Oh, this is nice

::grins:: So, you already know that I love and adore your work. Which means I'll find something new to say about this. I really enjoyed the expansion on Merle's personality and past. It's really nice to have a good understanding of his history and his view on life in order to help get inside of his head.
I also love the amount of detail you are capable of putting into your work. Your breadth of knowledge, both in style and content, is something I truly enjoy when I read what you've written.
So yes, keep up the good work and I do hope we see more of René soon. I like him!

As you know, I LOVED the original version of this story and thought it was terrific. So I'm curious to see what you think needed revising/rewriting. So far the new version seems fine; unfortunately, since you're replacing the original chapters rather than posting this as a brand new story, the site won't let me review chapter 2 (since I had already reviewed chapter 2 of the original version). So I guess as you go along with this new version, I'll just have to give you my opinions via email or MSN, rather than reviewing.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing what the new version is like!

This entire story was absolutely beautiful. Please, you must post Two For Joy again soon. I absolutely looved this whole thing. There are not many maleXmale pairings in things like Beauty and the Beast, but you pulled this one off very, very nicely.
I will stay vigilant for more of your works! Post soon!

The White Huskie

::sighs::
Since you are, after all, the author of the story, I suppose I can't really argue with you about right-ness. That being said, if Two for Joy is what you consider not-right, I don't think I can fathom the quality that your writing will reach when you get it right. And I have utmost faith that you will.
You are one of the most talented writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading and all I can do is sit on the sidelines, keep hoping for more of your work and applaud madly when it appears.
::Hugs:: by the way, since I feel as though you need them now.
I am, and will always remain, your devoted reader,
Damian

Aw, I'm sorry to see it go. But I'm glad you'll be rewriting it in some form. You know what's best for you. I look forward to reading the new version!

Nice story! I like the parts with the fae mythology especially. Have you played Changeling by any chance?

This was a brilliant story!
I like how the Romance wasn't at all rushed into or forced or too cliche.
Especially in chapter where they DON'T kiss after changing.
And the rhyme you were talking about, It's interesting, I've never heard it referred to with Ravens and Blackbirds before. Only Magpies.

Can't wait to read the next one

Dark Kaiser

well, i can truly say that i have enjoyed this story very very much from the first chapter to now. it was well written from the start, but as it moved, your development as a writer was definitly visible. now you are truly excellent!

may Adam and Merle have a bright future and may you continue writing, as it is clear you are extremely talented. :D

good luck

Chef13

so, you say you scared yourself while writing this chapter? well, i have just one thing to say to you; do not fear greatness! this chapter was GREAT writing, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

there was no point where i was confused as to what was going on; the descriptions were never too much. and the imagry was incredible; you could see everything happeing practically before your eyes! the pure emotion withing the lines of typing was just brilliant. i nearly cried myself and, for me, that's saying something!

if anyone flames you for this incredible piece of fiction, then let them boil in their own ignorance of proper writing. you are amazing!

Chef13

That was a fantastic story, original, intriguing, while still retaining qualities of the Disney version, and the ending was just right, sweet without being syrupy. You did leave a lot of loose ends untied though so will there be a sequel? Great story, well done

Aw.
I know, i know, I should say something a little more sensible than that, but I had to get the wordless expression of cuteness out first.
Excellent story, both with plot and with characters. You have a gift for making words come to life and I can only hope that you continue to write such magnificent stories.
Thank you for not killing Adam, by the way. I was fairly sure you would not, but slightly panicky, just in case. You handled this beautifully, though.
Endings are always difficult, especially when trying to tread the fine line between adorable and sappy, but you allow us to see just the right amount of emotion without overdoing it and making your reader gag. Kudos, there aren't many people who understand that.
What can I say, you are a fantastic writer and I'm so glad you wrote this and I had a chance to experience your storytelling. I can only sit tight and hope this won't be the last of your tales.
~Levana (Damian)

Ah, this was very well done. I really like the bittersweet quality of it - you have the beautiful romantic aspect, but it came at a cost, and it was messy, and everyone involved is not the same.

I like the fact that you resolved the main issue -- the spell was broken, the Beast is transformed, and he and Merle are together -- but there are still aspects left open-ended, which means that you HAVE to write a sequel. :) I'm very curious to see how Merle and Adam deal with all those challenges and problems Adam brought up. And of course, I HAVE to know what happens to Belle and Gaston (especially poor Gaston! :cuddles him :)

This was really an amazing story. You created a truly original, fascinating and believable OC (which is very hard to do!), and the story itself was so compelling that one forgets it was based on the movie. It all flowed so naturally. As other reviewers have mentioned, you have the most wonderful, poetic style of writing, truly a joy to read. I also commend you on all your research and knowledge of both history and magic, which gave a real ring of authenticity to it.

Wonderful job, and seriously, you need to start writing a sequel NOW! :)

I'm speechless. I don't know what to say, how to respond. I'm going to leave the plot itself out of this discussion, though I will say you have done an amazing beyond amazing job so far.
Your writing is excellent. You have a power with words that is delightful to read and impossible not to love. Your use of the canonical characters is great, yet you make them your own and make them more alive than Disney ever could.
My one...not even a complaint, but comment, is that you make Belle's betrayal, for lack of a better word, so very sudden. I realize that you wanted it to be a surprise, and perhaps I love suspense a little too much, but I guess I would have liked more of a hint in earlier chapters.
My hat's off to you and I only hope you post more soon. Do not leave me in suspense for too long, my inbox is already tired of my checking constantly for updates.

Wow, this was DEFINITELY the best chapter yet! So many emotions, so much drama. Where to begin...I really, really like the "gray" areas here, the blurring of good and bad: Belle doing exactly the WRONG thing, but with the best of intentions (and it's so refreshing to see Belle being human and actually making a mistake. It's so easy to make Belle all-perfect and all-wise); Merle horrified that his loved one is being attacked, and turning his understandable fury on the attacker, but in doing so, unleashing an inner darkness and cruelty that goes perhaps too far, and certainly horrifies Belle.

As I've told you, I think the scenario with Gaston was perfect, because he's all about power and control. Emotionally, this was just about the most devastating thing anyone could to do him, I'd say.

I love the way you've made Merle such a believable, complex and three-dimensional character. The fact that he's been wary and mistrustful of people all his life, and with good reason, but is now opening up and becoming trusting in the castle, parallels the Beast, which is cool. And the inner darkness and rage he has deep within him, contrasting with his usual gentle persona, is wonderful characterization.

Also, a few turns of phrase that I particularly liked. First, this is probably the most romantic thing EVER: "“You’re going to have to think of a new prison sentence for me...because staying here forever, with you, sounds exactly like paradise.” Sigh...I wish Belle had said something that romantic to Beast in the movie. :)

And a small detail, but one I really loved: "Merle managed to get Gaston’s knife away from him, throwing it behind him, where it skittered over the icy balcony and fell off the edge, clattering down, down, the sounds echoing away." Wonderful imagery there - I could totally see and hear the knife clattering over the edge and falling into the darkness. Marvellous writing.

This was a wonderful chapter - well worth the wait!