Can't remember if I reviewed before, but I consider this fic equal in quality to official work. It fits smoothly into the Vor 'verse, matching known characterization perfectly, and the dialogue, word choice, and tone are as if written by Bujold herself. The origins of the relationship of two great men in Miles's life are explored, and their characters even more fully fleshed out. And it was a treat to see from Illyian's pov. : )

This is just... amazing. I almost cried. Several times. Simon and Aral are both magnificent. I wish I could buy this as a book and keep it with my Bujold ones.

I think I have to re-read those now, too...

Well, I think ffnet hates me. I've gone through more technical problems reading this story than usually in a year's time. Still, it was worth it - a very good, rare story you have here. It's as good as any book in the series. Getting Illyan's point of view was much better than Aral's, I think, to better understand his character. The pace was terrific, and the storytelling outstanding. You captured the personality of each character very well. I don't really have any negative feedback to offer - it's more useful than positive criticism, if less pleasant, so I did try to think of something. Nothing. And the way you handle your character makes me want to strive to do better, as a writer. I haven't read the last chapter yet - I did mention how uncooperative ffnet has proven to be this evening - but I don't doubt it will be a perfect ending. (And now let's hope this review gets through...)

Simply outstanding. I half wondered if you're not Bujold yourself, at more than one point in this story. In fact I'm still not sure. Thank you very much for sharing-the Vorkosigan Saga is by far one of my favorite series, and it's usually pretty hard for me to enjoy fanfic of brilliantly written stories-but I did this time, and then some.

You fit this so beautifully into the interstices of Shards of Honour that it works perfectly as a side story to the book – everyone is in character, though seen here though different eyes and a different mind.

Simon has always been an interesting character, and it’s fascinating to watch as the ImpSec spy who once wanted to be a soldier is gradually attracted to the charisma and honour of the man to whom he has been assigned, until he finds himself willingly Vorkosigan’s own man…as Negri is Ezar’s (and doesn’t that say something itself about the characters of all involved…).

Thanks for the read.

Nice work. this works very well with the books, and is very well written.

Extremely well done. This novella meshes brilliantly with the story as we know it from Shards of Honor. I'm very impressed with your writing skill, and now that I've found you on the Archive of Our Own site, plan to read everything else Vor related you've written. Again, very well done. NanC