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Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Jul 2015 2:40 AM Title: Chapter 46 Life

Stefan really lucked out that day he didn't give in to the call of Summer's blood! Definitely the best thing he ever did, just look at all the riches it brought him! You did another dandy story here and again I thank you. Looking forward to Crimson Rose and Dragons both!



Author's Response:

Again, sorry for the late response.  I've been so wrapped up in writing my own stories, I just sort of abandoned this site.  I forgot how much I appreciated the feedback of regular readers.  I have got to get my stories edited and put them out there.

I'm glad you liked this story.  There was so much original content, I wasn't sure if anyone would read it.  In this one I had to depart from canon in how the characters looked.  I couldn't keep them as the old, creepy vampires.  Thanks for reading to the end!   

 

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 Jul 2015 12:23 AM Title: Chapter 45 Family

How nice that her optimism has survived all this time, along with the realization of the value in this existence she spurned for so long. Summer is one fortunate, grateful woman. I really don't mind one bit that you wrapped up all these lovely loose threads, this has been a great read!



Author's Response:

How did I let a year go by without responding to this?  Okay, so I moved, that's no excuse.  Thanks for reviewing, and I'm sorry this one took so long to get a response.  I've been working on my own original stories lately, and barely check in here.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 06 Jul 2015 8:25 PM Title: Chapter 44 Twin

Tristan's gift must wear him out emotionally, at times. Taking on all of Jasper's pain would be nearly crippling, I imagine. It took something God awful, Tessa's horrifying injuries, to lay to rest the hatred Stefan felt for Jane, and it's great it happened. Reading what Tristan learned of Jane and Alec's past was pretty sickening, and explained so much of why she has been this way for so very long. Not a big surprise why Tristan loves her, either. Thanks for the long replies to my ramblings, it's fun to explore these characters, with your thoughts as guidelines. It was so logical that Aro and Alice were soulmates. I just never thought of it until you pointed it out. I'm also real glad you had a love for Jasper, kind of compensation, or consolation, you know what I mean! See you next time!



Author's Response:

I figured the twins had serious gifts, and Tessa might seem to be more powerful.  But Tristan's is the more magical gift.  Someone who can fix what's broken....that would be an a mazing talent.  Part of his nature is to be optimistic and up-beat, so he's able to get people through whatever pain and damage they've suffered.  

A lot of the "tied with a bow" endings in this story serve as a reminder to me that I need to leave it a bit messy if I want realism.  But since this was only my second fan fiction, I cleaned up everything and tied up all loose ends.  I don't mind violins at the end,, but this is a bit like being hit upside the head with the whole orchestra!  

As to the rambling replies, no one rambles more than I do!  I've had fun corresponding to other writers when I reviewed their stories, and I've really appreciated when readers take the time to let me know what they did or didn't like in mine.  I've treasured some of the things readers shared with me when something in a story made them think, helped them cope, or helped them see things in a different way.  Some of the letters I get are a powerful reminder, that even though this is fiction, it can still affect someone deeply and personally.  On one story, I heard from a rape survivor who knew what a character was going through, and said I spoke her words for her.  

I'm convinced my stories reach readers I'd love to know in real life.  They're mature, thinking, discerning people who aren't looking for a cute pairing or a string of sex scenes.  They appreciate the details I love to write, and they aren't afraid to try something that's not wildly popular.  They don't judge a book by its cover, and they don't leap onto the bandwagon.  They're rare gems.  So, thanks for being one of them!   

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 04 Jul 2015 7:59 PM Title: Chapter 43 End Game

What a surprise, about Alice, Aro and Jasper! No wonder she never wanted to be in Volterra! I hope Tessa gets her heart's desire and Tristan squares away Jane. Mostly I hope humans never wage war on supernatural beings! Reading about the torture of Nina was just flat sickening! Kind of enough to make a person ashamed of being human, as a matter of fact! Looking forward eagerly to the next couple of chapters, just not the end of this story.



Author's Response:

I took a few threads from this story when I wrote Cold, Fragile Hearts.  I don't mind how Aro was cast for the movies, but in the books I imagined he was younger and better looking.  His grace and wild enthusiasm always made me think of Alice.  His gift and hers feel like two halves of a whole: He can read everything in someone's past,and she can see their future.  I just think they'd be a powerful couple.  Throw in Alice's love of fashion, and lving in Italy would be like an extended vacation.  

Thie idea of a vampire/human war comes from all the aspects of Meyer vampires.  They're tougher than any other vamp--so tough they can only be killed by their own kind.  They can't let a victim live after being bitten, or they change--which borrows from the werewolf myth.  They go into a feeding frenzy in the presence of blood--making "accidents" very likely.  And they don't have the usual sunlight restrictions.  Add in the tell-tale sparkle and their supernatural gifts, and keeping the secret would probably be nearly impossible.  Considering how often they need to feed, each vampire would be a serial killer worse than Gacy, Bundy, and Ridgeway combined--times 100.  It doesn't take many murders to set a community on edge.  Victoria's preparations for war in Seattle would have had that city up in arms when its teenagers started disappearing and turning up as ashes.  

Then there's the idea that humans can't kill them.  I'm pretty sure if we can level cities, vampires wouldn't be that tough to kill.  Lasers can cut stone, and even diamonds can be fine-cut.  Add in human failings like plain stupidity and holding on to human thoughts and ideals, and I believe they could be captured and killed.  As far as the torture of Nina, people have proved throughout history that once a person's human dignity is removed, they can be tortured and killed without conscience.  Humans had the inquisition, burned people at the stake, killed first-born babies in Biblical times, starved and killed people during medieval wars, and perpetrated the horrors of the holocaust.  Add in the genocide of Rwanda, along with the maiming of children in war-torn countries, and what happened to Nina sounds all too typical.  

