FF: Milestones (Sequel to Unexpected Consequences)

[deixs]

WOW!!!!



I don't know what to say!!!

I hope Brianna is not serious about the challenge!!



Stef

[mollyig]

The mere fact that Donnie approves of Pastor Crow is enough to have me suspicious as to the Pastor's intentions.



Brianna's worry about being replaced by Megan, was so cute. She has such a questioning mind, wonderful how her mothers were able to placate her. Her petition for a kitten was adorable!



Poor Bre, still feeling such guilt over having to kill, and now she's concerned that she'll alienate Dawn. She's pledged not to do anything about her feelings for Dawn, so I guess its up to Dr Dawnie.



As always, I love the absolute devotion you show between our girls. Despite how upset they get, they never fail to support the other - each woman responded when the other needed comfort



Looking forward to seeing how Brent will handle Bri's request.



Thanks Lisa, hope you're well.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[dekalog]

Now that's a cliffhanger.

I do realize you just posted, but when's the update?? You can't leave it there.



Gotta love an update though where W/T spend alot of time in bed. Yeah!!! I don't usually like Dawn stuff, but I must admit I do like the sub-plot you have with her and Bre (could be because it's an older version of Dawn).



Once again a big thank-you for telling wonderful stories that are true to the characters. Just joking about the hurry up and post comment (sort of).

[Grimlock72]

update weeeeee



I like 'the world according to megan' Seems like a little Willow already, heh.



So....pastor Crow 'helped' control Tara's mother, huh ? How helpfull .. If people want to live in a backwards community like that, fine... but only if it's of their own free will and not because some idiot says so . Caleb wants to make peace with his daughter because *he* is dying, hmmm... still selfish then. Donnie is worse though.



Oww... Willow had a lock installed on the bedroom door, how thoughfull About Buffy barging in on Bre and Dawn, being annoyingly intrusive as usual...ruined a perfectly good moment there. I hoped Tara and Willow would have learned by now NOT to have a hidden/secret key to their house around. Appearantly not, heh.



I liked the Bre/Dawn bed-scene, but Bre taking that oath had me wondering; why such a (heavy) oath ? Seems rather drastic, also means Dawn has to do all the work now. Dawn finding Kaley crying in Bre's room... saw that coming, good test to see if they really are meant for each other, heh . I did like Kaley letting all that out, keeping it inside didn't do her any good.



Ceri still needs to learn to stand up verbally against people it seems, she shouldn't have left Brianna, period. Ceri can handle herself fine in armed combat, but without weapons she's kinda lost (Verbal Conflict Handling 101 might help ). She has been fooled like that twice now, she must feel horrible. If I ever wanted to get passed Ceri I would definitly try words before weapons. Dawn should crawl under a big rock and be ashamed of herself for interferring like that, bwah.



*sigh*.. Brianna definitly needs some (preferably stern) talking to, about several things. A five year old ordering Brent around, riiiiiight....forgive me for not being impressed. Besides Brianna hasn't even been *called* yet, so how can she challenge ? At least the first and last parts of the challenge will be easy, heh. They have till dawn of next day to talk Brianna out of this foolish idea of her, should be do-able.



She acts all wise but she still is only five years old and acting on an impulse based on part of a conversation she heard. What the heck does she need that athame for ? She has to go in unarmed anyway. Kinda unfair, an unarmed five-year-old vs. two well trained guardians now isn't it ?



I'm mostly just pissed that (a) Brianna listened in on that conversation and (b) she drew conclusions from it without verifying them.



Magic (being a mage in particulair) seems to be more of a curse then a blessing, causes more trouble then it's worth. Some goddess that Brigit (or is that Brigid ? both are used) is, grmbl.



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 11/22/02 10:03:22 am

[WebWarlock]

Wow!



Excellent update!



Loved the whole Brianna wanting a kitten part!

My wife and I were talking about how Liam is going to react to the new baby when it comes. I can say as a parent I really liked Willow and Tara's way of handling the situation.



