FIC: Coming Back

[Pixie gishmock]

anon, this is just lovely!! Romantic, and sweet with tentative hope for the girls. I'm sorry I've been lax in my panty flinging; I actually do not limit my tossing to smut, so here is a very delicate pair of panties with a painting of a willow tree silk-screened on them.

Life is full of changes...The better you are at letting go of things, the freer your hands will be to catch something new. ~from Off The Map by Joan Ackerman
"It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured before passing out. ~from "Answering Darkness" by Sassette

[Drakkenfyre]

The dragon slowly awakens again, "Well, what do we have here? My Anon has posted an updated after awakening this lumbering dragon."

"My God, little one, that was incredible!"

"I do believe I feel faint, again." sighs deeply.

"Will you come to me in my hour of need or am to be lost in this hopeless blackness of slumber."

Author's note to Anon, "Please help this dragon as she can be very grumpy."



As always Anon, your words have hit me at a dark time and I can relate to your fic, thank you.

"We few, we happy few."
"We band of buggered."

[Wolflord]

Whoo hooo....another update. Great Job!!!!! Keep it up!

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I have a spell by myself.

[Trish03]

Well.. I am glad you notice me! YAY ME! lol I did register but well...you see...I forgot what my password and stuff it so i am just a guess. Cuz I am a lazy Butt, that loves fanfic and well more specificly yours!



Later Days,

~Trish~

[Trish03]

Well.. I am glad you notice me! YAY ME! lol I did register but well...you see...I forgot what my password and stuff it so i am just a guess. Cuz I am a lazy Butt, that loves fanfic and well more specificly yours!



Later Days,

~Trish~

[Bobos Mom]

My dear Anon -

What a lovely thing you are creating here. The writing grows stronger by the segment; I liked how well you characterized Willow in this update. The paragraph of babbles came off well...my mind didn't breathe as I read her words. So many writers think it's enough to make Willow go on and on. I sometimes fall into that trap, but one of the wonderful things about this last update is that you actually let her say something that drives the story forward. Whatever insights you've gained into writing the character since that first try that felt so unsure has paid off.



Tara finding her comfort place under the willow tree was a beautiful metaphor. The girls do always find eachother, and in the context of this story, it makes sence that the jumbled memories of Terri would lead her to take the idea of the comfort that Willow offered literally. Lovely, and well done.



I totally understand about the beta thing. For me, when I can write, part of the thrill in posting is finding those errors after the fact...the massacist part of me. But seriously, I want to share what I've done, and not think about it anymore, so I get what you're saying. The small errors do not distract from the body of the work, or its themes, at least for me. Now, if you wish to send this to extra flamey, or something, I would have someone proof it.



Have a great time writing the next update. I'm really looking forward to how you blend Dawn and Buffy into the main body of the story. Of course, I hope you give us much more happy W/T too, but one of the things that hooked me into this fic was your take on the adult Dawn. Can't wait to see where you take this.

BM

*********

TARA: Willow and I always know how to find each other!

ANYA: With yoga?

[pikescoob]

A willow tree is Tara's safe place...so sweet. Great update anon.



--Michelle

[daydreamer]

Wonderful update! Yup, so Tabula Rasa. I guess the reason I love this fic so much is that Tabula Rasa is one of my fave eps. Here, you've captured their thoughts and feelings so amazingly well especially Willow's pain and Tara's frustration. And then also their overwhelming need to remember and reconnect. Yup, more updates, please.

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I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul... - Pablo Neruda

[xita]

I know you were wondering how you should approach this and you have really chosen wisely. You have Tara not remembering but feeling the instant connection with Willow. The willow tree was a total surprise because it shows there were some things that were like still a part of her. It's amazing. Love your fic!

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

"Everything is turning out so dark..."

"No, it's okay. Lost is good. Willow and I always know how to find each other!"

[VampNo12]

Well Anon I must sound like a broken record, but this is another amazing update!



