Okay, honestly, the fact that it is a dream takes away a lot of poignancy; it’s a beautiful story, even without it! You write so beautifully and lyrically. I am still haunted by the image of a dying Bran and the quiet beauty and sadness of the scene you set up…I particularly liked the Christmas imagery - ‘the gold, frankincense and myrrh’ in Bran’s eyes, the ‘frost’ in his lashes, and how fitting it is that on Christmas Eve, he is ‘a king coming into his own’. Wonderful job in weaving it into the narrative.

Also, I’m in love with the idea that Will thinks his name is ‘cariad’…just, AW

"And so you are Bran Ap Arthur Ap Aurelius, and I am Will Stanton, youngest of the Old Ones." His voice catches as he lifts Bran's cold hand to his lips and murmurs, "And, beyond all else, through all times, I am yours, my lord." “- that was my favorite line of all. Beautiful. Just says everything about them.

I think the fact that it is a dream weakens the story somewhat. Even though I did like how the very last line was a lyric from the song! :)

oh my. that was beatiful. really it was, im going now to see what else youve written...

This is one of the few Will/Bran fics that really seem believable to me, probably because you didn't clutter it up with hows/whys they got together, just kept the story tightly focused on the grief of their immanent parting. I did get a a little tearful.The end was a bit abrupt, I thought-Will's grieving was suddenly "just a dream"-but still, this was lovely. Made me feel how tragic it would be for an immortal and a mortal to love each other and lose, after so many years together that are still not enough.

Damn. I was all boo-hooey and then. . .and then. . .you made it all better.

That was really good. I liked the way it all turned out to be a dream, it caught me by surprise. Very touching story. I want more. :)

Ep! You mixed will/bran with sadness with the one carol that can always make me shiver and cry. I'm just glad I DIDN'T read this at Christmas, or I would have been a wreck. Thank you for this, it is lovely.

Wow- definitely one of the best fics I have ever read. I love the gentle, lyrical language. You portrayed the Will/Bran relationship so sensitively, especially with Will's revelation.

That was beautiful! I don't cry over much, but I came very close with that one, and got this tingly feeling all over. It was so sad! And then, when he woke up, there was just this huge feeling of relief... Really nice job, and thank you! Nadolig LLawen (a little late :)

Oh, how sweet! I was nearly crying as Bran died --I suspected nothing. Oh, you mean creature. But what a lovely thing to do! Wonderful. Beautifully written. I thought it was an odd pairing to start with, but that was /so/ sweet that you may now have started me looking for Will/Bran -- I'm an inveterate slash reader/writer in other fandoms, but so far Dark is Rising has been free from it. OOps. Lovely story, anyway, I'll stop babbling!

*wipes eyes* You made me cry and I am not a very emotional person. ^_~ Beautifully done! I'm glad that there are some really good writers out there who write for my fav pairings! Hope to see more of your work in this section.

Oh! So sad, so good! And then not sad after all! I loved this, thanks for such a beautiful read.