I love the idea of Richard and the Marquis being friends and compatriots beyond the novel, and this touching story sort of echoes that for me. Even without Door, they make an awesome team, and I think that Richard is exactly the sort of person the Marquis needs. Richard doesn't do "favors" and he's such a *good* person, that he won't betray the marquis or insist on being repayed later. He is, simply, a friend, which I think for the marquis is sort of a novel concept (which, I believe, is good for him).

Anyway, thanks for the marvelous fic, I really enjoyed it. :)

Good one-shot.

Aww that was really good. Is there any more to this?

This was a wonderful story, though you might want to get it beta'd for run on sentences. It was very well written and very original. I was hoping it wouldn't end so soon. Are you planning on leaving this as a one shot? Anyway, great work.

It's really nice. I did wonder about the open ending and why it was the Marquis who got Richard back to the Underground. It was what I had hoped to read about these two characters after finishing the book. I hope you write more.

wonderful story! any chance at another chappie? i have arts i can tempt you with pryanima.

Lovely. 3 *adds to favorites~*

First off, I have to say that reading this one-shot was thrilling. It was like reading something Neil Gaiman himself had written (so alike and so continuous are both the writing styles). Furthermore, it was like reading something Gaiman had written after he had made a resolution to focus on character, depth, and interrelationships. From reading the words in here, it was apparent that both the main characters were well-loved and more importantly, well-understood.

Another characteristic of the story that was nicely executed were the references to mythology, lore, fairy tale, and the more fantastical facets of reality. The Puss In Boots allusion was very cleverly woven into the fabric of this short. The veil and sight concepts were just as keenly intelligent. As in the strange, quirky manner befitting London Below, the original ideas were integrated into this short story with grace and great writing. Truly commendable.

Going back to a point made before - the interrelationship manipulation was amazing. Throughout the entirety of the one-shot, I never doubted that they were in character. They say that penning fanfiction is easier because all the foundations are already there; I disagree. It is much harder to write worthy fanfiction, because with all the foundations already established, it is expected that a fanfic author should stick to them. This is a prime example of faithfully reiterating the canonical aspects of a book. Instead of making de Carabas or Richard horribly out of character, the circumstances so thoughtfully written out in this story give us a glimpse into what they are thinking. The introspection was astoundingly true and clear.

Even better was the fluency that took us from the beginning of this story to the end. The ending was this sort of climax of comprehension. It was so legible, the process that took the reader from point A to B, from start to finish, that without one break in character, it was easy to see how they had ended up there. It is unimportant, in my opinion, to wonder whether this story is slash. The theme of loneliness that is ultimately resolved was enough. The beauty of the clarity was more than enough.

I think I would be a blessed individual if found that all Neverwhere fiction was as high in quality as 'Alwayshere.' (I love the title, by the way.) Kudos for writing such an articulate one-shot, Vara. Hugs. You deserve it. :)

*squeaks and rubs at whiskers in excitement* This is, is, is fantastic! I - I think that the marquis is exactly how he should be, this story is, well, just, fantastic! Good job.

That was excellent. Sweet while keeping the Marquis entireliy in character.

I

My god, I love it! You should write a sequel. There are a few grammatical errors, but nothing too serious. You need to write more!

Vara, you posted! Well done. I love your writing. I can't say more, because I really do want to finish Neverwhere before I do. Much more helpful for both of us, and my reviews will be more insightful. But you have already amused me with some of the lines in this, which I need after finishing Half Blood Prince.

Very interesting! The background of Rhiannon and the horse symbolism was nicely done. You did a fairly Gaiman-ish job of atmosphere (the painting, the Celtic knotwork) and tone. Both characters were believable compared to the original canon, and I liked the idea of Door trading her interest in Richard to the Marquis.

Of course, that leads to still more questions, such as what's going to happen when she runs into them later? How much of a choice does Richard have in the matter? *Not* that I think R.'s foolish enough to run out on the Marquis in terra incognita, but there are slashy undertones here, and there's been nothing to suggest that R. leans that way.

I sincerely hope there will be more?