I love how you portrayed Willow babbling when she feared she was pressuring Tara with her question about remembering their past. The nervous hand gestures, not taking a breath while conveying her conflicting emotions, Tara being amused at her drawn out babble fest, while knowing in her heart she had to tell Willow the truth about not remembering (brought on by instinct), and etc. conveyed so much emotion to me with the wonderful description you used in this particular passage.



Then moving to the joining of hands and the symbolism of the past and present was very well done. Just like in the show when they joined hands in the laundry room a connection was made between the two. Willow's realization that magic might of initially brought them together, but now in the present (where neither has practiced magic for a long time) the real connection is reinforced, which is two souls finding their way back home.



Finally to the symbolism of the willow tree. As you quoted "Where would go?" "If you felt lost and alone", and Tara replies "To you", and let me say this was definitely seen in this scene. The willow tree symbolizes hope for a future for Willow and Tara, especially for the fact Tara never showed her secret place to anyone but Willow. Lastly, back to the symbolism of not breathing until they were finally relaxed (where no words needed to be spoken) sitting under the tree, Willow and Tara can now breathe because they are now truly alive (the search is finally over, their hearts/souls have found their mate).



Again I am anxiously awaiting another update to this fic. Great job!

[Karzia]

I just read all of this that is posted, and it is beuatiful, soft and rommantic. Just what i needed. You see I am in a long distance relasionship( me in NE her in FL) and it has been since early Febuary since we were together last, and I am missing her dreadfully. There is a soft rain falling outside and I am in a soft mood (what my Grandmother used to call my Celt mood) and this story is touching me deepy. I am gonna have a good cry and call my gf. Update soon, we need smoochies now

"The Bible contains
six admonishments of Homosexuals and 362 of Heterosexuals, That doesn't mean God doesn't love Hetrosexuals, just that they need more supervsion."


Lynn Laver

[ExtraFlameyWT]

This line:



"Jump Willow Jump." said Tara quietly as she pulled Willow further on towards the old tree.



made me want to cry... it was so sweet. My heart aches for Willow and Tara.



This is such a good fic... we need more. :)



-Aimee



*******

"Hey Will, this is me. It doesn't all have to be good and fine. This is the room where you don't have to be brave. I still love you. If you're worried, you can be worried." -Tara to Willow in ep. 603 Afterlife

[tkheaven]

oooerrrr...da willow tree....that was soo *sigh* sweet...

"Jump Willow Jump" *giggle* that was cute...I liked that...

Tara and her instintive connection to the willow tree...hmmm...

. o O (thinking when she gets re-introduced to the willowhand)

gah...let me stop...

-----------------------------
"Hey Will, this is me. It doesn't all have to be good and fine. This is the room where you don't have to be brave. I still love you. If you're worried, you can be worried."

- Tara to Willow

Episode 603: "Afterlife"

[hopico99]

I really love your fic, it's so incredibly sweet and thoughtful. wonderful job!

WILLOW: Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens ... but it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know, insane.
TARA: I said "quirky."

[Little M]

I love this story please keep updating

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

[witchbitchwillow]

heya,

i only started reading this fic 2day and its great! the whole willow tree thing v sweet! cant wait 4 the next up date.



love ellie x x x x

*thats me as a vampire im so evil and skanky and i think im kinda gay!*

*no candles? well i brought one its extra flamey!*

[Scout]

Just getting caught up with the fic and I have to say it keeps getting better and better. I love that even though Tara doesn't have the memories, she still feels the connection. And the willow tree was brilliant. I also loved that you included the cut 'Blood Ties' dialogue - that has always been one of my favorite conversations.



Great story!

Edited by: Scout at: 4/14/02 7:33:38 am

[Drakkenfyre]

Anon, what can I say about this last update that hasn't already been said? It is wonderful, the line, "Jump, Willow, Jump." left me breathless. I so enjoyed the use of the Willow tree, how appropriate. I wish I could come up with something witty and incredibly insightful but I am still reeling from the after effects of this fic and those bloody awful smelling salts you used on me....

