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Survivor - Ash Island

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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby watty » Thu May 12, 2005 6:10 am

Though surprised, I'm kinda pleased the Faith/Kent hook up, I think for that relationship to flourish will take some work from both parties. Faith on the island comes across as aggressive and strong-minded, I feel like she's like that in RL too; with Kent I get a 'gentle giant' vibe off him, I don't know why but I always pictured him to be tall. Oh and I'm getting fics mixed up, cos thinking about Kent running marathons I was thinking, yeah he and Faith will have that in common, when suddenly I realized, ooops wrong show :P. I also totally applaud Tara and Kent for putting Ariel above all else, to the extent that they get 'approval' (may be too strong a word) about who they are dating. I can assume Kent is okay with Willow?

I noticed the rating at the top of the update and I knew this was going to be a family friendly update. And in more than one way! The Sarah/Tara/Ariel family is so close and with every update you portray their closeness that is so natural. Now the family looks like it is ready for a new addition, witness Sarah's gentle interrogation and Ariel already decided that her Mom and Willow will be getting married.

Willow leaned over and whispered in Ariel’s ear something that neither of the other women could hear.
“Really?” Ariel asked excitedly. When Willow nodded the little girl unexpectedly wrapped the redhead in a hug. Then she leaned back on the bench and gloated. “I know something you don’t know,” she teased her mother and grandmother.

This again underlines how family like the interactions are. I bet Willow said something like "if Mommy and I get a new baby, you'll be the first to know and you can name her."

As for the W/T relationship, what can I say except "Awwwww". I can't picture them living the rest of their lives without each other anymore, it's that solid.

“I love you,” Willow said suddenly.

This is not the first time they did this, be talking about something normal then one of them blurting out words of love. It's like young love, but already a solid young love. Again with the "awwwww" I think.

Sometime later the two women lay in bed feeling very relaxed.

Now I know you skipped a whole sex scene, but what follows, the talk about kids, the planning, sigh, I'm reduced to more "awwwww"s at this point. Thank you :applause .
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Artemis » Thu May 12, 2005 7:04 am

Y'know, for a moment when we found out Faith and Kent were dating, I had this bizarre conspiracy theory going that Kent actually was Robin, and he and Tara had been fooling everyone all along, kind of like Joyce and Buffy. And Kent was using a fake name, for some reason. And he and Tara were pretending not to know each other, even when they were alone. And he'd cloned himself so there was a Kent back with Ariel at the same time... okay, I never said it was a good conspiracy theory :D

I guess Robin and Kent really are alike, as Tara suggested.

That info on the various survivors' popularity ratings was interesting - it makes me wonder if perhaps Kendra might surprise everyone. I recall there being talk of her being at risk, just because she seemed like a back-up Faith, and might get voted off just because everything she can do, Faith can do too. But Faith's got that high profile of hers among the survivors, in spite of her going slow in that last race, while Kendra - with the same individual strengths as Faith - seems to be a bit more under the radar. If the F/K/T alliance breaks up for some reason, Kendra could end up in a strong position, as people who feel threatened in the physical challenges concentrate on nuking Faith in the tribal councils. Hmm :hmm

I enjoyed Sarah's getting to know Willow efforts - very friendly. And they're in an unusual situation, with Willow and Tara having gotten to know each other at first in isolation from the rest of the world. Incidentally, if the gods of cruel naming conventions come after you, you can hide in Australia, Sarah and Tara don't rhyme here. 'Sair-ah' and 'Tah-rah'.

So, what did Willow tell Ariel? Or is that something we'll just have to wait to find out too?

Lastly, something that struck me as particularly telling (in a good way) - Tara asking "Is that okay with you?" when Ariel noted her and Willow's snuggle-time. Even though Tara must have a pretty good idea by now that Ariel isn't averse to the idea of mama and Willow snuggling, she makes a point of asking if it's okay with her - very straightforward, not trying to lead her to say 'yes' - thus reinforcing for Ariel that she comes first as far as mama's concerned, no matter what.

Still sticking by the W/T/F/K final four.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Insanity » Thu May 12, 2005 7:10 am

Yay! Update-y goodness!!!

Okay first: Faith and Kent??? Huh? When? How? When?

Second: I really would like to know, what Willow said to Ariel. My guess is something like : 'Well how about a puppy until we get another baby... 'or something like that *g*

I'm really glad that Ariel likes Willow so much, because if she didn't our girls would have no chance.

Insanity

P.S.: Well I don't have the time to read every story on the board, but I know your stories are always worth it! So yes, it's a compliment.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby JustSkipIt » Thu May 12, 2005 5:41 pm

Sheba – Thanks. Getting better and better? Cool. Yep, there will be some enlightenment although … this is the W/T story not the F/K story so we’ll see just how much detail thee will be. Thanks.

stillrunning – Thanks. Yes, Sarah definitely wants to see Tara and Ariel happy and she is seeing that Willow can definitely do that. No one would see the Faith Kent thing coming but hopefully it will make more sense in future updates.

littlecrazy80 – Thanks. I’m glad you like Ariel so well. More details on F/K in the future.

venusoracle – Hey and welcome. :wave I don’t think I’ve seen your name before unless you had a different screen name on the other board. Either way, welcome and thanks for writing. It’s ok to not leave feedback and just enjoy the stories but it’s awesome to let the authors know that you appreciate the effort too. Thanks so much. I understand totally about your hatred of Survivor but like this story and yes, I take that as a big complement.

cperrins78 – Thanks. I try to write Willow and Ariel warm and genuine. So another F/K shocked person? That’s ok, I didn’t really lead it out there.

blue eyed girl – Thanks. Yes, seems a big surprise. A good guess for sure.
I love how Willow is looking up the popularity poll and the ultimate Survivor poll. Did you use our guesses for the current winner of the ultimate survivor poll?
That would have made sense wouldn’t it? Actually I think that the readers here have the same opinion that the “viewers” have regarding who will win. I’d say that Faith has probably been the most common vote for winner followed by Tara. Seriously, I had considered making (ok, begging and cajoling Chris to make) an entire Survivor – Ash Island website complete with participant pictures and bios, polls, and results. But that sounded to me like a lot more work than I wanted to put into it and I’d rather spend the time writing. The CBS site also has a “who will be voted off next?” thing that is pretty fun. Thanks.

meretricious – Hmm… A surprise. I must confess that I didn’t actually plan the F/K thing as big as surprise as it came out. In my original posting time line Faith and Kent would be hinted at before this update was posted but I did some switching of events both on and off the island and it came out as a complete shocker. I have to say that I didn’t actually intend it and kind of think it’s a bit too sneaky. I mean of course everyone is shocked: the fact that Faith called before the season started could have been anything. Maybe she owed Tara $10 and wanted to send it back? So actually the F/K revelation is a bit more surprising than I like.

And yes, Tara had not shared with Willow that Kent and Faith are dating because she considers it completely Kent’s business. While it is important that Tara know because they are co-parents, it would rank at about gossip level for Willow to know. Lol about Ariel’s chances. I think to her what is more important than any amount of money is seeing her mommy and daddy happy. She enjoys Willow and Faith too so that’s what’s important to her. Ariel is pretty mature and like I said I base her on some kids that old who I know. I hope I don’t make her too mature.

so i guess you kind of have another merge of sorts on the way, when the island updates catch up to the real world updates before the big reveal of the winner.
Hey, have you been in my head? That’s basically how I think of it. I literally think of it like a merge of the realities when they catch up. It’s actually a little technically difficult to write but very fun.

part of me can't wait to see who wins, but another part would love to see this fic go on indefinitely. i know, all good things must end
Interesting that you say that. I must admit that every story I’ve ever written (except Holiday Cheer) has bored me by the time I finished it. I am a very good starter but not as good a finisher (I’m the same way about work projects). When I first start writing a fic, I can produce about 80-90 pages in the first few weeks. But by the end, I am writing maybe 5 pages a week and that’s forcing myself. Until now. This story is the first one to actually capture my attention. I’m currently writing the 2-hour special and kind of bittersweet that the story is coming to an end. It feels very strange for me.

watersong84 – Lol. The start of a plan. I definitely plan for Tara to go to school but whether she does it with the $1 million is a different question. When I first read your line about the rhythm, I took that as a bad thing but then I reread it and decided that’s a pretty accurate descriptor. I’m glad it is working for you. One of the comments I have gotten frequently is that people think they like the island updates best and then they think they like the RL updates best. I take that as the highest compliment. For me, writing the two is almost like writing two different stories in one. Sometimes I am writing one update on the island at the same time that I’m writing a RL update from a completely different sequence. It’s very fun to do and both challenge me in different ways.

Could Willow and Ariel be any cuter together? I think not.
I’ve always thought that Willow had a very childlike feel to her. I think about the episode where she is helping Dawn with her math (Checkpoint? Crossroads? I have trouble with the s5 episode names). She seems so childlike in that one and it’s really adorable. And really, she’s 22! So pretty young. Thanks.

cooper – You’re definitely on the right track about the family stuff. Hmmm… I reread and think I know what you are taking as a W/T final 2 hint. Interesting.

I realized while reading this update that I figured out why I love this story. The drama and suspense (Island) exists with the lovey, romantic-y (home) but on different planes. I get both in equal doses, but it doesn't feel forced.
That’s a really eloquent way of putting that. I like it too and as I was saying above, it’s very fun to write. Thanks.

Watson – Hey! Willowhand! Quite cool. You might notice that I’m Gay Now. Nice for my wife, don’t you think? :smirk

I agree that the Faith/Kent relationship will take work but don’t they all. I agree that Faith comes across as very aggressive but in a way I see her as more competitive and protective. I think that she wants to play her game but she also wants to protect those she thinks need/deserve it. As far as the competitive, that’s part of my point about Kent and the running. This is a guy who can keep up with Faith and vice versa. This Faith doesn’t run marathons like yours but she does run and work out a lot. I certainly think that Kent can “handle” her. This is a guy who’s backstory is that he gave up an athletic scholarship to UCLA to stay at home, work at his father’s business while helping to raise his daughter, and is one semester from completing a degree in mechanical engineering. At the same time, your perception that he is a gentle giant is absolutely true as your assumption that he is tall.

Kent is great with Willow. He really does love Tara. I mean they are basically best friends so he thinks that whatever makes Tara and Ariel happy is fine with him. Ah yes, my rating reader. Sarah, Tara, & Ariel are very very close. I alluded to it here but Ariel goes to Sarah’s house after school every day and I’ve said earlier that Tara & Ariel (and even Kent) lived with Sarah for a few years after Ariel’s birth. I’m not saying what Willow said to Ariel because I think that every once in a while, a child needs to feel that she knows something others don’t. Not necessarily a secret because those aren’t good but special things. Make sense?

