Oh wow. I didn't expect the part about Aerie's wings to hit me so fiercely. That was very, very sad and absolutely beautifully written. The idea of Aerie as an avenging angel after all she's been through was beautiful.

A beautiful chapter again. I love your way with words, and I'm cursing myself for not realising there was a sequel to 'A splintered heart'. I love the casual banter between Raine and Kivan. There's a comfortableness and naturalness to it that lifts the heart.

Wonderful story, I hope you intend to write more stories about Rain and Kivan.

Oh, that was just, well, perfect :D

Kivan is so very strong in this, and his progression to both that and his confidence in Rain is so natural, and believable.

What really struck me in this one was how *partnered* they were - in the past there have been great inequalities in their relationship, both ways, but they do very much seem together. Of course she's the one with the earth-shattering destiny (heh), but she needs him as much as he needs her, I think.

Rain's power as a Bhaalspawn is terrifying, and I do mean that in a good way. Simply because she is 'good' doesn't mean that her power manifests as 'nice' or somehow lacking compared to if she had chosen a different path.

Just lovely, and thank you for sharing this story with us :)

What a wonderful, innovative way of dealing with the forest spirits :D Both sensible and strengthening Ellesime's position of wise councillor in the story, lovely.

Again so many small moments that deserve mention - particularly I enjoyed Kivan and Rain playing - so important for him, in particular, I think, that he can laugh with her as well as love her. Anomen, as well, realising what Rain has found with Kivan - so often is his bluster overplayed, but here he is perfectly reserved - this is not something he can deal with by simply shouting louder at it.

And that ending, with Rain so fierce in her protectiveness of Imoen. They are sisters indeed, and I like that you're bringing that into play so strongly.

Lovely, as always, and apologies in advance for the rather sprawling review XD

So many little, wonderful moments in this chapter.

Imoen is delightful, and Anomen came across as very much himself, both in sniping about her thieving and his disquiet at silently-walking elves.

What comes through so very strongly is how well you're detailing how the ordinary, normal parts of life and travelling become so exquisite when newly shared with someone. Kivan & Rain are doing things they would have done so many times at camp before, but now, it's so beautifully different for them both.

Beautiful, and Jaheira as always makes me smile in her forthright helpfulness XD

Aww, story about charname and Kivan - what more one needs to already love the story?

I liked how you showed a different look at the final days before Suldanesselar and during the onslaught. And even the leaving the city - it was all so real...

Can't wait for more. So addding this to my alert I am :)

Sorry about the late review! Quite a good transitional chapter here, the leaving of the elven city and venturing into something unknown. Kivan and Rain are feeling more secure in each other, which will bring them both great strength I hope. At least Ellesime has a bit of decency about her! I'm glad Anomen has decided to stay as well, though I wonder if they'll pick up anyone new, hmm?

A very enjoyable ending to Suldanessellar. I really liked the Queen's subtlety in chastising Demin. I also thought the scouts brotherly farewell to Kivan and Rain was very thoughtful - it reminds me of the united family of all elves, a part of Rain that I don't think she has explored before. I mean, she knows she's elven, and she has all the elven abilities, but being among her kin for the first time (with her soul back), would really open her up to just what she is, and what she is connected to, I think. Just how integrated she in the wide web of the Spirit.

I also adore your use of clothing. I had never pictured Rain in glossy black leather, but it's quite a tempting vision, even seductive (as Kivan certainly knows ;) ). I enjoyed Kivan's loss of words (Rain is such an unintentional tease here!). It was also so very sweet to contrast Rain with Deheriana when it came to Kivan's cloak - that Rain loves it for it's raggedness, whereas Deheriana would have disapproved; Deheriana is certainly depicted in the mod as a wonderful woman, but she can't hold a candle to the PC in my eyes. May I offer up a plea? In reference to Kivan's risque cloak comment in chapter 11 (her being naked under his cloak), have Rain do something kinky using the cloak sometime :). What a marvelous love accessory! :D

You might also consider throwing in the embarrassing Rain-Jaheira herb moment you mentioned before, too (but maybe include Kivan in the humiliation, too, lol!)

