Sand and Torio never seem to get a good break... just when things seemed to be wrapping up with Torio sneaking in to get him, here comes another player: the Hosttower mages.

Oh gods...brilliant.

This chapter made me feel like crying. I can't believe how close they are to each other and then the stupid Arcane Brotherhood puts their muzzle into it.

I really hate Nivarra. That character is just such a nightmare. Well done.

Why do people still call Torio ambassador? I trip over that issue in my fanfics too, I usually say 'former' but is it like one of those other titles that even when you no longer hold the position you are still entitled to the honorarium?

Im going to sit here and wait for the next chapter. Absolutely magnificent work. What a ride! *hug*

Oh, no... so close, and now this? Oh, Sand...

This was masterfully done, and the suspense is going to drive me mad, I swear it. I simply cannot imagine what Torio can do now.

They're so close, but so far away. Just when Sand thinks he's getting out, he has Torio to worry about again. I have a feeling that dealing with Nivarra is going to be nothing compared with dealing with the Hosttower.

In. Cred. I. Ble.

You took me on a heart pounding journey through this trial. I actually FELT poor Torio's pain. It brought up all the old feelings I had of seeing someone I loved after many years and many 'adventures' apart. No drug or drink can give you THAT, let me tell you.

I felt her longing when they were in the annex room together, her rage when that horror of a man hit poor Sand, her pain when that little tramp held onto him like he was HERS.

You portray beautiful Torio so divinely; her strength, her vulnerability, her incredible mind...just everything. Its why I love her ever so much and why I cant stop painting her in my art gallery.

Perfect love is so rare, to find that one special person who is your ideal match...Sand and Torio belong together.

I was so sure Sand would recognize Torio through her movements or that she would say something that would reveal herself to him. So close, but so far away! And now can Nivarra die horribly, or at least be sentenced to scrubbing toilets for life?

Oh, this was too wrenching, for them to be in the same room, for Torio to see him so close, and not to be able to touch.

You clearly convey Torio's anguish, and Sand's yearning, and it is so deftly done. My hat is off to you. This was masterful!

Oh my. I live for my work making other people ride an emotional roller coaster but by the gods when someone does it to me I am a frazzled mess on my chair!

I cannot imagine how each of them feels, especially my beloved Torio, who knows the man she loves more then anything in the world is so close...but he doesn't know she came all that way back for him.

Im hopping from foot to foot in anticipation of the next part!

A cliffhanger, again! You girls are gonna kill me someday. :)
But it is so nice to see you update, and it is a magnificent chapter, and a very serious one, especially in contrast to the first parts of the story (i was blushing brightly while reading those). I only hope it will take you less then 6 months to update the story again :`(

At long last, when I had begun to give up hope that you would have time to update, you do!

Finally Sand and Torio are together again even if he doesn't know it. I can't wait for the legal fireworks coming!

I was so glad to see an update of this story. :)

The tension is mounting so unbearably, and I found myself actually getting nervous along with Sand and Torio. And now, with the trial on the verge of starting, I'm hoping that the next update will come quickly.

Beautifully done, as always, without a word out of place! :)

This is building so wonderfully to the trial, and I'm on the edge of my seat. Sand is preparing so carefully to lose, and still has no idea that his 'opponents' even have a lawyer, let alone Torio, to face him. This is too delicious! :D

I love the way Sand's thoughts shift from the memory of a shadow to wondering if Neeshka has looted his room yet.

Once again you make Nivarra sympathetic. It's hard to want to see her pay for the way she's treated Sand when you show where she gets it from.

I can't wait for Sand's reaction when he finds out who the opposing lawyer is. I bet he sees through Torio's disguise instantly.

Sand and Torio are once again going to face each other in the courtroom. For some reason, that amuses me greatly. I am curious about the arguments that are going to be made and whether or not Sand will realize who his opposing lawyer is.

Hmm...and here we come around again. Sand and Torio, facing off in the courtroom, with Sand trying to lose against a disguised Torio. I wonder if he'll recognize her eyes, or think he's going mad after all. Wonderful, masterful, and I applaud you both! :D