Wow, cool that W/T feel so solid to you. I’ll admit that they are too for me and that the only suspense has to do with the island parts and their figuring out their logistics about their living situation.

Yeah, I skipped the sex scene you are right. Honestly, I find that I grow quite bored of writing them. I mean you remember your comment about the mechanics of it? I have written it all so many times. This story actually already contains (including the updates I haven’t posted and the phone sex scene) more sex than any of my other recent fics. The other factor is that I frequently write at work (which waiting for the computer) and I can’t write smut at work. So we get this very G version of “sometime later…” Anyway, glad you liked the Awwwsss. Thanks always.

Artemis – Hey there. I was rereading part of Hellbore yesterday. Still just as great as the first time through. :rofl about your conspiracy theory. That would have been so cool wouldn’t it? Honestly in my head, I picture Kent looking quite a bit like Robin but not quite as tall and younger. Still a tall, black, fine looking dude. Remember the picture of Tara & Kent at prom and he’s wearing grey top hat & tails? Quite fine.

Cool thought about Kendra and her surprise factor. Yes, she could definitely be the sleeper. I don’t know if you have noticed but she is definitely a greater athlete than either of the other “slayers.” She is always ahead of both Faith & Robin in swimming challenges and keeps up in the other challenges. You may also note that while she is a “silent” partner, she is direct in keeping tabs on W/T and is the person who shuffled the teams to get Richard out of the game and get Willow on the MFashnek team. I definitely think that Kendra has a lot going for her in a very quiet way.

I agree that it’s very strange for Sarah working to get to know Willow when 1. W/T already know each other so well and 2.W/T are required to keep a lot of secrets including from their family.

Amazing Race Spoiler:

When I got to work this morning, yahoo had a deal with a snippet from the Amazing Race party. When asked the hardest part of the race, Joyce & Uchemia (sp?) said “keeping the secrets.”

End Amazing Race Spoiler
I can imagine that in this situation, it is even more so because Willow and Tara want to be open with those around them but have to omit an entire category of their lives and the current events.

Hmmm, Sarah and Tara don’t rhyme? In my head they do. Yep, sound exactly alike. Actually I can see what you are saying because when Giles says Tara’s name, it sounds different but from me it rhymes perfectly.

Yep on the waiting and finding out. Yes, I think that Tara is amazing at being a mother and amazing at including Ariel in the situation. Honestly, if she found out that Willow was the type of person who Ariel couldn’t get along with or didn’t like, she would take that very seriously, perhaps to the point of not dating Willow.

Still saying good job on your final four guesses.

Insanity – Glad you’re so happy. More on Faith & Kent later. I will admit that most of that has happened off screen. I love your guess regarding Willow’s whisper to Ariel. Very cute.

I'm really glad that Ariel likes Willow so much, because if she didn't our girls would have no chance.
That’s a good way to put it.

Thank you for the compliment.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby justin » Fri May 13, 2005 6:27 am

That was a great update. It was nice seeing Willow with all the Maclay women :)

Like everyone else here I was surprised to see that Faith and Kent are dating. Well we know that Kent had already met Willow, so presumably he met Faith at the same time.

Like everyone else I've been thinking about the final four. It's hard to know since it'll depend on who wins the immunity. I'm sure that Kendra, Faith and Tara will all make it. I think the fourth will either be Joyce or Willow (though Robin is a possibility. The only thing I'm sure of is it won't be Buffy since I'm still thinking that her being voted off is what caused the disagreement between her and Willow) Anyway whoever is the fourth person will probabaly get voted off next unless they're lucky with the immunity challenge. (Though do they still have IC's once they get to the last four?)

In which case the TKF team will break down and Kendra will find herself in an interesting position. I'm guessing that Faith and Tara will want to get the other voted off in order to increase their chance of getting first place so they're both going to be trying to get Kendra to team up with them.

BTW I'm another one who doesn't pronounce Tara and Sarah the same. I say Sarah as Sairah and Tara as Goddess
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Emms » Sat May 14, 2005 8:37 am

Debra,

I really liked this latest update. Willow and Tara and Ariel are really beginning to be like a family...getting closer and all that jazz... And hey... even the prying eyes and measured assumptions of the in-laws have made an appearance. :-D Yep...they are definitly becoming a family.

this paticular bit really made me smile

“I’m very happy that you and she snuggled.


Okay...now....Ariel has better grammer than most adults do. :-D

Also, It was so endearing when Ariel put her arms around Willow's neck and was being all secretive. I wonder what it is she knows that no one else does?

And Kent with Faith...too funny. I'm glad that that little scene ended the way that it did though...cause as I was reading that part I kept thinking about all the missunderstanding that could arise from that little bit of information. I was worried a little when Willow found out that Tara didn't tell her that faith had called.... leave it to kids to divuldge the information at the most unexpected times. I guess that will teach Tara to be more forthecoming with the knowledge though, so it's all good.

There was a lot of interaction between Ariel and Willow this time around, which was really great. This whole story is so good...but then again, I really shouldn't expect any less from you. :glasses

xoxo
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby tarawhipped » Sat May 14, 2005 9:44 am

Debra, I still can't believe you initially weren't going to write these "now" segments, because as much as the show updates are thrilling, it's these ones that make me appreciate this fic so much. Like Watson's "Extras" after each Amazing Kitten Race episode, they give us what the Reality Shows claim to but don't really: reality. As much as the time on the island (or race, or whatever) are real enough to the participants, it's not who they are, and it's those glimpses into their real life moments that make these fictional characters so much more compelling than most reality show contestants, imho.

I can't wait to find out how the Faith/Kent surprise came to be, but it does seem to be a good match. There were so many cute Ariel moments in this one...just a couple that gave me a giggle:
"I like [Willow] because she makes you smile and she says funny things"
That's why I like Willow too!
“But you like her and she likes you,” Ariel argued, “She kissed you last week.”
Okay, this made me snicker quite a bit, since they were doing a lot more than just kissing last week...just not the "last week" Ariel saw.

On that note (and I know you already addressed this to Watson), I like that you skipped the sex scene here. Never thought I'd admit that (especially to you, who writes it so well), but in the context of this update it would have been out of place. I like knowing that they're comfortable enough to express their physical relationship at Tara's place, but after the family fun BBQ, it would have seemed a little weird to have a graphic sex scene (to me, anyway). Cheers!

-Cam
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby JustSkipIt » Sun May 15, 2005 11:14 am

Hey anyone who didn’t notice, I posted a rather dark addition, Shadow and Sunlight to the fic challenge.

Justin – Thanks. I’m so glad you liked it. And I don’t think that it’s any big surprise at this point if I say that Faith & Willow did indeed meet Kent at the same time. Seems that you are in agreement with 90% of all readers about F/K/T in the F4. To answer your question, in the F4, they have ICs but no RCs. In the TV version they usually have 2 IC and 3 Tribal councils in 3 days but I stretched my F4 out a little more. But you are right that the ICs are of paramount importance in the F4. I think that your assessment of Kendra’s position is pretty astute. Basically the person who wins the final IC (given a 3 person IC) gets to pick his/her opponent in the F2. So there is no teaming up at F3. At F3 it’s just win Immunity and pick your opponent. So another person who says Tara & Sarah differently, and you’re in England? (Chesterfield is in England?) so my theory sticks. Thanks for all your thoughts.

Irene73 – I saw that you added a fic to the challenge but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. Nonetheless, congratulations for jumping in!

I agree about the Awww. The same could be said for much of Watson’s Kitten updates (most of the time I’d say). My figuring on Tara’s mom is that she’s a single mom and she’s only about 45-47 right now so she’s basically a young woman herself. Plus which playing with Ariel definitely keeps her feeling young. :rofl about your daughter. Good job monitoring her websites. I find that aspect of kids today terrifying.

Good F4 guess. My question would be how would T/K/F get rid of K and replace with W/B? Proposal by Buffy to deadlock the vote otherwise perhaps? Interesting thought. Another vote for Faith to win the game.

Are you thinking of having another child or just asking her for hypothetical? We are constantly torn between wanting another RIGHT NOW and wanting to enjoy Asher for a while. Seriously we need a little time to save some $ and get in shape but we can hardly wait. People keep saying that he is at the funest age and I can believe it. Thanks always for your great comments and sharing yourself.

Emms – Totally. W/T/A are like a family already. I think that Sarah is pretty darn supportive and she really does want T/A to be happy. Someone else pointed out Ariel’s grammar. While I wasn’t trying to give her unnaturally bad grammar, I also don’t want her to speak like a stupid person just because she’s a kid.

I don’t think anyone is worried about Tara not divulging about Faith and Kent. Willow understands the necessity of having some secrets (because of the show) and also understands that Tara’s life and business, while overlapping with her own aren’t exactly simultaneous. I hope that makes sense. Glad you liked.

Cam

I still can't believe you initially weren't going to write these "now" segments
I know! I think about that all the time because I wonder what the story would be without. I love this story so much better and it’s so much more interesting to write and post this way. I’m glad that the change has been so well appreciated by everyone. Good point about this being “real” reality.

More on Faith/Kent in the next update.

Good catch on the “last week” comment from Ariel. For Ariel “last week” is when Willow pecked Tara’s lips on the show. But for W/T and the reader “last week” is the hot phone sex which followed a weekend of mind-blowing activities for the two girls. I agree with you about the sex scene and glad you appreciate the reasoning behind it. Thanks for everything!
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby willlovestara » Sun May 15, 2005 2:16 pm

:bigwave Another cute update! The BBQ was very sweet (by the way I don't pronounce Sarah and Tara the same way either) Like others, I was thinking 'when did Faith and Kent happen'? but I'm sure it will make sense soon. I love Ariel! She actually reminds me of my little cousin, she's always coming out with cute comments that make everyone laugh too! Just one question. How come Willow is 22 and Tara is 25? Just curious. Hope for more soon! Hannah.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Patches » Sun May 15, 2005 9:12 pm

Hey Debra,

A couple days ago I sent a much longer comment by PM. I checked my "sent" box and it's not registered. I don't mean to be, um, snotty or anything, but did you get an extended version of what 's below? Feels like I'm fishing here, but really am just curious to see if there is/was a glitch in the PM posting process. If you didn't get anything, let me know. You might be interested in a few of the finer (and somewhat more lengthy) thoughts and comments.

And now, on to accolades... :)

Great update, as always. I’m not sure what the etiquette is if one wants to respond to a response to feedback, wait for the next update, or double post in the same update? Decisions, decisions, decisions…lol. I guess this feedback session is double-pronged, content and then a potential continuing discussion of nuts and bolts writing techniques.

