Headstall

I cried through these last two chapters. Not surprising, because I always do. When Kellar says he feels 'content', I get the same feeling. He is where I always wanted that lonely foster child we met in chapter one to be. Secure within a family, and loved for who he was. This was the best experience of my short writing life, and one I will always take comfort from. If I never write something to match it, that's okay. This is my diamond, and I'm not a greedy man. Thank you for your wonderful support... bringing me back to this story. Your words are kind, and contribute to my contentment. Cheers, my friend. Gary....

I believe the earth mother would have none of our cultural biases, and as we have seen, keepers and seers are women, so there is that. As well, to the best of our knowledge, Cahlar only had one child, a daughter to carry on his lineage. Fendral has had a lot of time to think after he wolfed out. He's come to grips with those mistakes, but still, he needed this conversation with his grandson to let some stuff go. “I… yes. We both lost and we both gained.” Fendral's wisdom shows itself... Kellar isn't a reincarnation... he is a product of his father as much as his mother, which his healing proves. Kellar needed to hear and understand that, because it grounds him. And, it reinforces that he has family. Thanks, buddy... sorry it took so long to respond. Cheers!

I believe in destiny too, but it can be hard to keep the faith. Life doesn't always turn out the way we want, but that is living. Craig and Jared sure have experienced a lot of loss in their young lives, but that makes what they've found all the sweeter. I got to say, Dan, this story changed my writing life, and for you to say it is deeply beautiful means a lot. My first story was an incredible experience, and I'll always be thankful for the massive support it was given, but this one instilled a confidence in me that has carried me through my journey so far. It taught me to trust my instincts, and made me see that I had to always strive to be better. I'll stop now, but I want to thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. Be well. Gary....

Arizona sunset. Virgil and Wyatt, on Sally and Juana, could be riding through this very spot....

Frustrating. How are you, Albert?

Happy Tuesday, all!

Sweet dreams, B.

Aloha, Albert.

Sounds perfect!

Is he cute?

Hey, Tink!

Good night, Terry. Sleep well.

At your peril...

Windsor Castle? See... you're the troublemaker with your Fake News!

Happy Monday, all! My new western ahs gotten some great comments so that makes me happy, and helps restore some confidence. Would have liked a few more reviews, but what can you do? Be well, my friends...

Um... pot... meet kettle.

Aloha, Albert.

We are? Oh... yeah... we are... innocent. Yup!

My quoted comment stands up well. Nothing more need be said, but I will anyway. This has always been one of my favorite works on site. @Aditus and @Timothy M. created something very special. Read this, and if you can, read the entire series so you do the concept justice. You will not be disappointed. So glad to see this one featured! Cheers!

No doubt about it. Lucas lost control of his emotions, and the strongest one was jealousy. Drinking was prevalent back then, but yeah, it was easier to get drunk than face himself. Taking Wyatt in such a way, we can rest assured that anger displayed was tied to self-hate. I think Virgil was right... Lucas had love for Wyatt. That in itself is a sad truth about gay men through the ages, who could never find a way to be happy with who they were. If he had been able to stay away from Wyatt, he never would have given himself away. Now the 'mob' has him, and the awful truth is out there. Glad you found this little plot interesting, W_L. I need cohesion in my stories so that everything makes sense. Thanks very much for this. Cheers!

I agree with that, W_L. I am pleased with how the bath scene turned out. I find the connection sexy as hell, and that initial attraction being skirted around is powerful, in my opinion. Wyatt needs to be treated with kid gloves, and knowing Virgil so far, he understands that. A bad first experience can really screw with a psyche. Virgil, given the chance, would ensure every aspect was pleasurable, and all decisions made by Wyatt. He needs that feeling of control back, because without it, it is very hard to trust. Thanks and cheers!

Ah! Sweet Sherye! I've wondered where you've been. Hope life is treating you well. Yep, we've got another western, and that makes me happy. Nice to know you've missed them. Hope you enjoy what's coming, my friend. Thanks for reading and commenting. Cheers! Gary.

Thanks for the offer, W_L, and I might just take you up on that if I ever get to that point. I've always felt the same thing. There was so much upheaval during those times, and there is something universally touching about just trying to survive the physical and emotional devastation wrought by the ACW. There are certainly stories that can be told. I think if I continued this story, it would take place in Larkspur, a fictional place around which two of my western stories are centered, but who knows? The Red Cloud War sounds like it would make for a fascinating story. Wouldn't it be nice if we writers had unlimited time? Again, thanks for the offer, buddy. Much appreciated.

Thanks, Bft! You are not alone in your hope, and I am considering it. It would be fun to revisit Larkspur, wouldn't it? Appreciate you reading and commenting. Cheers! G.

There is a consensus... Insta-love is tricky indeed, and it's more difficult to pull off in a shorter story, but it helps when you believe love at first sight can happen, which I absolutely do. I'm a sucker for romance, period. I live for it and that probably shows in most of my stories, but it isn't always easy. Attraction is important, but communication is key. Some roads can be really rocky. This story works because Virgil is ready, first of all, and Wyatt is strong enough to open up to him. The connection is allowed to build steadily as they reach common ground. And, I agree, sex isn't necessary, and I never write it unless it is an important part of the story. I found that bath scene more than sexy.... Thanks for the great comments and the support, W_L. This has been a satisfying experience for me. Cheers! Gary.