represent the possibility for stability and growth while in opposition, the Shintys temporary dirt "houses" represent their inability to take hold of that stability to use it for the good of their people.

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

Thank you

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

And thank you again

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Teddy

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

Thank you. I've never been in an unfamiliar culture myself, but I tried to put myself into that situation mentally. It's good to know I came up with something that sounded and felt right.

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

Awwe, thanks again sweetie. I knew that I wanted Tara to stutter (cause it's just so her personality) but I also knew that since she didn't have an abusive family I would have to come up with a new explaination. The Cave Clan explaination just seemed natural so I went with that.

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

I'm gald.....because I feel a journey approaching. I'm thinking something long and on foot...and just right for working out any conflict that might arise between them (have I said too much?)

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CrazyTaraWitch

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

Thanks sweetie, I'm glad you're still liking the story.

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Anna

I like when they were apart, each one thought of the other and now that they're together neither can think what to say. Kind of funny how that works.

yep...very funny.

Once again your descriptions are so colorful, I can totally see Willow debationing about the dirty trousers.

Thank you. Descriptions are my life!

And it's interesting how Tara has dreamt about "breaking free" and moving away from her people. I guess with her mom being ill she can't very well leave right now.

You are definitly right about that. Besides I don't think Tara is the type of person to leave when she knows that there will be people depending on her in the near future. She knows she can't leave...but that doesn't stop her from fantasising about it. (I think we've all done a little of that at some point in our lives)

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tarawhipped

Hi Emmy! I've been meaning to stop by for the last oh 8 or so chapters and tell you how much I'm enjoying this, but just now managed to get caught up on updates.

Hi Cam! hehehe

I love the world you've created....you manage to do so much with just a few words and phrases to make it seem completely different and real. As usual, your writing is visually stunning without skimping on the character developement and dialogue.

Thank you.

I get the impression that Tara's people couldn't have been the ones to cause Willow's parents' deaths, but then who did?

Sorry....that information is top secret!

I love the pacing of W/T's relationship to each other...very very slow, though Willow's clearly allowing herself to trust Tara somewhat. I hope it doesn't all go to hell when Tara finds out Willow really IS a spy and Anya is proven right. Of course, that way lies angst, which is always fun to read (when it's not painfully heartbreaking, and then it's even better!).

Isn't Anya being right a sign of the Appocalypse?

Part of me hopes that Willow renounces her vengeance and decides to shack up for life with her new pal, but I have a feeling her absence is not going to go unnoticed for long by Buffy et al. Oh, the impending drama!!! Love it!

I think you are absolutely right!....

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Artemis

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

*dreamy sigh* Doesn't it always come down to a touch?

You describe the Shinty Folk in a very interesting way, making them very attractive in some ways - having a very relaxed approach to personal space and interactions (yay for not being repressed )

I couldn't agree more. In fact, I wish our society could be more relaxed and trusting when it comes to personal space and interactions.

yet there's the spectre of Tara's unhappiness in the role that's been set for her among her people. It seems pretty evident that, whatever trials and tribulations happen along the way, Willow is going to have to give up the way of life she follows now if she wants to be with Tara - now I'm wondering if the reverse is also true.

I think you are right on both accounts. Each of them is going to have to give up something if they want to be together. Tara loves her people, but she craves stability (which all the running away and moving that they do doesn't provide her) On the other hand Willow's people are extreemely stable, but they lack that intamacy between them that Tara's people have with eachother. I think as time goes by, Willow, on the other hand is going to find out that she really does need the kind of intamacy in her llife that the Shinty have and that she could possibly do with a little less order in her life. I guess they'll just have to meet in the middle.

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Safuega

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

yes but, they both have a little bit of what the other needs, and that tends to soften the angst a little.

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

I think you are absolutely right. And who will be there to help her through that trying time? hehe *wink wink*

Thank you so much for leaving feedback sweetie!
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Henster

Could you maybe let them kiss? A sneaky kiss .... maybe one of them wakes up and gives the other a little kiss on the cheek or shoulder....ok i know it isn't the time for that yet... how about a hug there is no harm in that right??

you must be patient henny! hehe I promise I will get to the kissing....but just not anytime soon. (okay...maybe soon, but you will not know when it is going to happen )

So what will happen next Em.... do tell....I'm impatient...I can't help it.

Okay...hold on, I'll tell everything! No....what am I doing?? I can't tell!! You'll just have to wait and see.

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Irene

Hola mi vida…como estas? I’m so sorry about the late feedback…computer problems…I’ve admitted it to the County General Computer Hospital. I’m sure my baby will be up and running in no time. Meanwhile my beautiful, lovely, and generous sister has allowed me the use of her little Dell…for a small fee of course…so here I am, better late than never I suppose.