First the content, where I look at the story from a reader’s perspective, and really, what’s not to love? Tara and Ariel’s interactions are heart-warming; it’s a wonderful exercise in parenting 101. The evolving relationship between Ariel and Willow is great. Willow’s ‘traditional’ stumble-babble disappears when she interacts with Ariel. I’ve noticed this a few times—right off the top, there’s a connection, and it’s developing nicely as the ‘interstitial’ story unfolds. Kent and Faith are an item, and Tara gives Faith the number. Interesting…now how the heck did Faith get so entwined with the father of Tara’s child, especially when Will and Tara have only recently been able to have contact (unless I misunderstood something—Willow wasn’t allowed to have contact with Tara until July—I assume this goes for all player?) This ought to be an intriguing tale.

Now for the next bit, and to respond to your reply; first up – may I excuse myself for a large brain fart – I did not intend to refer to use of writing tense as POV (D’Oh!—how to blow one’s credibility for all time) I understand what you’re saying about literary criticism being written in present tense. Applying that rationale to the Ash Island story works. To clarify, I thought (technicalities aside) it was neat to read a part of the story that has already happened (even though we’re seeing this through a camera lens, in present, the show has wrapped; with me still?) delivered in present tense, while the W/T arc, which happens in the “now,” is past tense. There’s a kind of irony that what has past is written ‘present’, and what is present is written ‘past.’ We on the same page now? :)

Look forward to the next update. Thanks so much for sharing your work; it is appreciated

Cheers!!
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby JustSkipIt » Mon May 16, 2005 4:25 pm

willlovestara – Thanks. I’m glad you like the BBQ. So my conclusion is that Americans pronounce Tara & Sarah as a rhyme and English/Australians don’t? It’s possible I guess that my friends and I all pronounce them that way because we’re hicks from Texas. I understand about your cousin. Kids say great stuff. This weekend my nephew (he’s in kindergarden) was telling me about the birds at his school who live in the A/V area. I listened a few times and told him it was aviary and that that’s the word for where the birds live and he said, “right. And at my school it’s called the A/V area.” Like I was completely dense!

Just one question. How come Willow is 22 and Tara is 25? Just curious.
An excellent question. On Survivor the participants have a pretty wide range of ages. Since I was using Buffy, Oz, Xander, Amy, Faith, Kendra, Andrew, Tara, and Willow, I didn’t want to make them all the same age. I figure that on the show they are all the same age or within a year or so (appears Oz & Tara are a year older than the others). So I gave them assorted ages to put some space in variation in there. Also, making Tara 25 gave her enough time to get pregnant as a teen and have a child old enough that she would be willing to go on Survivor. I mean if she was 21, Ariel would be 2 and there is no way Tara would go on Survivor. At the same time, I wanted Willow to be her somewhat young and playful self. Few responsibilities.

Here’s the entire cast as I laid it out my first day of writing. (After deciding on the characters, I randomly assigned all but Tara & Willow to the teams; Tara and Willow were the base of the two teams).

Team 1 – MFashnek

1. Faith Lehane – 22 – Personal Trainer – Boston, MA
2. Riley Finn – 31 – Pro-Triathlete – Des Moines, IA
3. Richard Wilkins – 51 – Small Town Mayor – Sunnydale, CA
4. Joyce Summers – 47 – Art Gallery Owner – Los Angeles, CA
5. Kendra Young – 27 – Interpreter – New York, New York
6. Robin Wood – 38 – High School Principal – Seattle, WA
7. Darla ? – 33 – Lawyer – Mobile, AL
8. Tara Maclay – 25 – Medical Receptionist/Aspiring – Columbus, OH

Team 2 – Akathla

1. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce – 33 – Researcher – Los Angeles, CA
2. Amy Madison – 24 – Waitress – New York, New York
3. Colonel McNamara – 53 – Retired Military Colonel – Buffalo, NY
4. Xander Harris – 25 – Carpenter--San Jose, CA
5. Buffy Summers – 23 – College Student—Chicago, IL
6. Daniel “Oz” Osbourne 24 – Musician – New Orleans, LA
7. Andrew Wells – 23 – Chef – Tempe, AZ
8. Willow Rosenberg – 21 – Software Startup Company Owner – Atlanta, GA


Patches – Hey back. No I definitely didn’t get anything. I can check the box again when I get home but my “you have messages” says not. The last note I got was maybe Thursday night/Friday morning. Do you still have the note so you can resend it?

Thanks for the accolades. I don’t know what the etiquette is officially, but when I have a response to a response, I post it then so it doesn’t get all mixed up with the next update. Does that make sense? But I don’t think that either method is wrong; that’s just what I do.

Thanks for your thoughts on the content. I really have fun writing the family scenes. They’re just so all-american you know? I mean it’s kind of like, “if the religious right could see us now.” But it’s fun to write and a change from smut followed by smut, you know? (not that there’s anything wrong with it).

(unless I misunderstood something—Willow wasn’t allowed to have contact with Tara until July—I assume this goes for all player?) This ought to be an intriguing tale.
Ahhh. I don’t think you are alone in your assumption that Survivor/CBS has a rule against contact but I will say straight out that that is not the case. We know, in fact, that Faith called Tara prior to Willow’s call so any rule that Survivor had would have been out the window at that point. Yes, there is a reason that Willow and Tara were not in contact and I’ve written the update where it is revealed but it is a bit down the road.

:rofl. Don’t worry about your credibility. Your reputation precedes you and really overpowers one D’Oh!. When I read this paragraph I was like, “OH!” and kind of mentally hit my forehead with the heel of my mental hand (or is it the mental heel of my hand? Mental heel of my mental hand?—Then you say: “Debra, you have a mental hand? Does it get in the way of accomplishing much and try to strangle you in your sleep?”) Anyway, I get what you are saying. You’re right about the irony and now I’m kind of liking it. I’m a little impressed with the technique although less so since I didn’t really plan it in advance. Anyway, definitely same page. Thanks for pointing it out.

You are welcome and I’m looking forward to the longer PM. If it still doesn’t go through, let me know and you can e-mail me. Debra
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Patches » Mon May 16, 2005 10:08 pm

Hey Again,

I *think* I sent the rest of the PM. Although the message only shows in the "outbox" and not in "sent." God, I get confused by 'new' technology so easily. I don't know if there's a restriction on length of PM. Wouldn't think so, but then again, I've been known to be wrong (What, shocked are you???? :o Well, it's true - lol)

Oh, and btw, there's absolutely nothing at all wrong with a rogue hand...and since I've not labeled this post NC17, I'll leave the rest to your imagination -- as I'm in the middle of reading "Please," I feel I must add, deliciously twisted imagination. The comment about the religious right made me howl with laughter. So, just how recently was it we were decried as devil spawn for our licentious and promiscuous "lifestyle?" Chicken Little! Chicken Little! The sky is falling!! The world as we know it is coming to an end (and thank all Gods for that) -- Queers want to live in committed relationships and raise a family!!!

Let me know if that elusive IM ever makes it your way.

Cheers!!
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Urn of Osiris » Tue May 17, 2005 10:54 am

Loved the update. The BBQ was cute and the conversation left alot of info as to what might come. I definately liked that Tara wanted Ariel to feel comfortable with things. Having your life broadcast on TV can spark conversations that Tara might not have had yet. Your Willow / Ariel interaction was sweet and the little whispered secret gave them a bond of trust that the scene portrayed wonderfully. It is hard to balance the adult/child scenes and you do it well.

I'm with those that like the flashes back and forth. As much as I like the scenes on the island I appreciated the aftermath. Their public appearances together are adorable and written so well. I like this fic and can't wait for the updates.
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Survivor - Ash Island

Postby JustSkipIt » Tue May 17, 2005 7:34 pm

Patches – I got and responded to your awesome PM. I attempted to make some changes in this update although with it being an island update, I think that some of the points you made weren’t quite as relevant. Either way, let me know if you think this is any smoother.

:rofl about a Rogue hand. You’re reading Please? What are you up to? I’d say part eleven is probably my favorite. Re: Religious right. The Boston Globe published a very interesting poll. My favorite result is that give the question “What about sexual relations between two adults of the same sex – do you think it’s always wrong, almost always wrong, only wrong sometimes, or not wrong at all?” 2% of respondents said almost always wrong. Now I understand the 41% who said always wrong and the 35% who said not wrong at all but how can it almost always be wrong? Like the other choice would be in space or in prison (from In and Out)? Definitely digressing.

Urn of Osiris – Thanks. I’m glad you liked the BBQ. You are right that Tara is in a precarious position in parenting (say that 3 times fast) in which she wants to be open and loving with her daughter AND her life is being broadcast. So she has to keep her honesty and openness up to the speed of the show at least.

I’m so thankful for the moment of brilliance in which I decided to do the Rl/Island alternating stories. You are among the many who love them.

Title – Survivor – Ash Island

Part 22 – Week Nine

Author – JustSkipIt

Pairing – Who do you think? (W/T of course)

Feedback – Oh yes.

Spoilers–None

Rating – PG

Disclaimer – I own none of these characters nor do I own Survivor. And believe it or not, I also don’t own any small islands. On the other hand, this island is fictional so let’s say I own it. I’m making no money from this fiction and intend no copyright infringement.

Note – I’d like to thank Patches who gave some writing feedback in the thread but more importantly opened up and gave me an awesome one by PM. I think it will help me improve as a writer and appreciate it greatly. Thanks.

Notes – Part of today’s reward challenge is taken from last season’s Survivor. Part is adapted from a challenge they had on Endurance Hawaii. Endurance Hawaii is a really fantastic show that is like Survivor for kids (like 13-15). They are in teams of 2 and have challenges and stay three weeks at the place. It’s quite cool.


White Hat Camp - Day 25
Shots show us the wildlife of Ash Island. We see a few lemurs, parrots, and snakes. Next a shot shows the volcano with smoke easing from its hole. The survivors are slowly beginning to wake and leave the shelter. Tara and Willow snuggled in the corner seem slow to move and are the last two people left in the shelter as the others move outside.

Confessional Caption – Robin – High School Principal
“Day 25,” he says, “I don’t know what I expected but I didn’t think it would be like this.” He shakes his head. “Six women and me left.” Again he shakes his head.

The group is gathered around the fire drinking water. “I miss the coffee,” Kendra comments as she stifles another yawn.

“Me too,” Tara agrees.

Everyone seems particularly tired and run down.

Confessional Caption – Tara – Medical Receptionist
“I really hope we can rest today. Everyone is really run down.” We see her handing the cup of paste to Buffy who sports a very intense sunburn on her face and shoulders. “Maybe a nap under the t-trees.”

