Danners

Let us be the judge of what's good enough. Relax and let go of some of the pressure you're feeling. You won't be sorry.

Holy hell. Kalian was headed for a breakdown but this one was spectacular! Talon may feel a little guilty but my favorite Type A Eon probably won't. I suspect he may have even purposely pushed his younger brother, knowing full well how stressed out he was and how (violently) protective of Wyn he is. (Oddly enough, Eon's cruelty makes me want to get into his pants more . . . or, by proxy, Lyme. Hint, hint, motherwriter!) On the plus side, Sumerion's death isn't without merit. It will throw Dleth into chaos and nullify any upcoming treaties with other countries. Plus, if a friendly successor (Suman, Talon, Lyrah) takes the throne, they can begin reshaping the country into a future ally. If this is what you pump out with writer's block, you put most of your contemporaries to shame! Feck, you're good.

Oh Meg. There isn't a pyre hot enough to satisfy my hatred of you.

Bouncer is the MVP of this meeting. Bless him.

I'm glad that the animosity from Neil to West has simmered down, tempered by an real friendship (and some obviously hot bisexual sexual chemistry). With his help, they have a real chance of putting a dent in the gang's business and lessening the uncles'/brothers' influence. We know Kaspar doesn't make it. I originally thought he met a violent end but this chapter opens up the possibility of cancer or another debilitating illness. I hate that such a strong, willful character gets snuffed out and I'll quite literally weep if we're forced to watch his physical decline. At any rate, the Jiving Five has a nice ring to it!

Steer clear of boys like Sasha. Their greed is indicative of how little they care about the actual content, their fellow participants, or the creators. On top of that, he already treats Sammy like he doesn't exist, he has no respect for Billy, AND he has anger issues. Unless they can find a way to film Sasha in a compromising situation -- which, come to think of it, Billy might be up for -- he is a disapproving loose end they don't need.

I like that Kalian is still a gentle, trusting soul. I love that he's only killed when necessary and then usually in the defense of others. Despite what he's been through, he is strong enough to resist answering the brutality that went on around him with more violence. It would've been so easy for him to lock away any emotion except anger like Eon and Talon did or mask his pain by provoking those around him like Suman and Loren or, in the most extreme, abandon his humanity altogether like Wren. It worries me that he equates becoming more powerful with becoming someone he (and Talon) won't recognize, like he has to lose or purposely let go of a part of himself in order to improve. Like his kindness, in a state of war, is a weakness. His desire to avoid killing has already led to significant discoveries and personal growth. Not that he shouldn't continue his education and training, or experiment with his powers more, he should -- especially if it's in defense of Wyn's innocence -- but not at the cost of compromising himself. Here's hoping his circle of friends and loved ones can temper this renewed drive for self-improvement with wisdom, the same way they did when he was first learning. For Wyn's sake as much as Kalian's. Speaking of which, having Kalian (maybe Talon too) involved in Wyn's training could go a long way to easing their concerns over him. That, and I don't think Eon's fighting style would be a good fit for Wyn, whereas his parents, who know him and his Magik best and who both adapted their own styles (and who have more patience), must already have ideas. (Of course, then I'll miss out on Eon's handsome face, so . . . Plan B?)

I'm scared for every character in your stories. You, good author, do not pull your punches but I . . .

So you're saying it's possible!

I wish I could fix it. There was no healing this. Talon wasn’t injured. Just exhausted. As far as I knew, there were no Magik users who could replenish other users who’d burned through too much. With training and a few more years under his belt, Wyn possibly could. I'm still unconvinced that the boy's Magik is limited to plants. I suspect he can manipulate life energy -- vitality if you will -- and that he is capable of far more than his parents and teachers know. Even if Wyn can't re-invigorate Talon on his own, I bet he and Kalian, working in tandem, could. Speaking of which, do we know if folks have tried combining their Magik in order to produce compound effects? Lyme's crush on Eon is adorable. Lyme himself is adorable. If I wasn't convinced Wren and Eon would break him, I'd ship them as the throuple to beat. Between Eon's military know how, Wren's subterfuge, and Lyme's knowledge vault and unrivaled perception, there isn't a situation they couldn't dominate. Maybe Lyme could satisfy Eon's soft dom cravings? Hehe. Going after Wyn was either ballsy or desperate. Sure, it threw our heroes off their game (and potentially incapacitated Talon) but the push back will. be. spectacular.