Thanks so much for reading and faithfully reviewing.  If I ever figure out this publishing thing, I owe you free copies of my original novels.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: 02 Jul 2015 7:23 PM Title: Chapter 42 Big Sky Country

Are you kidding me? This could go on and on as far as I'm concerned! Vladimir thinks there's no such thing as HEA, but this life in Montana and California sure sounds close! I love the gifts the twins are blessed with, able to heal both body and spirit! I'm happy you finally have another reviewer and agree wholeheartedly with you about critics, to heck with them, what do they know? So, only four more chapters? Anything else in the fanfic pipeline?(hint, hint!) See you next time.



Author's Response:

Vladmir is afraid to hope.  He's old and jaded, and he's seen it all fall apart before.  Chapter 43 is a doozie.  I just couldn't leave canon alone, but at least I waited until the epilogue before I tinkered with it.  

As far as reviewers, I didn't have many the first time I posted this on another site.  Minor characters don't attract much attention.  But here I felt like I had more opportunity to be creative and tell a different story.  When I first started writing, I worried that I had fewer reviewers than many others.  It really bothered me when I saw that many stories with loads of reviews, weren't very good, and many were crap.  But this has been a learning experience, especially in the Twilight fandom.  When writing romance, much of the story happens between the readers' ears, rather than on the page.  These well-reviewed writers often planted a seed in the minds of their readers, and what grew came from the readers own imagination, not the writing.  I've seen this myself, when readers react in puzzling ways to situations and characters I envisioned and wrote a completely different way.  

So, I had to get used to the idea that my stories weren't seeds watered by the readers imagination.  I like to take the road less traveled, and give new twists to the canon story.  I like to cultivate and prune, and shape my story, and it often looks much different from what a reader expects.  To get a large following, it's best not to mess with reader expectations.  I also write LONG stories, and many readers don't want to stick with it.  Even I don't when it comes to reading my own work, and I tend to edit as I reread.  My tendency is to put in everything I can think of, whether it moves the story or not.  I need a chansaw for cutting, rather than a scalpel.  

Over the years, I've found that the big numbers of reviews didn't matter.  I don't change my story to suit my readers, and many don't say much to tell me what they really thought of the writing.  I'm a much worse critic than most of my readers.  I like when people read what I write--love it.  Those numbers are good enough for me, since it lets me know they're still there, chapter after chapter.  The most enjoyable part of reviews for me, is getting to know my readers.  I learn the demographics of who reads my work, and what kind of people are attracted to my stories.  That has helped me narrow my focus, and stop worrying about pleasing everybody.  

As to what's coming down the pipe:  I've still got Crimson Rose to finish.  And after this one wraps up I'm bringing over Dragons at Twilight, a fantasy novel with the familiar characters....sort of.  I've got one wicked little PWP I'm still not sure I want to publish, because it's very sexually explicit, and a bit deviant.  I wrote it just to prove I could.  I'm in the midst of writing or editing three original novels I hope to publish, so when I'm finished with the fan fiction, I'll probably concentrate on these.  Thanks for reading and being a constant reviewer.   

Reviewer: rodeinti Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: 30 Jun 2015 7:56 PM Title: Chapter 41 Homecoming

Thank you for the update.....Summer didn't realize her children bit her....I like that the chidren prefer food...maybe that is from Summer since she was dead set on eating meat of any kind...I wonder where they will live....Why did Summer think Rose would take her baby...Carlisle would never let that happen with the parents alive or around...lol



Author's Response:

Summer didn't come conscious when she was bitten; I imagine the little guy tore open a vital blood vessel in his zeal.  It sort of bugs me that Nessie likes her food warm and raw instead of cooked.  Maybe Meyer was trying to point out the predatory nature of her vampires.  Summer doesn't have a predatory bone in her body, even after the change.  Her kids are a lot like her in that regard.  

Summer thought Rose would want her baby, because Rosalie favored Tristan a lot.  She mentioned how he looked like her friend Vera's baby, and how she loved his dark curls.  In the books Emmett had those same curls.  Motherhood is one thing denied to most vampire women, and she imagined having a child like Tristan.  Add in Summer's post-partum hormones, and she might believe Rose capable of stealing her baby.  Carlisle wouldn't allow it, but Summer has also seen vampires at their worst in Volterra.  She also knows that the Volturi nearly went to war over Nessie.  

Thanks for the review.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 30 Jun 2015 6:20 PM Title: Chapter 41 Homecoming

What a wonderful imagination you have! To resolve the seemingly hopeless situation as you did is just amazing! It's downright perfect, as a matter of fact! I'm glad Summer found a way to feed that makes her happy and Stefan able to sleep and dream, the twins are doing great, Vladimir is reassured  they want him, and it looks like things are finally going to work out for them! Loved it!



Author's Response:

My imagination gets me into trouble sometimes.  The only way I can write conflicts, is to know how they might resolve before I start.  In this case, if I were a critic, I'd say it was too perfect.  Life never works out that way.  But this is a romantic fiction, so nya-nya to the critics.  After all these guys went through, a little HEA is in order.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 29 Jun 2015 2:05 AM Title: Chapter 40 Monster

Okay, I'm officially ticked at Summer! She is so lost in her smug stubborn surety that she can't remember who bit her first, not her beloved husband but her adored son! Makes me sad to think she's throwing this gift back in his face! Now she never has to die or lose her children or Stefan and Vladimir. How can that be a bad thing?



