for Through the Dark Clouds shining (English version)10/15/2021 c63 
32Feux follet
I'm sorry again for all the time I take, I'm truly sorry.
First of all, I was touched by the title you chose here, and the song behind it. Thank you as always for the discoveries!
It was reassuring to see Rilla fighting her way like this, taking it step by step, but taking it anyway. It's a very powerful picture, and the way you linked it to the stairs was great. It's true that, when everything feels alright, we don't look at things, not truly, and we think they are just normal, until we can't do them. I enjoyed how the matron interrupted her, though, and how she asked her what she wanted to do. It was like seeing someone trying to negotiate with a child - not a bad thing at all! It's also impressive to see her trying to go back to work, even though she's not fully stable yet. It was a good sign that, even though it will take time, she's on the good road.
I can imagine how pressured Lionel can feel, because answering to Jem doesn't seem to be an agreeable thing to do, but behind if Ken learns that they let Rilla overwork and tired herself, it will be worst. I'm glad he step in and helped Rilla going back to the patients'. I find them very kind, too, especially when one of them told her that they were afraid she wouldn't recover, and the "ghost" nickname would become true, or when he said that daylight suited her. It was a short moment, but you really managed to touch the emotions here, and it was very sweet of him, of them, to say!
The letter's scene moved me a lot, too. The fact that she started by Nan's was a powerful thing, because it immediately takes us back to the secret Rilla and Shirley are sharing, along with the pain Nan endured, and is still enduring. It hit me when I read the "I don't know if this letter will reach you", just after the moment she talked about her last letter to Walter coming back to her. It must be both paralyzing and "liberating" to write a letter, after this. Paralyzing because she don't even know if Rilla is still alive, and she still have the memory of writing to Walter and knowing after that that it was too late, but in the same time liberating because she doesn't know if someone will read her words, and I had the feeling that she was talking a lot more about what she experienced, about what she felt. There was something very powerful here, which reminded me about the first chapter (after the prologue), where Rilla talks about her sisters. In that chapter, there was a feeling of "growing against" (not against for being against someone, but for choosing another path, not being the same), while here, there was this feeling of "growing together", at least confessing to each other, trusting each other (not that they didn't trust each other before, but it wasn't the same relationship - I'm sorry, I hope it's not too tangled) which was very interesting and deeply moving!
And the fact that this letter helped her write about what happened, after Walter's poems helped her going back to life, was a strong picture which touched me a lot. All in all, this chapter was moving, and also full of hope, because even if the road isn't paved, even if there are still obstacles on it, I had the feeling that it will be alright. Maybe not yet, but it will. Thank you for this!
32Feux folletI'm sorry again for all the time I take, I'm truly sorry.
First of all, I was touched by the title you chose here, and the song behind it. Thank you as always for the discoveries!
It was reassuring to see Rilla fighting her way like this, taking it step by step, but taking it anyway. It's a very powerful picture, and the way you linked it to the stairs was great. It's true that, when everything feels alright, we don't look at things, not truly, and we think they are just normal, until we can't do them. I enjoyed how the matron interrupted her, though, and how she asked her what she wanted to do. It was like seeing someone trying to negotiate with a child - not a bad thing at all! It's also impressive to see her trying to go back to work, even though she's not fully stable yet. It was a good sign that, even though it will take time, she's on the good road.
I can imagine how pressured Lionel can feel, because answering to Jem doesn't seem to be an agreeable thing to do, but behind if Ken learns that they let Rilla overwork and tired herself, it will be worst. I'm glad he step in and helped Rilla going back to the patients'. I find them very kind, too, especially when one of them told her that they were afraid she wouldn't recover, and the "ghost" nickname would become true, or when he said that daylight suited her. It was a short moment, but you really managed to touch the emotions here, and it was very sweet of him, of them, to say!
The letter's scene moved me a lot, too. The fact that she started by Nan's was a powerful thing, because it immediately takes us back to the secret Rilla and Shirley are sharing, along with the pain Nan endured, and is still enduring. It hit me when I read the "I don't know if this letter will reach you", just after the moment she talked about her last letter to Walter coming back to her. It must be both paralyzing and "liberating" to write a letter, after this. Paralyzing because she don't even know if Rilla is still alive, and she still have the memory of writing to Walter and knowing after that that it was too late, but in the same time liberating because she doesn't know if someone will read her words, and I had the feeling that she was talking a lot more about what she experienced, about what she felt. There was something very powerful here, which reminded me about the first chapter (after the prologue), where Rilla talks about her sisters. In that chapter, there was a feeling of "growing against" (not against for being against someone, but for choosing another path, not being the same), while here, there was this feeling of "growing together", at least confessing to each other, trusting each other (not that they didn't trust each other before, but it wasn't the same relationship - I'm sorry, I hope it's not too tangled) which was very interesting and deeply moving!
And the fact that this letter helped her write about what happened, after Walter's poems helped her going back to life, was a strong picture which touched me a lot. All in all, this chapter was moving, and also full of hope, because even if the road isn't paved, even if there are still obstacles on it, I had the feeling that it will be alright. Maybe not yet, but it will. Thank you for this!
