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manniness
All things must end.
Tarrant hates those four words, especially in that particular order. In fact, he hates them with increasing intensity with each passing day.
He’s wasting Time, he knows. Time is not infinite, after all. (That is – unfortunately – a very easy fact to forget here in Underland where people are as young as they feel and Time galumphs rather than marches.) Well... perhaps Time itself is infinite, but Tarrant’s time... That is another matter entirely.
He had forced himself not to Dwell on the future, although he had not been able to stop himself from thinking on it, he had managed to keep the prolonged contemplation of it to a minimum. Busy-ness had helped: the Barterment had been a wonderfully busy time with Alice and Tam at his side throughout the entirety of it. More busy-ness had followed that event: they had returned to Iplam, had delivered the orders that had been placed through them by residents of far away lands, had organized foodstuff exchanges; Tarrant had sewn a high-collared blouse for Alice so that they could go Above for tea while avoiding Questions; Tam had formally declared his intent to Master Time and had been introduced to the Royal Clockmaster at Mamoreal.
“I’ve never seen a young man with such a keen insight into the workings of time,” Albertie Tickings had confessed. “Although he’s a bit young to start it would be a waste to make him wait... I’d be willing to set aside a day a week to work with him, if that’s agreeable, Laird Hightopp?”
And it had been. Now Tam visits Mamoreal not only to pass Sir Fenruffle’s exams but to meet the Clockmaster. They leave in the evening and return the following night. Alice spends the day at Mamoreal with her Champion’s duties, advising the queen and training with the White Guard. Tarrant assists his skillful apprentice with more and more challenging hats. And Tamial – bit by bit – masters Time.
How ironic that this is the path his son has chosen.
How perfect that this is the path Alice’s son has chosen.
The irony and perfection he cannot – must not – Contemplate, for if he starts...
Tarrant shakes his head and focuses on the hat that sits at a jaunty angle on the head of its wooden model. It is a cap, a ladies’ cap, meant to be worn in a saucy manner. Which is fine. Sauciness matches the cap’s intention quite nicely.
The base is a striking deep blue and many of the long, curling, carefully shaved feathers are variations of the same hue. They twist and curve, conform to the wearer’s head, each with its own message to deliver. He had considered those messages carefully, just as he’d considered the color with equal care. There are emerald greens, indigo blues, violet purples, and even a magenta feather here and there. Each with a message or a thought or a wish or hope. The creation of this hat had come from the very depths of his heart, his soul.
And now it is finished.
He does not wish for it to be finished. He is not ready.
He will never be ready.
Never!
“Tarrant?”
He turns away for a moment, groping for a handkerchief and scrubbing at his eyes, at the pair of fat tears that threaten to leap from his lashes. “Yes, Alice?”
The house is quiet today; Tamial is spending the day with the Paneshines, learning about the glass he will one day use when he is permitted to make his first clock or pocket watch. He listens as Alice approaches, her feet scuffing against the rug on his workroom floor.
“You’re hurting again,” she observes on a breath, stepping around his back and making herself at home on his lap. His chair groans, but accommodates them. He watches as she pats the armrest in a silent gesture of appreciation and then looks up into his eyes.
She can only hold his gaze for so long before the mark on her neck draws his attention. His fingertips brush over his wife’s throat and the scar he had given her. (The scar he had given her!) Every day, it heals bit by bit. Every day is a bit more Time. He should be thankful, he knows. He should be, but he isn’t. Can’t! Won’t!
“Why are you so angry?” Alice whispers, petting his brows, his cheeks, his ears.
He shakes his head. He cannot tell her. He cannot.
He returns his attention to her newest scar. It is healing slowly. Very slowly. Mirana had informed them that Pain Paste only soothes away hurts that are Unwelcome. It only helps the resulting scar fade if the injury had been Unwanted.
Alice had Welcomed – had Wanted – this one.
And so it heals slowly.
He leans into her touch, marvels that her hands are rough again – her students are no doubt training hard for the first Festival of War Games which will take place within a fortnight’s time – and her smile is happy and yet she is still a Lady here. She still organizes the foodstuff exchange. She still makes time to give basic lessons to the handful of young ones in the village. His wife: a lady, a Champion, and soon...
Tarrant shies away from that thought.
“Would a bit of sparring help?” she asks, rubbing his shoulders.
He shakes his head. No, no sparring will not help. Sparring will Remind him of the time, long ago, when Alice had asked:
“Where did you learn to fight?”