Author's Response:

Summer decided a long time ago that she didn't want to change, and she's so invested in the decision she can't see that it fixes all her problems.  All she can see is what she's losing.  As to who bit her, she was asleep when the baby bit her, and she didn't wake up to see he was the one.  She saw Stefan covered in her blood--not because he's a messy eater, but because Trisan is.  She knows Stefan almost killed her.  If Vladmir hadn't been there to stop him, he would have finished her off--just like Tessa.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 26 Jun 2015 10:02 PM Title: Chapter 39 Life and Death

If this is to be their end, I'm going to be angry at Summer, for not realizing her son was the one to initiate her change! She is being rather unreasonable, which I suppose is partly due to being a newborn and partly to her own stubborness! I hope this turns out better than I'm afraid it will!



Author's Response:

I just want to say here, Trust Me.  I read and enjoyed George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones book series recently.  I love the way he weaves his story, and how nothing is off limits. It works really well for a fantasy type setting and story.  But I think in a romance novel, there are some things off limits.  Killing off a primary character would be one of those.  Now I can imagine doing just that, and did so in Cold Fragile Hearts, but I believe there needs to be a bit of trust in a romance.  A reader needs to trust that eventually everything is going to work out, and be able to leave it in the writer's hands.  Martin never inspired that kind of trust.  It makes it fun to read his books, since you never know what he's going to do next.  But it makes it nearly impossible to get invested in his characters--they're just window dressing for his plot.  

The story is getting close to its end and 46 is the last chapter of the way too lengthy epilogue.   

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 25 Jun 2015 12:03 AM Title: Chapter 38 Incubate

Could there possibly be a good outcome to this pregnancy, one that will turn Summer through her children? If that happens, even she will have to admit it was meant to be! That broken rib healing so fast, and Jasper, Nessie and Edward able to sense and interact with the twins, sure makes me think along those lines! Vladimir's breakdown blew me away! I had now idea he was so invested in this relationship, that he would go so far!



Author's Response:

I wrote this story before I wrote May December and Cold Fragile Hearts.  Some of the ideas I used in those stories came from this one, so it's sure to feel a bit like deja' vu.  I know Meyer used Bella's pregnancy and delivery as a plot device to get Edward to change her, and it has always bothered me that such smart people couldn't come up with a better plan.  At least here, Carlisle advised them on birth control, and knew they were fertile.  Because Stefan suggested it before, he looked into the idea of delivering a baby early, and using lasers.  

Vladmir is very invested in this relationship.  He and Stefan were stagnating without her, and he was at the point where he fed from drunks and drug addicts, just for the momentary thrill of getting high from their blood.  Even though they were friends and brothers, they were drifting apart, because Stefan refused to step into the 21st century.  Summer brought about a much needed change, and gave him back his friend.  To Vladmir she is everything a woman should be, and he is attracted to her himself.  He would never take her from Stefan, so he has put her in the role of sister and friend--but he loves her more than that.  He also knows if she dies, Stefan will follow her, and he'll lose them both.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 22 Jun 2015 7:27 PM Title: Chapter 37 Diagnosis

Summer's attitude towards this amazing situation is probably shaped by her youth, but she better adjust her thinking about this child! Why on earth would she want to die and leave her husband and her baby? I guess I'm too old and too stupid to get it! Stefan and Summer are bringing back memories for Bella and Edward they probably would just as soon forget! Thank heaven for Carlisle and the rest, their help will be invaluable.



Author's Response:

I'm with you whyen it comes to dying if you have other options.  Her youth makes her believe things are going to work out, even when everything else says different.  There's a feeling of unworthiness in her when it comes to taking life to sustain her own.  She believes Stefan and Vladmir are worthy, and so is her child, but she doesn't think she is.  In the back of her mind she's thinking that if her mom and dad weren't given this chance, then she shouldn't take it either.  There's also a desire to follow the natural order here, of living and dying.  She also worries that the things Stefan loves about her will disappear if she's changed.  There are people who have beliefs forbidding medical intervention.  This sort of thing baffles me, and it's hard to understand why they would let themselves suffer and die if it isn't necessary.  I think in Summer's case, she's become so used to fighting and denying, it's more about being stubborn than really thinking it through.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Jun 2015 10:02 PM Title: Chapter 36 The Honeymoon's Over

I was afraid this would be the way it would go, with Summer's disease. Looks like she can't get a break from this awful thing happening to her! Stefan is going to be beside himself! God, I wish she had let Vladimir just change her!



Author's Response:

One of the worst things about this story, is how it seems to mirror the original.  What Meyer took four books to do, I've crammed into one, and it does seem like these two can't catch a break.  It's funny how I started this story to be all about Stefan, and I'd left Vladmir out of it--mostly because I don't like the name, and how it conjures immages of old Dracula movies for me.  But as soon as he popped in, he started to have an influence on the story that would have been missed without him.  He would change Summer in a heartbeat, even if she didn't want it.  He's more afraid of making Stefan mad at him, than he is of doing something against her wishes.  Vladmir and Stefan have both come from a time when women were treated as children, or property.  They love her, but even though Stefan is starting to see her as an equal, Vladmir isn't there yet.  

I know it's been a while since I've posted a chapter to Crimson Rose, but I am working on it.  I hit a snag and didn't know where it was going, but I've got it figured now.  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.  

Reviewer: rodeinti Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: 19 Jun 2015 5:22 PM Title: Chapter 35 The Beginning

thank you for the updates....I'm really enjoying this story...I wonder will summer chanhe her mind...lets hope she doesn't get sick before they decide if she will be chaged or not..I wonder if she is all ready sick and they change her will she be sick as a vampire? stuck I mean....well done GREAT STORY!!!



