Beautiful- I hope you continue to write mal and inara stories.

I loved this story! Thanks for sharing. The writing was very well done.

Oh, God, this fic is so jawdroppingly brilliant that it completely puts me to shame. Out of all the things you've ever EVER written (and I've read a lot of them!) this is without a doubt my favourite, and that is no small honour. Your use of language is so beautiful and perfect that it seems like you never waste a word. It could be poetry! I've always suspected it, but I now know for sure that you're going to be some kind of insanely revered author and I'm still going to be salivating over your works.

As usual, thank you for the dedication! (Hee, and my Serenity costume was too cool). Now - this fic itself! So perfect. SO PERFECT. I loved its non-linearity because that made it even more like thoughts and feelings as they're never linear. The semi-voice of Mal was spot on in terms of character, and you gave him that aching that is always below the surface with him. All the other characters were perfect too - loved Zoe's "he's dead sir" because she always does state the obvious and Jayne's follow up line was exactly what I was thinking. Ooh! Mal's affection for River and her "Captin Daddy" just melted my heart! That's the kind of relationship I'd like to read more of.

I don't know how I can properly express the beauty of your use of language! It was most evident in all your descriptions of Inara, and that makes sense, doesn't it? Her being the sublime creature she is. This was a particularly gorgeous bit "The woman said that, not the Companion. The flesh and fluid said that, up under all the kohl and spice and silk and training." I loved the connection between Mal and Inara, and the way he was so worried about her. Ooh, this line was great '"Oh, Mal," she said, fully naked though she still wore her verdant sari, and gasped for a few deep breaths before shuddering into silent appreciation of his warm nearness.' Okay - the whole thing was great.

I'd better stop now because I'm just gushing, but you have no idea how much I adored this fic. It's going on my favourites list IMMEDIATELY and I'll be reading the accompanying essay, thank you very much (also, I'll reply to your email first thing tomorrow morning. Need my sleep now!). This story has me in AWE!

Brilliant just brilliant. Please send me a copy of the essay at I echo all of Agent Rouka's praise. This is hands down one of the best firefly pieces that I've ever read.

This was just gorgeous. Sweet and romantic and sad, and yet hopeful at the same time.

So beautifully written. I can feel what Mal and Inara are feeling. I hope there is more to come...I'm a hopeless romantic and want everyone to be happy.

I loved this. I have never read a Firefly fic before that weaved Eastern culture into Mal's thought process so naturally. Poetry and mythology and all these things that obviously should inform his mind, considering the mix of cultures in the Firefly universe.

And that's not even touching the tense situation and the heart-breaking look at the crew post-disaster. Zoe, in particular. Mal and Inara... you really know how to let these two bring out the best in each other, give them the right words. It's beautiful!

I have to say, I'd be curious to read the essay!

(Also, I do hope there's more of your FF fic coming up in the future!)