Thank god for sisters huh?? Computer problems suck...you think if you take care of them...feed them....love them...give the a name...they'll run forever. But they never do. *sigh*

Oh Emms this explanation to Tara’s stutter is so lovely. We are so programmed to equating Tara’s stutter with her shyness-nervousness. So much to say, but the inability to find the correct way to express her self whether by trying to find the right words or phrasing those words together without getting “word salad”. Simply delightful. Then again…the spiritual man didn’t or couldn’t have known that Tara might also stutter when she’s in the presence of true love…hmmm?

Thank you sweetie. I think the spiritual man might known something...

And I for one would NOT…I repeat NOT…want to know of any cultures that sleep with shoes on…not that I’m prejudiced, it’s just that sleeping in dirt is not of the good.

I completely agree.

Okay…from now on…me…who is Irene…will be saying “On the morrow” all the time. I love it!!! I’m adding this phrase to my quote book…Oh, but I should ask first. Emms? May I add this phrase to my quote book? Pretty please, with sugar dumplings and cupcakes on top?

Well....as long as there are suger dumplings and cupcakes on top....Okay. Please...say it as much as you want. But I don't think I can take credit for making it up. I'm not sure, but I must have heard it somewhere before, at some random point in my life.

Askew is an understatement…don’t you think? More like…upside down, in and out, and round and round. You know…I can see that Tara wants to remain loyal and dutiful to her people…but in the end, homegirl is just gonna have to decided what will make her happy in life (coughwillowcough). And sometimes that means upsetting others, mostly family.

I agree. But Tara's reason for staying goes beyond duty...she really loves her people, and it makes a difference that she hasn't experienced abuse from them. She wants to be with the Shinty, but at the same time she wants to see what the rest of the world has to offer.

In no way would Tara intentionally hurt her people, but she can’t spend the rest of her life trying to please others, while making herself miserable…what kind of life is that? I’m sure the Shinty could find a suitable replacement for her if she decides to leave…couldn’t they?

I don't know....something tells me the Shinty are pretty set in their ways when it comes to traditional matters. I think it would be a real mind bender for them to even consider selecting someone else to be their leader........someone who is terribly unhappy in their current postition *cough cough Buffy cough* shows up and demonstrates that they have what it takes to be the shinty leader...... there are definite possibilities in that area.

The most intimate thing between one human being and another is “touch”. It can sooth, it can convey feelings and thoughts without saying a word, it can heal, and it can relieve stress. It’s obvious that Tara’s contact with Willow’s arm was having some kind of affect on herself. Why did she want to memorize the feel of Willow’s skin? Only you Emms would be able to answer that for us.

I like to think I'm an expert of the art of baby massage, having raised up eight or so babies into kindergarden-hood, and I can definitly say that the need for healthy touching is something that is naturally present in newborns. And the fact that your son still remembers (even if he doesn't remember the exact happening) to this day, only goes to show how deeply rooted that bond with you is. One of my babies (she's five now) when she was a baby, every day before naptime I would rub her back and she would fall asleep. And to this day, she won't go to sleep at night unless one of her parents come in and rub her back before bed.

now...to keep things on topic. I can say, that I think Tara has that same need, but she knows that not everyone feels the same way. Also, she's a little hindered by her feelings for Willow, so that makes coming right out and being overly touchy-feely more difficult.

Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback sweetie, and I hope your computer feels better soon.

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Cyd!

I love this story. It is engrossing. It is vivid. It is unique.

The beginnings of their relationship are written so...um delicately magical I guess. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it. The depth of detail you put into nonverbal actions is wonderful.

Like so many others I eagerly await the ensuing conflict that you have already suggested but at the same time I just want to see them flow gently closer without it. Thanks so much for this.

Thank you so much.

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xoxo
Emms

[DreamLover]

WEll I just have one word

[center]TEASE!!!!!![/center]

Yeah you behind that computer.... well if you won't tell...and I won't know..maybe I should just break in to your computer....yeah that's it...a brilliant Henster idea.....

THE HENSTER!!!!!!!!!!

[CrazyTaraWitch]

yay!!!!!update!!!!
update dance, update dance, update dance, update dance

i like updaqtes...and this was a very good one!
i liked the conversing between Lana and Tara, they are very cute together, and Lana is a total sweety!
i hope Will doesn't get her pants back anytime soon!

[watty]

I love this chapter, we already had glimpses of the love Lana has for Tara, and it's so abundantly present here. Tara washing Willow's pants is very domestic, very ... intimate, I thought. The way she kneaded, crunched, pressed, sloshed, until her hands hurt ... I think subconsiously she's trying to find what she is feeling for Willow, it's like pinching yourself to drmind you that you're not dreaming kind of physical action.

