Aeternum Vale (AU)

[Grimlock72]

Thanks for the translation a.s.h. (now why does that acronym sound soooo familiar, heh).



I guessed the 'Lux' part of one title... I'll get there yet



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: 5/21/04 1:45 pm

[FlyingPoppy]

Hey all,



I see you have been enlightened by my lovely number one fan, thanks a.s.h.



I've chosen titles that relate to events of each chapter, using Latin so it's not totally obvious to everyone what the tone is going to be but at the same time, it's pretty easy for people to find out what they mean if they so wish.





onyxsundrops - Like just about every couple, Molly and Natalie have certain issues, which I will be delving into in due course. Willow was just having some fun with Molly, more about this next chapter.



WhiteSkyFire - Aw! Thank you



sam darls - Thanks sam I neglected to give you my rating didn't I? Hmm, today started off as about a 3 but after a conversation with a friend has risen to 6 or 7 - changes by the hour though, lol.



numberonefan - Title restored! Hee, look. I wrote a 'fluffy little chapter'!



I had intended for Willow and Tara to discuss what they were going to do but that would have meant you knowing before they did it, which would have ruined things. Think they still got a little carried away though...or was that just me.



I like being cryptic, so I'm not going to tell you whether you're being paranoid or not Maybe Nat used to be in league with the tables but Molly got her to change her ways...maybe.



Plot drive coming right up.



Thanks!



WillowPowered -



mollyig - Yeah. Natalie needed to be the one to make that effort, as Molly told her previously. Willow would just never have done it.



Grimlock72 - No need to be suspicious.

Quote:

---

Hint to Willow; crossing your arms might make you look mighty defensive

---

I think Willow would have been on the defence in that situation. There's this woman that she doesn't trust, or even like, telling her she wants to talk to her, wants to become her friend. Given the way Willow's felt about her for some time, I think she would be pretty wary at first.



Natalie can seem a bit dim at times, she's not very observant. She's a pretty clever lady though. Gotta have someone running the household Seriously, this was Molly's 'thing' so she's been the one to say what goes. I think in the first couple of chapters it seemed that Natalie was in charge, she'll be taking custody of the pants again in the near future. *coughbutchcough*



As I said to a.s.h. above, they did discuss what they were going to do, granted you didn't see that but it did happen. Tara has a sense of humour and Willow knows that Molly certainly does. No guilt.





Thanks for reading everyone and for your comments



Poppy x

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[skittles]

**drums fingers on the laptop**



ok, it's almost tuesday... almost tuesday...



Poppy, do you know how hard it's been not to ask you for advance copies?? but, as you know, I'm a very patient person!! **cough cough** and it wouldn't be fair to the others, so .... plus I need to learn more patience...



Yes, I will echo what everyone has been saying: "THIS IS GOOD!!!"



I hope I can patiently wait for each weekly chapter/episode of AV...



**drums fingers on the laptop waiting for tuesday**



singing: "it's only a day away"

skittles



In vino veritas

[FlyingPoppy]

skittles - Patience is a virtue, you know I'm sure you'll do fine...



•Title: Aeternum Vale - Chapter Ten

•Author: FlyingPoppy

•Feedback: Here or by pm is fine.

•Distribution: No, thanks. It's just for Pens.

•Rating: R

•Pairing: W/T

•Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Willow and Tara, they belong to ME/UPN/whoever. All other characters belong to me. I'm just writing a story to keep myself out of mischief, I'm not making any money from it.

•Summary: This story is totally AU and will be long. Two girls meet and fall in love, but all is not what it seems.

•Notes:

- The hellmouth does not exist in this story but evil certainly does. A happy ending for W/T is certain, it's going to be a bumpy ride, though. Turn back now if your vehicle doesn't equip the suspension to deal...

- Thoughts in

- Many thanks to Kita and Patches for their beta work.









Chapter Ten - Cum homine de cane debeo congredi





Molly stood and watched them walk down the street arm in arm, still shaking her head in disbelief at the display she'd seen. "Something funny is so going on. Willow's not the sort to just you know, not when she doesn't even know someone," she said, puzzled.



Natalie uncrossed her arms and took Molly by the hand. "I thought this was what you wanted Mol? Someone nice for Willow." She was confused by her girlfriend's apparent change of heart.



"I did, do, I mean. It just seems strange. I don't want them to rush into it and regret anything. Tara doesn't exactly seem like that either." Molly let out a deep sigh and freed her hand from Natalie's.



"Like what? The type to just jump into someone else's bed?" Natalie smirked.



Molly knew where this was heading. She was in trouble now.



"Like you?" Natalie continued in a low voice, ribbing her love over their extremely brief--as in a couple of hours--courtship then turned to go back inside.



"Actually, it was my bed I did the jumping into," Molly said impishly and grabbed the shorter woman by the waist as they climbed the two steps to the door. "You're the one who started it, remember?"



"How could I ever forget?" Natalie sighed dreamily, her swoon a ruse. "Care for a repeat performance?" she asked tenderly. All thoughts of Willow and Tara vanished.



"Could be interesting." Molly feigned nonchalance and instantly regretted it when Natalie twisted in her embrace and started to tickle her ruthlessly. Molly felt a tight grip on her wrists and, before she knew what was happening was dragged over to the couch, giggling uncontrollably. Natalie lay her down, muscles tensed, then looked at Molly unrepentant and with a gleam in her eye asked again, "Care for a repeat performance?"



Molly nodded almost imperceptibly, her chuckles halted by Natalie's mouth on her lips.



