New Fic: There You Are

[Little M]

I knew something was up with that bird!!!!!

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'I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad..it's depressing' - Tara

[Tulipp]

Hi, just popping in to say I've recently caught up with There You Are and have really enjoyed your portrayal of Willow's discomfort with mothering. You make that feel right, in character. Her embarrassment about breastfeeding in front of the others fits, too (and I liked the contrast with Anya's style).



I'm intrigued by your mention of Mamet...I loved the Spanish Prisoner and House of Games...love the way the sense of what's real and what's been presented as real is always changing, always unstable. This gives me a good reason to go back to the beginning of TYA.



Thanks!

[tkheaven]

Hmmm, so what does Morrigan want..Hmmmph...but that bird can't be Ghaena, or even be conspiring....ok ok what's going on....

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"

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Tara was similarly riveted, her body on slow burn as Willow's lips parted and her mouth opened, the food slipping inside and being consumed. Never in her life had Tara ever wanted to be a chicken casserole so badly...Later that night..."It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured, before passing out. ~ Answering Darkness by Sassette

[Lonewolf22]

DarkWiccan: GREAT update, you have now left us with even more questions, I am really intrigued with what is going to happen next, is Ghaena really Morrigan or is Morrigan pretending to be Ghaena? Like always I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[BethanyB3]

Hi another great update to a great story. I loved, No Matter Where You Go & have been thoroughly enjoying it's continuation. Thank you for keeping the story alive. One thing though, I keep hearing the old nursery rhyme "4 & 20 blackbirds baked in a pie", hmmm, not such a bad idea .

I Hope things are better at work & that you have a nice holiday.

*******************************************************************

~ "Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." ~ ~ Elizabeth Stone

[Jennpurr]

Hmmmm... very interesting. I still think Ghaena may be the bird.



I'm confused gal right now. I guess I'll just have to hang tight to find out. Something fishy is going on. I think that bird will be the answer. Especially since it's alway around and when Buffy called for Ghaena, it took to flight. Hmmm... don't mind me, I'm thinking outloud. I'm probably wrong though.



Anyway.... lovely update. Thank you.



Jen

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"Alyson Hannigan is a frickin' amazing kisser."Amber Benson
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Mi corazon perdido en ti...

[DarkWiccan]

I should have just posted this with the earlier update all at once... but... oh well..



Here We Go!

_______________________________



Ghaena walked into the small front lobby of her office, past the ever-vacant receptionist’s desk and opened the door to her darkened exam room, and temporary living space. She lifted her hand to the light switch, and then paused.



“What are you doing here?” She said sternly to the figure sitting in the shadows of the room.



“Ghaena of the Mists”, a deeply melodic female voice addressed her. “It has been a long while. I had hoped for a more gracious welcome.”



The priestess strengthened her stance. “I was not gracious because you are not welcome”, she bit out.



“Tsk, tsk”, the woman replied, “Is that anyway to treat an old friend?”



“Friend?” Ghaena questioned incredulously, “Is that what you are. I thought you were a traitor.”



“And why am I a traitor, Ghaena?” She asked. “Because I survived?”



“I survived too, that’s not the point”, the brunette countered. “I still fought.”



“You had no choice, you are immortal…”



“As are you…”



“No!” The woman said, rising from her seat, her face still I shadow. “Not like you. I can still be killed. Struck down. You can’t.”



“I fought that day as though I would die… as though I could”, Ghaena spoke evenly, “You still ran. Ran away to your little convent. You forsook us.”



“I did not forsake you”, the lady defended, “I tried to keep us alive, in my own way.”



“By turning away from everything you had ever been taught?”



“No… by carrying on, by continuing to teach the ways…”



“Why are you here?” Ghaena interrupted her.



“You know why”, came the answer. “She is free.”



The priestess nodded in conformation. “And that is the only reason?”



“And, perhaps, to try and clear my name”, was the reply.



Again, Ghaena nodded. “Morrigan…” She said after a moment, “You were my sister once. My sister in faith and practice. Knowing what you once were allows me to see past what you have become. But not far. You want to clear your name for what reason?”



“I want to go home”, Morrigan responded, stepping into light that filtered through the office window, revealing her ebony black hair and flashing green eyes. “I want to go home to Avalon.”



*****

TBC....

[Jennpurr]

Curiouser and curiouser is right, DW.



Hmmm... very interesting, indeed. I'm still curious about that bird. I'm trying to remain patient.



Great update, BTW. Thank you. And the way you described Morrigan. All I can picture in my head is Willow, from "Villians." Scary picture, but I'm sure it's not meant to be that way. I'm anxious for more now.



Jen



I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist posting these pics. They just made me think of this fic.