Dawn and Bre. Yeah unlike *some mediums* this Dawn is in her late 20s and can act like an adult. This is going to be the bumpy one isn't it. I am looking forward to this ride. Mostly because I really don't know where you might take it. I mean with W/T there is a certain level of knowing that things will work out. Which is good as far as I am concerned. I *want* true love to conquer all. But are we there yet with Bre and Dawn? I mean can two best friends take that last really big step?



Damnit you made Kaley likeable again. Not only that I feel really bad for her. She knows her duty and she knows that she should feel that her sister has obtained one of the highest honors. Yet her sister is still not there with her. She still feels sad. Damn. What are your plans for Donnie then?



Bre. Ah Bre. This has been a weird 48 hours for her. Woke up, found out Lady Tara was gone, faced the Keeper's men, killed them, got shot, having to confront some very awkward feelings about falling in love with her best friend, unsure of said best friend's intentions, helping someone that has been "stalking" her come to terms with her (and her own) grief and guilt.

Yeah that makes for a long day.



I am glad you mentioned that Tara was not feeding Megan while on the painkillers. Course I half expected her not to take them so she could continue to nurse.



Willow and Tara's argument. Gods I would not want to be in Willow's place now. I think you got the message out how your 30 something Willow is different than the early 20s Willow from when the show ended.

Also you make me believe that Willow really has not cast any spells in 10 years, with two exceptions.



Also the argument’s tone is very different. I have been re-reading UC and Willow and Tara are constantly trying to do things for the other to protect the other. There is some of that here as well, but there is this tone that they are really trying to work more together. I think the nature of the problem, magic, has caused them to fall back on some old ways.



Little Bri. Poor thing. She is smart, and has been groomed to lead, but she still is only 5 and lacks the wisdom of an adult. I felt terrible for Brent as well. Her "own granddaughter" just requested a challenge to the death, and one she would have to honor.



This is going to be interesting.



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side,
home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"I am just a worthless liar. I am just an imbecile. I will only complicate you. Trust in me and fall as well. I will find a center in you. I will chew it up and leave, I will work to elevate you just enough to bring you down. Trust me. Trust me." - Sober, Tool

[peggy of sunnydale]

well that was amazing willow and tara talking it out was great ,dawn and bre not so good ,her finding bre with the other girl was not so good ,and brianna calling the challenge was a bit suprising i must say ,dint expect that one



what will willow and tara do with that panic im sure .



i was impressed with their talk with brianna about the kitten sure their were going to give in that was amusing



really enjoyed this chapter looking foward to the next one and if it take as long as this one but just as good you wont here me complain



thank you

[samiamiguess]

Wow Lisa, I always look forward to your updates and this one was just fabulous. The characters you've portrayed are wonderful, so deep and caring with such distinct personalities. Its a pleasure to read.



I love the contrast between Willow and Tara's faith in their love together and what is beginning between Dawn and Bre. Intrigued as to how they will (hopefully) deal with each other and their feelings.



A wonderful update, thanks

sonya

[Puff]

Wonderful update Lisa. And wow on the cliffhanger at the end, I really hope Brianna can be convinced not to go through with the challenge. Tara and Willow just need to talk to her and tell her what is going on. Oh and the kitten part was funny.



Poor Bre. And now she will have a confussed Dawn to deal with as well. I still can't like Kaley either and I think the girl has a tendency to say the wrong thing...could get her in more trouble when she meets Willow.



I loved Willow and Tara in this part and how they are caring for Megan, Brianna and each other. I thought it was great how Tara explained what love is.



Hope you are doing ok Lisa, thank you for the update

---

You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate
Amber Benson

[tiyodragon]

Wow. Well, we can't say we weren't warned. You left us dangling precariously, AGAIN!



It's becoming apparent that the Imbolc guard need to add classes to their curriculum:



How to maintain possession of one small future Imbolc Mage 101.



Tracking Devices for Dummies: 201.



Advanced Tactical Training: Eyes in the back of the head Foo. 202.