I'm curious about this Woman's Ritual. So far we haven't seen that many (any?) men in the village, looks like women hold power there. Whether real mystic power comes from the ritual, it may not be entirely relevant, cos if the women believe in it, the power comes from their belief. Understand Tara's reluctance, but sometimes these rituals are more for the users than the actual ritual itself. Did that make sense?

I'm still curious at what needs to happen at the ritual? What do the women do? Why do they need a partner? Not sure at what age they start, on the one hand I think there may be sexual overtones, on the other, I think it depends on the partner. Tara and Anya partnering the ritual may only be platonic, but if Tara and Willow (cos that's what you're building up to, right?) perform the ritual, it'll be more sensual. Oh! And may be that's when we get the mystical power? And Tara's disillusion disappears? Oops, did I say something about the plot? Honest, I haven't been in your brain!

From the love and sweetness we move onto the interaction with Willow, full of awkwardness but there's humor too. The state of Willow's undress seems no longer be the source of awkwardness, though they're both aware of it. Nice to witness the easy conversation between them though, it's a small step.

btw, love the food -- pontoo eggs, are they sassy? And pragmartin milk, I guess a pragmartin is like a cow or goat? Great details!

Brilliant, as usual!
[br]

[FineyMcFine]

Emms, I was excited to see a Bridges update when I returned from my vacation! I'm glad you posted what you did - if you're not happy with the rest of it, by all means take your time. This scene was clearly written with such care and thought about every action and thought that both of the girls had (mostly Tara since this update focused on her more).

I wonder, will the other Shinty folk have any issue with Tara having an outsider be her partner for the woman ritual, or will it be fine with them, and the real conflict be whatever is brewing between W&T?

Also, I'm wondering about Willow - is she hurt, or is she deliberately stalling leaving because she's lost a bit of heart for her mission? She must know that if she gives away the location of Tara and her tribe that they'll be attacked and probably/possibly killed, so is she struggling with that at all? We haven't seen much of that thought process lately since she's been so concerned with having no pants.

Eagerly anticipating what's coming up next!

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Emms,
A very good update. I like that Tara's mom (Lana?) is so casual yet intimate with her. She touches on the important topics: Willow and the ritual. I'm wondering just what kind of ritual this is and what it does for the tribe: increases a harvest, calls for fertility, etc. The part with Willow is just plain adorable with no real hint of their discomfort. Well done.

[Safuega]

Hi Emms,

This cracked me up:

"I heard that you were seen parading around against the black of night, with a lithe little nymph of some kind or another."

I mean the way Lana tells it, it's like Tara and Willow were in some sort of romantic outing under the moonlight when it was more like a fight to the death with a giganimous spider!

Also, I can't help but wonder along with Watson about this Woman ritual. I am not so much concerned as to 'what' it is but more as to what it represents. What exactly would it mean for Tara to take part of this ritual one more time? I mean it seems like she has been doing it for a long time and with Anya, no less. So, why is this time different? Is it because this time the ritual will have added significance now that her mother is sick?

I thought you did a nice job in this interaction between mother and daughter. Lana's love shines through just as surely as Tara's restlessness. It's interesting to see that Lana views the ritual as a way to keep Tara in the fold and connected to her people while Tara seems to view it as a waste of time and the very thing that would trap her there.

I find Lana's reason for wanting Tara to participate a bit meaningless considering that Tara does not believe in the ritual. My understanding of rituals is that to a certain degree people who participate in them buy into what the ritual is all about. In many ways ritualistic ceremonies are a way for people who believe and feel the same way to express that belief communally and publicly. But when you no longer believe in the ritual or don’t think the ritual is a proper expression of your belief then participating in it just to go with the flow is not going to bring you closer to your people. If anything it might make you resent them for forcing you to participate in a process/ceremony that for you has become empty of meaning.

Okay, I've done my job of dampening the mood of the thread with an unnecessarily serious discussion. Sooo, I think I'll stop now.

Great update, Emms. I look forward to more, as usual.

Safuega

[Artemis]

Great chapter. I particularly liked Tara and Lana's talk about the upcoming ritual, and how you've got them both being kind, sympathetic characters, but nonetheless seeing the ritual differently, and not really managing a common ground there. The way I'm seeing it, to Lana it's a way of reaffirming the connection to the other people of the tribe (as well as the othe reasons, tradition and superstition), but to Tara - while she values that connection - it's also a part of the role she feels she's being forced into, and accepting the ritual, even in the interest of accepting the support that her friends are offering, is also surrendering to something she doesn't want. Either way she loses - which, come to think of it, is not surprising. The Shinty Folk are a hunted people, after all, it's no shock that their lives are governed by forces other than idyllic free will.

