Well, here are some morning responses!
tommo, you must have sneaked a post in there while I was reponding to BV and Puff. Hmmm. So, thank you, I'm glad that you're finding the story a bit interesting. Truth-be-told, I've had my doubts and problems. The Giles/Buffy exchange was nice to write, but I wasn't sure about how much to put in and how much to withhold; I'm still not sure. Oh well. Hope you keep reading and making comments, I look forward to it. Thanks.
Grimlock72, excellent feedback, G, really excellent; and interesting that many of the problems you had, so did I. But, let me address them a bit and, although it might not change the update, it might clear things up for you.
Yes, Buffy saying she stopped Willow once before did refer to the scene in the hospital(not too clear I know) but it's kinda why I suggested people go back and re-read, just to refresh their minds. Anyway, obviously, a failed piece in the story in terms of 'allusion.'
Although it may have come across as them all going out to meet Madrine head-on in combat, that wasn't my intention(another failure, drat!). The intention was to go find where Tara might be; the weapons -- protection. I mean, they are still in Sunnydale, and they know that Madrine's people can move in darkness and light. As for Willow not having a weapon right now? Don't be too concerned; she's a smart cookie and will take one when the time comes, I'm sure. She is not suicidal in this endeavor. As for Willow using magic, or 'not' using magic, there is something I am building to with Willow's character, and some may be unclear right now. Part of that comes from the way I have chosen to write the story. The narrative form is something I'm still working on, and unfortunately it's not like scripts(hmm, gotta remember that for the future). I'm glad you bring up Glory though, cause I think that Willow's confrontation with Glory demonstrates that Willow does have a tendancy to 'go off' when someone(especially Tara) is threatened. True, she used weapons and magic back then, but she still went after a creature that was way more powerful(and unknown) to them all. I still see her character as reacting emotionally, in the heat of the moment as it were, and so I have written her like that. But, I also see her as very analytical, scientific, so her behavior will also reflect that throughout the story, though the two may seem very confusing and contradictory to read.
No need to apologize for not being scared of Madrine right now. It's understandable. After all, except for her fight with Buffy and killing Scorpion Man, she hasn't really shown herself to be scary. But, most "people" of power tend to let others do their dirty work. She's no different, really; but she will be. Alluding to Tara being scared if she
had seen Madrine in the reflection of the glass, again, unfortunately, part of the story telling problem for me. Things will happen that will reveal why she would have been afraid, but for now, I had to settle for hoping that people would think on her encounter in the mausoleum(see, underestimating Kittens' saavy reading abilities. . . Never a good thing!) and not say, "What? Why would she be afraid?" The necklace, yes, well, it helps keep her alive, as does a few other things, but the importance of the charm(besides it's obvious effect on Tara) will be revealed; unfortunately, that comes with more research.
Honestly, I struggled with the Giles/Buffy conversation. I wanted Giles to be able to say a few "smart-type" things during the conversation, while at the same time be at a loss. Some I was happy with, some I was not. I see your point about Giles' references to Tara's power in making Willow see as an issue of 'control' rather than 'power.' A very astute observation. But, for Giles in this story, he sees it as power, he equates it with a witch's power with magicks. Yes, I agree that Tara has always demonstrated a great knowledge about magic, as well as the consequences for its abuse, but I'm not sure that that is defined as 'control.' But I love your analogy of Tara "drowning in something she knows she shouldn't be in but can't get out, like quicksand." Yes, I like that. Time, and the story, will tell. . . .
I think the exchange with Dawn, with her absolute belief in Giles' words, was more as a demonstration of two things: one, that she looks upon Giles as the intelligent, 'know-it-all' parental figure she needs; and two, that she may be a teenager, but she is still a naive child when it comes to "reality." I think I wanted to simply show that she is grasping at any hope she can, no matter how illogical or irrational it may be. That may not have come across, in which case, hmm, toss it in the failure pile! And Giles, yes, surmising a lot, but I wanted to emphasize that he
is very intelligent, able to possibly see tangents that Buffy and the Scoobies might not. They see Tara as simply being killed, while he focuses on a bigger picture, a bigger agenda. As a Watcher, it's his job. But, I also tried to have him say over and over again: I don't know. Hmmm.