"Must be something about this couch," Molly mused aloud. "Maybe it's an enchanted kissing couch..."



"It sure seems that way," Natalie laughed between breathless kisses, the soft waves of Molly's hair tickling at her face. "How about we take this upstairs though? It's a little disconcerting the way dog-face is looking at me."



Molly looked over to where Grace was lying, her head on the floor between her paws, eyes starring at them intently. Natalie rose and held out a hand to her girlfriend with the intention of helping her to her feet.



"Come on then, lover," Molly said with a wink, knowing that if it was indeed going to be a repeat performance of their first night together, she would walk to hell and back to experience it.



~~~~~~~~~~



Willow unlinked their arms and wrapped one around Tara's waist, pulling her closer. "I don't think that could have gone any better," she finally said.



"I'm sure it gave them something to talk about," Tara agreed. "I know it was your idea but you were ok with it weren't you, Willow?"



The redhead simply smiled, "Well, I don't remember complaining."



"It's just after, you know, the other day -" Tara began to explain, worry now evident in her voice.



Willow stopped walking and looked into stunning blue eyes seriously. "I don't have to do anything I don't want to, I know that," she finished for her girlfriend.



Tara nodded and a tiny smile twitched at one corner of her mouth. "I wish I could have seen their faces."



"At least you'll get to see Molly at work tomorrow! You do know she's going to be all questions?" Willow sounded disappointed, she wanted to see the outcome of their little game for herself.



"Yes, and like a lady I'll insist I have no idea what she's talking about," Tara grinned, eyes sparkling.



"You're so beautiful, Tara. Your eyes are just...unbelievable," Willow sighed and tried to pull Tara even closer then continued walking. Before long they came to a stop at the path to Willow's door.



It was late, the walk having taken about 30 minutes. The flickering light from the nearest street lamp cast a shaky glow over them as they stood and gazed into one another's eyes, heartbeats racing. After a few moments, they looked down at the same time, suddenly shy they had been staring so intensely. Willow started down the narrow paved pathway to her door with Tara following closely behind. Darkness encroached with every step. Halfway down the uneven path, bright light sprayed out into the night air. Tara flinched and lifted up her hand to shade her face, then turned to one side to escape the glare.



Willow's yard was shabby. A diseased cherry tree took up most of the space, spindly unpruned branches stretched out at head height dangerously close to the path, which in turn was flanked by weed-filled flowerbeds. The fence surrounding the property had obviously seen better days, dirty white paint peeled in vast chunks, rotting wood showing through beneath. Tara made a mental note to broach the subject of helping her girl spruce the place up a bit. If she insisted on helping Tara move, it was only fair to return the favour.



She blinked a couple more times to adjust to the light, then followed the redhead to the door.



Still holding Tara by the hand, Willow finally plucked up the nerve to ask, "Do you want to come in for coffee or something?"



"I'd love to, but I have a ton of stuff to do. Before Saturday, you know?" Tara apologised, her eyes sad.



"Oh, of course. Stupid me." Willow raised her hand and softly stroked the blonde's cheek with her thumb. "I had a great time tonight, Tara."



Tara leaned into the touch, her skin feeling truly alive as Willow's fingers danced across it. She pulled back, fearing she wouldn't be able to leave if things went any further; it would be hard enough as it was but she shouldn't be doing this. "I should be going...are you still coming over on Saturday to do the dreaded shopping?" Tara asked hopefully.



"Try stopping me. I can't wait," Willow grinned, arms pulling the other woman into a close hug. She rested her head on Tara's shoulder and inhaled the fresh scent of shampoo from her long blonde hair.



"Molly's agreed to let me have a day off in the week in case I need to have anything delivered. Like a bed and couch, non important things like that," Tara said matter of fact.



"But what are you going to sleep on until then?" Willow stood back, green eyes panicked. "You can't sleep on the floor, it'll be cold. I have some spare blankets you can have, maybe we should go and look for a bed tomorrow evening."



Tara raised a hand to Willow's shoulder and gave a sympathetic squeeze. "I'll be ok, it's fine," she said seriously. "I'm looking forward to having my own space, even if it doesn't have any furniture." Tara left a pause and looked into calming eyes, caught up in the depths of them, until a voice dragged her out of it. Those same green eyes were now anything but calm, looking at her as though expecting something to be said.



"Tara?" Concern was written on Willow's features, raised eyebrows sitting atop questioning eyes, her brow slightly wrinkled.



"I guess you caught me..." Tara admitted, her face flushed. She lowered her eyes to escape the steady gaze.



"I just asked what time you were going over there and whether I could actually be any help carrying your stuff," Willow reiterated.



"You could come over about midday, if that's ok. I really don't need any help, I only have a couple of bags and I'll get a cab anyway. To be honest, I'd just like to spend a little time there alone, do a couple of rituals I have planned. A kind of 'getting to know you' thing," she explained, apologetically.



"Of course, I should have thought. Sorry?"



"Willow, you don't have to be sorry. I love spending time with you. There are just a few things I need to do and then I'm all yours. Talking of having things to do, I really should be going," Tara said and hugged Willow close for a second.



Bolstered by Tara's reactions at Molly's house, Willow seized the opportunity and leaned in to brush her lips across Tara's. For a moment, Tara drowned in the feeling of those soft lips, tasted Willow's sweetness. She brought a hand to the redhead's nape and pulled her ever closer, could feel her heart racing, pounding against her chest. Again, Tara fought the apprehension rising within. It was a losing battle; she stepped back.



"I'll see you on Saturday then?" she questioned, still backing away but wanting so much to return, to accept the offer.



"Tara? Wha?" Willow's voice rose.



"Twelve o'clock?" Tara suggested.



"Twelve o'clock sharp," Willow sighed. She then watched as Tara walked away, giving a wave as she cast a look behind her to the redhead. Willow let out a huge sigh, waved back and retreated into her home.