I love the Dawn/Bre volleys. Nothing says angst quite like fear to communicate. I anxiously await the next round of side-stepping. *smirk* Bre being all serious and oath taking...too funny. I could almost feel Bre quaking in her sheets.



Ah, misguided Kaley....she's almost likable...but not quite. I can't wait to see the mud-sucking session Willow has planned for her. Unbridled red-headed fury. Yum.



Hope all is going well in your world,

tiyodragon

‘My girlfriend is a goddess,’ Willow thought again. ‘She is so gonna’ kick his ass.’ She almost smiled as she heard a song in her mind. ‘My girlfriend’s back and you’re gonna’ be in trouble…" Willow cleared her throat and looked around the room. ‘Okay,’ she thought. ‘I have lost it. -Tears of the Goddess by Lisa Countryman

[sheila wt]

Oh. My. God.

That was completely unexpected! (hence the fic's title...)

Goddess, I don't even want to think what Willow is going to do when she finds out that Bri asked for the challenge because she heard her... I'm so afraid that's going to be too much for her!

Also, Bri said Willow's tummy still hurts... I'm still worrying that something more serious probably is going on and she just won't tell Tara. And that's not good at all.

Dawn and Bre... well, well, that's going to take a while... especially now that Bre made that oath. Why people waste so much time instead of going for what they want??? I know, I know, easy to say...

It's amazing how you manage to have all these incredible plots going on, Lisa! After reading all your stories, your talent stll amazes and surprises me over and over again. Thank you so much!

Sheila

[Urn of Osiris]

Wow, Lisa I feel like you just took my heart and twisted it into a knot. All the turmoil hitting at once.



Willow and Tara explaining things to Brianna. Oh just wonderful I felt their presence do vividly.



I love the tension between Dawn and Bre, but the twist at the end there, hmm I'm actually feeling sorry for Dawn. So much inner conflict for her to confront.



As far as Kaley goes, oh I can't wait to see Willow stand by her lady. WOW, you really do write them so wonderfully.



Have you been to the CoT lately?



Brianna and the challenge? Oh dear... that I didn't even imagine. So many things about the fear of magic and the power of having it and then we'll mix in a bit of the Maclay family too.



*sigh* Thanks...it really is a great way to start the day.



I'm off to re-read.

Urn of Osiris

__________________**
Anyone else waiting for it to go poof? My thoughts on S7

[dykeleen]

Lisa,

I had so much to say that I had to organize my thoughts on paper first!



OK first Homage to the greatest writer of Willow and Tara Fan Fic in the universe!

I bow at your feet and kiss your toes (very butch like toes)

I have read every one of your posted stories at least three times no exaggeration!



OK now on with the commentary:

The kitten part was so cute that I was grinning from ear to ear and found my cheeks hurting after a while! I love Brianna! I love that she is so much like her two mommies and how you have captured it into words with impeccable accuracy!



I love how Willow and Tara have grown over the years and since Unexpected Consequences! The part with the love pies made me cry that was so sweet!

I also cried when Tara had to break the news to Willow about the Magic!

They are strong they will get trough this!



NOW : --> …… with the McClays on the horizon that will very much test their relationship not to mention Tara’s Mage abilities and she needs Willow now more than ever! Anyway what is with this whole Caleb is stronger at night thing? And the Preacher going along with it there is something fishy there! I don’t like this preacher person! Its kind of like the preacher is evil and is now recruiting and now Caleb is one of them and trying to get Tara so he can control her power!



As for Bri and Dawn……I don’t like this internal vow Bri made with her self and the Goddess she totally ruined all chances. You know how these Imbolic Guardians are and their vows there is no breaking them! I don’t like Kaley even though I do feel for her and her loss No one should have to go through that! But I want Bri and Dawn together! And what’s with Dawn? She argued every thing up this point and now she holds back, she should have gone into that room with guns (or Swords) blazing and beat the crap out of Kaley! But she picks now to be skittish! I was looking g very forward to watching their relationship blossom! They are so cute together I loved the waking up scene with Dawn “giving a breast exam” as a bonus. Bwaaaaa!