And he had answered:
“Most of it I learned from my Fa. Then I relearned it after that Horvendush Day...”
He shudders.
“Please, talk to me,” she whispers into his hair, against the crown of his head.
“That, my Alice,” he replies, his lips curving into a smile... finally, “I can do. And so can this.”
He reaches around her and gestures to the hat – the only hat – on his worktable.
Alice twists in his arms, on his lap, and regards it. “Oh! You’ve finished it? Your first Hightopp Hat Invention?”
“Yes,” he lisps. “And,” he continues, collecting it with one bandaged hand and holding it up for her inspection, “it is for you, love.”
Against and around his heart, Alice’s adoration and awe throbs... painfully. He closes his eyes and sighs. Yes, he’d known she would like it. This. His first invention.
“Try it on,” he bids her.
She takes the hat from his hands, stands, turns, seats herself on the worktable, and he watches as she places it on her head and secures it to her short hair with the clips he’d installed upon it.
He watches his wife wearing his hat, his invention...
And then he leans forward and blows, causing one of the dark blue feathers to brush her cheek, and watches a bit more.
Her eyes widen with surprise... and then a smile stretches her lips... She reaches up and trails her fingertips along a green feather and then she dares to fondle a purple one and suddenly her eyes are twinkling with a very naughty light.
He giggles, momentarily shedding the Knowledge he carries with him. “You look very... fetching, my Alice.”
“Tarrant...” she whispers. She licks her lips. “What do you call this marvelous invention?”
“Why, it’s a Thinking Cap.”
“Is it?”
“Yes, yes. Each feather contains one of my thoughts... about the wearer.”
Green for memories of laughter and being together. Blue for moments of love. Purple for his passion and magenta for...
He holds his breath as she reaches blindly and her fingertips manage to find and caress one of the rare magenta feathers attached to the hat. He is not sure if she will like those thoughts. It has been a very long time since she has asked him to...
“And, how many wearers has this cap been made for?” she asks, her eyes taking on an impassioned glaze. He smirks. He can guess precisely which thoughts of his she’s listening to now!
“Just one. Just you.”
“And if someone else should... try on this hat?” she dares, sliding her knee between his and along the inside of his left thigh.
“It will keep my secrets,” he assures her, slumping a bit in his chair, pressing back against her touch. “And yours.”
“Hm. Mine,” she agrees, her lips parting and her breaths becoming a bit thin. She leans forward, bracing her hands on his shoulders. Tarrant allows his own hands to glide up her trousered legs to her hips.
“Do you like it, my Alice?”
“I do, Raven. Very much.”
He reaches up and guides one indigo feather in particular to the shell of her ear and tucks it against her skin.
She gasps. Just as he’d hoped she would.
“Do you really...?” she whispers in his ear as his hands delve beneath her shirt and vest.
“Do I really...?”
She leans in so close he can feel her lips brush his ear. “... think I’m beautiful?”
And then she gasps as he Answers her with his heart.
“Yes,” he whispers needlessly – no, not needlessly, for although she does not need to hear it – his heart speaks for him – he needs to say it! “You are Beautiful, my Alice, my Raven, mine...”
“Tarrant,” she sighs against his skin, making him shudder. “Thank you...”
And then she Shows him precisely How Much she likes his Thinking Cap, how much she loves his thoughts, how much she adores him. And, for a short time, Tarrant does not think about why he had so badly needed to make this particular hat for her nor why he had rushed to finish it and fill it with thoughts.
He does not think about the future or the past.
He allows himself to forget for a few moments the unavoidable Truth:
All things must end.
*~*~*~* The End *~*~*~*
Notes:
The Thinking Cap is based on a ladies’ cocktail hat. Here are a few pictures so you can get a general idea:
And there’s a couple of really interesting hats on this blog along with another feathered cocktail hat about halfway down the page.
A short message from Manniness:
Will Tam Futterwhacken again?
What unavoidable future is coming that both Tarrant and Mirana seem to know so much about?
Are we ever going to know what it means to Court Fate?
The answers to those questions (and more) are coming... with One Promise Kept: Book 5.
(So don’t kill me for leaving you with this cliffhanger - if I die, I can’t write, can I?)
(^__^;)
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Duh Duh Duh...
Date: 2010-11-14 11:06 pm (UTC)Best of Luck on OPK 5!
Eagerly awaiting more AiW brilliance,
~ThisLittleDeath
Re: Duh Duh Duh...