This chapter was as illuminating as it was painful. Bran confirmed suspicions we had for some time now: that Neil was abused as a child and basically sex trafficked. Neil also opened a window into his motivation for continuing his own degradation and it's a noble one. Keeping Gia safe is paramount. As important as the revelation of Neil's past is, I think the fact that West didn't pity him holds more weight. West wants to help Neil (and Gia) out of the kindness of his heart and because he loves the lightening eyed boy. He realistically could help them if he leveled with his parents or even copped to half the truth, alluding to Neil and Gia needing a safe place to stay. His family's fame is a safety net that could be cast over the two of them. I truly hope Neil's shame doesn't stop him from connecting with West. As much as he wants to protect the blonde, he must understand that West will not concede when it comes to him. He must see that there are two people in Tuct Side who absolutely love him: Gia and West. I have a feeling the next few chapters will be difficult. I'm already squirming.

By the by, I have to say that I love Suman's progression as a character. In some respects he's more damaged than Talon, and Talon's been through a lot. Whereas Talon grew up as a pariah in a foreign country, Suman was raised and abused by his own people, his own family. To see him faced with the love that anchors Kalian's group of friends -- his family, really -- and how it makes him question his own upbringing, well -- it warms my heart.

I can understand Kalian being unnerved by leaving Wyn in the hands of others during such a potentially explosive time. They can't be with the boy all the time and that's before one considers Wyn twisting his uncle around his little finger. Just being Kallian's and Talon's child puts a target on his back. If Illiath is indeed plotting war, who's to say they don't already have agents in or around Syrin collecting intel? Suman made it into the city more than once without anyone but possibly Wren knowing, With Wren away on "business," the potential for espionage increases exponentially. Not to mention Dleth could be running similar operations without regard for their peace treaty. I wish Wyn and his fathers had a bond between them similar to Kalian's and Talon's. If the boy could communicate with them over long distances, I think it would do a lot to calm Kalian's nerves. If they had more time, maybe Hanja, Tyren, Lyrah, and even Suman could put their heads together and find a way to harness sound between devices similar to Wyn's earpieces. EDIT: In fact, given the timing of the peace talks and whatnot, I'm as worried about Wyn as Kalian is. As important as he is to the people comprising Syrin's power base, he makes the perfect bargaining tool against them. The kid is one kidnapping away from being leveraged against his nation and that scares me, like, sh*tless.

Ridley was an introvert's guide to the high school experience but with a twist I've come to expect from @Krista. The main character sandwiched his personality between a request from his (absent and then critically injured) father and his own interpretation of what that meant for him, and he unfortunately chose to sacrifice his future. Ridley opted to ignore his own feelings and desires in favor of fulfilling what he thought his father wanted for him, when all the man wanted was for his son to be happy. It took the intervention of Gabe and the article he sought to write to shock the main character out of his gloom. Not just the article but also the author's (and photographer's) interest in him as a person. Gabe got to Ridley in a way no one else had and it shocked him into action. This story was phenomenal. From start, where we experienced Ridley's self-denial, to finish, where we rejoiced in the main character's awakening, @Krista immersed us in mixed emotions we all remembered from our youth. I couldn't have asked for a more compelling short story.

Poor Jake. He was compelled (not forced, because he could've pulled away at any time), albeit pleasurably, to confront his sexuality before he was ready to. I hope he learns from the experience instead of focusing on the memory of Nic's smirk, which -- at this point -- could be construed as antagonistic. In a (or my) fantasy world, Jake might applaud Nic for his perception and daring, and he would take away from their encounter that yeah, a blowjob from a dude was exponentially more gratifying than poking at Meg's pursed, lipstick smeared lips. Anyway, Jake did some good by bringing Neumann's actions to their coach. That alone tells us he is a stand up guy and someone who puts his friends ahead of himself. Hopefully, karma is real and he reaps the positive benefits because he acts contrary to many of his peers and does so from the heart. If anyone deserves an easy, if not seamless, transition from what is expected of him to what he actually desires, it's Jake. Nic has titanium testicles. My biggest hope for him is that he doesn't move from using Arnie to using and manipulating Jake. I hope he can recognize that Jake likes him for who he is as a person, not as a sexual object, and he can outpace his past in order to cushion Jake's "descent" into homosexuality.

