FIC: The Gift of Sorrow - Rainbow Writer's Season 7 Pt. 1,2

[Puff]

It's great to see Willow awake and Tara is starting to remember things more. *Sigh* I love htis story.

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

[little wicca dude]

wow



i come back after a couple of days to find 2 excellent updates



this fic just gets better and better everytime i read it, i think i'm hooked



need more soon !!

luv jill

"did i just say that? did i just say that too?"

My Scooby Page

[tommo]

Lovely. I really like how Willow's problems aren't over yet, although they could be with the return of Tara. What interests me is that you've taken this one step further by having Tara's return confuse Willow beyond belief. Luckily for all us readers, it's going to take some time before Willow gets used to this. And I shall gladly read the culmination of those worries.



Plus, Madelene is an intriguing character. I like her, although I know anybody outside of the Scooby Gang is possibly/probably evil. Heh. But I do like her. She seems strong and noble. Great qualities. Thanks.

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Squish. Squish. Squish.

[kiaora1]

this was absolutely beautiful, can't wait to read more

Willow: "Okay, we're here, ready for action...umm....bad guy fighting action" *smirks* - Seeing Red S6

[AutumnT]

Quote:

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What interests me is that you've taken this one step further by having Tara's return confuse Willow beyond belief.

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What she said. Because Willow already thinks she's out of her flippin' mind so she's got to be believing she's having one major of a hallucination.

Autumn

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It grated, like something forced in where it doesn't belong.

[d6wnc]

That was fantastic!! By the way is there any smut coming on any of the updates??? Keep the updates coming....

[Canadian Kitty]

I agree with Ruth and Autumn. I love how Tara's return solves some problems while causing others. It's going to be a long road back. But hey, that just means this story is going to be around for a while. And that's fine with me.



CK

"I'm not coming back." Willow. Villians

[no birthday cake]

i just read this WHOLE thing....

oh my..



*drool*

[Loco2]

yay. thank you for the update.

i greatly admire that you didn't have all willow's problems suddenly go 'poof' - even with the return of tara. that would have been unreal.

this is so brilliant, and it does seem very real, well, as real as some powerful witches, demons and a vampire slayer can get, of course.



thank you!

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

[Beth Dragon]

Buffy stood in the doorway to the bathroom and looked down at the blonde who was leaned against the side of the tub seeming to be quite captivated as she flexed and moved her toes.



“I hear you needed a taxi.” The Slayer offered softly causing the blonde to look up.



“How’s Will?” She asked softly.



“She’s okay, we got her to take her pills.” Buffy moved in and sunk down to kneel near her.



“How long before she’s asleep?” Tara inquired.



“Um... half hour maybe less.” Buffy tried to fill in. “The pills are pretty strong but if she’s been upset sometimes she fights them.”



“How ok is ok?” The Wicca leaned back a little harder against the tub side.



“Okay means she didn’t hurt herself, she’s settled now and compared to most from what Dawn told me you eased her back in record time.” Buffy leaned over and rested next to Tara.



“I’m not sure it had much t do with me.” Tara shook her head and looked back down at her feet.



“Why would you say that?” Buffy questioned looking sideways at her.



“I didn’t stop it happening so why should I have been the one that helped her through it, in fact it was my fault.” Tara’s blue eyes dropped lower.



“Why do you think it’s your fault? Cause you fell?” Buffy reached over to the towel on the floor. “Tara, she’s had massive freak outs over smaller things.”



“But I should have prevented this one.” Tara sighed softly.



“As far as I’m concerned you’ve already worked miracles. I mean Willow on her way to brush her teeth without a five minute discussion about how it’s necessary.” Buffy smiled trying to catch blue eyes. “That is a miracle.”



“I should have woken Dawn.” Tara refused to meet her eyes.



“I didn’t want you to get a swelled head but the Dawn asleep before midnight. That is your second miracle, one more and we can put you forward for sainthood.” Buffy kept trying to lighten her mood.



“I’m sorry Buffy.” Tara eventually turned to look at Buffy. “I’m just feeling sorry for myself I think.”



“Do you know what we need?” Buffy questioned with a sudden inspiration.



“A holiday?” Tara replied with a slightly lopsided smile.



“I was going to say ice cream.” Buffy laughed lightly.



“Just as good, but I don’t want to be a bother, with the stairs and everything.” Tara felt the burden of her situation anew.



“This is me.” Buffy shook her head and switched over to put her arms under the blonde and in a sure move picked her up. “Stairs is nothing, now a mountain I might want a moment.”



“Do you think Willow be ok without me?” Tara hung on a little.



“I could put you in with her and bring it up if you wanted?” Buffy checked as she moved out into the hallway.



“I don’t want to disturb her, if it’s best she goes to sleep it might be better if I leave her until the medication kicks in.” Tara offered for Buffy’s comment.



