I can't tell you how strange it felt to read this! (Which by the way, sorry I left half a year late..) I was a mixture of shock and hurt, since I play Layla. I couldn't help but reel back at Alain's thoughts and actions, and think "No! Oh my God no!" Hahaha!

But Trin you have the power to make people feel. You describe those feelings that I could never put words to, and you (well, nearly) turned me against my own character! I was tearing up by the end. Sweet lord.

Trin, wow.

Wow.

I feel as though any review I could possibly write would only seem insignificant in comparison to Sas's incredibly sincere review, but I feel as though I need to express my adoration of your ability with the written word, Trin.

Elinor's perspective is so wonderfully written, I feel as though I completely understood her and felt all the pain, joy, and dispair she felt. Every time Layla was mentioned, I would cringe a little, since Alain and Elinor's relationship is so pure. Layla seemed to only be a roadblock, like I wanted her gone just so Elinor and Alain could share their special moments together without interuption and fear of regret.

As Sas mentioned, I love your characterization of Meg. It's so perfect it made me laugh, especially the line, "she asks, in that no-nonsense manner Elinor thinks she probably developed when telling Dai Soo that he wasn't allowed to do that, acutally, so behave." Best line ever, since it's probably so very true. xD

The letters were also especially memorable. Jackie is her wonderful, bubbly self, Rox mangages as many arguements as possible still, Layla is so sweet and caring, and Meg tries to help in her own way as much as possible without disparaging her spirits further. And then, of course, Alain. He knows what to say even when it seems he is as confused and weary about the situation as Elinor is.

Trin, I am envious of your ability to make the reader FEEL. But then, I can only be thankful because I am blessed with the opportunity to read that marvelous writing that allows me to be completely consumed by a true work of art. Thank you.

WOW. Just wow.

I don't even know what to say.

Even before I started reading I opened up the review box just so you could get my reactions as I made them. That's love right there.

So right around the middle of the second line I choked out the words "Oh my god" around the lump in my throat, because I seriously needed this in my life this week and tonight and this month and this year.

TWENTY THREE POINTS D: OH ELINOR I'M SORRY D: It's cause everyone always joins in :( :( :( Oh jeez I'd forgotten he was five years older but I don't even care. This is really hitting close to home for me. Reminds me of a lot of crushes/little loves I've fallen into during my life.

Aww you kind of referenced my another lifetime chapter (or maybe just Year One, heh). I'm going to pretend you were just playing off of my ficlet. AND ALAIN TOTALLY THINKS ABOUT WHAT IF HE'D ENDED UP WITH ELINOR EVERY DAY TOO YOU KNOW. Clearly I must write Alain's perspective. It's the only way now.

Oh, Elinor's guilt. Jeez, Trin, did you secretly observe my life from a little corner of my mind for a year or so? Holy crap. Great imagery with tying her to a tree and leaving her to choke.

Elli's journal, small and plain! Perfect symbolism for her own thoughts on her self-worth. And something she actually wants to read! I haven't really thought ahead to what would become of all of them, but you're right, sensibly speaking she has to go back to Alfitaria. That's really sad, that they'd have all these journeys and adventures, and for what? To just go home one day and call it quits? To give up the life they've all lived and loved?

The list of all their moments! I am seriously getting really sentimental over this. If I'm crying by the end I'm blaming you but in the best way possible.

You're killing me here. That italicized "Stop it, Elinor" was just so stern and realistic and hurtful and perfect.

I did wonder if you would kill of Layla. I'm surprised you didn't, but it makes things so realistic. Our love rivals don't just conveniently step out of the way or disappear (not that Layla dying would be convenient, but you get what I mean).

Loved the bit about not believing in gods but believing in demons. Too true for all of our caravan. And "it's been a good year but she's still in love" you've just wrapped in my sentimental feelings about the year changing. Talk about knowing your audience and your timing.

One question: you used "fiancee" to describe Layla's relation to Alain earlier, but then just now said that they were engaged and that it was a secret. I'm assuming it was just a typo.

Oh, Elinor. My heart breaks for her. :( Special shared looks... I feel your pain! When she reads over the list and remembers how it felt to her. I'm without words right now. Forgive me.

"Elinor doesn't really like crying. She prefers to get angry;" my life right there.

Oh my god you killed Alain. I did NOT see that coming. Wait, he's alive. My face was like O_O for awhile.

OH MY GOD A KISS A KISS YOU DID YOU SO WROTE THAT OH MY GOD TRINITY I JUST ASDFGHHJLLJDHSKJL

Characterization of Meg is spot on! I love the reference to Dai and how he must have developed some latent parts of her personality. And you mentioned Esther, too! I'm so glad we made the Belstoners part of our weird little timeline. Thanks for letting all of us play with your characters; it was very generous of you.

I don't want Elli to leave, but I understand feeling that saying goodbye is the only way.

god fucking dammit Trinity that goodbye scene you stomped on my heart and this story isn't even about me. I'm so personally involved in this fic that it isn't even funny anymore. I started crying when Alain started trying to get her to talk because you can't really talk about that kind of pain. And I'm mad at Alain even though it wasn't his fault because what did he expect when he said those things but then again what could he have said? and I understand that too.

I love the letters. Thank you for putting Jackie's first. I needed a pick me up. LOL ROX. Oh Alain. Figure out your feelings, please, for everyone's sake and sanity.

All the things they never said stringing across the gap. Beautiful and sad.

And after all that, they still didn't end up together, but it seems like they all maybe found some measure of peace. I guess I'm glad? There was no way to end that with everyone happy. There never really is.

Trinity, this was a really, really beautiful story. It may not have been an epic romance, but it was genuine and heartfelt and I was deeply involved with it anyway. You are a fantastic writer and you portray difficult emotions in a tender and respectful way that holds every character accountable.

I know you wanted constructive criticism but I am hard pressed to give it. Alain and Elinor's reconciliation seemed a little rushed, but to be honest there is not a thing I would change besides plotting a way for them to end up together forever.

I want to reiterate the idea that I needed this in my life right now. Thank you, Trinity. If no one ever wrote me another story ever again in my entire life, I would still be pleased and deeply honored by this one.

I don't know what happened in your life that inspired this, but my sympathies and thoughts are with you.

To paraphrase Megan, you know that you can write to me about anything, don't you? The mailmoogle will find us wherever we are. It doesn't matter that you're far away (and we've never met in person), you're still my friend.

To sum up my thoughts: love sucks and you rock. Also this is probably most likely definitely the longest review I've ever left ever in the history of me reviewing.

Thank you, Trinity. It is beautiful.