Flip-Flop

First They Came, Revised: Defined as "reconsidering your arguments, reviewing your evidence, refining your purpose, reorganizing your presentation, reviving stale prose". An evocative "out of the box" piece of poetic expression, with an eye to both the past and present. Well done, and is worthy of much more thought.

Another excellent chapter, that compels the readers to understand the vast complexity of this evolving power struggle. Many unknowns will act out of their own selfish interests. Loyalties needed to be questioned, on all sides. The support of the governed, and the role of the church clergy, will add great weight upon any future outcomes. This statement stood out to me. It reminded me of a problem in today's world.

After 9 chapters of setup, the train-wreck known to us as Natasha, is ready to crash her way onto the scene. She intends to dash any hopes of changes to her role as the conductor of everyone's lives. No surprises about that development. I find the self questioning over the possible reasons for the growing relationship between Martin and Nathan, will bring new twists and turns, along with some interesting changes to take place. My advice to readers is to hold on tight. The ups and downs in Martin's life, along with those that he cares about, will continue to build from here. 😇 I'm eagerly awaiting to read more chapters soon❣️

Gloucester held strong against the probing French and English combined forces. Louis chose not to waste more of his forces against its walls, at this point in time. He decided to strengthen his forces and unite his hold over the major cities and the coastline, during the upcoming harsh winter months. He shall return to the battle for his much desired crown, in more favorable weather. His opponents must also use this time to make their own plans, and prepare for his expected return.

I just watch a "Nova" show on PBS about the brain, and the choices we make. The quote above is truer, then you think. They stated that people who suffered from great trauma ( suffered from an extreme lack of available food, was the example used), have actually passed down behaviors via their DNA, to second and third generations. Many choices appear to be made for us by the way our brain tends to work, and are not actually a result of self made decisions. Yes in a way, from the different brain waves, coming from the dominate parts of how your own brain works. We are happy that you are here with us!

Everyone knows more about true English history than I do, but this is also a story of personal growth, gaining wisdom, and wisely picking your own battles. I love how this story continues to add needed depth, with each chapter! Well done. Thanks❣️

Thanks to @Summerabbacat's comments, this chapter is now making much more sense for me. This seems to ensure that Nathan will become a very important character in whatever may develop in the future. Ray does have issues, that need to be addressed. The thought of comparing issues with unsuccessful marriages sounds very interesting. This really seems to have become a setup, for what is to come in the future chapters of the story.

Dad said it was very tough, with a very strong foul taste, but never once did he mention a mint sauce packed in his rations.

🤔 I have only tasted lamb once, and I am in my 70s. My father served in army during WW-2, and due to long periods of eating poor tasting mutton k-rations, he swore to never having to eat anything to do with sheep products ever again! I suspect his stories had a large influence on all of us kids, in forming our lifetime food preferences. Just a weird childhood memory that seem to have had a lasting effect on all of us. They say when the soldiers returned to the states after the war, lamb and mutton consumption dropped dramatically.

The fog of pending battles looms over the marshlands, as constant rumors spread, as to the storm of a desperate,and dying King John draws near. Prince Louis waits in London with hopes that both forces will weaken each other in the process. Ronan and Tomas share a much needed private, out of view moment together. Kaylen does his very best to train this youthful army of boys into a confident united force, to face any possible future needs. Whether that comes as a result of King John's actions, or those of the French Prince, or both. We will have to wait along with them to see what will happen next, as the tension felt by all is very palpable!

Is the "Heart of the Fen" stone already showing its powers at work? Why did Louis change his planned and declared next day attack on Wynthrop, and the people of the marshlands? The land also provided an extremely abundant harvest season, which its people labored to produce a very much needed amount of supplies and weapons. All the people of the marshlands have become united as one, to face the expected storms of war. Prince Louis and King John are aware of doubts forming within their ranks. The fate of all England hangs by very thin and fragile threads. What a complex tale, this has become❣️

Finn (AKA Larry) put Ian thru a vast array of fears, and emotions with his fast paced lies, and actions. Ian was stuck in a constant state of damage control, as he tried not to lose a once in a lifetime opportunity to propel his writing career. However his sexual and physical attraction for Finn constantly grew much stronger. He tried to leap over the high hurdles of lies that Finn left in his wake, while busy winning over Ian's very wealthy and elderly, gay benefactors. For me this was much less about how his dreams of the fellowship had come to an end, but dealing with my imagination of them working together at a future united. Thanks @Boy Mercury X for sharing this exciting ride! A revisit with these two men, would be a real treat, but I am very happy with what was shared here. Yep, great cover art! Oh, the stories they could share with their kids!

Kaylen learns that Wynthorpe was not just a path, but held the stone which Louis believed to be the key, for his control over the lands and its people. The dying words of the prisoner revealed the French Prince's true goals. What powers will the "Heart of Fen stone" reveal in the future battles? Prince Louis demands control over this ancient stone's power, and its hold over these lands and its people. Resolve has been sworn by both sides in the storm that lays ahead of them!