I loved Willow's reaction to her lack of pants - as you showed her thinking, it went to the deeper issue of her having allowed herself to be vulnerable (which, no matter how much she may recognise Tara's kindness, must be causing some severe internal distress, given what she's believed about the Shinty Folk for so long). Yet phrases like "They were gone, vanished, lost, mislaid, AWOL" are such a Willowy way of expressing her worry

[sam]

Awwww Emms..so adorable. I loved the talk and interaction between Lana and Tara about the ritual and Willow's pants..cute. Love sam xx

[Graceland]

Hey there,
I really like this story and each installment of it seems to move us closer to W/T together. At the same time, it seems that their situation is untennable. It is just a matter of time before Tara is forced to accept not only her mother's death but to take over leadership of the tribe. Lana's encouraging her about the ritual would seem to be just one in a series of steps she will have to take in her new role.

And really? Who wants to think about their dying mother or a role of leadership when there's a pantsless woman back in their room?

[Emms]

Oh, wow....it's been a few weeks since the last update! Well....I haven't forgotten this fic, in fact...I've been working diligently on the next update. It should be ready soon. But for now.....replies......
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Henny

Yeah you behind that computer.... well if you won't tell...and I won't know..maybe I should just break in to your computer....yeah that's it...a brilliant Henster idea.....

I have to give it to ya....that is one brilliant idea. Just one question though...what are you going to do once you get in there? hehehe

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CrazyTaraWitch

i like updaqtes...and this was a very good one!
i liked the conversing between Lana and Tara, they are very cute together, and Lana is a total sweety!

Thank you.

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watson

I love this chapter, we already had glimpses of the love Lana has for Tara, and it's so abundantly present here. Tara washing Willow's pants is very domestic, very ... intimate, I thought. The way she kneaded, crunched, pressed, sloshed, until her hands hurt ... I think subconsiously she's trying to find what she is feeling for Willow, it's like pinching yourself to drmind you that you're not dreaming kind of physical action.

Wow...I didn't even think of that when I was writing it....but it makes sense.

I'm curious about this Woman's Ritual. So far we haven't seen that many (any?) men in the village, looks like women hold power there. Whether real mystic power comes from the ritual, it may not be entirely relevant, cos if the women believe in it, the power comes from their belief. Understand Tara's reluctance, but sometimes these rituals are more for the users than the actual ritual itself. Did that make sense?

Perfect sense. And so far the Woman Ritual has been mentioned several times, but still it remains somewhat mysterious, but it wont be for long, cause I'll be discussing it in the next chapter (or the chapter after) Also, the thing about the men...I have a very specific conversation in mind for Willow and Tara, that will explain why there are so few men in the group. (Gasp! Could your ears have deceived you?! Did I actually say I was planning for them to conversate??!.....yes, yes I did. )

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SallyMcFine

Emms, I was excited to see a Bridges update when I returned from my vacation! I'm glad you posted what you did - if you're not happy with the rest of it, by all means take your time. This scene was clearly written with such care and thought about every action and thought that both of the girls had (mostly Tara since this update focused on her more).

Awwww, thank you for saying that. You know, sometimes I write a part and then read it in the place I put it and suddenly it seems too rushed? That's what happend in this case....so I'll just keep pushing it back until it seems right.

I wonder, will the other Shinty folk have any issue with Tara having an outsider be her partner for the woman ritual, or will it be fine with them, and the real conflict be whatever is brewing between W&T?

That's a very excellent question. And one that will be answered later on in the story.

Also, I'm wondering about Willow - is she hurt, or is she deliberately stalling leaving because she's lost a bit of heart for her mission?

I think it might be a little bit of both. Though, I still think it's too soon for her to be stalling consciously....it's still a very subconscious stall

She must know that if she gives away the location of Tara and her tribe that they'll be attacked and probably/possibly killed, so is she struggling with that at all? We haven't seen much of that thought process lately since she's been so concerned with having no pants.

I really believe that she's not quite there with it yet, even though we know that she didn't always believe in her peoples cause...she's been somewhat conditioned to it since then. I think when her parents were killed, so were her defenses. It's kinda like she went into survival mode, and "survival mode", in her world meant going along with what she had previously dismissed as stupidity.

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Debra

A very good update. I like that Tara's mom (Lana?) is so casual yet intimate with her. She touches on the important topics: Willow and the ritual.

Thank you. I'm glad you thought so.

I'm wondering just what kind of ritual this is and what it does for the tribe: increases a harvest, calls for fertility, etc.