Date: 2010-11-15 03:07 am (UTC)Ahem. Yes, anyway, Begging has now been checked off my To Do List.
I'm so, so glad you enjoyed OPK 4. I was worried because it is different from the other books. (And not very many smexy bits.) But I consoled myself with the thought that, perhaps, Book 4 was more like the movie (in format and pace) than the other books and since we all LOVE the movie... *shrugs*
And as for Book 5... I have a couple of pages written on the first chapter and I have High Hopes for this one. Don't worry - I won't let you fall into horrible inconsolable pieces! Trust me. (^__^)b
Re: Duh Duh Duh...
Date: 2010-11-15 05:34 am (UTC)And thanks for the reply! *Whew* Now I can sleep peacefully tonight without the horrors of fallen Tarrants galumphing through my brain!
I'm not sure I could pick an OPK that I love best. Each is slightly different, but what I love most is that the rabbit hole always continues to travel deeper and your Underland continues to amaze with new and creative twists and turns. Not to mention your complex characters, deep and compelling emotional conflicts, and sweepingly lovely bouts of whimsy... Ah, and I ramble :) That said, yes, please continue writing!
In light of the behemoth of AiW literary genius that you've displayed here, I suppose I have little excuse for not finishing up a few snippet chapters in my little fluffy fic ;)
Re: Duh Duh Duh...
Date: 2010-11-15 12:54 pm (UTC)And Yay for more fan fic!! I await updates! (^__~)
*hugs*
no subject
Date: 2010-11-15 02:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-15 02:59 am (UTC)Thank you so much for reading OPK! It's been wonderful hearing from you!
And I was hoping someone would love that line of Tarra's enough to quote it, which you did in your last comment, so Thank You for that!
(^__^)
no subject
Date: 2010-11-15 08:09 pm (UTC)And the fact that Lord Manchester killed his son? CHILLING.
And all these cliff hangers make me anxious! ;;
no subject
Date: 2010-11-15 10:48 pm (UTC)I'm so glad you liked Book 4, different though it was from the first three books. (^__~)
And I *am* sorry about the cliffhanger... The good news is that Book 5 is already underway!
no subject
Date: 2010-11-16 12:58 am (UTC)I just have to say, that I was so caught up in the story that when I pulled myself back into reality to write this I honestly had a moment of not knowing what day of the week or what time it was. *laughs* that's how captivated I was by it.
I love your original characters and how well you weave them into the story. And the solution that Alice and Tarrant used on the battlefield...I was worried that it would be something like that...and it was! But you wrote it so well that I still was biting my nails while scrolling down the page.
*sigh* It was lovely! An absolutely wonderful chapter in this world you've created!
I cannot wait for book 5!
no subject
Date: 2010-11-16 08:53 am (UTC)Thank you so much for reading OPK 4. I'm so glad it didn't disappoint (although I am sorry for the dreadful cliffhanger). It thrills me to hear that my OCs are worthwhile and enjoyable! I never intended for them to have their own stories (especially Tarra and Leif) but I'm glad they didn't distract from Alice and Tarrant too much.
I hope you enjoy Book 5 as much as you've enjoyed the other stories. I'll get back to work on it a.s.a.p! (^__~)
P.S. I hope my list of theme songs didn't disappoint, either. If I remember correctly, you like music recs with fanfic??
no subject
Date: 2010-11-16 02:36 pm (UTC)Ah well, dreadfull cliffhangers just make me look forward to the next book that much more.
I did like your music choices! "Not a Pretty Girl" was probably one of my favorites to see on there.
On a music note, as I was on my way to work this morning I heard an instrumental track that seemed to fit that climactic scene on the battlefield perfectly. It's from the Battlestar Galactica season 4 soundtrack and the song is called "Kara's Coordinates". If you're interested in hearing it, drop me an note and I'll email it to you. :)
no subject
Date: 2010-11-17 02:05 am (UTC)Thanks for the music recommendation. I'm listening to it on YouTube right this very moment and oooh... I love the electric violin solo... Whooo... way cool. (^__^)b
no subject
Date: 2010-11-18 09:33 pm (UTC)BSG has a lot of awesome music. I'm rather partial to that and the track "Kara's Coordinates".
no subject
Date: 2010-11-18 07:07 am (UTC)Even when I have this distressing feeling, with the misterious/emotional epilogue (I worry about what will happen with Tarrant), let me tell you that I'm dying for reading the next one!