Author's Response:

Hello new reviewer!  Thanks for your kind words and the sweet rating.  There is still a lot of story ahead, and your questions will all be answered. I've jumped ahead to edit the coming chapters, and even though I wrote this years ago, it's still a good read.  The only thing I'll say is, I'm not afraid to play rough with the characters, but I'm a sucker for a happy ending.  Thanks for your review.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 19 Jun 2015 3:21 AM Title: Chapter 35 The Beginning

Wonderful honeymoon, from the sound of it. Reading how much and how deeply Stefan loves his Summer kinf of pinches my heart. He is going to be so devestated when she dies, and probably Vladimir also. Talk about a catch 22!



Author's Response:

Summer is making a choice most of us wouldn't make--to stay human when offered immortality.  It would be even harder to give up that gift, if it meant leaving behind someone you loved so deeply.  In May December Divide, Bella changed her mined, because she thought about Edward being alone for eternity.  Summer doesn't see it that way.  She's pretty certain it would change who she is.  She's still young enough, she doesn't realize she's already changed who Stefan is.  Even though she loves and accepts Stefan, she's got a lot of Edward's belief, that they are monsters.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 16 Jun 2015 7:49 PM Title: Chapter 34 Broken Bonds

Shame on me forgetting about Summer's empathy and caring! Amazingly enough to save her until Stefan got there to rescue her! I even hope Marcus is going to have a better attitude now that all that guilt is gone. I also want Stefan and Summer to have a wonderful honeymoon!



Author's Response:

It's so close to Mary Sue that Summer is so unusual.  She's beautiful, has a tragic back-story, has a "magic" power, and then there's that empathy that seems to work miracles with hurting vampires.  And she's like catnip to vampires.  All I'd have to do is give her sparkling purple eyes, and she'd break the meter.  They say a Mary Sue is a character the author loves, or lives through.  I'd really hate to think I could torture the ones I love like I've tortured this girl.  And as far as living through her, to be honest, I tried to make her very different from me.  I just used most of the "California girl" stereotypes, and she came to mind.  The empathy stands out most, even more than her attraction lure.  That's something she learned from losing her mother, and taking care of her father.  She can identify with the kind of loss vampires go through.  The magnetism is part of that too.  I remember seeing a video of Marilyn Monroe doing an interview.  She claimed she coould turn her "star power" on and off.  To demonstrate she walked through a busy area with the reporter, and everyone ignored them.  Then she turned on her star power, which was in how she walked and carried herself, and people flocked around them.

Marcus was living a bit of revisionist history.  He'd fooled around on his wife, but when she died, he threw himself into mourning her, mostly because of his guilt.  Chelsea had to set him straight.  As to the honeymoon, I think you'll be pleased.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Jun 2015 6:34 AM Title: Chapter 33 Dum Dum Da Dumb

Just when I began to think they might have thwarted Aro's machinations, this happens! Damn Marcus to Hell! Please let Stefan arrive in time to save Summer, no matter in what form!



Author's Response:

This story suffered a bit because of the serial format.  Every week I had to interest readers anew with some bit of excitement or drama.  I've tried to get rid of the cliffhangers, but there's still a lot of that 'here we go again' feeling.  The Volturi are such convenient bad guys.  Meyer wrote them with enough nastiness and detachment, they fit into almost any plot.   

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 12 Jun 2015 10:50 PM Title: Chapter 32 Hunger

Well, well, it's about damn time Aro got the picture! I'll admit to a chill when Caius grabbed Summer and nearly had her for lunch! The party with  Summers guests was so very cruel of Aro, but at least he respects the bond between Stefan and his human love! Her gift of enough blood to get him on his feet to hunt was only what I would expect from Summer. The wedding ought to be real interesting!



Author's Response:

Aro is a devious little weasel who looks out for munber one.  He does believe Stefan and Summer love each other, but now he has to figure a way to make that work for him.  Letting Summer give Stefan her blood was a calculated move to make it eaven harder for Stefan to resist turning her.  All he needs is one tiny accident, and Summer becomes another vampire he might collect. Caius has no regard whatsoever for humans, and he easily would have finished Summer.  He probably could have figured some obscure point of law that would let him get away with it, too.  And still these two are not the most dangerous to her.  Stefan's bloody history is splashing all over Summer.  Thanks again for reading and reviewing!  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Jun 2015 9:59 PM Title: Chapter 31 Machinations

Too bad someone doesn't tear Caius to bits and burn the bits! This is going to be a couple weeks of Hell, for Stefan and Summer. I hate the deal with Aro almost as much as Stefan , because I don't trust the son-of-a-bitch any more than he does! I will be keeping my fingers crossed that this turns out better than it probably will!



Author's Response:

It always surprises me to see fan fiction featuring Caius, but I guess that's because the actor is young, blond and cute.  Nothing cute about this old leech as he's written.  He's more than physically cold; it goes all the way through.  Then add in Aro, and you get a double dose of conniving evil.  Aro is not trustworthy, which Stefan and Summer both understand.  I've mentioned before, that I actually like Aro.  He's a weasel, but he's a lot of fun.  He's also smart, which is the scary part.  Keep those fingers crossed.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 10 Jun 2015 10:17 AM Title: Chapter 30 Secrets

My, my, didn't see that one coming! Seems you really have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat! It makes a lot of sense, now that Aro has explained it all! Here's hoping that the conflict Aro speaks of is a very long time coming! It looks like Summer gets to wear that beautiful dress after all. I wonder who all is invited to the wedding?



Author's Response:

Aro is such a conniving character, and everything at Volterra is a game or a power play.  He has such a love of collecting powers, he's dying to see what happens to Summer if she's changed.  After seeing how powerful Bella turned out to be, Summer's gift is one he wants to collect.  