Well....I know it was a long time ago, but in the first chapter I explained that the Woman Ritual is a way for the Shinty Folk to feel like they are keeping the plains people off their trail. They know that they are being tracked, and they know what will happen if they're found. The ritual is just sort of their version of security. (I hope I explained that right)

The part with Willow is just plain adorable with no real hint of their discomfort. Well done.

I think they are beginning to feel more comfortable with each other. And now that Willow's defenses have been striped, (literally) maybe she'll let down her guard a little....

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Safuega

This cracked me up:

Quote:
"I heard that you were seen parading around against the black of night, with a lithe little nymph of some kind or another."


I mean the way Lana tells it, it's like Tara and Willow were in some sort of romantic outing under the moonlight when it was more like a fight to the death with a giganimous spider!

hehe, yeah...leave it to parents to turn one thing into another thing completely!

Also, I can't help but wonder along with Watson about this Woman ritual. I am not so much concerned as to 'what' it is but more as to what it represents. What exactly would it mean for Tara to take part of this ritual one more time? I mean it seems like she has been doing it for a long time and with Anya, no less. So, why is this time different? Is it because this time the ritual will have added significance now that her mother is sick?

The woman ritual is what the Shinty do to keep The Plains People away. Tara's become disillusioned with her peoples way of doing things and she's rebelling a little by refusing to do the ritual.

I thought you did a nice job in this interaction between mother and daughter. Lana's love shines through just as surely as Tara's restlessness. It's interesting to see that Lana views the ritual as a way to keep Tara in the fold and connected to her people while Tara seems to view it as a waste of time and the very thing that would trap her there.

Exactly. And I think they [Lana and Tara] are both right, but Lana is older and has more wisdom...so something tells me she is a little more right than Tara at this point.

I find Lana's reason for wanting Tara to participate a bit meaningless considering that Tara does not believe in the ritual. My understanding of rituals is that to a certain degree people who participate in them buy into what the ritual is all about.

Normally, I would say you are right on with that point. But in this case Lana is saying that not participating is going to set her apart from the rest of the group and that's not a good thing because Tara's about to become the leader of that same group, when her mother passes away. Lana sees that this is not a very wise time for Tara to put distance between herself and the beliefs of her people (no matter what Tara may or may not feel about those beliefs)

Okay, I've done my job of dampening the mood of the thread with an unnecessarily serious discussion. Sooo, I think I'll stop now.

no discussion is unnecessary. I LOVE IT! hehe

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Chris

Great chapter. I particularly liked Tara and Lana's talk about the upcoming ritual, and how you've got them both being kind, sympathetic characters, but nonetheless seeing the ritual differently, and not really managing a common ground there. The way I'm seeing it, to Lana it's a way of reaffirming the connection to the other people of the tribe (as well as the othe reasons, tradition and superstition),

Exactly.

but to Tara - while she values that connection - it's also a part of the role she feels she's being forced into, and accepting the ritual, even in the interest of accepting the support that her friends are offering, is also surrendering to something she doesn't want. Either way she loses - which, come to think of it, is not surprising.

Exactly. (I wish I could find more to say than "Exactly" but you've summed up everything so well.... that there's really nothing left for me to add.

I loved Willow's reaction to her lack of pants - as you showed her thinking, it went to the deeper issue of her having allowed herself to be vulnerable (which, no matter how much she may recognise Tara's kindness, must be causing some severe internal distress, given what she's believed about the Shinty Folk for so long).

yes. (once again you've summed up so wonderfully that I am at a loss for words....)

Yet phrases like "They were gone, vanished, lost, mislaid, AWOL" are such a Willowy way of expressing her worry

I don't think Willow has really felt like herself since the death of her parents (I don't think she's felt safe enough to allow her true self to shine through that hard outer exterior she had put up) But as we've seen, being around Tara really brings out the parts of her she's hidden inside herself for so long.

I wish I has something more eloquent to say...but I think you've done a better job of saying it then I ever could.
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sam I'm glad you're liking the story. thank you for leaving feedback.

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Graceland

I really like this story and each installment of it seems to move us closer to W/T together.

Thank you. I've been trying to keep the pace pretty constant, so I'm glad to know that it seems that way to you.

It is just a matter of time before Tara is forced to accept not only her mother's death but to take over leadership of the tribe.

Very true.

And really? Who wants to think about their dying mother or a role of leadership when there's a pantsless woman back in their room?

great point!

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[DreamLover]

I have to give it to ya....that is one brilliant idea. Just one question though...what are you going to do once you get in there?

Well yeah uhmmmm.... I would ummmmhmm .... maybe well uhmmmm


WILLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Willow: Hey Henster

Henster: Hey... no time for chat...mmmm what do you do when you are in it!!.