“She’ll be fine.” Buffy walked past the door and made her way down the stairs. “You up for a stool or the couch?” She checked before going all the way into the kitchen.



“It’s harder to fall of the couch.” Tara sighed again.



Buffy smiled and moved in to settle the blonde on the large fluffy cushions before she went into the kitchen and fixed them both large bowls.



“I’m hoping you still love chocolate sauce.” The Slayer smiled as she brought the bowls back through one was covered in dark sweet sauce.



“Still lots of taste bud jumping for joy at the mere mention.” Tara admitted as the words did literally make something inside her happier.



“I thought I heard you two in here.” Madalene emerged from the dining room. “How are you doing?” She questioned Tara as Buffy settled down with their treat.



“Feeling sorry for myself, Buffy is helping by feeding me ice-cream.” Tara replied honestly.



“Ice cream always makes things better.” Madalene agreed coming to sit down on one of the chairs.



“And convincing her that she has no reason to feel sorry for herself.” Buffy added quickly.



“I just feel so helpless.” Tara admitted glancing between the two women before looking down at her bowl of ice cream.



“Tara I have to honestly tell you here that you’ve only been risen for three days. That you’re even able to move is fantastic.” Madalene tried to be supportive.



“Thank you.” Tara smiled gratefully at the spellcaster. “And I don’t know if I was like this before, but I’m kinda feeling pretty…” Tara [paused. “Lacking.”



“I’m sure it’s just due to the adjustment.” Madalene underlined.



“Oh yeah... definitely.” Buffy mumbled through a mouthful of ice cream.



Tara ate some of her ice cream in silence for a moment not managing more than a few mouthfuls before she put down her spoon.



“When did Xander go home?” She asked nursing her bowl.



“This is his home.” Buffy stopped and looked up from her bowl.



“Ice cream, I’m missing out on ice cream.” Anya’s voice called from the stairs stopping all conversation for the moment as the vengeance demon walked down them and came into the living room.



“Anya, where did Xander go?” Buffy questioned her immediately.



“He went after her.” Anya nodded towards Madalene. “He probably got side tracked by chicken or pizza.” The demon shrugged and perched on the arm of the chair next to Tara.



“He went after me?” Madalene looked at the demon surprised.



“Chicken yeah Xander loves chicken.” Buffy’s eyes narrowed as she looked out the window into the dark sky.



“So do I get ice cream? I’ve been looking after the three of them for over an hour now.” Anya protested looking at Buffy.



“Come on Anya, I’ll help you get some.” Buffy gave Tara a ‘help me’ look and moved over with Anya into the kitchen. She wondered why suddenly the demon was incapable of rummaging for ice cream herself.



“I’m taking it I missed something.” Tara looked at the spellcaster.



“We had a slight misunderstanding.” Madalene smiled softly.



“You and Buffy?” Tara clarified.



“Yes, but we worked it out. They all love you so much they are even afraid I could be a threat.” Madalene laughed lightly.



Tara looked briefly off towards the kitchen before turning back to look at Madalene.



“But you’re not a threat are you?” She asked quietly fixing Madalene’s eyes with her own.



“Not that I know of.” Madalene held the blue gaze without flinching.



“Why did they think you were?” She asked curious.



“There’s been a couple of incidents that has Buffy thinking there is someone or something that is after me.” Madalene explained calmly.



“Incidents?” Tara frowned.



“Nothing that you need to worry about.” Madalene reassured her. “Buffy says she’s going to take care of it.”



“Willow’s asleep.” Neither Tara nor Madalene had noticed the teenager’s arrival as Dawn appeared in the room. The dark haired young woman crossed over and snuggled onto the couch beside Tara.



“I have ice cream.” The blonde smiled and offered Dawn her bowl.



“Chocolate mountain explosion cool.” Dawn took the spoon and helped herself to a large mouthful.



“I’m merely saying that unlike popular thought, I believe that it is ice cream rather than chocolate that can be as satisfying as sex.” Anya stressed as she walked in from the kitchen not even blinking when she caught sight of Dawn.



“Dawn can you be any more of a thief?” Buffy tried to ignore Anya as she held up the bowl she’d dished out for the teenager.



“Tara offered.” Dawn objected.



“You don’t have to coddle her.” Buffy grinned at Tara as she handed over the new bowl. “We weren’t sure if you wanted any?” She motioned to the second bowl that Anya was carrying for Madalene.



“Thank you.” The spellcaster smiled at the thoughtfulness and took the offered indulgence.



Tara smiled softly and leaned back a little into the couch cushion, just basking in the strange familiarity there was to this situation. It all seemed so natural, them all gathered around eating ice cream. Though the two missing Scoobies did draw a red flag in her mind.



“So if Xander lives here, where are you managing to fit everyone?” She asked looking over at Buffy as she and the Slayer where the only two not really eating.