What a satisfying end. Is it wrong to hope for a sequel?

Wait, we have to choose?! Hmph. I love them all for various reasons, especially the Verlorens, but if I have to choose, it's Wren morning, noon, and night. The little monster grew on me and now I can't imagine the series without him.

Wren is a cat! Omigod!

Y'know, it's interesting (and lovely) that, despite everyone's differences and their individual agendas, Wyn remains the common denominator. All the adults love him -- even Wren, for whom love is a foreign concept -- and each and every one of them will go to bat for him. I find it incredibly heartwarming. I hope Eon and Wren work out. Their f*cked up dynamic notwithstanding, they provide what the other needs without thinking about themselves and that's precious. Once they realize selflessness isn't weakness, they'll be great. Heh, and unlike Kalian, I totally want to see what happens when Loren and Suman pair up. You can't find a more Chaotic Neutral couple. What fun!

You're right: no one is perfect, and hurt people hurt people without consciously meaning to. We're all at the mercy of our pasts. It takes someone extraordinary (or much reflection) intervening to save us from ourselves. I cautiously hope that Jake can be that person for Nic but their relationship -- if there is one -- will undoubtedly be a rocky one. Meg totally tics the boxes of a sociopathic narcissist. I mean, the average teenager is marginally narcissistic because of all their raging hormones. Meg is willing to bully and/or manipulate Jake into keeping up appearances, which shows just how little she cares about him or anyone else. (Then again, socially obsessed Meg is less dangerous, so yeah, ten points to gryffinwhore! Hehe.) Anyway, kudos to you for these dynamic characters.

Meg, much like her father, is a sociopath but she's sloppy. Jake knows her game now. If he's smart, he can plan ahead and control the narrative when he decides to cut ties with her, which will doubly embarrass her. Bring Luke in and use the rugby team to spread rumors about her (lack of) character, and she'll have a hell of a time retaining any status. (I hate people like Meg.) I wish I could believe Nic but his anxiety and fear of commitment (stemming from his step-father and past homophobia, probably) will most likely keep him coming back to Arnie again and again. Knowing that he broke Arnie's heart in the past makes me feel bad for the guy. Arnie deserves better. I'm actually worried about Jake now. If Nic can use and abuse his ex-boyfriend with little to no guilt, what havoc is he going to wreak on someone wrestling with his sexuality? As for Jake, well -- good for him. Even if he wasn't somewhat fascinated by Nic, intervening in that sort of situation wins points in my book. He's a good guy and I'm glad he was able to put Bryan in his place. Not only that but he set an example for the other young men: there's no place for bullies in the locker room. Keep 'em coming, yo! No need to limit yourself to short chapters -- we live for the long ones!

Totally worth the wait. It's never too late for holiday cheer, especially when it involves such a beautiful happy ending.

This is so good! I think Gabe gave Ridley space in the end because a) he's a good boy and genuinely regrets the anguish his story caused and b) he understands that Ridley needs to pursue what he wants independently of what he thinks he should want. So far, Ridley's lived his life based on what he thinks his dad wanted for him, not what he himself wants. If he really and truly wants a relationship with Gabe, he needs to figure that out by himself. Again this is an instance of Gabe challenging Ridley, asking -- not demanding -- he step out of his comfort zone, out of the shadow of the expectations he's shouldered all this time. I hope Ridley rises to the challenge.

I love that they unabashedly seek physical comfort with one another. It affirms (and reaffirms) their bond and, given these new circumstances, it's what they both need.

I can't speak for anyone else but, if you ask me, they'd make a dynamic pair. For one -- and possibly the greatest one -- Gabe challenged Ridley without pushing him too hard. He got him to open up a little bit despite Ridley's best efforts to clam up, going so far as to call his bluff when the young man told him to get out. (Someone who can coax you out of your comfort zone is a keeper in my book!)