Apparently the wish for a rest day has been granted. We see a shot of all the survivors sunning on the beach or taking naps. One shot shows Willow getting up and walking into the woods. Moments later, Tara appears to follow the redhead.

Confessional Caption – Buffy – College Student
Buffy is sitting in the shallow water, waves lapping over her legs as the sun is setting. “A rest day,” she comments, “I’ll tell you what though. I learned a lot. I mean Willow and I have an alliance right? Well, we may but … Willow got up and went for a walk in the woods. Tara followed her and they came back an hour later! An hour? Oh yeah, I feel just great about my alliance.” She has an obvious look of distrust on her face. “This rest day sponsored by the slogan, ‘watch your ass.’”

White Hat Camp - Day 26
Coverage starts right in to show Faith and Joyce announcing that “we’ve got tree mail.” The mail is in the form of a computer printout formatted like the transcript of an IM session.

Confessional Caption – Willow – Software Startup Owner
“I see anything about computers and right off, I’m thinking like, computer challenge? I could rock this. But then I realized that wasn’t what it was saying at all.”

The Survivors arrive at challenge beach and Jeff greets them with a smile. “You’ve all made it to day 26. Two-thirds of the way to day 39.” They give themselves a light round of applause. “Because one of the hard things about this game is being away from home today you will have the chance to win a little touch of home.” Everyone screams. “The winner of today’s challenge will get one hour to Instant Message with their loved one.” Again we see touching shots of the Survivors. “To give you a taste, you can each have one minute IMing with your family member,” he explains with his trademark smirk.

He leads them over to a small hut with a computer set up in it. “Kendra, your friend El is online waiting for you.” The dark-skinned woman sits down and begins excitedly typing until Jeff tells her time is up. She stands up and walks over to Tara who gives her a hug. “Willow,” he says next, “your sister, Kelli.” The redhead takes her turn, showing some real typing speed. “Buffy,” he calls next, “your sister, Dawn is online.” Next Robin’s IM’s with his wife, Jane before Joyce IMs with her husband, Rupert. Tara’s friend Kent shares a minute of “talking” with her although she is crying so hard it is difficult for her to type. Finally, Faith’s sister Joy is on the other end of her connection. All the survivors are moved by the short conversations.

“So,” Jeff typically asks, “an hour with your family and friends worth playing today?”

Everyone agrees. “Ok,” Jeff says. “We thought you should have some help in your challenge.” The survivors begin screaming as their loved ones walk around from the back of the hut to meet them. Pandemonium reigns for a few minutes as they hug, kiss, or some combination of the above their family and friends. Robin and Jane are kissing as are Joyce and Rupert. Kelli and Dawn are obviously alternating hugging Willow and Buffy and assessing their weight. El and Kendra are laughing together as are Faith and her identical twin, Joy. Tara continues crying as she is embraced by a tall man resembling Robin more than anyone else in the group.

Once the joyous and tearful reunion is over, Jeff welcomes the visitors and tells them that they will be participating in the challenge with their Survivors. Rather than winning an hour of IM time with their loved one, the loved one will stay at camp with the Survivors over night and leave the next morning.

Once everyone has reacted with excitement at the prospect of spending the precious time with their loved one, Jeff points out the challenge structure. On the beach are seven towers about ten feet high. Vertically the tower consists of three pipes which extend to the ground. Inside the pipes at the top is a round basket. A fourth pipe leans against the top of the three pipes from the ground (forming a triangle with the ground). On the outside of the basket is an additional metal basket. In front of the towers are two poles about eight feet long with a cross-piece about a foot long at one end.

Jeff explains that working together, the Survivor and their guest will use their poles to guide a large ball (larger than a basketball) up the pole and into the basket at the top. Once they have gotten three balls into the basket, the weight of the balls will lower the basket. They will then use the fire starting materials sitting by their tower to build a fire. Once their fire is burning, they can release the balls, allowing the basket to rise and light a fuse above the tower. The first Survivor to light the fuse wins the challenge.

We see everyone taking their places. Jeff yells to go and the teams begin attempting to guide the balls up the pipe. Everyone has trouble with the task, having to replace the balls frequently. We see all the participants having to chase the balls and return with them. Finally the twins get a good start as their first ball goes in.

“Now Willow gets a basket. Buffy and Tara are right behind her,” Jeff shouts, “Joyce and Rupert struggling as are Robin and Jane.” Kendra and her friend are having very poor success at the task but seem to be having a lot of fun as they laugh over their difficulty. “Buffy and Dawn on a roll,” Jeff puns, “as their second ball nears the top of the runway.” We see the other teams in various stages of pushing their balls up the pipe or chasing them as they bounce on the beach. “Robin finally on the board with one ball in the basket as is Kendra!” Jeff calls. “Buffy has two in Joyce with none and everyone else with one.”

As we watch we can see that Tara and Kent are obviously communicating well on the task. They make Tara’s second ball. At nearly the same time Willow and Kelli get her second ball to the top and have it fall off just at that point. Faith and Joy have the same problem, possibly due to their height disadvantage. Joyce and Rupert finally make a basket as Robin and Willow get their second near the top. When Kendra makes her second basket, she is in the competition as well. A second later, Jeff shouts in excitement as Tara and Kent make their third basket. The close friends drop their sticks and race around to the basket which is sitting on the ground.

“Tara starting with the kindling and flint,” Jeff shouts to let the others, including Willow and Faith who have just made their second shots, know the leader’s progress. While Kent feeds small sticks and to the fire, Tara has her hands cupped around the flame in much the same way that she did when she and her alliance members lit the fire on day two. She has her eyes closed as she concentrates on the task and seems to be saying a prayer. Buffy makes her third shot and races around to start her fire, followed quickly by Willow and Faith. At Tara’s signal, Kent pulls the release to allow the balls to roll out and the basket to rise.

The others seem to redouble their efforts as Jeff yells, “Tara’s basket is on the rise. If her fire doesn’t go out, this should be it.” Buffy, Faith, and Willow with their respective sisters are all feeding kindling to their fires when Tara’s fuse lights making her the winner of the task.

Tara and Kent hug and celebrate their win. The others also hug their loved ones although they are all visibly disappointed. Jeff says that the visitors must go and we see them share farewells. Dawn and Rupert both look back as if they have something else to do but follow the line of family members from the beach.

We see the tribe returning to their camp. Tara and Kent walk along talking and gesturing hurriedly. She is obviously asking about her daughter and mother and he tells her that they are fine and miss her. As they walk, she introduces Kent to the other tribe members who are all very friendly.

Confessional Caption – Faith – Personal Trainer
“So sister friend Tara won the reward and it was her friend Kent getting to stay with us over night. I’ll tell you what; that man. Mmm. She’s got someone who looks like that around and she turns to women? I know that’s not how it happens, but that is a very fine looking man. Heck, I don’t know. Maybe he’s her boyfriend and she’s not even interested in Willow. Girl’s got games going that I don’t know about. She’s too smart not to.”

Tara shows Kent the camp, pointing out their fire pit, where the food is prepared, the sleeping shelter, etc. After they visit a little bit, all the Survivors sit around the fire to eat.

Confessional Caption – Joyce – Art Gallery Owner
Joyce is tearing up as she addresses the camera. “Seeing Rupert was wonderful. But not getting to say hello to Dawn or hug her was heartbreaking. I could see her looking back as they left and how badly she wanted to come to me.”

Confessional Caption – Buffy – College Student
“I’ll tell you what,” she says, “26 days on this beach makes me miss even Rupert. Ripper. Whatever. I mean really. I even wanted to hug him as he was leaving.” She mutters under her breath: “Even if he is a pompous blowhard.”

“Thank you for sharing your food with me,” Kent says as he eats a small portion of rice. “Maybe this will make it worth it.” He reaches into his small pack and pulls an envelope from it. He hands it to Tara who opens the envelope.

“Oh,” she says with great affection.

Willow leans over to see a picture of a small girl, her skin a light brown, about 6 years old playing in the front yard. She is wearing a pink dress and kicking a soccer ball. The redhead looks at the picture and back at Tara who has tears in her eyes. Taking Tara’s hand she again looks at the picture before looking at Kent for a long few seconds. “Oh,” she finally says as if figuring out the solution to a puzzle.

Suddenly Tara looks up from the picture to look at Willow. “T-t-this is A-ariel,” she stutters before handing the picture to the redhead and motioning that she should pass it on.

“They are all mixed in,” Kent says helpfully.

After a quick discussion the group agrees that they will just pass the pictures around with Tara starting each one to see if she can identify the owner. As the Survivors wait, she begins looking at photos and either handing them across the fire to the owner or passing them to Willow to make the circuit. After about five pictures the blonde quirks her eyebrow at one. She looks at Buffy and then Joyce for a moment before handing one to Buffy. The process continues and with Tara again looking between Buffy and Joyce as she encounters some strange photographs.

Later we see Tara walking in the dark up to Faith and Kendra. “We’ve got a problem,” she tells the girls. “Did you see any of Buffy or Joyce’s pictures?”

“No man,” Faith answers, “they were keeping them to their selves because they were so precious or whatever. I wish we’d been able to get rid of Joyce with Richard.”

“You’re really going to f-feel like that in a minute,” Tara tells her.

“What’s going on?” Kendra pushes.

“The reason they didn’t want to show you their pictures? They are in the same pictures.”

Faith narrows her eyes as she thinks about the implications of what Tara is saying. “They’re mother and daughter?”

“No,” Kendra says disbelievingly.

“Or incredibly close friends,” Tara shares. “They are in all of each other’s pictures. I mean all of them.”

“Who else knows?” Faith immediately wants to know. “Does Willow know?”

“I d-d-don’t know,” Tara stutters as she glances over her shoulder at the redhead sitting by the fire.

“Can you find out?” Kendra suggests.

Confessional Caption – Kendra – Interpreter
“Right now, having Tara with us is like a person and a half in the alliance. We ask her a question and she asks Willow. Willow was with Buffy and now she’s all into Tara so maybe we get a freebie on her.”

“M-maybe,” Tara nods her head.

We see Buffy and Joyce talking quietly by the fire. It is obvious from their expression that they are worried. They are whispering together so that Willow and Kent, sitting opposite them can’t hear. Willow bites her lip and wrings her hands as she looks sideways at Kent. Finally she asks, “So. Um… have you and Tara been um friends long?”

“About ten years,” the dark-skinned man explains with a broad smile, “she’s pretty awesome.”

“I think so too,” Willow says curtly before standing and walking away from the fire.

Confessional Caption – Willow – Software Startup Owner
The redhead’s red rimmed eyes give away how upset she is. “I know I shouldn’t feel like this but I do. I really care, or cared, about Tara. But suddenly I feel like she’s playing me. I mean I saw the picture of her daughter and she’s definitely Kent’s too. Why wouldn’t she tell me? Is he her husband? Boyfriend? Is she just playing me to get through this game?” She snorts her disgust as she says, “Swing vote. I was the swing vote but now… I just don’t know.”