Last but certainly not Least Brianna!! The key fiasco with Shelia? You would have thought they learned their lesson the first time! Now Brianna gets the key and DunDunDun here we go with the angst again! Brianna over hears and now sends out the challenge? Can she do that even thought she has not yet been called?? Please say NO!!!!



I am hanging on by my fingertips and swing my legs over 100-foot ravine!

Help Must……..Have………..More!



My dedication is eternal

Eternal Defender of the Flame

Dykeleen

[oneinten]

Holy Cow!!!



Lisa this is the most fantastic story! Everytime I read a chapter I am dying for more. As always you blow me away with your amazing writing style and grace. I have been reading this for awhile and not been able to say how incredibly good it is (stupid work computers..) So: this is excellent, amazing, fantastic, superb, extraordinary, and just plain groovy!!! I am loving the sub-plot with Bre and Dawn - it's really nice to see her grown up and acting like it. Maclay family = weeevilllll!!!! And the challenge?? I can't wait to see what happens. Tara and Willow are as loving and wonderful together as in all your stories.



You are a master! I bow down to you!



I'm hoping you're doing okay now and my love goes out to ya!



oneinten

[hopico99]

Sweet!! I go into work today wondering if there is going to be an update and yes, score!!!



okay, L of 9, my big head manager person caught me reading this twice this morning...i just couldn't wait....heehee



thanks for the e-mail - don't worry a chicks gotta do what a chick's gotta do (you're the chick)



again, you're a genius....i'm worried about Brianna....plus i think the Guardians would be bummed to have their mage turn them down twice after waiting for a 1000 years or something. Plus Brianna can't fight Brent....I am praying this is not what's going to happen.....



I want Kaley and Bre to be together...........NO, Just Kidding.....but it was nice to see that Kaley has a decent side....poor confused person....



Dawn and Bre that should be interesting.....so lots of bumps huh.....



angst...there's so much angst...i love it.....yep, you're a genius!!

WILLOW: Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens ... but it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know, insane.

TARA: I said "quirky.

Edited by: hopico99 at: 11/22/02 8:39:30 pm

[Always E]

Lisa,



I'm not nearly as eloquent as all the other Kittens that have posted before me, but I do have to add my praise to the list.



Cliffhanger much...although I was somewhat prepared...Thanks for the Warning.



I'm really enjoying how Willow and Tara have "grown up" in your story and are actively talking about their problems and concerns so they can work on fixing them together. What's the saying..."A problem shared is a problem halved." Then you throw in the angst of new love with Bre and Dawn...been there...cried through that. Your writing is so real I can feel the tension between all the characters as the scenes play out and I can't wait to read the next sentence. It's addictive!



Anyway, I know life often throws turmoil at us all and from what I've read on the board you've had you fair share. So, Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful story with us throughout your trying times. I wish you all the best, and wait patiently for your next installment.



-E

[Leila DeRange]

Wow....that update was fantastic!! There was alot to take in but I think I managed. I love the whole Brianna wanting a kitten for herself but I had to laugh when she asked Tara or Willow to born a kitten!!



Still hate Donnie with freaking passion!! If Tara is a sinner than what is he? The devil?? Actually that wouldn't surprise me one bit. I love the whole Dawn/Bre love drama going on. I love how you write cause it feels as if you're there and you can feel emotions surrounding each character.



I'm still kinda shocked that Brianna asked to take the challenge!! I know magic has consequences but it's more then just power it's balance, it's peaceful and calming. Relying to much on it sucks big time though. You know what reading this made me inspired to write something.



I have to warn you though don't over work yourself and get yourself sick. Your health is much more important than your update. I'm glad your okay and also glad you updated meaning double yippee from me. Cliffhangers are evil though!! *grrr*



=LeiLa=

[MAISEY12]

Lisa,



It's great that you are obviously feeling better.