Tara. No, she's not a very efficient killer, I agree. More of a "swimmer," if I remember my Willow dialogue right. But Tara wouldn't be good at that sort of thing, doing magic to harm others, no matter how many spells it took her. Madrine's contingency of magic is more powerful than Tara's, but, hey, being alive for hundreds of years may do that. And, as for Fonce and not covering her back, well, none of them had
seen Fonce before this, only his implement, so wasn't thinking about him, or strategic positioning(other than keeping her back to the wall). LOL, though about talking to Willow("cool monster fighter") about some offensive spells.
Buffy. Yes, she keeps harping on killing the woman, Cassandra. Because for her, that is what, as a Slayer, she must never do: kill an innocent. She doesn't know for sure who Cassandra was, why she stepped in front of the killing blow, why she would say thank you. She is still fixated on the killing, in shock and remorse and guilt, as she was when Faith killed the Mayor's assistant. Me-thinks you are right in your suppositions, but Buffy isn't privvy to them yet, eh?
Main Street. Well I hope it was gruesome; I do try. You wouldn't know about fiery Main Street yet, as I haven't adapted it yet, but it is coming. No, Madrine hasn't totally revealed her complete reason for coming to Sunnydale other than to 'show Buffy who she is,' which is pretty cryptic, I agree. She does want to kill Buffy now, true, but with Giles researching and everything else that's coming, Madrine's purpose will be revealed. ". . . just stake her already. . ." LOL!
Why are Willow and Tara both drawn to Main Street? Hmm, could it be. . . Satan? No, kidding. Tara's nightmare has something to do with it. Events have come true there. It is much more interesting than having all the action in Buffy's house, too, I think. But, more will be revealed in the next section. Getting the charm off of Tara's neck? Might be a problem. . . reread last section. You wouldn't want to see a witchy-battery-Buffy-asskicking Tara? Oh, sure, spoil the ending!
As for the next update, it's progressing. You have time to word or whatever you want; Hell, copy some actual good stories on the site! Haha!
Thanks so much for your fab-O feedback. I look forward to hearing from you after the next update!
PS Buffy's leaving Anya for a couple reasons: one, so she can protect Dawn; two, Anya can fight and knows more stuff than Dawn, and if Giles needs something, Anya can do it.
PPS Your reply was perfetto, Grimmy!
Linda, glad you liked the update. Sorry it upset your tum-tum. If you've read these responses, you've read some of my feelings on the Giles/Buffy exchange. Fun to write, but I didn't like it all the way. Oh, well. I'm happy that it worked as well as it did. Yes, Tara is a little too calm and collected. I wonder why? No, Madrine won't be fooled again, hence the weird, distorted reactions in her room. Yes, she seems to have a slightly unhealthy attachment to our fair-haired witch, huh? Eww! I think it is safe to say, no, things won't go so well; and, really, be careful what you wish for with regards to the girls seeing each other. . . that might not be such a good thing when all is said and done! Mwahahahaha!
PS Yo, Matlock, good luck!
PPS Feb 08! Woo-hoo!
B, why thank you! Hope you enjoy!
deixs, awesome, huh? *gulp*
C, oh, no, don't you start that again. . . The moderators are reading!
Thanks all! Wonderful to hear from you all! Your feedback is great!
Kris
"Frell that!"
at: 10/21/02 1:44:22 am
C, Hi baby, I miss you! 
Pax! -Bev
Edited by: 
I just mailed "urging" you to post and I come on the board and what do my eyes see? 
(I know, it's not a reindeer but it's the only emoticon that does have horns 
death she deserves 
Gypsy kids around, hopefully 
though invoices 
, really looking foward!!
and Willow is NOT a happy camper
She better keep her hands off of Tara or Willow will be puttin a hurting on her 
you were supposed to let her know when you were going to update, look out 