We see Faith approach the fire where Kent is sitting. She assesses him again obviously enjoying his appearance before he looks up.

“Hi,” he says, “Faith, right?”

“Yeah. You run?” Faith asks pointing at his sneakers.

“A bit,” he confesses.

Faith lifts the hem of her shirt slightly to show her ribs and offers, “I’m kind of out of shape but maybe we can do a few miles in the morning before you have to go.”

“Sure.”

We see Willow walking along the beach, kicking her feet at the sand. Tara approaches her carefully. “Will?” When Willow keeps walking the blonde falls in step beside her. “Are you ok?” she asks without touching the redhead.

“No. Yes. Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Is this about A-ariel?” Tara asks.

Willow stops walking and turns angrily toward the blonde. “Why didn’t you tell me that Kent was her father? I mean he is her father right? Or is this just a game you’re playing?”

Tara reaches out to take Willow’s hand although it is obvious that the redhead is feeling angry and closed off to her. “Willow,” she attempts to get the girl to look at her by lightly touching her chin with her fingertips, “please look at me.” Willow looks up with an angry look on her face. “I understand that you are mad but I’m not sure why. Did I lie to y-you about something? You knew that I had a daughter. Would you rather that her father was a s-stranger or did you think she was an immaculate conception?”

“Well,” Willow sputters, “I just… I … Is this a game to you?”

Tara smiles at the redhead. “Being on this island is a game, sweetie, but th-this, this,” she waves two fingers between the two girls “is not a game.”

Frustratingly the show breaks for a commercial.

Confessional Caption – Kendra - Interpreter
“What an interesting day. First we find out that Buffy and Joyce are big liars. Then we ask Tara to find out if Willow knew about it and she ends up sitting on a rock crying while her friend comforts her. I honestly don’t know where that girl’s head is today.”

White Hat Camp - Day 27
Dawn breaks over the camp and we see Tara and Kent walking on the beach. It’s obvious that he has been helping gather berries and break up firewood. He puts his arm lightly around her shoulder and says, “You’re feeling better, Tare.”

“Much,” she nods, “especially since you’re here. You know, your visit will help me make it through this thing.” The look up and see the boat approaching.

“That will be my ride,” he says as the others approach the beach. We see Kent giving everyone hugs and saying thanks for letting him visit. A shot of him getting on the boat shows his buff chest and abs as he is suddenly dressed in only a pair of shorts. Panning back over the camp we see that Tara is wearing the denim shirt he had brought while Willow wears his very oversized T-shirt. Everyone stands on the beach for a few seconds while Kent continues waving until the boat has gone from their sight.

Next we see Robin and Kendra returning to announce: “Tree mail.” They read the message and conclude that it’s an eating challenge.

Jeff waits on the beach for the remaining seven survivors to enter the beach and take their places on the mat. “Tara,” he greets the blonde, “how was it having your friend at camp yesterday?”

“It was really great,” she says, “and getting the pictures was r-really appreciated.” She looks sideways at Buffy and Joyce and says, “I think we all learned a lot more about each other yesterday.”

Jeff laughs nervously at Tara’s statement before announcing, “We thought we’d give you a little while more to see your loved ones. They will be helping you with this challenge.” Everyone screams as he waves his arm and the visitors from yesterday emerge from behind a stand of trees again. Again they hug their loved ones before standing next to them.

“Well,” he announces, “since yesterday’s challenge didn’t let you win any food, we decided to give you something to eat today.” This time everyone groans as he pulls a tablecloth from the table to expose worms, bugs, and something else on the table. After giving everyone a chance to act revolted, Jeff explains that today’s challenge will consist of three rounds. The first round will have all seven survivors. The two slowest will be out of the challenge. The next round will again eliminate two survivors and the final round will determine the winner.

Using some quick editing, we see the survivors standing on one side of the table with their hands behind their backs and a blindfold over their eyes. Their guests stand opposite them with their hands hovering over plates of worms. “Each survivor must eat three worms and then show me his or her mouth,” Jeff calls. “Survivors ready. Go!”

At his shout, the visitors reach into the plates to grab the squirming earthworms and then extend them toward their loved one’s mouths. “Dawn’s got the idea,” Jeff describes, “putting the worms right in Buffy’s mouth. Rupert less willing to hold them as is Kelli.” The competition is very fast and Jeff begins to call the names of the Survivors who have finished: “Buffy done. Robin. Kendra. Tara. And the last Survivor advancing to the next round is Joyce.”

Faith, Willow, Joy, and Kelli move to sit on the log at the side of the group.

Confessional Caption – Faith – Personal Trainer
“If there was every an immunity challenge to lose, this was it. I mean I’m tough sure. But yuck. I thought I was going to throw up and I didn’t even manage to swallow a worm. Course one advantage of a twin sister is that she knows me so well she didn’t even try to get the worms in my mouth.”

“Ok, Survivors ready,” Jeff calls. We can see that the visitors have their hands above trays of squirming large black bugs. “Go!” The commentary is much like the earlier commentary as he notes that “Dawn again quickly dropping the bugs in her sister’s mouth. Robin right there too. Buffy and Robin done. Tara having some trouble getting hers down.” The camera is quickly averted as she leans over the side of the table. “And Kendra moves into the finals with Robin and Buffy!”

He directs the other two teams to take their seats near Faith and Willow and their guests. Finally we see the three remaining survivors lean over their “food.” At Jeff’s command the three guests pick up a fish head and attempt to shove it into their loved one’s mouths. While Kendra struggles with it, Robin and Buffy both chew to the shouts of their loved ones and various survivors. Within seconds Jeff shouts the news that “For the second time in a row, Buffy has won individual immunity.” She and Dawn dance around as the other competitors drink from their glasses of water, attempting to clear their mouths.

Jeff gives the survivors a few minutes to say good bye to their friends and family and the guests board the boat and leave the island. “Ok,” Jeff says, “your loved ones are gone but I’ll be seeing you all at Tribal Council.”

We see the survivors walking back to the camp. Next we see Buffy and Joyce talking to Robin quietly. Buffy approaches Willow as the redhead breaks up fire wood. “Willow,” she greets the girl, “I need to know where you are tonight.”

“What are the choices?” Willow shrewdly asks.

“I’d imagine the triumvirate is voting for Joyce, but if you vote off one of them, Robin will vote with us. Then we can pick them off one by one.”

“What makes you think I’d turn on them?” Willow asks.

Buffy looks as if she pities her friend, telling her, “Will, I don’t want to tell you your personal business but I really think your girl is playing you. I mean did you see the picture of Ariel? Kent’s not just her friend and she’s got you following her around this island like a puppy.”

“You, me, Robin, and Joyce?” Willow confirms. “Then where do I go?”

“You know the final four is always a free-for-all,” Buffy tells her.

Confessional Caption – Willow – Software Startup Owner
“Yeah, Buffy came to me today with her F4 offer. I can get one from everyone here if I want. Hell, Robin and I could incorporate: Swing Vote, Inc. The question is ‘who is the liar that I trust the most’?”

We see Robin talking to Joyce and later Robin talking to Faith. “Rumblings around the fire, huh, big man?” she says.

Robin looks at Faith with a raised eyebrow. “Make me an offer. I can be fourth either way.”

Faith laughs. “I won’t lie to you. I want you in the final two.”

“Why would you want that?”

“Think about it,” she tells him glancing down the beach toward the other competitors, “would you want to be sitting next to Kendra or worse yet, Tara?”

Robin smiles at her. “No. I would definitely not want that.”

Confessional Caption – Faith – Personal Trainer
“I was lying my ass off. I’m not taking him to the final two but think about it. He believes it because he wants to believe it. Everyone says to themselves, ‘that Faith. She’d screw her friends for a million dollars so she’ll want me next to her.’ It’s easy for everyone to believe they’re golden because they believe I’m scum.”

Tribal Council
The seven remaining survivors enter and take their seats. Next Jeff calls in the first two members of the jury. Mac and Xander enter both looking clean and fed. Like Mac, Xander has had a haircut and shave and is wearing new clothes.

Jeff smiles at the survivors. “Welcome,” he says, “this week we had visitors. How did that feel, Tara?”

“It was really g-great, Jeff, having that little touch of home really buoyed me up.”

“You feel like you can really trust a friend from home?” he leads.

“I feel like some people are more trustworthy than others,” Tara answers. “Some people are playing a game here and some are just outright lying.”

“Faith,” Jeff asks, “Is that true? Are some people here lying to everyone else?”

“Jeff,” Faith says, “I think there’s a difference between playing a game and not telling everyone some very important information about yourself.”

“And if you can’t trust someone?”

“If you can’t trust someone,” Willow pitches in, “then you can’t align yourself with them.”

Both Buffy and Tara look a little surprised at the statement as if they don’t know who she’s referring to.

Confessional Caption – Willow – Software Startup Owner
“So it’s a hard few days for trust. Yesterday the thing with Tara and Kent and then today I went to go to the little girl’s room and on the way back I heard Tara talking to Joyce. She was confronting her over Joyce being Buffy’s mother. First off, why didn’t Buffy tell me that but second why didn’t Tara? I never thought I was stupid but it seems like everyone here knows things I don’t know.”

“Buffy,” Jeff directs, “are there people here you trust and who you know can trust you?”

“Sure,” the blonde lies, “Joyce and I became very close while she was in Akathla and I trust her totally. And I have other relationships that are very important to me even though they were separated from me for a while.”

Kendra and Faith cast their eyes at Buffy and Willow but neither says anything. “Let’s go vote,” Jeff announces somewhat suddenly.

Faith votes first and we see her vote for Joyce. “Joyce, you’re a liar and if I could I’d vote off Buffy with you.”

Next Kendra, Tara, and Willow vote. Buffy votes for Faith saying: “Faith. You’re just too strong and too smart to stay in this thing.” Robin and Joyce then vote.

“Let’s count the votes,” Jeff declares. “First vote, Joyce.” Everyone nods that they expected that. “Second vote, Faith. Third vote, Faith.” He recaps: “That’s two votes Faith, one vote Joyce.” He continues counting: “Joyce. Next vote: Joyce.” Jeff takes a breath before repeating the count: “That’s two votes Faith, three votes Joyce. “ He opens the next vote and looks at if for a few seconds. “And the 10th person voted off Survivor – Ash Island and 3rd Jury member is Joyce.”

Joyce brings her torch and has it extinguished. As she leaves she tells Buffy to kick butt for her. Jeff reminds the Survivors that they are down to six and sends them back to camp.

