Reading this (over and over again in anticipation of a next chapter), I got lost in this magical world...

... to the point where I started believing that my PC refuses to cooperate and show that there have actually been updates in more than four months since the last chapter, and that I will not be allowed to read them unless I leave a review. So, here it is.

It is absolutely breathtaking! Ive never read anything like this. I love the little magical fairy world details. And also: I have a strange fondness for Alberich considering that he is a fictional character. Let the two of them unleash their emotions... *sigh*

non even going to read this before I review. my hands are flailing in the air and I am full of pure fangirling happiness. I love this story, as I do all of your fics. thank you so much for updating. your readers appreciate it/you especially.]

I adore this chapter for so many reasons. The dream sequence was wonderful and the waking up part wasn't bad either! I also like how they are slowly coming together. There is a wonderful, dreamlike quality to this entire fic that I just adore.

I love the way Alberich is a gentleman, even when pushed to the edge. Still, hes maddening. Perhaps its his pride that wont let him speak of his feelings to Kristina, but its HER reputation that will suffer if people start talking about their little almost-adventure. And now the concierge has seen the couples kiss or at the least suspects something. Alberich seems unwilling to commit himself, even in words. Its Kristina who goes out on a limb. The Julbock would do well to visit Alberich in a dream, too, and deliver him a swift kick to his behind.
So, Alberich is the ghost, really by accident. Its comical how he sort of fell into the situation, but he certainly makes good use of it.
Gorgeous chapter, as always. Im SO looking forward to more!)

Thanks for the delicious update. This made me feel all warm and weak-kneed. :D

I don't think I ever reviewed the last chapter, but I LOVED it, as well as this one. I had never heard of bundling before that's a really fascinating bit of history.
I would really love to know about those two whirling around in the wind in Kristina's dream I'm almost positive they're supposed to be an Erik and Christine, but not entirely sure which incarnation (or maybe they're a kind of amalgamation? The jeweled dress made me think of ALW but the limbs like a spider made me think of Leroux). I love how you vaguely reference other versions of Phantom in dreams within your stories you did that in PotP, too, if I remember.
Also thoroughly enjoyed the reappearance of the Julbock, and Alberich's "Do you like children?" bit. That made me giggle.
There was so much sweetness in this chapter, and so much rich detail in the words and dialogue. So many things to love about this story...the waiting between updates is so worth it, and almost makes it that much better, like eating a favorite scrumptious sweet after weeks or months of going without.

Aw, this is so sweet! And the tension is just *burning up* between them. I do hope Alberich makes a move soon. The suspense is KILLING me.

What a sweet, tender chapter! I loved it!

And I especially liked both Alberichs heroism and his modesty about it.
Thank you for this beautiful update.

So lovely to see an update! Quality writing, as always, excellent characterization.

WONDERFUL chapter as always.

It's quite obvious the effort and research you've put into this story, and one of the reasons it's such a pleasure to read.

It also doesn't hurt that it's E/C (or would that be A/K? ;D
I love how the relationship between Alberich and Kristina has progressed. Particularly how real Kristina seems to be: torn whether to tell him about her other "dates" or not, feeling guilty that she remained silent until she confessed.

And what a wonderful, honest conversation between the two during dinner. I really liked how alarmed she feels by the idea of him perhaps returning to Algeria.

I was so sorry to hear of your illness, and am particularly relieved that things seem to be going well for you now. You deserve a hug or two(Stefanie!(Stefanie!"See" you next chapter. :D

Barb

Oh, I'm so glad you're back! And yay, look at Kristina telling the truth to Alberich! Not being childish and perfidious and ridiculous like *some* Christine's we know... D

Squee, a new chapter at last! I just love your descriptions of people and places, you paint such vivid pictures. Am getting just a LITTLE frustrated with Alberich, what's holding him back? Then again, of course they need to get to know each other better, and so the story unfolds...

Delightful to see youre back and working on this wonderful story again!

I see that Mirella is making Kristinas professional life as difficult as she can make it. What bad luck that she happened across Kristina and Alberich in that restaurant! And what a serpent she is! Its much to Kristinas credit that she is so much more in control and understands Mirellas bitterness.

Its lovely to see Alberich and Kristina together, though its hard to tell what Alberichs feelings and intentions are. Will he go back to Algeria?

Lovely chapter Im so looking forward to reading more.

*sigh* Gorgeous. I can't even describe how elated I was to see the alert in my inbox. Everything about this chapter was perfect I love the cool, cautious veneer which sometimes covers Alberich's obvious passion. I also enjoyed Kristina's white lies and soon-after guilty confessions of how she really spent the time he was away. And, as always, all the little details that immerse readers in the various cultures and customs of the period are an absolute delicious joy. I'm so glad and thankful you've begun work on this story again in terms of Phantom fics (or just fics in general, for that matter), it's a rare beacon of excellence floating above a sea of mediocrity.

The primeval, basic and heathen shining through the veneer of Christianity. Trust you Stef, to dig out the deeper meanings behind the seemingly childish traditions of the Christmas goat. Lots of sensory triggers visual, olfactory, taste, weaving a multidimensional tapestry, a backdrop for Kristina’s thoughts and experiences. Is this some kind of awakening? Preparation? Alberich turns up at last, I think I am as glad as Kristina to see him again. Smile to see the name of the pastor’s son, that’s a familiar one)

Oh deary me, accepting lashings of champagne from Evil Big Brother, where have you left your commonsense Kristina? He, oh the delights of moustache-tickling kisses, a perfect way to end an evening... Ah well, you did get away safely in the end...