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"Alyson Hannigan is a frickin' amazing kisser."Amber Benson
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Mi corazon perdido en ti...

Edited by: Jennpurr  at: 7/3/02 2:07:57 pm

[Grimaldi]

loved the last two updates, very curious about Morrigan's motives and if Ghaena will help her.



Glad RL is better for you now

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Worm, are you ready to die in the cleansing apocalypse?

Its not my fault that you're a little geek with no sense of humor

[Thanatopsis]

Finally, the bird is explained, sort of. Very curious to see what Ghaena will decide to do.

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Oh, trusty soda machine. I push you for root beer, you give me coke.

[xita]

Wonderful update and the plot thickens. Now I have to have enough patience to find out what is going on, and wonderful web page, love the picture

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

Willow: (to Tara) I could heal.

Tara: (to Willow)And we’re gone.

[MadeinNZ]

How good was that? (The only correct reponse to that is - bloody good mate). I love how you're weaving different plots together so that we can never assume how things are going to work out. Oh - and I have to say it - Damn Bird.

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"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[DarkWiccan]

Okay first off... there are a bunch of people I'm going to miss in this response list.



Big Mucho Apology to these wonderful peeps. I have not forgotten you... I am just going to respond to the folks who posted to this most recent update...



Why? you ask. Well, b/c with the RL crap I fell severely behind in responses and there is no way that I can catch up.



But I love you all just the same



***Little M-- Did I ever give you reason to think that the bird wasn't up to something?



***Tulipp-- Isn't Mamet great? I love the way he writes. He inspires me, truly



***tkheaven -- if you are confused, I am doing my job



***Lonewolf22 -- Yup, the more ?'s the better



***BethanyB3--Great, now I've got that nursery rhyme stuck in my head...



***Jennpurr -- Try to imagine kind of... if Nicole Kidman was shorter, and had black hair... that's how I see Morrigan in this story. Again I say confused equals good



***Grimaldi -- Yes, Morrigan is and will continue to be an interesting character... but then again.. so is Ghaena



***Thanatopsis-- Yes, the bird is sort of explained... just keep telling yourself that...



***xita -- Glad you like the webpage. I couldn't decide which resume photo to use... the one without me in glasses or the one I used... I decided to go with glasses b/c...well... I think I look cute in them



For folks curious as to what xita is talking about go here darkwiccanslair.tripod.com



that's my new website *G*



***MadeinNZ -- Yup, I'm just a weaver. Love weavin... I had a great joke on the tip of my tongue, but it's gone now. Oh well... Continue to enjoy!!!



Cheers

DarkWiccan





edited b/c my typing fingers don't always keep up with my brain.

Edited by: DarkWiccan at: 7/3/02 5:45:06 pm

[Jennpurr]

Quote:

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***Jennpurr -- Try to imagine kind of... if Nicole Kidman was shorter, and had black hair... that's how I see Morrigan in this story. Again I say confused equals good

---

DW, forgive me for being so forward, but you are very beautiful.



Oh... Nicole Kidman... now she's an image I can handle. Cool!



And yes.. confused can equal good. I'm very curious. You're doing a great job at writing this. Thank you.



I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for more.



Jen

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"Alyson Hannigan is a frickin' amazing kisser."Amber Benson
-----------------------------------
Mi corazon perdido en ti...

[VampNo12]

Intriguing updates DarkWiccan! I laughed-out loud with the image of Anya going topless in the Magic Box while breast-feeding Joseph. I can just picture her running around the store trying to get customers to buy merchandise, while at the same time probably making the customers comment on her breasts ! I also liked how the gang "nailed" Giles being predictable about coming to tell them about some upcoming danger (ie after cooing over Michelle, Giles ended-up fulfilling their prediction by showing them the raven feather).



As for Morrigan this character intrigues me. Obviously Ghaena and Morrigan were close at one time, and I look forward to how this relationship plays out in the now. With this in mind, with Ghaena teaching Emily and Morrigan wanting to go home (as well as clear her name) I can't wait to see how this impacts Willow, Tara, and Emily (ie what Morrigan says and actually does might be two completely different things).

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 7/3/02 7:19:16 pm

[superZONic]

Spiff referencing the comic and all...And since WannaBlessedBe had some pretty nasty violence in it (ohhh that girls broken back!), i am beginning to get very afraid for our scoobs...



And yes, Anya topless (and Giles' squeeky clean glasses)was a crack up!



Im really diggin this story.



Thanks and more, please!

Z

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Your ribs are my ladder, Nikki.
I’m so amazed.
I’m so amazed…
-Times Square

[The Rose24]

Arrrrggggh! I should have guessed as many times as I have read my WannaBlessedBe.