~~~~~~~~~~



Tara carefully climbed the dilapidated stairway to the upper floor of the Bellion Theatre and entered the small room she'd been sleeping in. Cobwebs hung from the exposed wooden rafters and the dull light of a street lamp filtered through the dirty, broken window. Tara moved around the room and lit a few tall church candles, then opened the small chest in the corner by the window and took a couple of items out. She laid a cloth over the table that the old projector had sat upon and put the other items down on top of it, then dragged an old screen across the window, leaving only the light of the candles in the dingy room. She diligently cast a circle then sat down in the middle, facing her small makeshift altar, and closed her eyes.



As she concentrated on the atmosphere, Tara imagined it slowly filling with a soft green glow, cutting through the darkness until it was enough to illuminate the room. She opened her eyes and looked around her, green swirling mist suspended in front of her face, the power emanating from it was palpable. Tara stayed that way for a while; basking in the energy of the glow, feeling it travel through her, cleanse her.



"Idris, are you there?" she called out softly into the mist.



There was no answer. The mist now appeared to liquefy, purling as it cascaded around Tara's body, until it seemed she were underwater. She continued to take slow, measured breaths. Didn't panic. Merely stood up straight, pulled her shoulders back and spoke,



"Idris, Promulgator of Sha'tako, I invite you," her voice more formal.



A small, diaphanous figure slowly became visible through the green. Undulating before her, it regarded Tara with a stern look. The figure was, on closer inspection, male and seemingly about 4 feet 9 inches tall.



"What are you doing, girl?" he said, quiet but stern, pulling at the lapels of his grandiose robes, a vain attempt to attain some semblance of import.



"I-I need to know how things a-are going. Please? How is-" Tara implored.



"How do you think they're going? You insisted. Said you could handle this," he spat, his face screwed up in an expression of pure distaste. "It's always the same with you. Don't you make me come there, wench."



Tara couldn't help but recoil at this. She was about to speak but he wasn't finished.



"You know your job. Just do what must be done." His stare became even more serious, though Tara could tell it was tinged with sadness.



"For Etheria's sake, hurry,” he added, before disappearing.



Tara nodded. "Thank you, Idris. Farewell," she uttered, feeling miserable but still sticking to form.



The energy began to dissipate, its green returning to a mist, then thinning out and disappearing completely. The room was returned to a darkened state, candles burnt down almost to the wick. Tara took a couple more from her stash, lit them, and sat in the centre of the room, preparing to meditate. If she didn't get these thoughts out of her head, there was no way she would be able to get any sleep tonight.



She spent half an hour meditating, calming her nerves, then retired to a thin mattress in the corner of the room. Thoughts of a beautiful woman with amazing red hair and startling green eyes in her mind as she fell into a fitful slumber.

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[mollyig]

Both girls getting closer. I do hope that Tara isn't going to remain secretive for long. She's going to have to tell Willow, eventually, what it is she's hiding from her - what her task is. Willow has such a hard time trusting people that she's bound to feel betrayed that Tara could deceive her, so it's best she tell her sooner rather than later.



Thanks for the update.

---

"Love is just like breathing when it's true" Indigo Girls

[sam darls]

Great update sweetie . I hope Tara tells Willow soon too. Love sam xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

Edited by: sam darls at: 5/25/04 1:06 pm

[barnabasvamp]

Oh my, you have totally peaked my curiosity over what Tara's "job" could possibly be in relation to Willow.



Willow has had so many difficulties, I hope Tara doesn't keep this from her much longer!



Great update!



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

[astrangerhere]

First things first, for those who have been asking... This weeks Latin translation is:



"Excuse me, I've got to see a man about a dog" I have NO idea what it means, but there it is for what its worth.



Now then, about this intriguing little update of yours Poppy...

The whole exchange between Mol and Nat just made me giggle. Of course I am still overly paranoid, so everything they say i look for some double meaning in everything. I didn't see a mention of any tables, though, so my theory is faltering.



Now onto the things that left me scratching my head.

Quote:

---

Bolstered by Tara's reactions at Molly's house, Willow seized the opportunity and leaned in to brush her lips across Tara's. For a moment, Tara drowned in the feeling of those soft lips, tasted Willow's sweetness. She brought a hand to the redhead's nape and pulled her ever closer, could feel her heart racing, pounding against her chest. Again, Tara fought the apprehension rising within. It was a losing battle; she stepped back.

---

What is Tara so afraid of? And why is that fear sneaking up on during evening smoochies at Willow's door?



And finally we meet the elusive, albeit green and shimmery Idiris... Not that it got us any closer to understanding why Tara is there, or if her association with Will is a good thing or a bad thing in relation to that job.

Quote:

---

she uttered, feeling miserable but still sticking to form.

---

Why does she feel miserable? Is she going to have to make a choice somewhere in here that she doesn't like? Are we going to have some discomfort before or after the house gets blown to bits from the inside, or just after when Tara comes clean?



So many many questions.... I am also waiting for Wil to get hammered by another attack, cause i just know it has something to do with why Tara is there, even if she doesn't yet.



Great job as always Poppy!



a.s.h.

Can you help me with this heart in my chest? It ain't perfect, but you should see me use it.