“Well for the moment you and Willow get your room, Mads can have mine and I bunk with Dawn.” Buffy summed up. “Xander offered to give you the basement Anya if you want to stay too, he can take the couch.”



“Me, stay in the basement, I’m a vengeance demon again. My time of sleeping in basements is over.” She scowled firmly.



“You get the basement or the couch.” Buffy looked back at her unmoved by the plea.



“I’ll have the bed, but I insist that Xander takes all his smelly unmentionables out of there first.” Anya huffed loudly. “Where is he anyway, its been ages?” She pouted.



“I don’t know.” Buffy shook her head looking out the window again. “You guys okay to hold down the fort while I go look?”



“We can cope.” Dawn replied nodding brightly as she glanced between Buffy and Tara.



“You sure?” The Slayer moved and shrugged on a coat as she poised the question directly to Tara.



“Positive.” Tara smiled and nodded.



“Back soon.” Buffy nodded and went out locking the door behind her.



******

[Puff]

Oh I don't like the idea of Xander missing especially as he always has bug problems anyway . It' was great to see Tara relaxing and maybe that had something to do with Willow getting to sleep ok as well. I just know there is going to be more angst soon though.

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

[Loco2]

oh wow. even more. but now you've concerned me, those things are after Xander, not madelaine, aren't they? (though if i couldn't be further off, everyone is welcome to laugh at me for this.)



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

[jdcioffi]

Excellent updates ... everything fits the characters so perfectly. Willow's child-like awe of Tara (and her reappearance) and Tara's self-doubt. It's so honest ...

JD

"I smell the smelly smell of something that smells smelly!" (SpongeBob Squarepants)

[KathleenWolf]

Hi everyone... I'm so sorry that this are soo overdue... I know everyone is so understanding with the little mom accident and my not being particularily well this month, and the cat troubles on Beth's side of the ocean... but please know I didn't forget or not feel completely guilty about not responding so to try to catch up... please know that we read and revel in each of your reponses... to know we are capturing so much of your time and attention is overwhelming...



Big thanks for reading go out to: Ressick, Sparrow, LeatherQueen, JennY, BethanyB3, JennPurr, Xita, Blameburner, TheRose24, VampNo12, Sassette (we still don't think your a slacker ), Sheila WT, Deamoon20, Scout, MadeinNZ (we totally get it thank you!), Penrose Orleans, SlayerTazz, Fairydust, Bookcat, Mollyig, Miss1234Kitty, Pikescoob, Fidds, Loco2 (hope you are feeling better), Thanatopsis, DarkWiccan, Imperfectly Me, Little Wicca Dude, Pixie_gishmock, Shootingstar, Darkmagicwillow, d5wnc, Tulipp, WitchBitchWillow, Puff (oh yes... guarantee more angst), WTsnuggles, Jessie 85uk, Karzia (love is the most powerful force on earth ), Tommo, Willowfan75, Jdcioffi, WiccansIllusion, willowfan, Ghostwriter, Sela, Spazz07, Kiaora 1, AutumnT, Canadian Kitty, No birthday cake (special prize for reading it all at once),



Thank you for your kind worries and well wishes for my (clumbsy but lovely) mother: Loco2, VampNo12, Penrose Orleans, Shootingstar, LeatherQueen, JennPurr (no worries... you couldn't have known that was holding up the update), Sparrow ( the door got dented... so I think that hunk of metal learned its lesson), Tulipp, Karzia (oh sour skittles will save the world!), Fairydust, BethanyB3 (thank you for the suggestions), The Rose24, Darkmagicwillow, Thanatopsis, Willowfan, Pikescoob, Bobos Mom, WiccansIllusion, Rane018, Sassette, Oneeyedchicklet, Little Wicca Dude, Sela



Necessary answers to poised questions:



In regards to Willow's healing process I don't think it will be both a long term and short term goal thing...



Thank you to everyone who is accepting and liking our new character Madalene... of course I can't spoil the future in terms of her... but it's so rewarding to see everyone picking up on the qualities and possible twists she can create...



Miss1234Kitty: we by no means have a patent on 'The Elders' so feel free to continue without changing your story... and Wiccan Goddess are much different from the Circle Elders so we probably wouldn't even have noticed... otherwise my babble means... thank you for asking, it was very sweet but please don't worry use what your using



To everyone worried in general about Willow and Tara... though there is bound to still be some angst... we promised from the begining Willow and Tara Together (WTTP as I shorten too) and that is still in full effect...



Loco2: oooooh now do you want us to confirm or deny that? ... though I will say no one should dare laugh at your theory!



Thank you all again for all your heartfelt comments, questions and praise... it is such a great joy being able to share this story with all of you

hugs and love

kath (and beth)

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

[Tulipp]

Great update; I'm enjoying this story so much. I agree with others who have said that it works that Willow isn't just "better" with Tara's reapparance. It's truer this way.