Willow: ummm Henster I think that is a little private ...you know.

Henster: duhhhh you horny dog.... reading You Make Me Smile again....not that... in a computer

Willow: OOOOOooohhh ok well... You read the smut that is on it.

Henster: Cool.... *shouts* Emmmmmmmyyy!!!! I'm gone read your smut....do you hear that SMUT!!!!

Willow: Not so fast...hold on..you can't read it if it's on a memory card ooooorrrr written with a pen in a book with different colours pens...then it isn't on the computer....only boring stuff trust me. You should see Tara's computer.

Tara: Do I hear my name?!....* hands on her hips* ... you two aren't talking about smut again are you.

Willow + Henster: nnoo .... no no haaaa no ummm just business *whispering* cherries and whipped cream


Henny

[irishgrl3]

Emms,
Wonderful update!

This was hilarious;

Willow woke up alone. She reached for her pants, feeling suddenly very vulnerable.

OMG the whole pants bit had me rolling. It's so damn funny, or maybe it's my wacko sense of humor.

"I should think so, after all it's you who has done away with my pants in the first place." A small smile turned the corners of Willow's lips upward the slightest amount.

I like the conversation Tara had with Lana. She seems to be a wise soul. She really noticed the way Tara had pulled away from their group.

I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

-anna

[Emms]

Hi everyone! I know it's been too long without an update to this story, but I just wanted to update you on the progress of the next chapter. It's almost finished! I've been typing my little fingers to the bone for the last couple days so the next update shouldn't be too far away. I'm thinking by Thursday or at the longest, Saturday, I should be ready to post it. Thank you all for being so patient.

xoxo
Emms

[DreamLover]

no update or did you mean next years Thursday or Saturday

Come on EMMSY you know we can't wait that long....please pretty please....sigh well since there isn't an update......I'm going to jump this sick body of my into bed....and hoping when I weak up somewhere in the year 2050 there will be an update.

See yeah soon I hope.

[Emms]

Yes Henster....I did indeed mean Thursday or Saturday of next year

actually....I've been a little sicky-poo lately and haven't felt like doing much writing....

xoxo
Emms

[Emms]

Oooooo an update! Hi all, I'm sorry if this update seems a little crappy...I'm kinda a little "Art of Burning Bridges" rusty...I hope the next few chapters will be better. I'll come back and try to fix the punctuation errors, as much as I can later on. Um.....alright. Enjoy.

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Plains People Military station:

Quadrant Rat, Xander Harris plodded down the long concrete hallways that made up the lowest levels of the edifice. His hands steadied him on either side against the slick surface of the walls encasing him. The smell of rust coming from the metal pipes that stuck through the grey-slab walls at odd angles combined with the smell of stagnant water made it difficult to breath deeply. But Xander was used to it--it didn’t bother him much anymore. He’d spent most of his life this way; as a Rat for the Plains People Military.

The life of a Rat was a privately noble profession; unacknowledged by most but strangely satisfying to Xander. The Rats were the lowest ranked on the totem and often called Gofers in jest by most of the soldiers because the Rats spent most of their time “going for this” or “going for that” scurrying through the subterranean tunnels on missions to supply clothes, guns, ammunition to soldiers preparing for missions.

Xander had never seen battle himself and had no inclination to go--he’d heard it was bloody. And the sight of blood--namely his own, didn’t agree with his senses.

Xander could hear his own footfalls as each step of his unpolished, brown boots echoed the length of the cramped, elongated space.

He wasn’t the tallest man in the station, but even he had to hunch his shoulders to walk the hallways of these lower levels.

Built like a fortress PPMS was a virtual safe house; Impenetrable by enemy fire and tested on the largest weapons in circulation. It had withstood, but Xander had doubts about it’s ability to continue to withstand as larger and better weapons were invented.

Xander felt his anxiety mount as he neared the port that would lead him to the top level of the station. It wasn’t that he was scared exactly, It was more of a pestering sort of petrifaction that usually kept him away. But this day was different, he’d been summoned by the commander in chief, herself. He had to go.

Xander stood with his back against the wall as the laser scanner ran its red eye the length of the perma-tat drawn at the base of his neck. There was an audible click as his identification was accepted followed by a swoosh of the automated entry system. Xander stepped through the doorway out into yet another hallway, where even more concrete walls awaited his arrival.

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Buffy sat at the bar while she awaited Xander’s arrival. Her promotion to Commander had left little time for socializing with her old comrades and she hadn’t seen Xander in weeks. It didn’t help, either…that it had taken an official order to get him to traverse the upper levels. She hated acting like a hard-ass, but his hermit-like ways left no her no other recourse.