[pipsberg]

I loved the update, but I feel like after the closeness they've shared, they've almost taken a few steps back... I guess that makes sense given the apprehension that Tara is feeling about whatever work it is she has... very intruguing! Keep the updates coming!!

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

[FlyingPoppy]

Hey all,



mollyig - Hey! Yes, Tara will have to tell Willow at some point in the not too distant future. She's going to find it hard though. Things are going to have to come to a head before they can move forwards.



sam darls - Hey sam. Thanks Hmm, 2 votes for Tara to tell Willow soon. This week's rating is, I guess a 3 or so. Though writing these always cheers me up.



barnabasvamp - Tara's job is in relation to Willow? Did I say that? Did I? Um... So make that 3 votes for Tara to tell. Bear in mind how long they have known each other, it's not a vast period of time. Yes, they are very close already but this is obviously some big thing.



astrangerhere - Oh a.s.h. I love to see your comments here. Get this rickety brain of mine working overtime.



I'm not sure if you mean you've never heard the phrase 'Excuse me, I've got to see a man about a dog' or that you don't know how it relates to chapter 10. So at the risk of being very patronising, where I'm from it's basically something you say when you don't want to say where you're really going. Tara tells Willow she has to pack, even though she's said she doesn't have much stuff. She's really going to call Idris to talk to but she doesn't want to/can't tell Willow this. I know in some parts, the phrase is only used as a euphemism for visiting the bathroom. In the murky Midlands of England it has a more general meaning, though.



First I had fluffy, now I have intriguing. No, no tables this part. More inanimate objects coming up next

Quote:

---

What is Tara so afraid of?

---

Don't suppose you'd believe me if I said 'the Boogey Man'? Hmmm, no. Didn't think so.

Quote:

---

And why is that fear sneaking up on during evening smoochies at Willow's door?

---

Because the Boogey Man only comes out at night and preys on young women standing smooching on each other's doorsteps?



I think I'm going to have to come up with some better excuses to keep you satisfied until all is revealed.



Ooh, you're full of questions this week aren't you?



Tara is miserable because news has only just reached her that Billie Piper is going to be in the new Doctor Who...EEK!!!!! Run for the hills screaming. Could be worse than Bonnie Langford...actually, could anything be worse than Bonnie Langford? "I'll thcweam and thcweam and thcweam until I'm thick!" (say it with a lisp) Um, no. Actually, that'd be me, love, when faced with your (lack of) acting ability.



Oh. Um, where was I? Apart from going a little stir crazy and have everyone wonder what the hell I'm talking about. Oh yes, choices. I think Tara has already had to make a choice she doesn't like concerning what to tell Willow. She hasn't told her anything much yet. If you're falling in love with someone and have to decide to keep a load of stuff from them...well, that's gotta hurt and make you miserable.



Thanks a.s.h.



pipsberg - Yes, they've taken a few steps backwards. Forward motion will be resumed shortly! Thanks for reading

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[barnabasvamp]

Quote:

---

barnabasvamp - Tara's job is in relation to Willow? Did I say that? Did I? Um... So make that 3 votes for Tara to tell. Bear in mind how long they have known each other, it's not a vast period of time. Yes, they are very close already but this is obviously some big thing.

---

You are Such a tease!!!!



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

[KiwiAlcyone]

OMG! I missed a chapter - lucky me I guess, two to read at once and an extra helping of praise for the wonderful author!



Okay, this fic has been all with the cuteness for the last few chapters. Willow and Tara's little game with Nat and Mol was just priceless. And they have got to know that something is up! I can't wait for them to confront the two mischeivous witches over their insidious little scheme.



But now there's apprehension from Tara and a short little dude calling her a wench! I mean, I just have to get incensed over someone calling Tara a wench.



So we have cuteness and yet an underlying current of apprehension that has me eagerly hanging out for Tuesday/Wednesday.



Happy writing Poppy!



Alcy

Those seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who couldn't hear the music

[Grimlock72]

Whats with the "apprehension" line ? Why would Tara kiss Willow if some part of her doesn't want to kiss her ? That would make sense only if becoming friends with Willow is somehow Tara's job.. given to her by Idris presumably...



The longer Tara waits with telling Willow what is going on the harder it's going to be. Willow is already not very trusting (with good reason) and if finds out on her own... well that will be messy. Time doesn't work in Tara's favour either way, if she waits longer it's less and less likely Willow will believe her.



Nat and Molly behaving like a couple of youngster fresh in love was nice I'm still suspicious, but they looked pretty much like normal nice people in this update Quite a contrast with whatever Tara did in her room.



I'm not sure if this Idris charachter is responsible for Willow's problems. If he is, why did Tara protect Willow from it and then contact Idris anyway ? Maybe Idris is a good ghost looking out for Willow's best interests ?? Well, I can dream



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

[FlyingPoppy]

barnabasvamp - Me??? A tease???



KiwiAlcyone - Extra praise? Cool! So, if I add together your and BV's comments, I'm a wonderful tease



More cuteness coming right up. Maybe...



Grimlock72 - Oh, Tara wants to kiss Willow, certainly she does. She just has some other things on her mind right now. Things that are strong enough to cause her apprehension. Remember she still hasn't told Willow about the hag of a woman who confronted her, she could be feeling apprehension over that.



I think the fact that Tara hasn't told Willow anything yet shows just how hard it is and you're right, it gets even harder as time goes on.

Quote:

---

I'm not sure if this Idris charachter is responsible for Willow's problems. If he is, why did Tara protect Willow from it and then contact Idris anyway?