The idea of a vampire/human war is one that never touched Twilight, but I always imagine it would have to come to that eventually, unless they put strict limits on new creations.  If every vampire made just two others, soon the world would be overcome with vampires.  There's still a lot of story ahead; this one twists almost as much as the original.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Jun 2015 7:59 PM Title: Chapter 29 You Can't Go Home

I had my fingers crossed all the way through this chapter, hoping Vladimir's ploy would work to save them! It appears to have reached critical mass, between Summer's gift and Vladimir's resistance! I'm hoping there is still a way for the three of them to escape unscathed!



Author's Response:

Oops, missed one.  Vladmir has a few reasons to make them believe he and Summer are a couple.  He feels Stefan can't protect her as well as he could.  And he also wants to make Sulpicia jealous.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Jun 2015 10:57 PM Title: Chapter 28 Sailing

Wonderful chapter! I kind of wish they could keep sailing around the world, singing and sightseeing and eating, each in their own way! I'm curious now, if Summer is having her convictions somewhat altered! Vladimir makes a powerful case, I think, for his way of feeding.



Author's Response:

Summer can forgive Stefan and Vladmir for feeding this way.  But she still doesn't see it as something she could do herself.  She sees it as playing God, and she doesn't want to take the responsibility for someone else's life or death.  Her first real image of Stefan was when he killed Lucian, and she is afraid of becoming like that.  She's woried not only about the lives taken, but those left behind.  She was left behind by everyone she loves, and she doesn't want to do that to anyone else.  That Vladmir chose a fading, abandoned women to take, proves he knows her well.  This confronts her biggest fear of dying alone, and being forgotten.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 03 Jun 2015 4:33 PM Title: Chapter 27 Problem Solved

I'm only sorry it took us so long to meet Vladimir, he's a fascinating character! The way he treated his last meal before leaving on the boat was kind of touching! To clean him up, feed him and see to his comfort with wine, was so different to our view of vampires! The true, deep friendship between Vladimir and Stefan is so nice to read about, probably because it's so unexpected! The voyage the trio is setting out upon should be really interesting!



Author's Response:

I've read a few Stefan/Vladmir stories, and it seems most writers want to write them as a gay couple.  I prefer a solid friendship myself.  I see Vladmir as the one who started many of the vampire legends.  With his ability in this story, he would be able to make up all kinds of legends, like vampires burning up in the sun, turning into bats, or commanding wolves.  Perhaps this is why Twilight Vamps seem more unrealistic--Vladmir has been spreading false tales?  I like the idea that vampires don't always have to be monsters tearing into their prey.  Vladmir has come full circle, and now appreciates humanity, even though he feeds from them.  Stefan too tries to respect human life.  Summer is only beginning to see their character.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Jun 2015 9:17 PM Title: Chapter 26 Many Happy Returns

I had a funny feeling Vladimir would show up when Stefan was gone from the house, and sure enough! It was a pretty close thing, until Stefan and Summer both convinced him to let them be. This is going to be quite the trio about town! I understand the concerns over the Volturi, but what they can do to avoid their wrath, I'm not sure! Seems like Vladimir is still convinced that with the Cullen's help, the Volturi can be brought down!



Author's Response:

Stefan likes to take care of things while she sleeps, so he can spend more time with her while she's awake.  It also keeps him from watching her and thinking about all the not so nice things he wants to do to her.  Vladmir came home early, because he was worried about his friend's online activity.  Only in fiction would he choose that very inopportune tie to pop in.  Vladmir and Stefan are both very wary of the Volturi, and living in Europe it would be too easy for the Vultures to come for them.  They don't really care about their laws, but it's even more important that they keep them, since they've got two strikes against them.  

You mentioned my reviews a few days ago, and I forgot to answer.  I guess I've become used to the lack of reviewers over the years.  I'm glad you review, since it reassures me the stories are not falling into the void.  But since Twilight is over, and the bandwagon is emptying, I don't expect it to change.  I've been blessed to have some awesome readers, and when they review it's been like sharig a connection--a love of a good story.  The readers have helped me become a better writer.  Some have pointed out mistakes and continuity errors, and I really appreciate that.  Others have gushed and tried to interject their ideas into the story.  These tell me it works - when someone can get so wrapped up in a story like that is high praise.  Others have been more personal, and friendly, making me feel like part of a writer's circle or like I had friends out there.  It's all been wonderful.  

I still plan on finishing the stories I have on here, as well as adding a couple more.  It's nice to have a ready audience who knows where I'm coming from.  But I'm also in the middle of writing some of my original novels, and I'm excited about that.  The lack of reviews is a reminder that it's time to move on, and stand on my own feet.  

Thanks so much for your faithfulness; I don't take it lightly.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 30 May 2015 6:52 AM Title: Chapter 25 Love Languages

The more I learn about Summer, the more impressed I am, the girl definitely has her head scewed on straight! I love that she called out Stefan on his fear, that love is so dangerous it must be avoided. At first glance, you see the gulf between them, but the more time they spend together, the more equal they seem!



Author's Response:

Summer was a tough character for me to write.  In some ways, she's weak and stereotypically female in her behavior.  I like strong women who take charge of their own lives, and don't rely on men, yet she set aside a lot for the love of her man.  I'm pretty sure Stefan was so far gone anyone who fought for their independence would have lost him.  He needed her softness, and her ability to see beyond his outdated, old-fashioned ideas.  He needed compassion, and she had it to give.  She's still strong enough to challenge him when necessary, now that she's not afraid he's going to kill her.  It's a tough balance.  

The more time they spend together, the more they change one another.  She's getting to him more than he knows.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 26 May 2015 6:15 PM Title: Chapter 24 Building an Empire

That was amazing! A fascinating, terrible story! Now I understand the depth of the hatred between Stefan, Vladimir and the Volturi! This bond between Stefan and Summer is such a puzzle, she can't stand what he does, and yet loves him beyond reason! You write the most interesting stuff!