What will the future hold for this small group of loyal Wynthrope defenders, when they face the vast power and number of the French forces at morning's first light? I feel so very invested in this tale, and with your engaging characters at this point. I believe you have much more story, yet to tell. I can only hope that I am right about that! My favorite exchange with the doubting Beric was this: That statement struck Beric at his core!

They have returned to a newly remodeled home, thriving businesses, and with a happy family. Now the pair are carefully crafting plans to move smoothly into the future. Their thoughts are always filled with considerations for what will work best for their growing family, guests, and valued employees. You have allowed us to "Walk on" with them for many years, and we care about your characters, as long-time friends. I'm always happy to tag along, and share in their unique special experiences. for times well spent @Andre Delport, and with the sharing of all your hard work, that is filled with insider's knowledge! It is appreciated.

I'm in the same camp as Rick, and had to use Google to be introduce into "bush cooking" with local ingredients. Martin would have to spill some secrets if the boys moved in with him, but I love the idea! He would likely also get an unpleasant large dose of Ben's mother, included with that arrangement. Springing for a good car for them to use should be a consideration, no matter what is decided. The business trip by the three adults should a be a very interesting first taste, of the family business holdings.

They are back at Thornmere's keep, They had their time spent observing the French forces arrival, and the welcome reception by those waiting onshore. Now the French have advanced up to the strong hard held walls of Dover. What forces will cause them to take actions? They stand strong as one now, but only if they wisely decide when, where, and how to make their stand. What roles could they possibly play, in such dark times, in a very weak, and divided England? Kaylen's experience and wisdom has guided them up to this point. The growing tensions and worries, are felt by all within Thornmere's very fragile territory, and woe be to those who may want to act out, only on an impulse!

What a thoughtful way to conclude the reader's involvement in Lonnie's struggle to find his way, after Leo's tragic passing. I loved Ty's wedding vows, I feel like the road ahead of them, will also contain a meaningful, and loving journey. This was not an ending for these men. It is only a new, and growing beginning to their life as partners. Leo's ghost will fade away with the passing time. Lonnie will be able to better adapt to his deep feelings of loss. I hope Lonnie can begin living life again, without Leo being seen as a haunting soul. As @Mikiesboy stated in his notes: Thanks for sharing another well written life experience, that your insightful stories and poetry always express so well❣️

In six hours our feels-like temp, went from +72F to -4F ! It started with rain, and ended with snow. Oh and around 9:00 AM, our region also had a visit by a burning, booming, and exploding, 7 ton asteroid / meteor, just in the next county. The film clip and story was on national news! They said it is a common occurrence, but this this one was unusual because it was seen and heard, by so many populated metro areas, as it sleeked across the morning sky before loudly exploding. March always keeps us guessing, as to what mother nature will throw our way next.

Great description as to what was behind Kaylen's reasoning, for his very intensive training sessions of his loyal troops. He knew from experience what skills they needed to acquire, for a chance to survive the grim times ahead of them. ⚔️

What happened in Thornmere, to the threat by the Scots? Now the King's fleet has been ravaged by storm, with the threat of a French fleet beyond. The country and its people, are divided by open rebellion to King John's broken promises and actions. How can this weakened country undergo the storm of inside, and outside threats? All will be tested soon! What possible roles will Kayen, Ronan and Tomas play in the looming battles ahead? The future appears to be very bleak, given the complex problems they now face!

Two years? When I made my "wild guess" about there being conditions set in the will (in my comment on the last chapter); I was thinking more of a quick legal and business arrangement. Apparently Ty's father had considered that situation also. The result now throws a whole new light, into the two men's deep inner feelings, about proceeding with this upcoming marriage idea. I had no idea how this would, or could evolve. This was an excellent chapter, that focused us on all of these deep, and sincere issues. Very well done @Mikiesboy! Their future together still seems to be somewhat unknown, and unsure.

Justin Ben's boyfriend seems to have a lot of influence on Ben's thinking now, and appears to be impressed by Martin's actions. I would like to hear more about his current situation with his family. I hope he will stay in the mix, in any future chapters!

Two weeks back from London, and the only family contact we have heard about was finding his underage son, and his boyfriend Justin drinking at the gay bar? Keeping a low profile might become a bit more difficult with Rick, Simon. and the "boys" partying at his house. Just why doesn't his ex-wife expect Ben home on Friday nights, and does she know about Benjamin being gay? I guess we will have to wait to see how things develop from here. Martin needs to figure out what his own sexual preferences are, sooner or later. He would make a great catch being anyone's boyfriend!

Odd? This is just what Lonnie needed to hear about, at his casual first dinner encounter with Ty, right? I have a wild guess about the problem, that Ty thinks Lonnie could help him to resolve. It involves some conditions that Ty's father may have set in the will, in order for Ty to gain complete control over his families holdings. He must be married to accomplish those conditions. Meanwhile back to where @Mikiesboy left us hanging.... Could acting out of impulse, be a shared condition with these two men? This could really jerk around with Leo's reactions to such thoughts. Looking forward to reading Mondays chapter!