---

The only reason would be if he were responsible and Tara didn't know...not that I'm saying that that's the case or anything, just a possibility.





Just for you, a.s.h. here come the inanimate objects...



•Title: Aeternum Vale - Chapter Eleven

•Author: FlyingPoppy

•Feedback: Here or by pm is fine.

•Distribution: No, thanks. It's just for Pens.

•Rating: R

•Pairing: W/T

•Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Willow and Tara, they belong to ME/UPN/whoever. All other characters belong to me. I'm just writing a story to keep myself out of mischief, I'm not making any money from it.

•Summary: This story is totally AU and will be long. Two girls meet and fall in love, but all is not what it seems.

•Notes:

- The hellmouth does not exist in this story but evil certainly does. A happy ending for W/T is certain, it's going to be a bumpy ride, though. Turn back now if your vehicle doesn't equip the suspension to deal...

- Thoughts in

- Many thanks to Kita and Patches for their beta work.



Chapter Eleven - Suo Jure





Tara waited on the street corner with her wooden chest and a fairly large rucksack; all her worldly possessions. Pulling her brown coat tight against the chill morning wind, she looked impatiently at her watch. The cab was already fifteen minutes late. With a deep sigh, she looked across the road at the long abandoned shops and offices; this area of town was really run down. A multitude of boarded up windows rattled in the wind like a distant troop of ghostly drummers marking a lazy rhythm. The ominously tall office block opposite blocked out the rays of the sun, casting a shadow over Tara as she waited, and made the air feel even more crisp. It didn't feel like a good place but it was where she had been told to start things out. Why did Molly choose to walk this road on the fateful day Willow had an attack here? A shiver passed through her and Tara thanked every deity known the fates had chosen to take care of the redhead; whatever purpose it had served, for surely there had been one. Unbeknownst to Willow, Tara had started to take measures to find out who was behind the attacks. Well, if researching some spells could be called taking measures. It wasn't that she wanted to exclude Willow from her efforts, just didn't want to upset the poor girl more than was probably inevitable. The blonde looked at her battered watch once again. Another five minutes had passed.



Idris' words had worried her. If he wasn't going to tell her how things were going then it was impossible to know what time-scale she was working to. Things had seemly been going well but now Tara wasn't so sure. Maybe the schedule had been pushed up without her knowledge; there was no way to know. All that could be done was to follow the plan. Things would be all right. They had to be. Their people had been on this for years, measured and plotted everything out down to the finest detail. Tara breathed a heavy sigh. It would work. It had to.



Finally, the cab arrived. The slim driver threw her a dirty look when he lifted up the wooden chest to put in the trunk. The size belied its weight. Tara gave an apologetic shrug but figured if she could drag the chest down a flight of stairs and out through the old theatre, he could manage to lift it into the trunk. The rucksack was lobbed in carelessly beside it, and the trunk squeezed shut.



The journey took little more than five minutes, past the new looking shops and restaurants on Western Boulevard and then South towards Willow's house. The shops thinned out and were gradually replaced with rows and rows of housing. Just before the famed coffee shop, the driver took a left down a long, tree-lined street and Tara immediately recognised the road that was to become her home. The cab came to an abrupt halt at the end of the short drive. Tara handed over some cash and climbed out of the car, smiling as she thought about what she would do that morning.



The driver begrudgingly retrieved the old chest from the trunk and, with a deep grunt, dumped it on the sidewalk then lavished the same treatment upon Tara's black rucksack. He got back in the cab, muttering under his breath, and slammed the door before screeching off into the distance.



Tara stood hands on hips and watched him go, then hoisted the rucksack onto her back, grabbed the handle on one end of the chest and pulled it toward the front door. The gravel path made it easy to make fairly quick progress, the shiny wood moving across the small stones, that scratched at the wood, with alarming speed.



Although the inside of the house looked like no one had lived in it for quite some time, the yard was surprisingly tidy. The fashion trend appeared to be for similar white fences to adorn all properties. What, was it some archaic law or something? Still, Tara's fence was pristine, whiter than white. Maybe someone had been coming here to take care of the yard. It certainly seemed that way.



She dragged the chest into the living room and opened the lid, then removed various items of clothing and lay them out on the floor. Tara wanted to look nice when Willow arrived, though there was still a little over two hours until then. Her mind turned to thoughts of the delicate redhead, the way she talked, smiled, even the way she moved. Everything about her seemed just right. Why did things have to be this complicated?



Tara pulled her thoughts back to the more immediate concerns of that afternoon's shopping trip. They really did have a lot to get; she didn't even have anything to make a cup of tea in.



The blonde took a walk around the house to re-familiarise herself with everything, spending a little time in each room trying to picture in her mind just how it should look. Immediately through the front door was the living room, an opening to one side led to the small kitchen then through to the back yard, that was in nowhere near such good repair as the front one. Tara stepped out into the yard and breathed in the cool air. It was finally starting to warm up a little. She thought to herself that maybe she had been misled over the town's weather. They had said it was a warm, even hot place to live. So far there was little evidence of that and Tara was glad for whatever reason, her home had a small fireplace. After a quick check on the two bedraggled plants by the back fence, Tara made her way back into the house and up the small wooden staircase in the front room.