Author's Response:

I forgot to warn that I take a lot of creative license with some aspects of the Volturi story.  Meyer has said that it was Aro who killed his sister, but I didn't know that when I wrote this.  I've also played with some of the relationships in this one too.  Having Sulpicia with Vladmir first goes against the whole One True Love theme of Twilight, but I figure with Chelsea all things are possible, and it really made Vladmir hate them.  He still feels that connection, even if she doesn't.  

Summer is still getting used to what Stefan is, and all the death at his hands.  She loves him, but she wants to turn a blind eye to his darker nature.  

Thanks for the compliment.  I love to write unusual stories, and think of ways to make the impossible possible.  Turning one of the ancient, nasty vampires into a romantic lead was a challenge I enjoyed.  I like watching characters grow and change in stories.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 24 May 2015 11:16 PM Title: Chapter 23 What is Happiness?

That was such a heartbreaking story, about Cecilia and Daniel! I guess if you live the better part of two thousand years, there are bound to be stories like that sprinkled through the centuries! Stefan is taking to the computer and internet like crazy. Summer is a good teacher. I wonder how long this idyllic time will last for them? Maybe long enough for him to find happiness again?



Author's Response:

This is one of those reasons being a vampire isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Just knowing you'll get to watch everyone you know and love pass away would be hard to take.  Then add in the violence that comes with it, and I'm sure it wouldn't be a peaceful existence.  I might appreciate lasting youth and beauty up to the point where my natural lifesapan ends, but I don't think murder would be a good trade-off to get that.  There are those who would disagree.  

Stefan has an advantage most old people don't have when it comes to learning the computer.  He's got much better than average memory.  I wish I had that gift.  As it was, I was hoping I haven't dated the story too much, because technology changes so fast.  I had the DVD and flat screen TV in there, but now almost all TVs are flat screen, and DVDs are now blue ray.  I didn't even mention the latest i-gadget or phone.   

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 23 May 2015 3:24 AM Title: Chapter 22 Update

That went so much better than it might have! I bet Stefan is rather proud of himself! That look of wonder on his face shows how much he cares for his little mouse. Their shopping trip was a lot of fun, and I loved when Summer subtly got even with that snotty salesman! I really think these two are good for each other, however long they have together. I feel bad that I'm the only one leaving reviews!



Author's Response:

Every time I write a "lemon" I worry about how it reads or how it fits with the story.  When I originally wrote this, it was T rated, and I barely mentioned their intimacy.  That didn't feel right, so I changed the rating to M and wrote out the scene.  Then when I moved it to this site, I rated it MA since any sexuality has to be adults only--whether I agree or not.  So, to make sure it deserved the rating, I beefed up the intimacy.  I actually like writing a more detailed love scene, since it makes it more realistic, than summing it up.  It helped that Stefan wasn't a novice, and that he had enough control after so many years.  

The shopping was fun to write, but I'm always guessing when it comes to writing shopping in other countries.  Research only goes so far.  Romania is one of the poorer European countries, but I'm assuming there are still retailers out to make money, and snotty salesmen.  Thanks again for the review.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 May 2015 8:58 PM Title: Chapter 21 Aftermath

Bless you for finding a way for them to be together, at least for the time being! Now the fun begins, as Summer instructs Stefan how to appear a part of the twentyfirst century. It should be even more interesting to watch as he educates her about history. God knows he's lived through enough of it! It's going to be tricky to keep her, and himself safe while doing so! Since I would totally be asking for immortality in her circumstances, Huntingtons looming in the future and all, it's a little difficult to sympathize with Summer's thinking, but I will give it my best shot! Kind of looking forward to when Vladimir comes home!



Author's Response:

Sometimes the most unlikely of people make the best couples.  Stefan has all the bad behaviors of the men she's dated, but it doesn't offend her, since she knows how bad he could really be.  She reminds him what it was like when he was an idealistic young man.  They've both got a long way to go, and a lot to learn about each other.  As far as being safe, that's another issue.  They're very close to the Volturi, being in Europe, and those vampires don't have any love for Stefan.  Then there's her disease....  She doesn't want to die, but she's made peace with it.  She's been a vegetarian a lot of years, and she decided she doesn't want to be responsible for any death, even animals.  Most people never have their convictions tested like this  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 18 May 2015 11:49 PM Title: Chapter 20 Heartbreak

Wow! A rather gut-wrenching chapter, all things considered! I was reading it all with my mouth hanging open, except when Summer read the letters, those were just so sad! I'll admit, I'm not sure what I think this girl should do. Same goes for Stefan, if he's healed from that horrific fight, that is! If Carlisle is right, Stefan will come looking for her and then the jello hits the fan! See you soon!



Author's Response:

Reviews like this make me a crazy kind of happy.  Knowing readers can see it the way I intended when I wrote it validates me as a writer, more than great numbers.  Summer has been dealt a rotten hand, not only with her family gone, but now she's got a deadly disease hanging over her.  As little as I like giving her a "magic" power, it's sort of a trade-off for drawing the short stick.  

As much as Carlisle is pacifistic and peaceful, I imagine that if he gives in to his vampire nature, it would be hard for him to pull back.  Fighting with Stefan strained his control, and he almost forgot who he was.  He had to fall back to his religious upbringing to pull back from the brink.     

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 May 2015 6:36 PM Title: Chapter 19 Unnatural Curiosity

Oh my, a confrontation between these two is bound to be more than a battle of wills! Stefan needs to talk all this over with Summer, because her opinion counts, too! Edward could explain to him how well it works out to assume you know best because you are an ancient vampire! Here's hoping they can come to some sort of compromise!