I loved this book as much as the other three!
Thank you for sharing your amazing work with us! (and thank you for your patience with me ^__^ )
no subject
Date: 2010-11-19 03:33 am (UTC)I'm really glad you enjoyed Book 4! And, don't worry, I'm working on Book 5. Chapter 2 is nearly done, I think.
It was a pleasure reading your thoughtful comments! Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me what you liked about this book!
*hugs*
no subject
Date: 2010-11-24 04:59 pm (UTC)Alice has not only solved Mirana's crisis, but also her own! She is Champion, training the young ones, and Lady. Leave it to Alice to sort it all out.
Alice has a hat! Mmm...I love hats. The idea of the feathers containing his feelings for her was genius.
And yet, it is all tinged with a sadness. He's wasting Time and counting down days. He doesn't want to finish... What an epilogue, missy. It's like an emotional cliffhanger.
Ohhh...OPK5 is going to be killer. I can see that already.
Brava, my dear, as usual.
no subject
Date: 2010-11-25 09:48 am (UTC)Alice did manage to sort her life out rather well, in the end, didn't she? But, of course, you knew she would, right? OPK!Alice always Finds A Way. (^__~)
Yes, I'm afraid OPK 5 will be a "killer" of a story. I promise a happy ending, though!
As always, thank you so much for reading and commenting! Your feedback is Golden! (^__^)
no subject
Date: 2010-11-30 10:38 pm (UTC)Regardless, I still loved it. It was beautifully done and classic these two.
“Yes,” he whispers needlessly – no, not needlessly, for although she does not need to hear it – his heart speaks for him – he needs to say it! “You are Beautiful, my Alice, my Raven, mine...”
Knowing that Tarrant is upset about something just made those lines really speak to me. Seriously almost cried.
Anxiously awaiting OPK 5!
no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 10:39 am (UTC)I'm so happy you enjoyed OPK 4. I ate up your comments with a spoon! (I borrowed it from Thackery. March Hares have all the best spoons.) (^__~)
And, in other news, from December 5, I'll have some new fics up (one at 32 pages, another at 60 pages, and a co-authored piece that weighs in at a whopping 215 pages) for your enjoyment. Hopefully those will tide you over. I'll also be posting a small fic on the Alice/Tarrant Advent Calendar (there's a link on my LJ on the right-hand side).
Happy trails in fan fiction! 'Tis the season!
Hugs,
Manny
WHAT!!!
Date: 2010-12-01 08:55 pm (UTC)Keep up the AWESOME story!! :D
no subject
Date: 2010-12-13 04:15 am (UTC)*ahem*
The Thinking Cap is a wonderful, fantastical idea...I wouldn't mind having one myself, if I had a Tarrant to put thoughts in the feathers. I particularly like the third picture example of what you imagine the thinking cap to look like. Very beautiful.
no subject
Date: 2010-12-13 04:43 am (UTC)I'm glad this story came across as a coming-of-age for Tam. Despite him only being 13 years old, I did want this to be one big step for him towards Growing Up. I think he has learned that it's possible for his parents to love him and (because of that) go Too Far for his sake. There's a distance at the end that I feel between Alice and Tam. Or, maybe more like they relate to each other as equals more than ever before.
It thrills me that you like OPK!Mirana. Yes, I remember you weren't very fond of her after watching the movie and it just tickles me pink to know that - at least when it comes to OPK - I've made her like-able for you. I consider that quite the compliment.
And I agree, Alice does exasperate Tarrant at times - especially now that he has so much on his mind (this Secret he's not sharing with her). But that really happens in a marriage. I adore my husband but sometimes he drives me nuts! (^__~)
There will be another awesome Hightopp Hat Invention in the next book, so the "fun" doesn't end with the Thinking Cap!
Thanks again for reading and commenting! Encouragement like yours is what's going to get me through OPK 5!
I. Was. Weak.
Date: 2010-12-13 07:52 pm (UTC)neededwanted to finish this story because I've waited too long to read it all. *shakes fist at RL*Dude.
Dude.
Are you trying to kill me?
First of all, I love Tarra. No, I Love Tarra. Her journey, the lessons she learned, and, of course, how she snagged her Leif (Who, I have to admit, I love more and more which is a far cry from what I was thinking about him in Book 2, LOL.) were perfect. You know, I have to say that they are my second favorite ship in this awesome world of yours.