The two bedrooms were in need of a coat of paint; faded yellow covered every surface in one. The other had been subjected to a bad panelling job, the uneven wood stained depressingly dark. The stark white bathroom tiles needed a good clean but the rest of the walls were passable and everything was in working order. Soon she had a fairly accurate idea of how she wanted to decorate each room. She'd decided to take the back bedroom, the yellow one, for herself and intended to use the front one to build her altar in; the presence in there was phenomenal. That room was calling out; bask in my energy and rejuvenate yourself. It felt familiar to her; there was nothing evil here, no darkness. Tara accepted the offer, so stood facing the window and closed her eyes. She slowed her breathing and just felt the energy rippling around her. Totally invigorated, the blonde went back downstairs and, with considerable effort, dragged the chest up, placing it in the corner of what was to be the spare room. The lid opened with a creak, she took out some essential items and placed them on top. Tara set up her things and performed a quick blessing ritual, also thanking the elements for leading her to this house.



Soon after she finished, there was a knock at the door. Tara ran down the wooden stairs, a creak accompanying every step, and opened the door to find Willow standing on the other side, typically early, holding a brown paper bag and two take out coffees, steam pouring from the lids.



"I brought lunch," Willow explained needlessly, smiled and held up the bag as best she could without spilling the drinks.



Tara just smiled at the free spirit that was her girlfriend, her Willow, then leaned forward and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I hope you brought napkins, I have absolutely nothing," Tara said. She stood back to allow Willow access to the house, then went into the living room.



Willow knelt down to put the bag and coffee on the carpeted floor, then stood and took Tara in her arms. Nuzzled into her neck as she hugged her and felt the hug returned. Seconds before Tara pulled away, Willow heard a satisfied sigh and smiled. So, this was what peace felt like.



Tara turned around and sat on the floor, her back propped up against the dirty jade wall, knees pulled up to her chest. Willow followed suit, sat close beside her and leaned into the blonde's body, one hand resting lightly on her thigh. She handed over one of the cups of coffee. Tara took the cup and had a sip. It was perfect. The moment was perfect, even though she had no couch, no bed, no anything. She had Willow and that was all that mattered to her. There were other matters though; matters that should be more important. The blonde let out a slow, deep sigh and Willow was immediately concerned by its magnitude.



"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, and gently stroked the thigh beneath her hand. "Is the coffee that bad? I can take it back and get you something different," she continued. "It's no problem."



A hand stilled her when she moved to stand. It kept Willow's hand firmly in place on a soft thigh.



"No, don't go," was all Tara said. All of the energy accumulated merely hours before felt like it had been spent and Tara felt wiped out. Such a sudden change.



Willow put down her cup and wrapped her arms around Tara. Sighing contentedly, Tara leaned her head on Willow's shoulder and inhaled the sweet scent that she had come to associate solely with the redhead.



Willow felt a soft hand on the nape of her neck, it gently stroked the downy red hair that grew there and a shiver of sheer pleasure passed through her. Suddenly, the hand was gone and Tara was pulling back, tears gone. The blonde picked up her cup of coffee and acted as if nothing had happened.



"Are you ok, Tara?" Willow questioned, concerned.



"So, what do we get first? Couch or bed?" was the only reply she got.



Tara pulled a packet of sandwiches out of the paper bag and examined the label. She handed it to Willow and took the other one.



Willow pushed down the feelings of uneasiness and felt her temperature rise. "It depends what's more important to you."



Tara raised an eyebrow and took a bite of her sandwich. "Definitely bed," she purred, then looked up through hooded eyes, causing Willow to gulp audibly and her mouth to go suddenly dry. Even when she was eating, Tara looked so sexy. Willow felt extremely lucky to have found this woman but wasn't about to question fate's decree. Something was bugging the redhead though. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on.



"I made a list of things you might need," Willow said, pushing back the niggling feeling. Her temperature dropped back to a more normal level, but still she drank in the loveliness of the sight that was Tara. Willow reached into her pocket and pulled out a pristinely folded piece of paper with a long list on it. Various items were cross-referenced in six different colours.



"Um, what does all this mean? Is it meant to be a rainbow? To bring out your gay side? Or do you just like colourful lists?" Tara asked, half joking but a little bewildered.



"Oh, let me explain. Red things are essentials, we gradually go through the spectrum until we get to purple, which are items that would be nice, but you could probably do without for the time being." Willow pointed out the obviously different colours as she spoke.



Tara listened intently, bemused by how much effort Willow had made and how seriously she was taking this.



"These different sections are the different rooms, so here we have things you'll need for the kitchen," she gestured at one area of the list. "While over here we have the bathroom...lounge...and bedroom. Then it's cross-referenced so we have a list here of what, where and how important." She looked up and met Tara's eyes, eyes that were crinkled in amusement, but also held a great deal of love.



"You really do think of everything don't you?" Tara smiled.



"Darn right I do," Willow stated proudly, looking very pleased with herself.



Tara looked through the list in more detail as they finished up their sandwiches. Willow had written down everything she could possibly want and more.



"You ready to make a move?" Tara asked. Willow gave the beautiful blonde a long sideways glance and slowly raised an eyebrow. Blushing, Tara replied, "Bed." Willow's other eyebrow lifted to meet the first, a smile spreading over her face.