Author's Response:

Considering Carlisle is so peaceful and pacifistic, some had trouble reading him in conflict with Stefan.  I'm a believer that just because some things didn't happen in the original, it doesn't mean it couldn't happen outside the story, and still be in character.  I believe if pushed, we all have something we'd fight for, and even die for.  Carlisle is pushed in this story, and he does act out of character.  But he always gets himself under control.  

Stefan doesn't see Summer's opiion as important.  He comes from a time when slavery was accepted, and women were little more than property.  Even after all these years, he's still got some of those outdated ideas.  He secretly believes he's smarter than Summer, since she's female.  He thinks his decision to change her is the rational answer to their problems, so what she thinks doesn't matter.  He's still got a long way to go.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 13 May 2015 10:08 PM Title: Chapter 18 Simple Truths

Wow! Carlisle was taken by surprise with that reaction to Summer's mysterious "gift". It sounded like he didn't really want to grab and kiss her, but couldn't help himself! This magnetism thjing between Stefan and Summer is really interesting, and if Carlisle's theory is right, would explain a lot! I'm kind of rooting for them to have some happiness along the way! Just call me a sappy old broad who loves HEA!



Author's Response:

Carlisle is pretty sure of his restraint and control.  Summer didn't affect his need for blood, but it pulled him in a way he wasn't ready to counter.  Like she told him, even the best behaved men are dogs with her.  He didn't want to kiss her, but at least he wasn't thinking about biting her.  I had fun writing about an ancient who was all vampire, and watching him transform.  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.  This story doesn't pop up in most reader searches, since it's about one of the very minor characters, and not one of the attractive ones, either.  Adding an original character doesn't help it any, but I had fun writing it, and I enjoy the story.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 May 2015 8:09 PM Title: Chapter 17 Guest

Stefan probably isn't very happy with the advice he's receiving from Carlisle. I shouldn't be as surprised as I am by Stefan's desire to have a child with Summer. He most likely is falling in love with her, just as Carlisle told him he was! By the way, I really had to laugh when Carlisle said what he did about helping Stefan get laid!



Author's Response:

Stefan's old enough he's done and seen it all, except he never really got to do the human things.  He's come close to being a husband and father, but they were snatched away from him.  He set aside those dreams, because he thought they were forever out of his reach.  Now with Summer, he's asking the questions.  What was impossible is now just unlikely.  That little bit of possibility is a powerful lure.  He also got to see Renesmee, Bella, and Nahual, so he knows it can work out.  Carlisle is just setting him straight, and making sure he understands the impact of that decision.  Carlisle sees things a lot clearer than Stefan.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 May 2015 8:20 PM Title: Chapter 16 Crush

It's a growing thing between them, you can see it building. I think that's why he feels sated by their kiss and why he can now refrain from killing her, where he wouldn't have been able to stop himself a few days ago. The way she sees and hears him is nearly enough to make me sympathetic to him as well as her!



Author's Response:

The ancient vampires in twilight were scary things.  I like the idea that they changed because they lost the vitality of their life.  After a while, everything and everyone they know passes away, and change becomes harder, and everything around them becomes unfamiliar.  Sort of like how we age and lose touch witht the next generations.  All the things that seem so important to the young just don't matter as much after you've seen fashion change and come back around to repeat itself.  When technology passes us by, and music sounds like noise, and passion is tempered by wisdom, it's hard to get excited about the things that drive people.  Stefan has had hundreds of years of life passing him by, and it snows in his looks, in his attitudes, and in his disinterest and disconnection with humanity.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 May 2015 8:04 PM Title: Chapter 15 New Attachments

This growing bond between them is fascinating. Dangerous, but fascinating! I'm enjoying this story much more than I even thought I would.



Author's Response:

This is what I meant when I said it was a bit too much like Bella and Edward.  There's this magic bond that defies logic and sense.  If it weren't fan fiction, I'd never write this kind of thing.  I think it's a false message, Too many are out there waiting for lightning to strike, and their prince to arrive, and a magic connection to form.  I think it takes a bit more work than that, but here we have these two who are just drawn to each other, in spite of their differences and circumstances.  Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 May 2015 8:58 AM Title: Chapter 14 Shared Pain

As I suspected Caius, that evil bastard, screwed Stefan over, and how! It must come from having no care for anything or anyone but yourself. He wanted to tie Stefan to Volterra and the easiest way was to destroy all human connections, I suppose. I kind of liked Summer crying tears for him as well as herself. Looking forward to the rest of Stefan's history, and Carlisle's arrival.



Author's Response:

Oops, I forgot to respond to a few of these.  I'm now in Texas, and the writing bug is biting me again.  
Caius is my least favorite Twilight vamp of them all.  I've seen stories with him as a favored character, but I can't see it.  So many don't look beyond the appearance of the actors, and it colors how they portray them.  Writing fan fiction has been a big eye-opener at how superficial people are--especially young people.  Too often I see that looks matter more than character, intelligence, heart, experience, and many other qualities.  Caius is rotten, and I'd have to rewrite his whole character to change that.  

When I conceived this story, I knew there had to be a good reason for the Romanians to hate the Volturi so much more than everyone else.  I figure the Volturi have never been the good guys, and they were likely much worse.  They were just getting started on their controlling and self-important mission.  Stefan dared to want something different than what they offered.     

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 02 May 2015 6:30 PM Title: Chapter 13 Becoming a God

I just knew Stefan would have a fascinating background, but I was surprised that Caius was his sire. I never trust Caius , in any fan fiction, he's always a sneaky, nasty tempered quarellsome sort, it seems! I fear we will learn that Stefan never sees his Tessa again, or if he does, it won't end well. Still wondering what it is he thinks Carlisle will do for him.



