I like this... the story does such justice to the character of Tomoe. Although i don't completely agree with the characterization of Tomoe - to each their own right ;), i find your writing compelling and believable :) Kudos

Oh wow. I love it! I knew right away that the guest was Tomoe. Lol. I really really did like that! Great job =)

ARi chan

Interesting story. It was more heartwarming than chilling - which is what I expected since it was a ghost story. I like the way the umbrella was such a central part of the story, the way Kaoru noticed more and more details about it as time went on.

One thing though, Kenshin was mentioned as 'Kamiya Kenshin'. Was it usual in the Meiji era to refer to a husband by the wife's family name?

wow, amazing. I really like your fic. It's well developed, full of detail and emotion, without being mushy. Love the geisha story, and how tomoe soothed kaoru's fears without being too obvious. It is really really good.

Thank you for writing such a great fic.

junuca gaki

This was beautiful. Brilliantly done. It was fairly easy to figure out earlier than you pointed it out that it was Tomoe - but you were wonderfully subtle. I LOVED this it is - BY FAR - the best Tomoe/Karou interaction I've ever met. The imagery was perfect. Great Job!

This was a very good fic, wonderful characterization. I especially liked how you portrayed Tomoe. ^_^
*fav*

I've read this several times, but I don't think I've ever reviewed. I absolutely love this fic. It's so well-crafted. The dialogue is fantastic, the interactions between the characters is so real, and the symbolism! I love it! The setting, the plot, the little snowmen, the theme of the umbrella changing color throughout the piece, it's just all so well put-together. I think my favorite part, though, is the very last line and the very first line. The first time I read this, I was thinking, "wow, this is great," and then I read the last line, and it was just--superb. Absolutely exquisite. Thank you so much for writing this.

Wonderfully written. Mellow and lulling with that hint of intrigue, leading the reader on, wondering who this mysterious woman is, and building up to a satisfying conclusion.

There were beautiful little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout: "If you believe that people are worse than they are, often they will become so. If you believe in the best in people, sometimes they will try to live up to it." A delight to read.

That's a gorgeous story. I love the way Kaoru realizes, and the way she thinks about Tomoe xD

I love this one-shot of yours. It's perfect. And it's so hard to find good Tomoe stories like yours. Nice job on this!

Wow! This story was a very pleasant surprise! I loved everything about it!

The title is such a common object and yet the story was something truly extraordinary. It was like rubbing dirt off the surface of a rock and discovering ruby underneath. Despite that, the title is perfect for the story. The umbrella was significant to the plot and references to it were masterfully woven throughout to ground and contrast with the romantic and mystical subject.

I also really liked Kaoru’s internal dialog throughout the story. It was very “Kaoru” and it showed that even though she was entertaining her visitor, she was somewhat distracted by the mundane things in her life such as caring for the girls, wondering about Kenshin and Yahiko’s whereabouts and how the pregnancy was affecting her body and her life.

Speaking of the pregnancy, I really liked the realistic details about it that were included in the story. It’s obvious the author knew what it was like. ^_^

The other thing I really liked was how honest Tomoe was about herself and her and Kenshin’s marriage. So many authors incorrectly paint Tomoe as the ‘perfect’ woman and Kaoru as falling far short of that standard. I really liked the lines,
“I myself could cook, and sew, and plant, and clean, but I was never very good at all the more important stuff…I was young and melodramatic -- not that I was particularly good at being melodramatic, what with being so reserved -- and he was younger, and we were both foolish.”
Tomoe was correct that Kaoru and Kenshin’s marriage was healthier and that Kaoru’s emotional strength made her a better wife for Kenshin.

It made me chuckle when Tomoe insisted on cooking lunch. It was a light little breather in the drama of the story. ^_^

At the end, I could feel Kaoru’s incredulous shock when she realized whom she had been speaking to and her bittersweet realization brought tears to my eyes.

The only two small things I would consider questioning in the story was (as others did) Kenshin’s formal speaking near the end and also the fact that Kenshin didn’t question Kaoru about how she had gotten the umbrella and instead just commented on its beauty. I think he would’ve been concerned if his very pregnant wife had left their home with two little girls during a snowstorm.

Otherwise, this story is perfectly and masterfully written and I love the resolution it brings to the Tomoe, Kenshin and Kaoru love triangle. Thank you for sharing such a unique and interesting story with us! ^_^

I read this story once a very long time ago and was sad that I never got a chance to review and tell what a beautiful piece it was. I'm glad I managed to find it again to offer my compliments.

The idea is so very appealing to me. That Tomoe would visit Kaoru and quietly give her blessing over Kenshin's new life and happiness just...I don't know if I could put it into words. It makes me feel as peaceful as I imagine Tomoe felt. The way you wove the story together is so stunningly touching. And the characterization was very well done. I'm very much glad I got the honor of reading this piece again. Wonderful work.
~Jade

I *love* this story! Please keep writing! ^_^

Ohh...That was so awesome.
:D What a great ending...
That was so...Ah, that was awesome...

What a wonderful story. I think you made a very nice ending. I'm just suprised Kaoru didn't say anything about Tomoe.