I loved the update, especially the dialogue between Willow, Tara and little Bri. (I was hoping that she would get the kitten)



I like how the misunderstanding between Dawn and Bre is evolving. I am going to enjoy reading how this will be resolved.



Looking forward to reading more.



Thank you



Ann-Marie

[Scout]

Update – yippeeeeeeeee!! Sorry, the natives were getting restless.



So much to love about this nice, long segment. I get such a kick out of Megan. Why do I get the feeling that Megan is going to be a little nightmare when she grows up? I love her little attitude and the line “the universe was supposed to deal with these things for her.” heehee



Poor Brianna not understanding why the lock was on the door and having to deal with a new little sister. And then having to hear and see her moms so upset over magick. Quite a lot for a five-year-old to handle. Should be interesting to see how far she goes with the challenge.



I like how you’re handling Bre and Dawn. I’m not sure where they’ll end up once it’s all said and done, but it should be fun to watch.



And poor Willow and Tara. They’re really stuck between a rock and a hard place with the magick. And Will still hasn’t mentioned what Diana told her about having children. Curious what that news was about.



Thanks for all the W/T goodness. I really needed a Lisa fic fix. It was much appreciated.

[Lonewolf22]

Lisa of Nine: Great update, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED how close of a family Willow and Tara are when they are taking care of Megan and trying to explain things to Brianna, just great, but it also makes me a little sad too.



I loved how Brianna was trying everything she could think of so she could get a kitten, so cute I just love her.



I hope Dawn doesn't freak out too much with what Kaley was doing, and I hope she tells Bre how she really feels.



Tara's family still creeps me out.



I REALLY, really hope that Brianna doesn't do the challenge, and Willow and Tara get there in time to talk to her and explain things to her.



I also hope that Willow will be able to handle what lies ahead for her, but with Tara at her side I'm sure she can. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[Grimlock72]

I wonder where that teacher is who was found (and almost knifed by Brent ) with Tara on the trail. They did take him ('take' as in I point a gun at you, now move) to the sanctuary.



He's bound to be pissed off by that, so what did he do/go to ? Police might frown on such actions you know, threathening people with guns and such. (hoping that he didn't see Brent throwing that dagger)



He'll stay faaaaar away from Tara now I'll bet, heh.



As for the eventual confrontation with Tara's familly; I'm not to scared of Tara's mage power in that event. Willow's on the other hand... she tends to be protective of Tars, see .



Hmm... how long can a five year old her breath underwater ? Owww... I forgot to comment on the Brianna-wants-a-kitten part, mainly 'cos I got pissed off with her behaviour later on. It WAS kinda cute but she's a bit to stuborn for my taste. She DID think about it a lot obviously, hopefully she'll think a lot about more pressing matters as well.



Besides, how 'safe' is a sanctuary for a five year old ? She can still get any standard kid accident there is, fall from a tree and such. Not all danger is external (or intentional for that matter).



Brent must have a strong heart, given what it has to endure these days



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[XWickedXWiccan]

I'm shocked!! Brianna taking a challenge?? Dang it I need to take a warning seriously from now on. Love the update and it's great that you are now feeling better.



-Trinity-

"Hey, I'm a friend of lady Imbolc, get over here and do some quality bowing." Anya in Unexpected Consequensed by Lisa of Nine

[LeatherQueen]

Ah, Lisa. The angst overfloweth in this part. From all directions. But I'm really really interested in what's going to happen with Brianna invoking the Imbolc Challenge. Yikes!



Great chapter, Lisa, as always.

"We've got the only librarian who can rip off your arm with his leg. People respect that." - Terry Pratchett

[Star Pixie]

okay. the brianna wanting the kitten part was so cute. so cute.



argh! she's only 5! how can she invoke the challenge? i'm so worried about her... and willow too... and god... i love this fic.

Edited by: BytrSuite at: 11/24/02 12:28:52 am

[MOUSE]

Simply brilliant Lisa. And sooo worth the wait. I think one of your best chapters.



I am constantly amazed at your talent. I am in awe!

[Lisa of Nine]

Wow!

The feedback has been incredible. Thank you all so much.