10/10/2021 c62 Feux follet
I'm sorry it took me so long to recover and come back, but I'm so glad I finally can! And this chapter was amazing :)
I always enjoyed the chapters where you have only two characters, talking about what happened, what they feel about it, how they listen and support each others. You did a marvelous job here! I was touched by how you pictured the scene between Rilla and Jem. It's both full of mischief, as if they were still children teasing each others, and yet there is this gravity, not only start of adulthood but war gave them and that can't be shaken from their shoulders anymore. It was very powerful!
Jem taking the mirror of her hands, teasing her with the telegram, then eating a lot made me smile. There is something amazing with this characters, he can have all those serious talks, there will always be something luminous about him. I'm glad he guessed, then asked the confirmation to Walter, and I enjoyed how he confessed writing to his parents to prevent Rilla from going. But what touched me the most is how he explained he felt responsible for all of them. As the oldest, I can say it feels this way.
It was also moving to read about Rilla's explanations about the letters, how she tried to write about her wedding, then about Walter, and just couldn't. There is this thing about words. If you write them, they become true, and you can't go back. The way both talked about the ones they loves, about their siblings - the passing of Walter, Shirley being a kind of enigma to his own relatives - about the "what if"'s was very powerful too.
I particularly enjoyed this chapter, and how you built Jem and Rilla's relationship. It was a great thing to see them together, and speak so honestly and - in a way - as equals. Scenes like this one are truly missing, in the books. I'm glad we can have them here :) Thank you, as always, for your amazing work!
I'm sorry it took me so long to recover and come back, but I'm so glad I finally can! And this chapter was amazing :)
I always enjoyed the chapters where you have only two characters, talking about what happened, what they feel about it, how they listen and support each others. You did a marvelous job here! I was touched by how you pictured the scene between Rilla and Jem. It's both full of mischief, as if they were still children teasing each others, and yet there is this gravity, not only start of adulthood but war gave them and that can't be shaken from their shoulders anymore. It was very powerful!
Jem taking the mirror of her hands, teasing her with the telegram, then eating a lot made me smile. There is something amazing with this characters, he can have all those serious talks, there will always be something luminous about him. I'm glad he guessed, then asked the confirmation to Walter, and I enjoyed how he confessed writing to his parents to prevent Rilla from going. But what touched me the most is how he explained he felt responsible for all of them. As the oldest, I can say it feels this way.
It was also moving to read about Rilla's explanations about the letters, how she tried to write about her wedding, then about Walter, and just couldn't. There is this thing about words. If you write them, they become true, and you can't go back. The way both talked about the ones they loves, about their siblings - the passing of Walter, Shirley being a kind of enigma to his own relatives - about the "what if"'s was very powerful too.
I particularly enjoyed this chapter, and how you built Jem and Rilla's relationship. It was a great thing to see them together, and speak so honestly and - in a way - as equals. Scenes like this one are truly missing, in the books. I'm glad we can have them here :) Thank you, as always, for your amazing work!
10/3/2021 c61 Feux follet
Twelve of November! They made it! They made it! I though this day would never come, but finally, it's here!
(Sorry for this, it's maybe the only thing which can brings enthusiasm, with Jem's presence here)
Now, I don't know where to start. I was relieved to see that Jem had come, and that he was the first one Rilla saw when she woke up. I loved how he took care of her, helping her to sit down, to drink, then coming back to his old self, joking about the flu being on every paper - no, sorry, only the pages 4 and 5. It was reassuring to have him there. And it was emotional to see how, without many words, they showed how Walter's death had mark them - and who can blame them for this?
It was hard to wait for all the names, those who made it, those who are still fighting, and those who were defeated. But like Rilla, I want to ask: Doesn't Death have enough, sometimes? Was she obliged to take sweet little Bruce? And Susan? Strong Susan who would always defend them, even if she had to correct them after! Why them? Why? It's like jumping from one death to the other, it never ends. No wonder Jem was so worried about his son!
I can imagine him, not eating until he knew he was safe! I was touched by how you described his fear, though, and how he thought about the love he have for him. To think of all these children who started their lives without knowing their fathers, then seeing men coming home and to have to adjust to this ... It reminds me about how my grand-father told me about his first encounter with his father, after WW2. He was very young when his mother send him to her sister, because she couldn't take care of them all. When the war ceased, his mother called him back, told him a man would come, that he had to call him dad. He called him sir and got a slap for answer.
I'm glad Ian is feeling better, and Nan and Anne, too! Now, I just hope that Mildred and Di will get better! And Rilla, too! I can imagine how Ken asked to have the telegrams every day, and how Jem asked Dr. Everett - it was great to have a name to put on his face! - to send the telegram to him, so he could send him to Ken after. enjoyed how you went directly after the Armistice, it was particularly well done to only have it after! But what a shock it must be to wake up after two weeks and hear that the war is over ... But it is, and I hope Rilla won't go back to work, after what she experienced, at least not right after walking again. I know that there are still a lot to do, and that the Armistice didn't make all the injured soldiers magically get better, but maybe, for the first time since a long moment, she can take some time for herself. Just for herself.