Parting Words – Joyce
“Buffy, I hope you win it all but if you don’t, I hope you take Faith out. I love you and I’m proud of you and how you’ve played this game.”

Next week on Survivor
Voice-over – Old alliances are threatened
“You’ve been lying to me all along,” Willow shouts at Buffy.

Voice-over – And a new one may change the entire game
A shot of Robin, Faith, and Buffy talking and shaking hands.

All Next week on Survivor
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Survivor - Ash Island

Postby JustSkipIt » Tue May 17, 2005 7:36 pm

Title – Survivor – Ash Island

Part 23 – The Early Show

Author – JustSkipIt

Pairing – Who do you think? (W/T of course)

Feedback – Oh yes.

Spoilers–None

Rating – PG

Disclaimer – I own none of these characters nor do I own Survivor. And believe it or not, I also don’t own any small islands. On the other hand, this island is fictional so let’s say I own it. I’m making no money from this fiction and intend no copyright infringement.


Joyce and Julie sit on the Early Show Survivor show set. “Welcome, Joyce,” Julie says with a big smile, “the latest castaway voted off Survivor – Ash Island and the 3rd member of the Jury.”

“Thank you, Julie,” Joyce smiles.

Show Clip - We see a shot of Joyce talking with Richard as the two break up firewood. It is clear that this clip is from one of the early episodes and they are discussing Faith’s being a dangerous factor in the game. Next we see Joyce hugging her husband, Rupert, as he leaves and looking longingly at Dawn.

“Let’s talk about last night’s show,” Julie suggests, “Last night your family members visited the island.”

“Julie,” Joyce says, “if you spend this long, 26 days, in a situation like this, you can’t even imagine how important that visit can be.”

“Explain about that.”.

“Being on the island is exhausting physically, emotionally, and mentally. You’re dirty, tired, hungry and involved in a dynamic mind game with 15 other people who are just as exhausted and desperate as you.” She takes a breath. “A visit from a family member is a huge break from the cruelty of the game.”

“Wow,” Julie says, “You sound almost like you found the emotional aspect worse than the physical.”

Show Clip - We see a shot of Joyce suggesting to Buffy that Mac lost the hooks on purpose followed by her confessional saying she doesn’t mind misleading her daughter.

“Yet,” Julie continues, “one of the biggest secrets on the island, the fact that Buffy and you are mother and daughter, was revealed last night.”

Show Clip – Tara looks at pictures of the survivors before passing them around. She looks strangely at Buffy and Joyce. Then she confronts Faith and Kendra to tell them about the situation.

“Yes,” Joyce agrees, “we knew this was just a matter of time. I honestly believe that The Faith Alliance was voting one of us off regardless. Our only shot was getting Robin and Willow to flip with us and take out that group.”

Show Clip – Buffy talking to Willow and then Robin to propose her plan to take them to the final four

“The Faith Alliance, as you call it, has been around since day two. Is that longer than you though it would last?”

Show Clip – Faith, Kendra, and Tara lighting the fire

“Each member of any alliance is in it because she believes that she is better off in that group than outside it,” Joyce says. “That group has lasted 26 days because it’s working for them.”

“Joyce Summers,” Julie says, “thanks for joining us her on the Early Show.”
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby watersong84 » Tue May 17, 2005 8:59 pm

Ah! So much angst, what is a girl to do?

Poor Willow, she is in basically the worst situation EVER. She has no idea who she can trust, and no one to help her, and worst of all, one of the people that she can't trust is someone she has MANY feelings for. My heart just broke for her when she started to think that maybe Tara and Kent were together. How aweful!

I don't know why Tara didn't just tell her the damn story. Maybe it is too personal too soon, but it would help both their relationship and Tara's game if Willow could trust her.

I hope the next update is more happy! But I kind of doubt it (unless the next update is RL).

Great update! :applause
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby cperrins78 » Wed May 18, 2005 2:48 am

:applause I love angst!!!!!. Poor Willow she's got alot of things to think over. This story is getting so good. It's winding down to the end. I can't wait to see who ends up in the final four.


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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Insanity » Wed May 18, 2005 5:24 am

This was really intense, with the loved ones...

El and Kendra are laughing together as are Faith and her identical twin, Joy.


I'm not really sure if Eliza played a "Joy" sometimes, but it would have cracked me up if you had called her sister TRU *ggg*

And finally there is some light into the Faith-Kent-thingy, great job, Debra.

I'm not sure about the final four, it all depends on imunity. But I'm pretty sure T/K/F will be in it. It depends on who wins imunity who will be forth. Maybe Robin.

Poor Willow. She is in a very difficult position. All the people who she thought she can trust. She finds out lied to her about some really important things. Or the feels like they did. Is there anyone she can trust enough to build an alliance?

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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Urn of Osiris » Wed May 18, 2005 7:13 am

Another great update. This one was super intense and your writing didn't fail to portray that. The Buffy/Joyce reveal with pictures was so brilliant. It really tested alliances. You capture the pace of the show so well. Just to be greedy, I'd love a bit more 'around the camp' moments. It was interesting the way you shared Tara and Kent's relationship. It added great tension to the scene. It was smart and intense to leave it unresloved. I can't wait to read how Ariel reacts to this episode. The game is really about levels of honesty. How much is safe to share and what puts a target on you.

This is very good. I'm loving the style of writing and the frequent updates.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby irishgrl3 » Wed May 18, 2005 7:19 am

Ah-ha... now we see how Kent and Willow had met before and how the Faith & Kent thing got started. :-D The family member reunions were so sweet, a nice boost to help them get through the final third of the show.

The exhaustion of the game seems to be taking a real emotional toll on everyone especially with all of the secrets revealed in that chapter. Everyone finding out Joyce was Buffy's mom may really work against Buffy alliance-wise and no doubt contributed to Joyce being voted off. Trust is so tricky in this game. Willow being upset at Tara about Kent just brought out her insecurities and question Tara's feelings for her. At this point I think it would be difficult to believe if any relationships were real or just game strategy. It's amazing that Willow & Tara were able to move past the mind f*#k into a post show relationship. 10 down and 5 to go. :-D
Great job!
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby watty » Wed May 18, 2005 7:52 am

I was thinking, it's Wednesday so it's Ash Island time, and you didn't disappoint :bounce. It's fast becoming a fixture in my life, ever since TAR7 finished and Steph got voted off I have nothing to focus on. On the one hand I wish you can update every day from now on cos of the mounting tension but on the other, I want you to continue on and on and on. You're lucky you're still very much interested in this fic, sigh, guess who's feeling a little writer's block? (can't write Race or Lamplight, wrote 3 paragraphs for fic challenge #2 and ground to a halt :gnome )

The family visit, so emotional. What rang truest for me was A Mother's Love. Even though I never liked the Joyce/Buffy lie (brilliantly cast and planned by the way), I felt for Joyce when she said it was hard for her not to be able to hug Dawn.

As for Tara, the only other Survivor with kids (I don't get a kids vibe off Robin and Jane),
Tara’s friend Kent shares a minute of “talking” with her although she is crying so hard it is difficult for her to type.

For a minute there I wanted to cry myself, it's so clear how she misses Ariel :sob .

Not surprised that Tara and Kent aced the RC, they are so good at communicating with each other (consulting with each other on their love lives for example) it's not hard to see them as a great team. And, as soon as Jeff said the winner's guest will stay, I knew Kent was staying, cos it answered so many questions - How come Willow said she met Kent already? How come Tara said (at soccer game) that Willow should have recognized Ariel? How come Faith asked Tara for Kent's number so quickly after caming off the island?

The great thing about you writing in this format (eps and life after) is we know about Tara and Kent, but it was interesting to see the various reactions on people who didn't. Faith's almost immediate interest, and seeds of mistrust in Tara,
Girl’s got games going that I don’t know about

Interesting that she focuses on herself, as in what she knows about T's games.

And the strain on the early W/T relationship. I do wonder how close they are at this point.
Willow got up and went for a walk in the woods. Tara followed her and they came back an hour later! An hour?

What did they get up to, with nothing to do on an isolated island? Perhaps as simple as talking, but part of me thinks there's more. Casting my mind back to the weekend after the first ep aired, when T leaned across and kissed W in the car, it didn't seem like it was a first :wtkiss kiss.

Point is, they're still in the early stages, plus this surreal environment is hard to foster a proper romantic relationship. Despite Tara's reassurances
"... this,” she waves two fingers between the two girls “is not a game"

if I were Willow, I wouldn't be able to trust Tara completely, even though my heart is probably screaming volumes at me.

I wonder who Robin and Willow voted for, we only saw 6 votes and I think the 2 Faith votes were from Joyce and Buffy, and F/K/T voted for Joyce. Was the last Joyce vote Robin's or Willow's?

Final 4. I'm still sticking to F/T/K/B. Unless he wins Immunity, Robin is in a precarious position. But whoa, is that Faith betraying T and K in the next ep? Geez my head is going round in circles, and that's exactly where you want us, isn't it :-D.

As usual I have to end with heaps and heaps of praise, and I didn't even cover the bug eating challenge or TES interview. Thank you for a lovely update :clap .
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby justin » Wed May 18, 2005 11:15 am

To answer your question, yes Chesterfield is in England

When they were being told who they were going to talk to for a moment if Joyce would be talking to Dawn as well as Buffy, and then they'd have to convince everyone that it's a coincidence that Buffy's sister and Joyce's daughter have the same name.

Though it came out anyway due to the pictures. D'oh! Who chose the pictures? If it was the producers, did they do it in order to out Buffy and Joyce?

This has certainly been a difficult time for Willow, not knowing who to trust. Though it seems whichever group she sides with she's in an equally bad position. She's either competing with T/F/K or Buffy and Joyce, so either way she's going to need to win the right immunity challenges in order to get into the final two.

It occurs to me that Willow's best bet would have been to have sided with Buffy and Joyce (and convinced Robin to join them) for this vote in order to break up T/F/K and then formed an alliance with the only other odd person out, Robin. That would have split the final six into three groups of two which would have made things a lot more even, and given anyone a chance of getting into the final two.

I think Kendra was being a bit harsh on Tara when she complained about her head not being in the game. After all if it hadn't been for Tara then they wouldn't have known about Buffy and Joyce being related.

Oh and the immunity challenge was gross.
Last edited by justin on Wed May 18, 2005 12:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby littlecrazy80 » Wed May 18, 2005 12:17 pm

Great update! :applause

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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby blue eyed girl » Wed May 18, 2005 7:08 pm

Another great update. Plus this one answered some of the questions from the previous off island updates. Such as how Willow and Faith met Kent and also told us about when they ate bugs. I have to say reading about that challenge was definitely better that watching it. I never have liked watching people eat gross things. I always seem to have a sympathy gag when watching it.