"Um, I-I mean, shopping for one," Tara clarified, looking into green eyes crinkled with amusement. Willow simply nodded and made her way to the door, laughing under her breath as they set off on the walk over to Anderson's, to buy a bed.



~~~~~~~~~~



Tara huffed as she sat down on yet another flowery, plastic-framed bed. "I don't know, these are all so..."



"Boring?" Willow finished for her, glancing around the store in the hope of finding something she hadn't seen on the previous fifty passes.



"I just want a good old-fashioned, sturdy, wooden bed. Is that too much to ask?" the blonde sighed and lay back feeling utterly dejected. Shopping for a bed was meant to be fun, wasn't it?



"Everything in here is more of the cheap and cheerful ilk," Willow agreed.



"Do you know anywhere else? I don't think we're going to find anything here." Tara let out yet another huge sigh, so Willow sat beside her, reached out a hand and pulled her up into a sitting position so she could hug the crestfallen young woman, attracting the attention of a young male shop assistant in the process.



"How can I help you, ladies?" he asked with a knowing smile.



"We're just about to go actually, all this stuff is too modern. I was looking for something with more of a cosy feeling," Tara admitted.



"Do you guys have a car?" he asked. After receiving only questioning looks, he explained. "Just out of town there's a pine store, they might have something more appropriate. James and I got our bed there; it's divine. Cheaper than here too!" He bent toward them, lowered his voice and winked, "Though don't tell anyone here I said that. They make everything on the premises there. If they don't have what you're looking for you can commission it from them, that's way expensive though," he gushed.



"We don't have a car, we could get a cab though," Tara proposed, she felt herself brightening up once again and looked to Willow for her opinion.



"Sure, want me to call for one?" Willow asked, retrieving her phone from her shoulder bag. She then moved to one side to make the call when Tara nodded her approval.



"You two make a cute couple. How long have you been together? I haven't seen you around," the man asked Tara, who felt a deep blush rise in her cheeks.



Tara rose to her feet, feeling a little crowded in by the man standing right next to her. "Um, I only moved here a few weeks ago, Willow's been here longer though, all her life. I'm Tara by the way," she allowed a small smile.



"And that's Willow..." He gestured towards the redhead on her phone, then looked back to Tara only to find her staring after the redhead who was deep in conversation, waving her free hand about as she spoke.



Tara's eyes were almost glazed over, a half-smile gracing her mouth.



"Not been together long, eh?" he winked, then held out his hand in greeting. "I'm Ed."



Tara ducked her head and blushed an even deeper shade of red as she tore her eyes away from Willow and returned her attention to Ed. "Is it that obvious? About a week. I just...I never met anyone like her and she wants to be with me." Tara said, a hint of pride forcing its way into her voice.



Ed's eyebrows tried their best to meet his receding hairline. "And you're buying a bed together already? I know they say lesbians move fast, but that sure is quick," he laughed.



"Oh, no! I-it's not...I've just got a n-n-new apartment, I've been staying at a m-motel."



"I was only joking, honey," Ed explained. "You sure do fluster easy. I didn't mean anything by it."



Tara smiled shyly. There was something about this man she liked, she felt comfortable around him.



Willow returned, putting her phone away in her black shoulder bag as she walked. "They'll be here in ten minutes, Tara. Do you want to look for anything else while we wait?" she questioned.



Tara looked to Ed, who subtly shook his head. "I don't think so. Willow, this is Ed. Ed, Willow." Tara introduced them.



"Nice to meet you." Willow shook his hand. "Thanks for the advice," she stage-whispered.



"Tara said you've always lived here..." Ed began.



"I have," Willow replied.



"You know the club off Main Street? Regal Rooms?" Willow nodded. "Well, my partner owns it. You two should come up some time. Like next Friday? One of our friends is having a party. I'll put you on the list if you like. She's always fun," Ed laughed.



"I don't know it's not really my -" Tara began to excuse them from the occasion.



"Oh, Sweetheart, don't think 'hot sweaty club'...although that can be nice. It's by invitation only. There'll be plenty of people there but it won't be packed. Lots of room to dance, have some fun. What do you say?" he cajoled.



"Come on Tara, it'll be fun." Willow uncharacteristically tried to coax her girlfriend into acceptance. 'Hot sweaty club' and 'Tara' ran riot in her mind.



"How about you put our names down and we'll see?" the blonde acquiesced with a sigh. Two against one was not a situation she often came out on top of.



"Are you sure your friend won't mind though? Having two strange girls show up?" Willow wanted to make sure that they wouldn't be intruding, but the idea of a night out with Tara excited her, she'd never really been excited about going anywhere before. Maybe she could get the blonde to buy a new outfit for the occasion, though Willow had to admit the full extent of Tara's wardrobe was yet to be seen.



"Honey, I'm sure Larissa won't mind two more hot girls showing up. Oh, not that she'll be after either of you or anything. Let's just say I'm sure she'll appreciate it," Ed laughed.



"Can I be cheeky?" Willow ventured, an idea forming as she spoke.



Ed merely let out a quiet 'Hmm' before Willow continued, "I have two friends that might like to tag along, would that be ok?" Willow asked, half expecting the answer to be no.



"The more the merrier," Ed smiled his answer.



Willow told him Molly and Natalie's names, then stuck her hand out again to say thank you to Ed, who grabbed it and pulled her into a hug, scaring the pants off her in the process.



"You guys are gonna love it," he beamed, releasing Willow and turning to give Tara the same treatment.



As Tara and Willow made their way out of the shop, arm in arm, a voice stopped them in their tracks,



"Oh girls..."



They turned to face Ed, who was shouting after them.



"I think I forgot to mention...it's a leather party," he grinned, then strutted off to the small sales office in the centre of the store.



The two women looked at each other, mouths agape. Willow was sure she heard Tara groan as she turned and walked the rest of the way out of the shop, her own mind full of images of Tara, in leather.

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[mollyig]