Great twist, DW.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[DarkWiccan]

***Jennpurr---

Quote:

---

DW, forgive me for being so forward, but you are very beautiful.

---

Oh my... wow... um.. that's definitely a first...



I can't stop blushing... wow... um.. thank you



***VampNo12 -- Yes, Ghaena's loyalties will come into question as the fic progresses... stay tuned for potential angst in the upcoming updates....



***superZONic -- Yes, it was actually the comic that inspired me to write this entire fic... I must thank Amber for that.



***The Rose24 -- Hee . Rose, you know I live to torment you, right?



Cheers

DarkWiccan

"Promise me you'll never be linear." "On my trout."

[Jennpurr]

You're very welcome. Awww.. that's a first? You can't be serious? WOW... well, you are. I didn't mean to make you blush, sorry. I just wanted to be honest. And I like those glasses.



This fic is like a drug, I tell ya. Just want... more, more, more.



Anyway... have a good night and I'm anxiously awaiting more.



Jen

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"Alyson Hannigan is a frickin' amazing kisser."Amber Benson
-----------------------------------
Mi corazon perdido en ti...

[mollyig]

"I thought she wanted to raise Avon from the myths" That made me giggle.



Okay so if Morrigan wants to help Ghaena, who is the one who is free? Molly be intrigued.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[kathy94]

I've been reading this story since it started but I have never told you how much I love it!!! I can't wait for more



By the way, you're right. You do look cute in glasses

"I want my room to be Willow-friendly" Tara-New Moon Rising

"She's my everything" Willow-Tough Love

[katydid]

Now Katie has gotten all confused...but I am sure a new update will sort it all out. This story is awesome and I can't wait to read more.

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She practically had genuine molded plastic stamped on her ass.

[Loco2]

great update(s). thanks. goddamn bird. but i can't help but notice things are about to go bad. hmm...



oh and i loved buffy's letter to giles. made me smile.



steph

"Dr. Becker, have you seen the skeleton?" "What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"
"Who sponsered career day this year, The Brittish Soccer Fan Association?!" - Xander - What's My Line?
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[tkheaven]

ooo,ooo,ooo, Morrigan and Ghaena....hmmmmm

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"

-----------------------------
Tara was similarly riveted, her body on slow burn as Willow's lips parted and her mouth opened, the food slipping inside and being consumed. Never in her life had Tara ever wanted to be a chicken casserole so badly...Later that night..."It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured, before passing out. ~ Answering Darkness by Sassette

[Puff]

Wonderful updates and very intriguing.I love the way that this story is going and look forward to reading more

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You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[DarkWiccan]

***Jennpurr -- I've been called "cute" and "pretty" and "pretty cute" But never "beautiful" You're definitely the first to use that adjective Again, thanks



More is coming soon...



***mollyig -- Glad I made you giggle :P And good catch... who is the one who is free? Hmmmm....



***Kathy94 -- Thank you for stepping out of lurkage to say hey! Glad you're enjoying so far



***Loco2 -- Yes, Buffy's letter... what I found so amusing (in my head) was hearing Giles read the letter in that cute little perturbed way he sometimes gets



***tkheaven -- Hmmm indeed



***Puff -- Well, I like to keep my audience riveted



Update coming soon!



Cheers

DarkWiccan

"Promise me you'll never be linear." "On my trout."

[Jennpurr]

Cool. You're welcome.



And I'm much looking forward to it. Thank you.



Jen

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


"Alyson Hannigan is a frickin' amazing kisser."Amber Benson
-----------------------------------
Mi corazon perdido en ti...

[DarkWiccan]

I pledge allegiance to the Flag

Of the United States of America

And to the republic for which it stands

One Nation, Indivisible,

With Liberty and Justice For All



Okay... now where's my bag of illegal fireworks? ::rubs hands together conspiratorially::



Here We GO!

_________________________



“Never going to happen”, Ghaena replied succinctly.



“Why?”



“Must you ask such a silly question?” The priestess inquired.



“Ghaena, you know as well as I that I am not guilty of the crimes for which I am being punished”, Morrigan countered.



“Do I?” Ghaena asked, her voice cold and even.



Morrigan took a step back, her face filling with an expression of shock and hurt. She looked almost as if she might cry, but steeled herself quickly before continuing. “My… it has been a long time hasn’t it?” She said, her voice on the verge of breaking. “I never meant to hurt you”, she spoke lowly, her eyes falling to examine the floor.



“What happened between us so long ago… was a mistake”, the brunette muttered. “But it is not the reason why I am so… cold… to you now.”



“Then why is it you are bearing such a grudge?”



“I do not bear a grudge for myself, I bear it for my people”, Ghaena explained.



“And mine”, Morrigan began.