But where's Xander.... I bet he wants ice cream, too.

[WiccansIllusion]

Okay the ice cream definetly helped cool off from the other thread...very nice ladies, and yes that is ominous with Xander missing..

'It's good to be a chicken casserole'-Sass, answering darkness

'My heart is cleverer then I and it knows what to do.'-MC Legends of the Kiss

[Scout]

Maybe the black bird got him. Oh wait, that's another story...sorry.



Wonderful update! Glad to see Tara settling in and being reminded of what her family was all about. Looking forward to more soon.

[LeatherQueen]

Lovely. And yes, ice cream makes everything better. Especially with extra chocolate sauce.



This was so nice, but now I too am worried about why Xander's been gone for so long. That can't be good.

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"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[witchbitchwillow]

great update!!



i hope that everythings okay now, you seem to have it a bit rough lately, i hope that things are looking better again.



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!*

[MadeinNZ]

Why do I think Xander is not going to be off enjoying himself at The Bronze? These things never turn out well.



Thanks for the update. Well worth the wait. I do, however, feel the need for ice cream and chocolate sauce. Which wouldn't be so bad but its only 10.45am here. Oh well - never too early for ice cream.

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

[sparrow]

Woo and Hoo the rainbow is back in effect, updayes and all. Got a bad feeling about the absence of Xander.

And, yet, I just can't seem to care


I'm not coming back

[spazz07]

It's probably Chandler out to get him for stealing his personna. I love reading how your getting Willow and Tara together and that their problems weren't solved straight away. An awesome way to bring Tara back into the fold after the horrible way that Joss treated her. This is the first fic i check for updates when i log on so keep up the fantastic work.



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.

[KathleenWolf]

i'm getting the hint... the ice cream bar has now been restocked... with over 45 flavours!



Tulipp: thank you... we're trying really hard to make Willow's progression back believable but not too drawn out



Wiccansillusion: carry over between threads would probably need ice cream... though hey wait till the NC17 hits town here



Scout: nope not the black bird... but just as puzzling as I've read that story too...



LeatherQueen: i'd try to lie but hey this is the RainbowWriters and we did warn for angst ... hang in there



witchbitchwillow: thank you for reading and for worrying... mmm june has not and continues to not be a great month but Beth and I are finding a rythum somewhat amongst the mayhem... RL can soo bite but ya know you do what you can to keep going... all you rainbowmittens help so much thank you



madeinNZ: it is an ice cream worthy hour somewhere in the world so put on some extra chocolate and enjoy... and no i can guarantee Xander is not at the bronze



sparrow: yep RW back in town... and well I can't spoil the xander bit but remember this is us writing it



spazz07: oh nath thank you so much... it means alot for us to be first on your check list and that you think we're doing the post josh meltdown justice...



thanks for reading to everyone

kathleen and beth

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

[oneinten]

Hurrah I've finally been able to catch up...and what a catch-up. I am so glad that Willow knows that Tara isn't really a dream now (well sort of). Tara is so wonderful and caring of Dawn and everyone. I also love how she is slowly remembering everything and that no matter what she still remembers Willow, even if it's just an echo. Sigh. You guys are fantastic!



Lovin' wiccas back together, magical locust and snakes, Dawn not being whiny...this story has it all - love, angst, intrigue and ice cream! Can't wait for more!

[Thanatopsis]

another great update with ice cream to boot, but I'm betting Xander's missing isn't a good thing.

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Dawn: I gave birth to a pterodactyl.
Anya: Oh my god, did it sing?

[The Rose24]

There are two miracles in the making here. An alive and well Tara and a sane Willow.

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?

[Ghostwriter]

Thanks for the update, as always this story is excellent. Thanks for sharing

[VampNo12]

Wonderful update guys! I enjoyed how Buffy used humor (ie "That is your second miracle, one more and we can put you forward for sainthood".) to relieve some of Tara's self-doubt. Tara is feeling useless especially for the fact that she hasn't physically healed yet, and hopefully once Willow starts to get used to the idea that Tara is indeed alive they can heal together (both physically and emotionally).



Must agree that ice cream makes all things better, and I loved the sense of family/bonding with the gang together indulging in this treat. Of course speaking of the gang I hope Xander is ok, especially as he seems to been gone awhile. Looking forward to the next part!

[fidds]

great update

this story's brilliant!



*Hannah*

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I just needed someone to talk to, you were just too busy with yourself, you were never there for me to express how i felt ,i just stuffed it down- *STAIND -FADE*

[tommo]

Wow, a scene chock full of dialogue. It's nice to see Tara interact with the others and gradually sink back into the important position she occupies with them. It's clear from your writing that Tara is well loved and much missed. What amazes me is that ME didn't think this would happen. Fools.



Uh, them, not you.

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Squish. Squish. Squish.