I WILL give detailed replies, but I wanted to swing by to tell everyone thanks this morning.



I'm off for work and class, and I will be there until 10pm. I've been extremely busy-haven't even had time to write. :-( I have been taping a good portion of chapter 16. I will NOT have a new chapter tomorrow. There is just no way I can swing that. I mainly wanted to update everyone so you are not expecting a chapter tomorrow night, and to thank you.



I WILL say that all the speculation is really cool. This is so fun! I can tell you that a few people HAVE mentioned some key elements... but I can't say WHO. ;-) I will say that GRIMMY has a habit of mentioning characters right before they get mentioned in the next section.



I love reading speculation. It's nice to see that some people are right on track, and others have great ideas that would have worked as well.



Take care. If I don't go right to bed, I hope to transcribe some tonight and send off some replies.

Thanks again,

Lisa

Edited by: Lisa of Nine at: 11/25/02 8:17:39 am

[dykeleen]

Lisa,

Any time!

I only wish I could turn more people onto your work!

I love giving you feedback I can't help getting wrapped up in your stories. I Finnaly got my partner to read your stories from the begining and she loves your Charmed crossover!

Any time there are people looking for Fic to read I tell them about you!

I enjoy being part of a ongoing descussion (especially about Willow and Tara)! I wish I was more articulate to give such great feed back as Grimmy and Warlock!

Although I try not to get to wraped up in the technical aspects I like to just sit, read and Enjoy!

These stories rock (I rate you up there with JK Rowling and CS Lewis)



Defender of the Flame!

Dykeleen

[cinderlust]

Hi Lisa,



I've been a major lurker here, but if there's ever a good time

to post it would be now. I've spent most of the day devouring all 15 chapters of Milestones. It's amazing. I don't know how to convey all the emotions you've put me through! One minute I'd be laughing, the next I'd have a lump in my throat then with another line, I'm all with the lust. hehe. The one thing that remains with me is the sweetness of it all and not the too sugary-all-fluff sweetness. It's the kind that stays in your heart and makes you wanna hug unsuspecting strangers



I just wanted to say thank you. And oh yeah. More please.

[Ange]

That was so goooodddd Lisa. God!! I hope that Brianna won't do anything that could put her in danger.

I aslo hope that Bre and Dawn will talk and get together soon.



Ange.

-----------------------------------

"Things are not always what they seem to be...." Shakespeare

Willow & Tara Stuff (Videos and caps of new episodes)

[Bookcat]

Okay. You know why you're evil?



You wrote Dawn so well, I went out looking for Dawn-fic. And found an inordinate amount of Dawn/Tara fic. And actually vomited. (I am sick, but still.)

"Intellectuals are in notoriously bad shape"

[tkheaven]

Whoa! you found Dawn/T...I can even go there.. ...the lengths some peolpe will go to..*shiver* ugh....



OK NOW!....Wonderful update Lisa! I love how you wrote W/T explaining lovepie to Bri..and her wanting a kitten..that was too cute!

Dawn needs to seriously march back in there and sort things out, though why do I have the feeling that Bre will start to feel too much for Kaley, no no no..that can't happen...

I think I almost went into tears when Willow and Tara were discussing the magic. Willow has always been so protective of Tara, and Tara doing anything to make things right for her family...the way they took turns to care for the other was amazing...

Bri, Oh.My.God. poor little Bri. Now, I know this kid can kick some ass (even doing a little damage when it comes to Donnie) but I don't know about the challenge!

Oh Lisa, I'm glad you're doing better. Don't go crazy now, ya hear...this fic is just incredible. Take your time, Lisa. Your faithfull kittens will be here...

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"...Tk's Heaven

---

"I've become really protective of her. I want to make sure if Tara comes back, it's for good reason." -Amber Benson
Tara ate her, devoured her from beneath. -The Edge of Silence giving new meaning to this season's catch phrase.
"Got it: that's a 'yes' to petals; a 'no' to pricks. I should remember that more often." -On Second Thought