sandeman

You couldnt resist it could you. " ...chip off the old block." Mind you I can't wait for Bart Junior to join the scout group! But not NOT the Squirrels. Although..... ? And congratulations Andy on becoming a father again - or is it grandfather!! I love ( as I do everything in your tale ) the continuing development of Andy. He is no longer the cold creation at the start of the story. He is becoming a warm caring man regaining his humanity. And sharing his love . But I hope not losing all vampirity.

The ranch has to be being watched. And one of the bastards out there has taken advantage of an afternoon when the guys are feeling in a more relaxed mood to make a move, coincidentally when River leaves a propane tank by the bunkhouse! We all are hoping that Kidd's injuries are not so severe as Doc fears. Bass' reaction was totally to be expected but Coop was able to restrain him. A powerful chapter.

I am finding the development of the matching of Nos / Cal and Blake/ Emon quite endearing. Orion is a bully but he just needs someone to tame him. Now that would be interesting! Sad to lose the partnership of Sven and Luc, though. They provided Nos with a loving stable home.

A hot chapter. And more to come! Has Marcus got the wit and stamina to play them both? Or maybe they're playing with Marcus? Time and more explorations will tell.

Enjoying the development of this story. Marcus is starting to find out what a legionary's life of training and discipline is like. Titus is vulnerable . I hope Marcus is going to keep a close eye on him and is able to offer him protection if needed.

I met my late life partner at the beginning of a walk; one that lasted thirty years.

What another Box of Delights. Esca gobsmacked twice in the space of minutes. Declan "a wooing " Andy like a "proper " gentleman should - but with a replacement jacket instead of a corsage. Exquisite! Just loving this development. Then for a moment when Andy is devouring his bloody burger, meat " so rare it was almost mooing " , I had this vision of it being a prime cut of MooMoo!! . Thankfully it wasn't because we move from the sublime (?) to the ridiculous. There must never please be an episode without the adorable lunacy of Lucas and his new henchman Ronan. Sadly I don't think we have found a replacement for Sir David Attenborough. But just for a moment my imagination ran wild to a series of Life on Earth consisting solely of bloopers. If nothing else the world would laugh together.

Again a beautiful chapter and for me the most difficult so far to comprehend. I reread it two or three times then the whole story. I was reminded of the religious self flagellants of the middle ages. The mortification of the flesh to free the soul etc. Oliver is a modern day version. Not perhaps in the religious aspect, but in his use of his body to achieve through pain an epiphany. And by the end of the chapter there was a beginning.

Lucas is incorrigible. He has now corrupted the "dress sense" of Ronan and Declan. I think Marcus needs to watch out! I'd love to see what he would send the teacher to school in.

Theo has found his way back to Jack and Vince and stands before the wisdom tree. Rather than ascension Jack has chosen to stay and fight with them. The three must hold the battle against the trees until twilight when according to the prophecy the Whiteflame pack will be revived. To join them in the Final Battle.

Lust in Leamington. What would John Betjeman have made of this?

Late, as usual, to a great story. But this means I can read and enjoy at my own pace.

The apalling hateful characters in this story are balanced by the loving spirits at the ranch. Sadly hate sometimes gains the upper hand. And is not always punished. This story is one of love versus hate. And if love is strong enough it will overcome any obstacles. You are beautifully putting together a story of an eternal battle.

Marcus put in his place and banished, Ugur and Adam freed of his pernicious influence, Nico genuinely happy recognising that Ivo and Henry both needed to work off a stressful work day. A beautiful satisfying chapter in every respect.

You have eased us gently into this story. From descriptions of Roman life amongst the upper echelons of society to a relatively easy journey for Marcus to the Rhine. To a frontier fortress that is a landing stage for expansion across the Rhine. This will be the beginning of a likely rude awakening for Marcus - and for the reader. I am looking forward to the next chapter and any change in your writing style will only reflect the harsher environment of frontier life.

No no no no no. Yes yes yes yes yes. Mental overload again. From the dread of Esca's abuse of Andy to the mind blowing absolute hilarity of Andy's scout camp. From weeping to laughing aloud. I shall have to make SEVENTEEN cups of tea ( chamomile) to assist in my recovery.

Having spent 24 hours in prayer, I believe that in every night of darkness there will always be a ray of light. At least in your tales. I see three. Lucas and Ronan. A force to be reckoned with NOW, not just as I previously commented as Leaders of the Pack in 50 years time. When they can spare the time from humping that is! And the newly introduced Barnaby. I look forward to the confrontaion on the sidewalk between him and Esca. When he can spare time from grooming. Barnaby that is! As usual I am loving this story and at the same time working steadily through Charlie. Marvellous story telling.

What a beautiful reflective chapter. I am constantly reminded of Wordsworth. But a quote from the English essayist William Hazlitt I have just come across re Wordsworth, seems fitting. " It is as if there were nothing but himself and the universe. He lives in the busy solitude of his own heart; in the deep silence of thought." This is Oliver at the moment, finding his way to a new maturity, one of greater confidence in himself as a person not just an actor performing to please others. To me Oliver seems always to have been alone. Now he is finding that alone does not necessarily mean loneliness. And out of this experience will emerge a better self, one he can love and move forward with. And share with others. And find the especial one.

Your writing is as expressive as usual but what a darker side you are showing. In one unexpected swoop you have turned my tears of laughter into sorrowful weeping. I have found but two gems of light in this episode. Lucas comforting Andy with the promise of his mum wielding a wooden spoon - that scares me but won't deter the fearsome traitor Esca. And the second one? Gary's dad taking away his Xbox. Should that scare me more? I love your work but this episode has really upset me. I shall hie me to a nunnery - sorry, friary - and pray.

1. Love the way Lucaspup makes a love? nest out of Andy's jacket. 2. Adored Lucas' explanation to his mom " I tripped and my clothes fell off". 3. Great the way Art defuses the situation "We had to buy lotion in bulk at Costco. I was deeply concerned for his chafing." 4. Delighted with the way Andy is dealing with Ronan. and his advice " Use lube. Copious amounts of it. The boy has zero concept of pacing." Just hope that Costco don't run out! 5. Happy to see a lighter side to Declan. Enjoyed his embarrasment. 6. I am overjoyed that the squirrels got a mention. 7. And everything else in the story that time after time provides me with the tonic of laughter! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And here I have been beaten to the correction! But surely a slip of the pen, domine. That apart a delightful episode. The calm before the storm. There is a long hard journey ahead for Marcus. Physically mentally emotionally . One on which he will need support from Ingomar.

Hurrah! Now that's a case of the biter bit!! What a turn Bass put on. Absolutely delightful - and hilarious. And I love that Bass and Kidd, and Matt and Reed are going to be regular visitors ( if not yet residents) at the ranch. Two more most engaging couples. Loving this beautifully written story more and more.

Sex for the two young men is something they throw themselves into but the relationship is unequal at the moment. I have doubts about the couple who have revealed themselves. They have been watching for some while and choose an opportune time to emerge when the boys have split. Who are they? What are they? And can the orca be more than an orca?

There is so much sadness in this story. Both young men have deep trauma to battle, both need help. This they can give to each other but the question is will it be enough?

Another fantastic chapter. Declan and Andy have both lost out but there seems to be a link that can be forged between them " ....both hopelessly, permanently trapped in a circus run by absolute clowns." And don't forget the squirrels are out there, watching, probably planning to collect the hair Lucas has shed to weave into smelly coats enabling them to move undiscovered into the meetings of the pack. Can I look forward to a joint attack by the forces of big business and squirrels? Or are the squirrels already controlling big business? Both are into acquistion after all!