This is a beautiful story and I love the way you've presented River's mind. Writing River is a challenge that I'm still struggling with, but you seem to have mastered it in a most lovely way. The interaction between her and Mal was just wonderful. I am generally delighted.

I'm sorry that I'm too tired to leave a proper review, but I thought you really captured River's voice well; the words sounded like things she would say. I also loved the ending line "though some assembly is still required, River is River." :D

>>note: I'd be interested to hear how this worked for you. I had fun with the Synthesia aspect; it just seems to fit River.

I'd been hoping to find a good piece in River's point of view tonight, and this fic definitely fit the bill. You did an excellent job of describing her states of mind, and I liked the use of coffee and clay and other such brown, earthy things to describe Mal. It took me a moment to really get the "No self-flagellation" comment, but when I did I laughed out loud. I have to say, it was one of my favorite lines.

Hey there,

This was actually really good. As the first Firefly fic I'd read I was a bit apprehensive but what a great introduction!.

I loved the synthesia thing; as you say, it fits River. I like the relationship you've developed here, and I love your River. She's perfect; crazy only in a way that makes perfect sense.

I really enjoyed this. Good work.

I do like the synesthesia. You've done a good job of fragmenting her thoughts without sending her spiralling off into nonsense as some less capable authors do. Good, strong understanding of the Mal/River dynamic, as well.

I really like it.

Of all the River interpertations written, you seem to have given the best. Now her sudden outburts almost make sense. River is River!!

I really enjoyed this. River is not whole and only the captain sees her as possibly whole but in a way that he understands. All the pieces there, just scattered like a jigsaw waiting to be assembled.

I very much enjoyed River's voice in this story, and the way Mal steadies her mind. This is very close to the way I see the two interact in the subtext of the series. Keep up the good work!

"Synthesia". I like the sound of it. I didn't know there was an actual name for that style, but you're right, it works perfectly for River. I write stories with River's POV myself (not here, though), and that sort of fragmented, quasi-surreal way of looking at things is really one of the best ways to get her personality across.

Oh, and I really like that Mal was the counterpoint in this. The two of them are so different, and yet so alike.

Wow..very nice...the style threw me off for a minute but its extremely fitting for River once ya think about it. Lovely (n_n)!