~FF

The cloak XD

As always, the emotions between Kivan and Rain were delightfully portrayed. You've really captured that sense of new love, of being able to let oneself feel new desire knowing that it will be reciprocated. Kivan seems to be healing well, and aware of it himself, which can only speak well for the future.

I must admit, I'm also enjoying Ellesime's fierce support of her saviours, and her rather shrewd instincts. A welcome change from the way she's usually treated, indeed.

Wonderful, as always :)

You know, there is something very sexy about a man helping to redress his lady-love; it's something like wrapping up your own present so others can't see it (even though we all know Rain is no object). I presume here, but I think you harkened to this idea when indicating how joyous lacing Rain's dress was for him (the memory of both Deheriana and how wonderful it is to realise that under those clothes lie the promise of love and affection).

The prominence of touch here is really moving. Since lovers can't go about being too touchy in public, they make up little touch-games to compensate. It's reassuring to both Rain and Kivan, I think, to know that they are still wanted by the other through these games (e.g. pinning/unpinning the cloaks).

I'll admit I never pictured the Suldanessellar elves as prejudiced to the Bhaalspawn as Demin was to Rain, but it's certainly reasonable. The hints in the previous chapters of this prejudice helped to make it seem far less out of the blue, too. It's a tragic interpretation, with Rain being elven, but adds good depth (and some angst) to the story.

Again, I say, bloody Illesara - dragging poor Kivan and Rain out of bed. Grr...

~FF

I love this chapter with a passion, and hate it with equal measure (now, that's not a knock to you - let me explain :) )

I adore love scenes, and so a whole chapter of it is really decadent to me (as is Rain and Kivan's lounging around, lol). I also love the mix of sober and amorous; serious issues that are realistic are brought up between bouts of bed-play. Scars, both hers and his, is the best example I have. Scars are so very personal and play a serious role in how attractive one feels. Kivan's self-flagellation, though tragic, was very touching and, I think, brought the lovers so much closer together for it. And, as someone else stated, it is so Kivan-like that he did it.

Now,for why I hate it. I hate the necessary tidbits of plot that have to be put in to get the two thinking about leaving Suldanessellar (and, more importantly, their bower). I hate that they have to get out of bed, as petulant as that is, lol.

My apologies for no reviews for a while; when I had time, I could never think up anything slightly worthwhile to say, and was very busy whenever I could think something up (far more often than not).

Anyway, this chapter is a very sweet wrap-up chapter. Irenicus' arc is done, peace is restored (for a moment, anyway), and the lovers have a happy ending. You could have easily chosen to conclude the story with Rain and Kivan's love scene (which I am very, very glad you didn't!)

I love the passionate play between Rain and Kivan throughout the chapter, before the star bower, where there is still restraint on Kivan's part because Rain doesn't know his feelings yet (though I get the feeling he doesn't WANT to restrain himself ;) ). I also really enjoyed the last moment of uncertainty whether Kivan would truly let himself love Rain (where Rain doesn't know if Kivan will come back to the city, and he had given her a "small smile in farewell" before).

The intimacy was really tender, which makes the most of not being super-descriptive (which can turn out vulgar or crude). Your emphasis on the softness of Kivan's face was appreciated here; passion is rightfully equated to being at ease. It also makes the passion seem to run deeper, like it has saturated his very skin and he is swollen (smooth) with it.

~FF

Ah, presenting as a couple even to well-known friends can be nerve-wracking indeed. Imoen was lovely, and just what they both needed, I think. Demin, well, unforgiveable, but sadly understandable, given Rain's terrible heritage.

Their closeness at the start of the chapter was quite lovely as well - they're still learning each other, and there is something wonderfully intimate and yet comfortable about helping another person dress.

Lovely :)

More sweetness with Kivan and Rain; I liked seeing them have an even brief opportunity to lark about as a couple. The reactions of the others was nice too, though I wonder about broody Anomen. Demin's reaction was irritating but predictable really-people's memories can be rather short around the Bhaalspawn, and I never thought much of the elves of Suldanessellar. Wondering where this will go next!