So Tara is doing some surreptitious investigations into the origin of the attacks on Willow. Why am I feeling nervous about that? Really liked her glee about her new house, and I adored Willow's colour coded list of essentials to buy. Gotta love that girls' mind!

---

"Love is just like breathing when it's true" Indigo Girls

[astrangerhere]

This weeks translation: In one's own right



My dear Poppy,



Well, you've succeeded in raising even more questions. I am suspicious of everything from the cabby to carpet.



So i get that Tara was sent ot look after Willow. I am pretty sure that her getting involved with her wasnt the idea, but it seems to be nice and functional. Good set up for a fight there. Its also good to see Tara finally in the house that you are going to destroy in some chapters time.



The thing I think I like the most about this chapter is the inner struggle you are setting up inside Tara. She almost whiplashes from feeling peace to feeling guilty for not being more concerned about her task. There is an inherent tension in this mindset that is bound to spillover into the new relationship. And I think we got the slightest taste of that in this exchange:

Quote:

---

"Are you ok, Tara?" Willow questioned, concerned.



"So, what do we get first? Couch or bed?" was the only reply she got.

---

Willow is smart, and she isn't going to let too many more of those just slip by.



So again, like any good number one fan, i await again with baited breath for next tuesday.



Oh, and leather party? Just had to giggle.



thanks again poppy!



ash, aka number one fan

Can you help me with this heart in my chest? It ain't perfect, but you should see me use it.

[sam darls]

Amazing update as usual sweetie. And ooh, leather.. . Loved it . Hows you? Take care . Love sam xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

Edited by: sam darls at: 6/2/04 12:05 pm

[pipsberg]

A leather party! Haha. Great twist. I think W&T at a leather party will be a hoot.

Quote:

---

Willow knelt down to put the bag and coffee on the carpeted floor, then stood and took Tara in her arms. Nuzzled into her neck as she hugged her and felt the hug returned. Seconds before Tara pulled away, Willow heard a satisfied sigh and smiled. So, this was what peace felt like.

---

This was so sweet and it really gave me the warm fuzzies. Great update!

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

[DreamsToDream]

YEEAAHHH!! LEATHER!!! And A Party! Cant Wait For That...But Im Gonna Have To Please update soon..Pretty Please??

D2D



Damn You Vile Woman!!!- Stewie Griffin



I Try My Best To Feed Her Appetite, And Keep Her Coming Every Night... - "This Love" By Maroon 5

[barnabasvamp]

OMG Leather party!!

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

[barnabasvamp]

OMG Leather party!!



You know you got everyone's attention with that one!



Leave it to Willow to ask if it was okay to invite Molly and Natalie, won't they be surprised!



Hmm, just what is Willow finally picking up from Tara? Tara's feelings about the secret, or her conversation and influence from Idris? Guess I'll just have to wait and see.



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

[astrangerhere]

Poppy- Its tuesday, and there isnt an update. I am immensly concenred by this development. Hope all is well.



a.s.h (concerned number one fan)

[Grimlock72]

Hmm.. Tara is concerned about something alright, but it's utterly unclear about WHAT...grmbl. "They" have been working towards something, which MIGHT involve Willow... waaaay to many uncertainties in there.



I'm glad that Tara is living in a proper house now. I do wonder what exactly made her wait and stay in a motel room. Likely she was looking for something in Sunnydale and would have moved on if she hadn't found it. It's tempting to say she was looking for Willow (or at least something Willow possesses or has in her) but we don't know much about that either.



More questions than clues or hints, guess we'll just have to wait for more updates



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

[astrangerhere]

Hey guys, I talked to Poppy today. She is rather unwell and is putting the story on hold for a little while. Have no fear, she has at least 20 more parts already written, but she is just not well enough to post regularly now. Just keep her in your thoughts and she'll back soon as she can.



Ash

Can you help me with this heart in my chest? It ain't perfect, but you should see me use it.

[wimpy0729]

Sorry to hear Poppy's not feeling good.



Give her my best! Hope she's better soon. We'll be here waiting.



Wimpy

[Grimlock72]

Hopefully it's not something serious and poppy will up and about soon. and a lucky elephant for good measure... catch...



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: 6/11/04 11:36 am

[FlyingPoppy]

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts. This is going to be a long term problem, therefore I made the decision to abandon the rigours of a weekly posting schedule for the time being. I'm just going to post updates as and when I can. Mountains of medication do not make higher brain function easy. Days when the energy and, more importantly, the concentration to make sure everything's ok are few and far between. While a.s.h. is right that I do have 20 more parts already written, they need tidying up and I keep thinking of more things I need to add and more detail I want to go into.



I would hope that I'll be able to post something within the next fortnight but I won't make any further assumptions about how I'm going to be as that only leads to disappointment, for me and for you all.



Thanks again,



Poppy x

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[skittles]

We want you healthy & happy Poppy... That's what is important to us.

skittles



"You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here." Desiderata, Max Erhmann

[Grimlock72]

Get well soon Poppy! We can live with monthly updates, honest (I will just re-read the older chapters some more, heh)



It's good and comforting to know that you have this story thought already, so you will eventually finish it. I can wait for that, certainly with such an interesting story.



I would make you some chickensoup if I could, am told it cures all illness. You're probably better of not tasting any of my attempts at cooking though, heh



Get well, be well and *stay* well sometime soon poppy.



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

[AmbeRocks]

Hey there!

i just discovered this fic, read it all, and now i want more!!

i really like the ideas and the writing, so you've got yourself one more fan



jen

There is such a variety of well-invented things that the earth is like the breasts of a woman: useful as well as pleasing - Nietzsche