Author's Response:

I'm with you on Cauis.  I still recall how he executed Irina for her mistake, and I just don't like him.  It's funny to see how some fan girls have white-washed his image, because the actor is young and good-looking.  I say funny, but it makes me sad that so much high regard is given to good looks, and not character.  Stefan has crossed paths with many of the Volturi, so his story is all knds of messed up.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 May 2015 9:32 PM Title: Chapter 12 Legends and Lore

She finally got a few of the many answers she wants, just not as many as she wanted. The rest of this Q&A should be fascinating! The question of Summer's favorite foods was answered pretty humorously!



Author's Response:

What would I want to know if I were faced with a supernatural creature?  Something we think of as fiction would bring up so many questions.  Stefan likes to hear himself talk, so she's sure to get more answers.  Thanks again for the response.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 May 2015 9:22 PM Title: Chapter 11 Pet

He may think he has all the power and advantage here, but I wonder if he's noticing the changes in himself, caused , no doubt, by her presence? I'm hoping Carlisle gets here pretty soon!



Author's Response:

In this story, I'm playing with the idea that vampires age like living rock.  The ancients are still powerful, but they're weathering in time.  Because they're living, they can stop this decomposition by challenging themselves, remaking themselves, and getting involved in new experiences--like they say we should do to ward off Alzheimer's disease.  Use it or lose it.  Stefan was doing his slow fade when Summer found him.  Just trying to deal with her, it's like using muscles he hasn't used in years.  The vampires may live forever, but if they're not actually lving their lives, they lose their vitality.  

Thanks again for reading and reviewing.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 28 Apr 2015 5:49 AM Title: Chapter 10 Conversation

Now this is making more sense, why she came here and had to see this particular house. It's sad to think of waiting to develop symptoms of that horrible disease, I can see why she doesn't seem too afraid to die! I'm also seeing why he's fascinated by her.



Author's Response:

I wrote this story when I was still new, and worried what the readers thought above my own intuition for the story.  Originally, it came from two wildly different points of view, but of the same events.  It had a flow most readers could follow after the third chapter.  But there was one or two who said it was confusing, so I did a rewrite, and tried to make it more evident what was happening.  It lost that flow, and I've never been able to get it back. (I should have saved the original, but didn't.)  This is the fourth rewrite, and the short chapters are irritatingly choppy in the beginning, but it does eventually even out.  It's still not what I had in mind, but overall I think the story's a good one.  Thanks for reading and reviewing.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Apr 2015 2:26 AM Title: Chapter 9 Obsessed

Now the fun will begin! Can't wait until Carlisle arrives! This is getting really interesting. It should be fun to watch, especially when he shows her the clothes he bought her!



Author's Response:

I loved that I could pull in other Twilight characters to play with my nearly original creations.  There was so little written about Vladmir and Stefan, I could make them up as I went.  Carlisle and the others ground the story in the Twilight universe, and make it feel familier.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Apr 2015 1:59 AM Title: Chapter 8 Museum

So, this was the home of her greatgrandmother! No wonder she wanted to see what it all looked like! I wonder if Stefan realizes this fact?



Author's Response:

Stefan thinks everything is about him.  Summer is looking for something to connect her to her family.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Apr 2015 1:50 AM Title: Chapter 7 Studies

This attraction between them has got me wondering about reincarnation. There has to be some supernatural explanation.



Author's Response:

Twilight is full of supernatural reasons for weird stuff.  I guess the first thing a fan fiction writer wants to do is fool around with the magic mojo--after they write their favorite pairing.  In hindsight I would have played it differently, but I still like this story.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Apr 2015 1:26 AM Title: Chapter 6 Audience of One

I'm just as confused as she is about what this vampire plans for her!



Author's Response:

Stefan is old and bored.  She's a puzzle, and he's got too much time on his hands.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Apr 2015 1:19 AM Title: Chapter 5 Panic

Now I sort of feel sorry for this young woman. She has gotten herself into something she probably won't be able to get out of. It's Stefan's attitude that is most puzzling.



Author's Response:

When I reread this story, I realized in too many ways, Summer was a lot like Bella.  It gets more evident as the story goes on, but in many ways this story is a reincarnated Twilight.  I think at the time I thought fan fiction had to be close to the original.  Again, thanks for reading.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Apr 2015 1:12 AM Title: Chapter 4 Lucian's Last

Well now she's in the soup, locked in his basement prison cell! I have to wonder why he didn't just drain her like he did Lucian?



Author's Response:

He just had a meal, or he might not have resisted her.  He wants to figure her out first.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Apr 2015 1:06 AM Title: Chapter 3 Fatal Attraction

Now I'm intrigued! Why would she want the ending he nearly gave her, and how in the world did she know his name?



Author's Response:

There's a lot ahead, and there's a reason for their strange behavior.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 26 Apr 2015 9:19 PM Title: Chapter 2 Misguided

What just happened here? I was reading about a very old vampire, and all of sudden, some California native is breaking into a house and murder is being committed!



Author's Response:

The POV shifts with each chapter.  It gets easier to follow as it goes on.  This is another original character, so I'm hoping it works.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 26 Apr 2015 9:09 PM Title: Chapter 1 Introduction

Sympathy for an ancient vampire, who would have guessed? I do kind of feel a bit sorry for him, and look forward to his story. Is this why Crimson Rose of Texas has slowed way down?



Author's Response:

This was my second Twilight story.  I wanted to write one about characters who weren't overused.  I wrote this before the Romanians appeared in the movies, so it's my take on the ancients.     

As to Crimson Rose, I am still working on that one.  It's a bit difficult to get back into it, since I never took enough notes on where I was going with it.  I'm not giving up!  I'm also now in Texas, so maybe the atmosphere here will help shake some ideas loose.

Thanks for taking a chance on another of mine.   

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