Sometimes she wondered how Xander managed down below, she would loose her mind before long if she spent all of her time in the dark, damp claustrophobic atmosphere of the lower levels. It was a basement; a cave, a den down there and she was glad to be above all that now… if only she could get her dear friend to change his venue, her world might be perfect.

Buffy clapped her hands three times. The first: a hard beat followed by a moment of silence, then two, closely timed staccato beats. A man of mid-stature appeared at her side. She whispered something into his ear then sent him on his way to check the Xander’s location. She was beginning to become impatient…there were pressing matters afoot, and she needed his opinion.

*************************************************************************************
Xander began to hear the faint sounds of protesters as he cleared the last security station on his way to ground level. Xander could feel his insides shake as he listened to the loudening den of protesters just outside The Oxygen Bar. He could tell by the thudding sounds that they were throwing themselves against the walls, trying to get inside. Thoughts of what the mob of people, outside would do to all of them if they had a chance, caused goose-bumps to form on Xander’s arm.

“NO MORE WAR!”
“NO MORE WAR!”

The sounds were louder now as the final barrier between him and The Oxygen Bar slipped away. With a swish of air, Xander found himself looking into the infamous place, with it’s clear domed roof and see through walls. Xander looked to his right, he could see the whole of the outside world.

Xander’s eyes scanned the crowd of soldiers. He spotted Buffy right away and breathed a sigh of relief; he was anxious to get this over with. He forced himself to cross the crowded room slowly, he added a swagger to his walk so as not to appear, in front of these men, as afraid as he felt.

“Hold your ground, they can’t get through the shield,” Buffy said. She knew Xander was standing beside her even without turning. She’d smelled the familiar scent of rust and water that always permeated his clothing.

Xander wasn’t surprised that she had sensed his presence, but he was surprised to see how calm the commander was being. “Has that ever been tested?” Xander laughed nervously. He stood rigidly at the bar; too nervous to sit.

“I’d like to see the man that could bust through Polysolubate composite and still be alive enough to want to fight afterward,” Buffy said with a smirk. “One liter please.“ Buffy held up two fingers then scanned her identification card across the illuminated unit mounted to the bar in front of her. The attendant handed her a long tube filled with amber liquid. “Nectar of the gods.” She downed the drink in one gulp then passed the tube back to the attendant for another round.

Xander looked frightened as he watched the mass of protesters smash themselves against the clear shield. A woman’s scream echoed from somewhere inside the throng of people and he knew she‘d been crushed to death under the protesters stomping feet. The sound of a gun firing outside rang in the air and Xander jumped slightly. He could see armed guards with shields and guns had begun to fight their way into the throng of people, shooting the protestors in order to clear the path as they went. Xander shuddered. He hated death.

“Will you relax…You act as if you‘ve never seen battle.”

“I haven’t seen battle, I just dress like this for the ladies.” Xander lifted an eyebrow at the blonde. He was glad to see Buffy smile at that; it was an inside joke between them, as she was always ribbing him about the state of his attire. “How can I relax. Is it always like this out here?” Xander asked.

Buffy ignored his question, lifting her lips to the drink filled tube instead. The liquid burned on the way down, but she swallowed it anyway, enjoying the warm sensation that traveled from her chest into her stomach.

It was noisier than usual at the bar that night and Buffy had to strain in order to hear Xander over the loud voices of the celebrating men. Most of the soldiers there that night had just returned from a successful mission near the outer flank of WestMore utility base.

WestMore utility base was rumored to have housed massive explosives and chemical detergents that could have been potentially harmful if used during battle.
There was a clinking of glasses behind them and shouts from the men attached to them.

“Why am I here?” Xander asked, he was becoming more and more uncomfortable by the minute. He longed to be back in the damp subterranean world he had just come from.

Buffy decided to jump right in “I have reason to believe our very own Willow Rosenberg has been captured by the enemy,” She stated with much passion.

Xander waved his hand in the air dismissing Buffy’s words. “Willow? Captured…Please…” He wondered if this was the only reason Buffy had brought him all the way up there.

“You’re not concerned?” Buffy was confused.

“Should I be?”

“Well…yes…”

“Okay, then I’m concerned.-- for you, ‘cause you’ve lost it,” Xander said.

“Don’t you even want to know why I’m under such a suspicion?”

“I think you’ve been drinking one too many of these,” Xander said lifting the empty drink tube off the table; he shook it for emphasis…“but for curiosity’s sake, I’ll play along. Why do you think Willow’s been captured by the enemy?”

“I’m not going to tell you now…” Buffy was mildly irritated that her news wasn‘t met with heavier consideration.