"We few, we happy few."
"We band of buggered."

[molsongrrrl]

"jump willow jump"



What can I say? That got me! Such a wonderful update ...

A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants

[tommo]

Anon, I'm sorry if I seem nitpicky. It's a really big fault of mine. Gah. Anyway, I'll gladly go through it again and let you know. I feel all stupid now, heh.

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Hey Grrrrlfriend! Yoo hoo! Over here! It's me...Flaming Joel!

[mollyig]

That last chapter was truly beautiful.

I could paint you in the dark, 'cause I've studied you with hunger as a work of art - Collecting you (Indigo Girls)

[ExtraFlameyWT]

When's the next update, Anon?



*looks at watch anxiously and sighs*



need more



-Aimee



********

"Hey Will, this is me. It doesn't all have to be good and fine. This is the room where you don't have to be brave. I still love you. If you're worried, you can be worried." -Tara to Willow in ep. 603 Afterlife

[Jennifer]

Is it 'update time' yet? *Looks at watch*

[anon]

*anon ducks all the dirty looks thrown at her for not having an update*

Sorry, this isn't an update. I just needed to respond to your amazing feedback. Thanks for all you kind words. Your feedback has been amazing. I need more (I am addicted to you all) but I am coming empty handed. It becomes more intimidating writing this fiction with each section. I should have just ended it with the Willow tree and left the rest up to your imagination. But I didn't and I am working on the next section. It is just not coming out as easily and I have a fairly major work project due tomorrow plus a very hectic week. Wednesday - one way or another - I will have one by Wednesday, April 17 but until then, I need to respond to you now.



Tommo - I sense that you are afraid you offened me. You did not. You were very kind so please, no worries.Thanks for your comments, I really do apreciate them. And I took your comment about the beta reader as good advice. So thank you for reading, commenting and being willingto point out my mistakes. We all need a little (or a lot of) help!

BigMac - Thank you for reading. Tara may remember or just fall in love again. There isn't a big bad in this story unless time and memory loss count. But even with that, I think Tara's memory loss has given her a little break from her oppresive childhood.

jdcioffi - Sorry to keep you waiting. Hopefully by Wednesday the next update.

Catwalks - Thanks.

Rally - Thanks for reading and commenting.

LeatherQueen - I would say that Tara has been hit by the freight train of love and in a little while, she will be ready to jump into more than just conclusions.

Sheila wt - Awe, shucks, thanks.

jessen15 - Thank you for reading and at least in my fiction, your are correct -- Love will find a way. That is true with your story,right? You can tell me, I won't tell anyone.

Blue77 - I probably have said it before and I will say it again, I loved Tabula Rasa and it is the episode that has encouraged this fiction. Thanks for reading. I am looking forward to catching up to your story soon.

KJchicago - Thanks for the wonderful kind words. I am happy that you are enjoying this story.

Drakkenfyre - I am sorry I can not help your grumpy dragon with an immediate update but I do love that my story is soothing for you. Go to sleep until Wednesday. I will hide the smelling salts until then The next update will be there then.

Wolflord - Thank you for reading. You are sweet.

Trish03 - of course I noticed you and I notice your kind comments. Thank you.

BobosMom - Once again, thank you for your wonderful feedback and for putting so much thought into reading this story. I know I have said that before but I do mean it. Thanks. And I am having fun writing Dawn in this next section. What can I say, I am the youngest and feel that the youngest always gets a bad rap. So even though her character is annoying in the series, I suspect that the writers are older siblings and biased. Anyways, thank you.

pikescoob - I have always loved willow trees. Thanks for reading.

daydreamer - they definate need to reconnect... I am trying to get there. Thanks for the kind words.

Xita - The willow tree was a total surpise for you, that is so cool. It has been a thought at the back of my head for so long in this fiction, I thought it was obvious, even trite. So thanks for reminding me that I am the only one who sees what is going on in the story (until I get it written). I am glad you are enjoying it.