Alice's plan! Gasp! Dude. I think I was with Tam there. WHAT THE CRAP DID YOU DO, TARRANT? But, it was written so well (and thankfully, you didn't stretch out the "death" of Alice too long...even my angst-lovin' heart couldn't handle much more, LOL)
But, now, I have to know what that wickedly awesome mind of yours has planned for Book 5. This *points to the epilogue above* does not look Promising.
Now, don't make me get the Ewok Pointed Stick of Encouragement™ out...and if you need to make a Beta Call, I'm so there. LOL
Re: I. Was. Weak.
Date: 2010-12-14 07:31 am (UTC)I find it so, just, flabberghasting (that's not a Real Word, but I don't care) that people actually CARE about my original characters. It's just... amazing that an OC/OC pairing is your second favorite in this series. (What's your first favorite, I wonder? Hm.... Lemme think...)
(^__^)
Angst, oh angst has not yet run its course in OPK. Yes, things look bleak but - if I have my way... and I'm pretty stubborn when it comes to my writing - then OPK 5 will be even MORE Epic than the previous books. Of course, after that, I'll be out of OPK ideas. Which might be good... I can actually have time go back and read what I wrote!
I will Beta Call or send off an Ewok smoke signal for poke-age if needed! (^__~) Huggles!!
no subject
Date: 2010-12-22 02:06 am (UTC)Chapter 13 pt. 2
Ohh this is another heartbreaking chapter. No, really, my heart hurts, and there is a perpetual frown on my face. :( ugggggh, tarrant. Tarrant’s heart nearly throbs with Loss at that. He holds it back, however. He does not want Alice to think the comment is overly Significant. Yes, Tamial needs the watch more than Tarrant does. He had already consulted it... for the last time.
What what whaaaat?!?!?! …what’s going on here?? I’m getting panicky and my stomach hurts. What is that supposed to mean????
And now I’m at the end of that chapter and I feel no better! What are you about to Do???? :(!!
Chapter 14 pt 2
Okay, Tarra and Leif are adorable and cute and I love when they snark but WTF IS HAPPENING HERE??? I do not need this added stress in my life, Manny! *wails*
Epilogue
Oh god, the Thinking Cap is brilliant. His eyes and the feathers…okay no really, my tummy hurts from the stress. I can’t handle this.
AAAH GODDAMNIT WHAT???? I..AM…BUT…HE’S…NOOOO!!! I have to read the next book but it’s going to hurt too much isn’t it?! Why would you do this to us? *sobsobsobsob*
I need some Pepto now. :(
no subject
Date: 2010-12-22 02:52 am (UTC)Now, aren't you glad you didn't read this BEFORE I started posting OPK 5? Seriously, I know how cruel this ending is. I know. This will be Alice's most intimidating challenge to overcome yet and I kinda feel bad for putting the characters through this...
Oh, the lengths I go to for the sake of Epicness... and to get the plotbunnies off my back, of course.
From: CrazyMarchHare
Date: 2010-12-28 07:58 pm (UTC)And I gotta say I love the Thinking Cap. Can Alice read his thoughts with it? For real? Am I correct to assume that the colors match his eyes?
Alice, you saucy thing, you. It's a miracle Tarrant hasn't passed out yet.
He does not think about the future or the past.
He allows himself to forget for a few moments the unavoidable Truth:
All things must end.
Your ending lines here are really cool. I think that it could possibly be considered the end of the series, because it finished so nicely. Of course, don't take anything I say seriously. I'm just a crazy OPK fangirl that is totally obsessed with the writing skill in this fanfic.
P.S. I read The Champion's Hatter. O. M. G. You killed me. I don't see it as a ghost story at all. I see it as Alice having an imaginary-friend-sort-of-thing. She thinks he's there. But anyways, I really think you should write more things like that. You're really good.
Re: From: CrazyMarchHare
Date: 2010-12-28 08:04 pm (UTC)Okay.
...Pause for dramatic effect...
I sent a letter to Tim Burton.
Yes, that's right.
Well, think about it! The disclaimers never said anything about writing a fan letter to the guy! You just can't PUBLISH it YOURSELF.
I figured your story would make a great sequel. Fingers crossed...?
Re: From: CrazyMarchHare
Date: 2010-12-29 08:01 am (UTC)I appreciate your dedication and love of this series. Truly. However, if you haven't sent any sort of letters or communications to Disney or Tim Burton or whomever in the AiW conglomerate, I request that you hold off on it. This is fan fiction and I do not want anyone to think I'm trying to do more than what I am: write my ideas and share them with like-minded fans. I don't want any sort of official recognition for these stories nor do I want anyone to think I'm using these fan stories to somehow profit or benefit from them and, I suspect, that no matter how wonderfully a letter to the AiW creators might be worded, it will still come across that way.