Well this was certainly an emotional update for Willow and Tara. I feel bad for Willow in this update since it now seems that she can't trust any one. Not a good place to be in at this point. I would be interested to see who she ended up voting for at the end since it wasn't shown.

Faith votes first and we see her vote for Joyce. “Joyce, you’re a liar and if I could I’d vote off Buffy with you.”


One of the things that always bothers me in reality shows is when people say things like this. It wasn't a couple hours prior to that that Faith admits to lying to Robin to get him to vote with her but yet she is complaining about Buffy and Joyce doing the same thing.

I liked the scenes with Kent visiting the island. It really showed how close he and Tara are plus it stirred up a lot of emotions at camp. And you could really see a little connection starting between him and Faith. And after thinking about that a little bit I can see why you paired them together with the couple references to how he and Robin are similar and how Faith and Robin had that little thing on the show. Another nice way to put cannon into an AU fic. (At least if that is what you were trying to do.)

Thanks for a great update.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby cooper » Wed May 18, 2005 10:13 pm

Debra,

It is of course, another wonderful update. I have been pondering the Faith called Tara before the show and Willow didn't. I am still not sure if Willow just wanted to wait until the show or not. I am thinking that it has something to do with the outcome . . .

Anyway, I loved that because Tara was so busy reassuring Willow that they played for the same team that she wasn't able to talk to her about the Buffy Joyce thingy.

I am voting that the teaser of F/B/R shaking hands is a giant mislead. Either that or She is working some mojo to get Kendra voted off. I say this because of all the characters, Kendra is the one least focused on. She is under the radar for the reader as well. Sometimes I forget she is there.

My other thought about the teaser is that she is playing them to agree to vote with her against one of the others so that the W/T/F/K alliance knows who to take out. I think unless Buffy wins immunity again, she will be next and then Willow. So final four will be F/T/K/R.

I was also wondering, is the outcome fo the winner on survivor done during taping or is it a live after the fact deal. If its after the fact then maybe that is why there was no contact allowed because Willow was on the Jury and Faith and Tara aren't because I am still placing them in "final" spots.

I could keep going with conspiracy theories, such as Faith is the next to go . . . , but instead I'll say goodnight

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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby stillrunning » Thu May 19, 2005 7:52 am

OOO the angst and trust issues!! I love how you're able to write all the little twists and mind games that one would come to expect in a game like 'Survivor'...and you do it so realistically!!! Awesome job! And it was nice to see everyone getting to bond with the friends and family members for a little bit.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby robotguru » Thu May 19, 2005 9:01 am

Cooper, the votes are made on the island after the jurors have asked a couple of questions each, at least that's how it was done in the British version.

Hmm, this looks interesting, everyone is royally pissed at Buffy and Joyce and i can kinda see why, you try and get one of them off and tell the other as i believe Richard did, then you've signed your own death warrant if either has sway with someone else. At the same time though, it's Survivor.

Interesting spoiler, but with all that Faith has been going on about loyalty, i don't think she's jumping alliances, maybe trying to play them, i don't know.

My Final Four is Tara, Willow, Faith and Kendra, unless Buffy can keep immunity, i see her gone and i don't think Richard can do that much to break the Tara, Faith, Kendra alliance or the Tara/Willow one. Strong as WIllow and Tara are, i also don't see Tara turning on Faith or Kendra unless Willow gets immunity, so i see Willow as a juror when it comes to the Final Three.

The Final Two, i can only see Tara getting through with immunity, i think that as popular and as valuable as Tara has been throughout, Faith and Kendra can both agree that they can do without her talents for the last day, without immunity, i see those talents and how other jurors might see Tara as being her downfall. Out of Faith and Kendra, who Tara would vote for to leave i don't know.

However, if Faith is indeed jumping ship...my whole theory goes kablooy :p
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby Artemis » Thu May 19, 2005 10:33 am

Hmm, interesting :hmm Joyce is a juror - I think it's safe to assume that that's one vote to Buffy if she makes the final two, which pretty much means that no-one else is going to want to let her do that. Not difficult to imagine how this situation is going to generate some ill-feeling between her and Willow - are we going to find out soon how their phone talk went, the one Tara mentioned? It seems to me Buffy might be taking things a bit too seriously, and not seeing how her actions are coming off to others. Given that Joyce wouldn't have really been expecting to compete with the more physical girls (or the lone guy), there's no doubt in my mind at least that at this stage, she was in the game to boost Buffy. Something like that would make everyone else feel pretty threatened, and threatened people are hostile people :paranoid

Also, kudos on the misdirection of bringing Kent and Faith together - even after the loved ones had shown up, I'd totally forgotten the mention that they'd met before (which, if I recall right, I assumed was when everyone left the island/sequesterisle after the end of filming). It's strange, but kind of cute, to see Faith just checking Kent out for the first time, knowing that they're going to get together at least as far as dating.

Faith, incidentally, has me wondering - I don't know if it was just me, but she seemed a bit edgy this episode, which made me wonder if she might soon get a bit paranoid and prematurely terminate the so-far-indomitable Faith Alliance, opening the way for others to claw their way back in. Buffy played it smart this ep - if not for her and Joyce being revealed, and Willow's siding with the Faithful (which may not have happened, if not for her personal connection to Tara - if she was just another girl, you've got to think that Willow would be looking for a way around her and Faith/Kendra, such as Buffy's numerically superior but less stable alliance), she might have broken the Faith Alliance. I think she's still dangerous, wounded though her chances are by the suspicion that's fallen on her.

Kendra puts me in mind of drunk teenagers going for a midnight swim at the beach, just when a cellist starts playing - all seems calm, but there's a strong chance there's gonna be blood in the water soon, and no-one will see it coming.

Let me get the procedure straight - we keep having tribal councils, and losing people one at a time, until there's two left, when the last seven people to leave the island vote for which of the two wins? I've tried predicting the outcome using my guaranteed scientific foresight method (guessing), but I keep hitting a situation where the final four have a drawn vote, and it comes down to random selection, so I don't know... I definitely think Buffy and Robin are doomed, unless something big happens along the lines of the Faithful having a major meltdown and voting themselves off. However... one way or another, I don't see Willow winning this.

Obviously then I'd like Tara to win (well duh, I'd like Tara to win no matter what), but she's going to have to step lively if she wants to make the final two - I don't think anyone except Willow (for snuggling reasons) are going to want to be against Tara in the final two, she's just too jury-vote-attractingly likeable.

A moment of angst there between Willow and Tara - lucky we know they get through it :x
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby JustSkipIt » Thu May 19, 2005 5:47 pm

watersong84 - :rofl about the so much angst. I seriously didn’t think of it as angst when I wrote it. I was really just thinking of scheming/game playing but not angst.

I agree that Willow is in a pretty bad position from the approach of the game. She has managed to find herself in the middle of the two groups (which was somewhat predictable when the team switch happened). And yes, she now finds that she can’t trust Tara.

I don't know why Tara didn't just tell her the damn story. Maybe it is too personal too soon, but it would help both their relationship and Tara's game if Willow could trust her.
I think that it’s just that. It’s too personal to share in this type of game. Keep in mind that while Willow is being much more straightforward about her intentions, it is always in the back of Tara’s mind that Willow is also playing a game. Yes, the next update will be RL. Thanks.

cperrins78 – Again the angst. I guess I can see that. Yes, Willow is definitely in the middle and feeling quite conflicted. Thanks.

Insanity – Funny thought about calling Faith’s sister Tru. Didn’t even really occur to me. Yes to the light on Kent-Faith. Of course there is the off screen with the two of them as we can assume that they probably went running in the morning. And keep in mind the complex way his visit could figure into the game.

Good guesses and logic about the F4. Willow definitely feels betrayed by just about everyone at this point. I would imagine that with Faith and Kendra at least she knows they are against her but Tara and Buffy she thought she could trust (until now). Pretty hard for her.

Urn of Osiris - Thanks. I’m glad that it came off as intense and that the B/J reveal worked. I actually worried whether I was giving it enough energy in the show editing.

Just to be greedy, I'd love a bit more 'around the camp' moments.
I’ve thought about that but it’s just so hard to decide to dedicate time and words to “and then they sat around” and “and then someone commented that someone else stank…” etc.

I agree that the game is about revealing the truth in only the right measure. Everyone is a liar but the thing is to not get tagged about it and have it work with you. You need to pull people in enough for them to trust you but not so much that they can manipulate you in turn.

Thanks for your thoughts.

irishgrl3 – Yes, the Kent/Willow and Kent/Faith meetings are revealed. You might also notice that Kelli has met Tara (or at least seen her) although she is much more reserved about saying anything about it to Willow’s parents. I considered using Joan as Willow’s “family member” but knew there was no way that Joan would keep her mouth shut about Tara and about how Willow had done in the game. I always love the family reunions on the show. I tend to think that they all need a letter or picture from home even if they don’t get a visit.

I agree that the emotional toll of the game and the secrets is kind of really beating on everyone. Absolutely Buffy and Joyce’s deception will work against them which is a little sad when you consider that the show producers had as much to do with it as they did. Willow definitely has a hard time believing Tara but obviously she put that aside after the show was over. And of course, they have the amount of time until one or the other of them is voted off and possibly time while they are both at the jury resort.

Thanks.

Watson – Yeah, you’ve hit my secret pattern alright. I generally post on Wednesdays because I work from home that day. This time I actually posted Tuesday night while Rachel was getting the baby to bed.

You're lucky you're still very much interested in this fic, sigh, guess who's feeling a little writer's block? (can't write Race or Lamplight, wrote 3 paragraphs for fic challenge #2 and ground to a halt )
Sorry to hear about the writers block. I still have the drive but not much time these days. I’m getting busier and busier at work. I want to put something in the #2 challenge but haven’t been able to get my mind wrapped around it yet.

Even though I never liked the Joyce/Buffy lie (brilliantly cast and planned by the way),
Huh? You don’t like the lie but like my planning of it? Confused now. I agree. It’s a little easier to see Joyce as sympathetic seen in these terms even if she is playing a game. I think that in a way Joyce and Buffy are the victims here as they are being used to pump up the conflict but they agreed to it as their casting hook. You know?

There is an earlier update which lists the Survivors with kids. It was the one where Tara got to go and visit Akathla and then gave Willow the immunity neckace (Week 3?). I believe that in it I said that Oz, Tara, Riley, Joyce, Mac, and maybe Richard had kids. So that means that the only Survivors left who have kids are Joyce & Tara.