TheRose24 - Thank you for pointing out my confusion with the past episode/ missing scene. I fixed it. And thanks for reading. I apreciate it.

VampNo12 - yippee - you get it. Thanks for the wonderful, detailed feedback. It's funny because the way you talk about past and present united through taking each others hand totally went over my head. You make my story so much deeper. Thanks.. Now I am getting a big head and am petrified of not being able to keep the story going. (Never fear,I will keep writing and hopefully it will all come out naturally and not forced.) Thanks for reading.

Karzia - Now you should write some fan fic because your description of your Celt mood was lovely. I am glad that my little story could be there for you during your Celt mood.

tkheaven - thanks you don't have to stop with the flattery. I'll keep listening.

hopico99 - thank you for your kind words.

Little M - I will keep updating if you keep reading.

witchbitchwillow - ellie - Thanks for reading and taking the time for feedback. It is my addiction.

Scout - Glad you caught up and are enjoying the story.

molsongrrl - I am happy it got you...thanks for reading.

mollyig - so glad you liked it. Thanks.

ExtraFlameyWT - Now I feel sad that I have not update. soon and thanks for caring.

Jennifer - Sorry, it isn't update time yet. Forgive me and try to hang on until Wednesday. Thanks



So, I am atleast caught up on the feedback. I will bring the update to you Wednesday night. Until then, I hope you all have a lovely couple of days. Again, thanks for bothering with my story.

peace, anon

[tommo]

Phew, good. I'm always quick to point things out, never really thinking that someone somewhere might be sobbing over their keyboard. Heh.



Beta readers are great. But a good beta reader is like Tara's breasts. Just perfect.

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No metaphors...just fucking.

[VampNo12]

Just wanted you to know that although I am anxiously awaiting another update, you should take all the time you need for I know it will be worth the wait. Your story is so fascinating on so many different levels that is why I see such deep meanings in the fic (which is a true gift even when you aren't even planning it when you write a certain passage). Also my over eager analysis comes from too much dissecting cases in law school, and let me say I rather read this story with all the wonderful updates than do legal research. I can't wait to see what happens next to our favorite couple, I am enjoying the ride of a story you are telling!

[willowphile410]

I can't wait for your next update!! This story is fic-tastic! The scene with the willow tree was priceless. Wednesday can't get here fast enough....

"coffee, kisses and gay love"...the only things in this world to live for...

[ExtraFlameyWT]

YAY!!! Update Tomorrow!!! Now I'm all excited... How will I last until then. Okay, everyone who's writing has to update, cuz I need to have something to read! Hehe.



Thanks, Anon, for this great story!



-Aimee



*******

"Hey Will, this is me. It doesn't all have to be good and fine. This is the room where you don't have to be brave. I still love you. If you're worried, you can be worried." -Tara to Willow in ep. 603 Afterlife

[Catwalks]

surely you don't find little ole us intimidating?? please no!!



this is the one fic that I check for daily (well whenever I'm near my machine actually), the story is so captivating and the characterisation ... just perfect!



I know I'm as impatient as the next ... but ...the BEST things are well worth the wait, don't let the feedback rush you, it's your story, so tell it in your own sweet time (just keep writing!) and believe me, we'll wait and wait just to get to the end with you on this one!



sorry my feedback was one word last time but you rendered me speechless ( a rare event ) and my brain stopped momentarily!!!



looking forward with baited breath for the next installment



B



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Tara: Well, the nether realm exists beyond the physical world. Accessing it is ... It-it's kind of like astral projection. It's very intense. I'd have to be your anchor. Keep you on this plane.

Willow: I trust you.

Tara: It-it's not like anything that we've ever...

Willow: I trust you.

[Blue77]

I can wait. I have nerves of steel.



Honest ... but I'm also good at begging.

"She should have died hereafter: There would have been a time for such a word ...

...it is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Shakespeare/Macbeth