“No”, Ghaena bit out, cutting her off. “You are not one of us. You haven’t been since you ran.”



“I ran to save us—How many times do I have to explain—“



“None”, the priestess cut her off again. “There is nothing you can say.”



“Then at least let me try to redeem myself”, Morrigan begged. “She is free and must be stopped. I offer you my hand with my sword. I fight beside you now. I fight. I do not run. Not anymore.”



Ghaena crossed to the window at the back of the office, slightly opening the blinds, allowing some more light to filter into the room. She stared out at the small view for a moment, lost in her thoughts.



“I never thanked you”, she said softly, her gaze still trained through the glass. “For saving Adrianna. I should have thanked you.”



“It was nothing”, said Morrigan.



“It was everything”, Ghaena countered, turning to face her. She paused another moment to take a breath. “She’s been watching them.”



“I know”, Morrigan answered.



“The child is in danger”, the priestess continued.



“I know”, she said again.



“Alright”, Ghaena said, nodding her head in acceptance. “I will give you this chance for redemption. But whether or not you earn your right to Avalon… is not up to me. You must face the Goddess for that.”



“Agreed”, stated Morrigan, unable to stop herself from smiling.



*****



Crying would be too simple an adjective to describe what Michelle was doing at two-thirty in the morning. Wailing would certainly be more precise. Willow rolled over onto her stomach, trapping her pillow around her ears.



“Your turn”, she grumbled to Tara. “I got her last time.”



“Alright”, Tara sighed, struggling out of bed. “But if she’s hungry that’s definitely a ‘you’ thing.”



“There should be a bottle in the fridge”, came the muffled and grumpy reply.



Tara leaned over the bassinet and lifted the distressed infant into her arms and cooing softly. “I thought you used that up for her last feeding”, she said, turning back to the bed. She was about to ask again when she noted the slow and even rise and fall of Willow’s chest. The exhausted redhead had already succumbed back to sleep. “Nevermind”, she muttered.



Michelle had by now calmed to whimpering. Tara felt the baby’s bottom and found the diaper to be full. She carried the baby into Emily’s room where the changing table had been set up next to Michelle’s vacant crib and delicately set the infant down, beginning to undo the soiled nappy.



“There we are”, she cooed softly, “We’ll get you all cleaned up.”



“Mommy?” Emily’s soft voice filled the room behind her.



Tara jumped a little before turning around. “Oh, sorry, baby, did Michelle wake you?



“No, I couldn’t sleep”, the little girl replied, lowering her voice to a whisper, “Big Bird’s out there again.”



“What?” asked her mother.



“See the shadow on the wall?” Emily stated conspiratorially, pointing a tiny finger to the wall in front of Tara.



The blonde turned and examined the wall, taking a step back to see it more fully. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the silhouette of a raven’s head profiled against the blue paint.



“Emily”, she said as she quickly finished changing Michelle, “grab your pillow and blanket. You’re sleeping with Mama and I tonight.”



“Really?” the small redhead asked.



“Yes really”, Tara responded, lifting Michelle off the table and into her arms. “Quickly, let’s go…uh… you have school in the morning and should get some sleep.” She amended quickly, not wanting to cause her older child alarm.



Emily nodded and climbed out of bed, dragging her pillow and blanket with her, following her mommy into the master bedroom. Tara gently placed the now sleeping Michelle back in her bassinet and turned to face Emily, whispering softly, “You go ahead and climb into bed with Mama, I’ll be right back.”



“Okay, Mommy”, Emily whispered back, and carefully clambered into the large bed, curling up against Willow and watching Tara as she returned to the hallway outside the door.



The blonde made her way to the kitchen, picking the phone up out of its cradle and swiftly dialing.



“Hello, Buffy?” She asked softly, “Sorry to wake you… it’s Morrigan… I think she’s here.”



******

TBC....

"Promise me you'll never be linear." "On my trout."

Edited by: DarkWiccan at: 7/4/02 4:35:32 pm

[BethanyB3]

Hey DW come on over, my nephew came to visit & brought the illegal fireworks. We'll be shooting off our lil' illegies while the big town display goes off.

[Murasaki S]

Just caught up with this *amazing* fic. There';s so much to enjoy here, where do I start.

First the love scenes: you've become a pro, and the conversation stuff adds a dimension of intimacy that is pretty mind blowing. In a good way.

The way you're handling teh pregnancy and kids is so great, I'm amazed you can do this without having any.

You have such a wonderful grasp of what makes these characters so lovable, especially Tara's strength and Willow's vulnerability.

And there is a plot! I love it. I'm betting that with the Avalon connection you're also pretty close to what ME is going to come up with to bring Amber back.

This fic is a joy to read. Keep up the great work and thanks so much for sharing.