Ahhh. I made Watson want to cry. Not the type thing I’m generally proud of but cool that I affected you emotionally. I agree that Tara and Kent are very good at communication. I think that part of that comes from being close friends for ten years. You may notice that Faith also referred to how well her twin sister knows her and that Dawn is able to help Buffy win the IC. Tara also seems to be aided by her unusual fire building skills… Hmmm…

I agree that we are at a big advantage compared to the competitors. They are all wondering about the relationship between Tara and Kent. While I agree that Faith focuses on herself rather than Tara, I think that her conclusions about Tara’s scheming actually ups her confidence in the blonde rather than undermining her trust.

Willow got up and went for a walk in the woods. Tara followed her and they came back an hour later! An hour?

What did they get up to, with nothing to do on an isolated island? Perhaps as simple as talking, but part of me thinks there's more. Casting my mind back to the weekend after the first ep aired, when T leaned across and kissed W in the car, it didn't seem like it was a first kiss.
Not much like that did it? You can assume whatever you want but they were gone AN HOUR!

Absolutely it’s impossible to trust someone in this environment (and this will be very very important about 4-5 updates from now). I guess on the show, they usually replay all the votes and I try to do it if there is any question. Sorry I missed one. Willow & Robin both voted against Joyce. Yes, the 2 Faith votes were Buffy & Joyce.

Geez my head is going round in circles, and that's exactly where you want us, isn't it .
Definitely!

I didn't even cover the bug eating challenge
Tara did previously say that she’d eaten bugs didn’t she? :grin Thank you.

Justin – Oh yeah. That would have been funny if Joyce and Buffy had both IMed someone named Dawn. What a coincidence. Yes, the producers selected the pictures from the ones sent in by the family members. We can only guess at Rupert & Dawn’s motivation for selecting these pics. Maybe they assumed that by now everyone on the island would know about Joyce & Buffy’s relationship? Maybe they’re stupid…

I think that Willow is in either an equally bad or equally good position. She and Robin were basically in a position where they can be in the Final four whichever way they lean. On the other hand, B/J and F/K/T seem to be in an all or nothing situation.

I would agree that Willow doesn’t seem to have acted in her own best interest. On one hand, she believes that T/K/F are taking her to the F4. If she were really thinking “game” like Faith, Buffy, and I suspect Robin, she would realize that someone must have promised Robin the same thing or he would have jumped ship. But she’s not really reasoning that out.

I didn’t mean for Kendra’s comment to come off harsh but I think she is right in a way. Tara really left herself open in this episode to being blindsided by everyone: Willow included. I don’t think she was thinking good game is she went off to cry and had to be comforted by Kent. Ha ha: gross. Thanks.

littlecrazy80 – Thanks as always.

Irene73 – Very totally cool that you write a fic. I still haven’t had a chance to go read it. Sorry: life is a bit crazy busy right now (and about to get crazier). I can imagine Asher being very helpful with his baby sister or brother when we have one. He is a pretty helpful kid and just getting into hugs and kisses and hugging his stuffed animals. Pretty much my biggest complaint at the moment is that he insists on playing in or dumping over the dogs’ water which makes a mess and means they don’t have any water.

Re: Buffy’s quote. Thank God someone commented on it. I loved it and it really felt like something she would say. I’m glad you liked the Tara/Kent interactions.

Okay, what is it with you and Watson with the whole:
FAITH - BELIEF - JOY names.
I thought it went well. I mean there are a finite number of value names for girls and Joy is one of the better choices.

Sorry about the meatloaf.
how can you go from "Please the Series" to "This"...two extremes so beautifully captured.
Sometimes I laugh at that. I usually am writing the updates separately but at times have actually had both files open and been toggling back and forth between them. The only sex scene in Paths (which I thought was very sweet) was written simultaneously with Please part 11. Actually though, I would say that while Please seems to portray activities that not everyone is comfortable with, it is a very loving and dedicated story.

So someone is rooting for Buffy. Cool. I would definitely say Buffy is the underdog. I personally consider lies of omission lies just the same.

Okay, you get extra brownie points for the use of the word "Triumvirate". I looked it up and now I know a new word. May I one day use it in my fic?
I haven’t been able to afford the patents on any words so you can use any of them (just not all strung together because that’s plagiarism). :grin Thanks.

blue eyed girl – Thanks. Yes, quite a few references to “earlier” updates with the meetings and the bug eating. Good catch on that one. I would say that eating gross things is one of the parts o Survivor I like the least. I mean, if it is a delicacy on the island or whatever, ok but if it’s just “how fast can you eat gross stuff?” that’s stupid.

I would be interested to see who she ended up voting for at the end since it wasn't shown.
Sorry about that. I said earlier I forgot to replay the votes. B/J voted for Faith. Everyone else voted for Joyce.

One of the things that always bothers me in reality shows is when people say things like this. It wasn't a couple hours prior to that that Faith admits to lying to Robin to get him to vote with her but yet she is complaining about Buffy and Joyce doing the same thing.
You’re darn tootin! Since Stef didn’t win Palau, I was rooting for Tom but I almost stopped because he was so self-righteous. He kept having conferences with people, asking questions, listening and then being like, “That’s all I needed to know.” That’s “Mr. King Tom” to you… I guess the difference is that Faith has respect for her game and even for Tara’s (since she believes Tara is just playing Willow) but doesn’t have respect for a game that competes with hers.

Yes, Kent and Tara are very close and that shows through his visit.

Another nice way to put cannon into an AU fic. (At least if that is what you were trying to do.)
Yes. Exactly.

Thanks.

cooper – Hey. Your comments are getting longer and longer. Good for you. The topic of Faith calling vs. Willow not calling will be explained in due time. I somewhat fear that the explanation when it happens will be anticlimactic but hopefully not and hopefully it will be believable. The thing is that either Tara was too busy talking to Willow or the editors just didn’t show it. Keep in mind that the episode is basically 44 minutes which have to cover 3 days worth of action (or lack thereof) and many times there are multiple things happening at once. So you can assume that the editing is a major factor in the story told by the show.

Good thought on the teaser. The question is who is doing the mislead? The writer, the editors, or the players? Or is it?

Kendra is the one least focused on. She is under the radar for the reader as well. Sometimes I forget she is there.
Definitely my bad. There’s kind of not much in the way of Canon personality to work with there and I’ve kind of chosen to portray her as someone who is both strong and fast and who is working under Faith & Tara’s radar. She’s letting them play the game for her and counting on doing well within the F4. Actually it’s not a bad strategy if she lets Faith piss people off but she comes through it strong.

Good guesses on the order and the F4.

I was also wondering, is the outcome fo[sic] the winner on survivor done during taping or is it a live after the fact deal. If its after the fact then maybe that is why there was no contact allowed because Willow was on the Jury and Faith and Tara aren't because I am still placing them in "final" spots.
On the final part of the final episode, the seven jury members have a chance to ask a question or give a vitriolic speech (ok, it can be any kind of speech but they have been vitriolic usually). Then the jury members vote. The Jeff takes the box with the votes in it and walks off and shows up live on the soundstage. So during the “RL” parts they know who the F2 are but do not know the winner. This is different from say, Amazing Race, where the participants all know who won even though the audience does not.

Well done!

stillrunning – Yep, the mind games and tricks are definitely on. Glad you’re liking.

robotguru – Yes, I explained it above. Thanks for lending a word too. Everyone is royally pissed at B&J but also at nearly everyone too because they’re playing for a million dollars and tired of being there and tired of each other too.

Ok, Faith is either jumping alliances or playing someone. I’ll agree to that. Good F4 guesses. So that means you figure F/K/T for F3? Good guess and good reasoning. I agree that Tara’s only real chance is to win immunity at F3 if she gets that far. No one wants to be sitting next to someone who made bug-paste!

Good thoughts.

Artemis – Yeah, I’d say Joyce is a freebie if Buffy makes the jury. But then if Tara doesn’t piss Willow off the two of them are a freebie for the other (unless they are the F2). Everyone else is kind of up for grabs.
are we going to find out soon how their phone talk went, the one Tara mentioned?
Hmm. It will be mentioned but not in great detail. I agree that Buffy is one of those people who feels wronged but doesn’t look at her own place in it. You’d be surprised about the age of people who sometimes win. The winner of s2 won basically because “how did she get that far?”

Also, kudos on the misdirection of bringing Kent and Faith together - even after the loved ones had shown up,
Huh? How misdirection? Yeah: Faith is definitely checking out Mr. Fine.

Faith is definitely paranoid which either means you’re paranoid or they are really out to get her. With her, probably some of both. But yes, if she gets paranoid enough, she could kill the Faith Alliance (sounds like a musical group doesn’t it?). Lol about Kendra. Perfect description.

Let me get the procedure straight - we keep having tribal councils, and losing people one at a time, until there's two left, when the last seven people to leave the island vote for which of the two wins?
Exactly! Basically at the tribal council before that one, the person who got IC votes off F3 and chooses who is in the final 2 with them. BTW: the person who loses the F2 gets $100,000.

You’re right about Tara’s unattractiveness re: F2. Thanks for everything.
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Re: Survivor - Ash Island

Postby tarawhipped » Thu May 19, 2005 6:53 pm

You know, the problem with coming late to the feedback party is that I'm sure everything I say has already been said before, and since you get so many long, well thought out responses, I'll be brief.

I really loved Willow in this episode...not that I haven't all along, but you really put her through the emotional ringer in this one and I want to give her a big hug. I can see why she's pissed at Buffy...to find out that your first ally kept a pretty damn big secret from you if harsh, but it is a game. I think any chance of Buffy keeping Willow on her side is out the window now, though.

The situation with Tara is tougher. I'm surprised Tara didn't let Willow in on the Buffy/Joyce thing, unless she assumed Willow already knew, and was keeping it from her. The really heartbreaking scene was Willow questioning Tara's relationship with Kent and wondering if Tara's been using Willow's attraction to her as a strategy. Makes me REALLY wonder what happened in the woods for an hour (maybe that scene will show up on the Survivor: Ash Island DVD---Uncut and Uncensored! :-D )

In true reality show fashion, the closer you get to the end, the more tense it gets. I haven't forgooten that "juror #5" comment...which would mean that someone else is next, then Willow. The obvious choice is Buffy, unless she wins immunity or does some MAJOR conniving to screw with aliances (and Robin didn't bite last time, so what could make him trade sides now?). I'm guessing it'll be Robin or Kendra. All along I've been going with the totally unfounded belief that Tara is in the final two (cause I just SO want her to win!), but any of the others would be fools to take her to the final two, so she would basically have to win the final immunity. And that wasn't as brief as I thought it would be but dammit, there's just so much fun stuff to talk about!

*perched precariously on the edge of my seat*
-Cam
"I hate fairies! They're like little slutty bug monsters!" -- Angela
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