Bottom line: I don't want to be sued. Nor do I want any roadblocks in my future writing career, should I choose to go professional.
So, if you haven't sent that letter, please don't. Thanks!
And I will comment on your fantastic feedback later, when I am not stressed out about getting sued while on my second honeymoon with my husband.
Best,
Manny
Re: From: CrazyMarchHare
Date: 2011-01-25 12:48 am (UTC)I hope you enjoy your vacation and are doing much relaxing. Also that this apology lessened any worries you might have had. Best love, CMH.
Re: From: CrazyMarchHare
Date: 2011-01-25 04:42 am (UTC)Thank you for being so understanding about this issue. I really appreciate it.
My vacation was good, thanks. Now it's back to Real Life. *le sigh*
If you feel the inclination to continue reading the OPK series, I hope you enjoy the next book! (^__^)
Best,
Manny
no subject
Date: 2011-02-04 02:13 am (UTC)*tears!!!* It's that much more SIGNIFICANT AND OMFG. I still say your thinking caps are one of the best inventions in any fic ever.
heart-wrenching goddamnit but brilliant all the same. i love this interaction between the pair here. their dialogue flows effortlessly and feels, again i can't think of a better word, so personal!
well done.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-04 03:37 am (UTC)Yeah, this definitely a read-it-again part because after Book 5, we totally know why Tarrant was all torn up here.
In my humble opinion, using present tense in writing makes things a lot more... intimate. It kinda fools the brain into thinking this is not a story but events that are happening Right Now. So, yeah, that's why I use it so much. It's more... personal. (^__~)
no subject
Date: 2011-02-04 03:39 am (UTC)and yes i do think the thinking caps are that great.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-08 10:06 pm (UTC)He is not sure if she will like those thoughts. It has been a very long time since she has asked him to...
WHAT??? ARGH!!!
Well, I'll wait until tomorrow for OPK 5, unless at the farm I can't get the internet signal!
This was nothing short of amazing!
I'm filled with anticipation and dread. Well, more anticipation, as I know it will all turn out well. But the journey until then...*shudder* and *delightful tingles!*
no subject
Date: 2011-02-09 01:23 am (UTC)First, good call on Alice's death not being what it seems. You guessed the manipulation of time bit very nicely! And yes, Tam does learn Life Lessons the hard way in OPK 4, doesn't he? Poor kiddo.
You make a very valid point about how Tarrant grieves for the future - his wife will always be a Champion and she could be taken from him at any time. He cannot protect her nor can her keep her. That is very sad and an aspect of his character that I don't dwell upon very much in light of What Is Coming.
And you're right: what is coming is very bad, indeed.
He is not sure if she will like those thoughts. It has been a very long time since she has asked him to...
WHAT??? ARGH!!!
Er, I hinted that the colors of the feathers correspond to Tarrant's changing eye-colors. So, the magenta feathers carry thoughts that he had/has when his eyes are magenta... do you recall that particular scene in Book 2 and Alice's reaction to it? (^__~)
no subject
Date: 2011-02-15 05:35 am (UTC)I LOVE the differences in this: Alice's voice and her actions were really strong in this one--which, considering how she's technically in her 40s now (?), should be expected, but I was still surprised by the...maturity, I guess, that I could see in her. And yet it was FASCINATING to see that some things were still the same, especially her STILL!UBER!COMPLICATED (/AND!SLIGHTLY!UNEVEN) relationship with Tarrant. And AAAHHH the angst between them is still so beautiful and tragic and GAAHHH THE FORESHADOWING IS KILLING ME EVEN THOUGH I KNOW YOU'VE ALREADY WRITTEN IT LOLOL.
AND YOUR OCS ARE JUST PURE GOLD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE I COULD SAY ABOUT THE KIDS WITHOUT DESCENDING INTO SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE FOR THE REST OF THIS REVIEW. ;P
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!
no subject
Date: 2011-02-15 06:09 am (UTC)I'm glad you liked the original characters. Book 4 was a bit, erm, populous with them (I had to tie up those loose ends) but we'll see a different focus in Book 5.
Enjoy the last installment in OPK. But don't forget to sleep every now and again, yeah? (^__~)