“Oh come on…Look, I’m sorry. There, is that what you wanted to hear?” Xander cajoled, sometimes he forgot how sensitive the woman’s psyche could be.

“Well…alright then. I received a transmission from Willow a week ago, but nothing further has come through.”

“So?”

“What do you mean, “so“?”

“Just exactly what it sounded like…so?”

“You’re not concerned in the least about her are you?” Buffy stated, more than asked.

“Oh come on Buffy, Willow’s a loner. You know that, and I know that. She likes to be off by herself…that’s what loners do?” Xander’s brows lifted at Buffy.

“You’re a big pile of absolutely no help. Do you realize that I can kick your ass?”

“Believe me…the thought is never far from my mind.”

“Okay then…”

“Why didn’t you call your boyfriend up here for this?” Xander asked irritated that he’d been dragged up there for something so silly.

“Are you trying to get sent to the stock?” Buffy was only half joking; She had half a mind to do it too…a few days in the ice cold room might do him good. “You know her better than Riley does…I needed your opinion. You’re the only one that has ever gotten close to her…you know her best.”

“Which is why you should take my advice when I say, leave her alone.”

TBC

[DreamLover]

I'm the first...now I'm going to read it.

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taaaataaaatttooooooooo (trumpet sound) power scooby to the rescue.

Like the idea but my mind is stuck on something...yup stuck what will happen when Xander finds Willow...I mean in a camp full of woman. I hope he will survive that and I hope he won't be hold prisoner like Jixer in Xena when they went to the Amazons. Poor Xander.

Why is Buffy with Riley? She should be with Faith.

PPMS are you sure it's PPMS not PMS hehehe.

side note: I can't wait for the Willow Tara talk will Willow get nightmares and then talk about who she is? And Tara will she hold her during the night? Ok I'm impatient I just want to know all the sappy stuff.

Great update...we want more we want more

Henny

[JustSkipIt]

Emms,
Such a great update. You shift back to show us a seemingly apocalyptic world that Willow comes from. Such a great contrast to where she is now. Speaking of which... let's see some W/T???

[CrazyTaraWitch]

yay!!!!!!!!!!u're finally back!!!!!this was a good update, but i must admit i was a little dissapointed; i'd hoped we would gget back immediately to w/t once u retunred, but i know u will be back to it once u, and the story r ready...which will be soon, right?:

[Emms]

I would like to thank everyone who is taking the time to read this story...and a special thanks to those that took the time to leave feedback. I know I haven't updated this story in a while...but it's great to know that there are still a few of you interested in this little tale.

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Henny!

Why is Buffy with Riley? She should be with Faith.

hehehe

PPMS are you sure it's PPMS not PMS hehehe.

There was going to be a joke about that later on

I can't wait for the Willow Tara talk will Willow get nightmares and then talk about who she is? And Tara will she hold her during the night? Ok I'm impatient I just want to know all the sappy stuff.

Oh my gosh Henny! Am I that predictable or what? I actually already have that scene written! LOL! Now I can't do it!

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JustSkipIt

Such a great update. You shift back to show us a seemingly apocalyptic world that Willow comes from. Such a great contrast to where she is now. Speaking of which... let's see some W/T???

Thank you Debra. Yep...Willow and Tara do come from very different places.

W/T next update...I promise.

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CrazyTaraWitch

yay!!!!!!!!!!u're finally back!!!!!this was a good update, but i must admit i was a little dissapointed; i'd hoped we would gget back immediately to w/t once u retunred, but i know u will be back to it once u, and the story r ready...which will be soon, right?:

I'm sorry to disappoint you, sweetie. I know it's been a long time since the last update and I knew when I posted this latest update that it wouldn't be a popular one...but I felt it was necessary for progression of the story. We'll get back to Willow and Tara in the next update. (Which I hope will not be too far away. )

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xoxo
Emms

[CrazyTaraWitch]

goodie, i love this fic, and i'm excited to see more of ur portrayal of will & tar, which so far been wonderful!
i do not in the least intend to pressure ye who is infenitely busy AND have infinite stories to work on, but i do hope that it is not 3 1/2 before u post again!!!

[DreamLover]

Oh my gosh Henny! Am I that predictable or what? I actually already have that scene written! LOL! Now I can't do it!

Sorry Emms.... yeah your so predictable or it's my talent. I'm going to try to make it up to you.... just don't know how...don't know how....lets see I know romance I know smut I have a way with words and I do know Tara and Willow so I could give you a few pointers now and then lol...NO I will leave that up to you. You are the one with the writers brain.

How about carrot cake or apple pie or both or something with whipped cream...yeah ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top......mmmmm yummy.

So feeling a little better now???? We don't want a grumpy Em.

Please forgive me

Henny