Anton_Cloche

Exceptional authors have a way of weaving (and if necessary re-weaving) the threads of their story, often many times, to achieve their final unique creation. In an editor's humble opinion, @Laura S. Fox has proven to be an adept weaver, over and over again. At the very least, she has much more than concepts.

Or, have Mac and Dev learned how to increase their human/ animal 'lean' muscle strength without the need to 'bulk' up and be visually obvious? For example, a female Harpy Eagle is the strongest bird in the world, able to lift 18kg / 39.6 lb - twice its body weight, but not bulky. A mountain lion / cougar can lift up to 135kg / 300lb - twice it's body weight, but again all lean muscle. Even in human body builders, the "all natural" vs "enhanced" ones have shown that in pure "lifting" capability they can lift up to 2.5 times their body weight and mainrain a lean not bulky appearance. Ooh. Thank you @Bill W for another great chapter!

@Laura S. Fox, another wonderful and enticing chapter, that leads to where? In one moment, Theodore is in 'a' past, drawn in by a voice that tells (demands?) that he strike the flint to light the Embercast. When he looks down, he sees he has changed from his grown Alpha of Whiteflame wolf, to a young boy whose small hand holds his dead (?) Father's flint - a sign of His authority. In another, (simultaneous) moment, Jack and Vee, seemingly with their (wolf) paws stuck in mud, see 'a' past taking shape around them, with someone seeing and approaching them. A man who says: “Strangers,” he boomed, “I am Tharion, the alpha of Whiteflame. What brings you here?” Theodore's dead father, his pack and village, come back to life, filled with family and friends? Which past is correct? Can Jack and Vee, meeting a young Theodore at the family dinner table change the future? Restore the missing Whiteflame pack? Or will all three suddenly 'awake', before Theodore strikes the flint that destroys his pack (again?).

@Laura S. Fox, "Two Stupid Dogs" were initially a Hanna-Barbara throwback style of 1993-1995 cartoon (like Ren and Stimpy); "that was deliberately absurd, focused on a large, soft-spoken dog and a small, hyperactive dog". I'm guessing you see the larger (sheepdog?) dog as Vince, and the small hyperactive (dachshund) one as Jack. But in trying to be a 'bigger' wolf than a white pup, has Jack suddenly biting off more than he can chew, truly taking on more than he can handle? I'm rooting for Jack as the small white pup taking on the world. And I believe his grey 'wolf' coat indicates "Vee" as a 'Sentinel'?

"Atsa" some interesting hint you're dropping there Bill. (Bad pun intended 🙄). I do hope you're keeping well Bill, and that you have a Happy Easter (if you celebrate it 🐇). As for any delay, my Mom often reminded impatient children that "Patience is a virtue" and that "Good things come to those who wait." As you might expect, those sayings meant nothing to kids (myself included), and I'm not sure how virtuous I am 🙄. But I will wait, as I'm one of those who asked (bugged) you about Atsa, on occasion. Take care Bill. 🫂

From beneath a barren land, a sprout pushes up through the ground seeking the light, and a chance at rebirth. Seeing such a miracle beyond the veil, Jack, Vince and Theodore walk ... "... the path where stands the wisdom tree. There waits the pack, forgotten yet alive, In twilight’s glow, their unbroken souls revive". 💕💕💕

Pegged it 🤣

So instead of kissing like a cold fish, they would be carping about something else?

Another great chapter Bill. It seems Clint has done a lot of learning and maturing since he first met Mac and Dev. Now he's sharing that "growing up" with his new friend (boyfriend) Daniel. Also interesting was the chat Mac had with Daniel, discovering more about his relationship with Clint and where it might lead, especially with Daniel almost 1 year older than Clint and one grade ahead of him. We see that Mac and Dev have been a very good influence on Clint and now Daniel. Looking forward to the next chapter .

I have to re-read this chapter Tim, because there's a lot to sort through, and out. Does the saying "Good things come in three's" really happen? Does it apply here, for Lonnie, Leo and Ty? The interaction between Lonnie and Leo in the bathroom, is unsettling: 'He appeared dimmer somehow, like he was fading away. ... I sighed. "How long will this go on for, Leo? It feels like, like…" His mouth opened and then closed. "You think I like this? Being stuck here in this death-life? I can feel what you feel. I'm drawn to you because I love you." I closed my eyes and sighed softly. I knew he was in pain. "I'm sorry. I don't know how to help you. What can I do?" "I don't know. I am glad you're happy. I'm jealous, but glad. I know we can't be together… but I don't understand why I'm here." The song says, "Breaking up is hard to do", but it doesn't have to contend with a 'final' break up. This, is why I need to re-read. 🤞

It's a bit of a shame that @Kristacompletes this good story of Elias here, just when a potential new 'act' is hovering (like Elias 👻) right in front of us. An 'Elias, Book 2 - Into the Light'? Or Rhett saying to Asher: 'Frankly, I do give a damn', (Sorry, couldn't resist 😄 ). after hearing from Asher of how he learned the true story of and from Elias. 👻 😢 Ps: Writers often surprise editors (including this one) with a 'Book 2' years later, so you never know ...

Is Leo 'stuck' between being 'here' and moving on, and that's why he keeps showing up when Lonnie least expects it? With Lonnie selling Leo's truck, house and business thete's no place left for Leo to hide from moving on (to wherever). And indeed what about Keve?

Honestly @Mikiesboy I can t believe no one 🤔 has commented yet. This first chapter is more than "a tug at the heartstrings", it like someone reached in with both hands and yanked. (anyone who has endured such loss has felt that). That Lon still feels and has speaks with Leo is not a surprise, it's part of a process. Lonnie visiting the LL coffee stores, (Church 🦏 and dwtn, as an early ☕ is like a 🐓 ), is a good start back into life. Let's see where it leads.... Thanks Tim.

Holy cow, where did that ❤️‍🔥🔥 come from; that no mere 🧯, 👨‍🚒 or 🚒 brigade can hope to extinguish? Surprised Theo's "Alpha of Whiteflame" didn't spontaneously combust. @Laura S. Fox

As you've told us throughout this tale, Pops (Gramps and others), really have been around for ages. The 'Agricultural College' was founded in 1870, some 13 years before Fort Collins was officially founded in Feb. 1883. (although originally founded in 1864 as a 'military camp' called 'Camp Collins'). According to the College history, while they "outgrew" their A&M origins and changed name to CSU in 1957, they retain their "Aggies" nickname in honor of their proud history. @Bill W Your tale has encouraged "digging" ⛏️ to unearth hidden gems of knowledge.