As always, thank you for all your work! I'm sorry, I don't dare to go and look at the next chapter, in case it brings bad news again, but for all your chapters, the ones I read and the ones I can't wait to discover, thank you. Thank you so much!
Twelve of November! They made it! They made it! I though this day would never come, but finally, it's here!
(Sorry for this, it's maybe the only thing which can brings enthusiasm, with Jem's presence here)
Now, I don't know where to start. I was relieved to see that Jem had come, and that he was the first one Rilla saw when she woke up. I loved how he took care of her, helping her to sit down, to drink, then coming back to his old self, joking about the flu being on every paper - no, sorry, only the pages 4 and 5. It was reassuring to have him there. And it was emotional to see how, without many words, they showed how Walter's death had mark them - and who can blame them for this?
It was hard to wait for all the names, those who made it, those who are still fighting, and those who were defeated. But like Rilla, I want to ask: Doesn't Death have enough, sometimes? Was she obliged to take sweet little Bruce? And Susan? Strong Susan who would always defend them, even if she had to correct them after! Why them? Why? It's like jumping from one death to the other, it never ends. No wonder Jem was so worried about his son!
I can imagine him, not eating until he knew he was safe! I was touched by how you described his fear, though, and how he thought about the love he have for him. To think of all these children who started their lives without knowing their fathers, then seeing men coming home and to have to adjust to this ... It reminds me about how my grand-father told me about his first encounter with his father, after WW2. He was very young when his mother send him to her sister, because she couldn't take care of them all. When the war ceased, his mother called him back, told him a man would come, that he had to call him dad. He called him sir and got a slap for answer.
I'm glad Ian is feeling better, and Nan and Anne, too! Now, I just hope that Mildred and Di will get better! And Rilla, too! I can imagine how Ken asked to have the telegrams every day, and how Jem asked Dr. Everett - it was great to have a name to put on his face! - to send the telegram to him, so he could send him to Ken after. enjoyed how you went directly after the Armistice, it was particularly well done to only have it after! But what a shock it must be to wake up after two weeks and hear that the war is over ... But it is, and I hope Rilla won't go back to work, after what she experienced, at least not right after walking again. I know that there are still a lot to do, and that the Armistice didn't make all the injured soldiers magically get better, but maybe, for the first time since a long moment, she can take some time for herself. Just for herself.
As always, thank you for all your work! I'm sorry, I don't dare to go and look at the next chapter, in case it brings bad news again, but for all your chapters, the ones I read and the ones I can't wait to discover, thank you. Thank you so much!
10/3/2021 c60 Feux follet
There seems to be no word to describe the way you wrote this chapter and Rilla's grief. As if a words would be too strong, and break the soft gentleness you brought here, along the terrible moments grief creates. But you write it in the best way possible. It was a very powerful depiction of it, of her pain, how it overwhelms her and her world to the point were she goes numb. You took the time to describe a world going fast, but without face, without name, without colors for Rilla, walking slowly through all those dark shadows grief brings. It felt very true when you said that her head was working, and that it was "just" her emotions which were blocked.
I was particularly touched when you said that the others had started by inviting her to come with them, to ask her how she was, but that it slowly stopped - except for this young doctor who keeps asking her how she feels. I had the same feeling when you said that some patients were calling her a ghost, and when she says that she can't bear the sun. She shuts herself up, both on the inside and on the outside, and it feels very true, though when it is someone else, you can only wish that someone will come and show them the light again.
How Rilla started to come back (a little) to life with her brother's poems was a beautiful, despite all the sadness it creates. He helped her cry again, then took her tears away by dying. She needed to hear his voice again, even in her head, to come back. I enjoyed the way you presented them, without writing them. It works perfectly, just like in the books, if you don't take a look to the poem she wrote after. Especially the one called "Beauty". I can picture Walter "collecting" (I was particularly moved by this term you used) those precious things and moments. To think that they coexisted with war ... Beauty and destruction side to side ...
What struck me the most here is how lonely she is. Far away from home, no one from there can come and offer her a shoulder, but what about Jem? I know Shirley and Ken are in France, and can't have a leave that easily, but Jem could come, couldn't he? I wonder how they all are doing with Walter's death ... It feels like a constellation. Stars, away from each others, though forming an ensemble, mourning one of them away from each others ..
Now, you told me about the other waves of flu, in the autumn, and they are well into the autumn. I hope that, if it is the flu, she'll fight through it!
There seems to be no word to describe the way you wrote this chapter and Rilla's grief. As if a words would be too strong, and break the soft gentleness you brought here, along the terrible moments grief creates. But you write it in the best way possible. It was a very powerful depiction of it, of her pain, how it overwhelms her and her world to the point were she goes numb. You took the time to describe a world going fast, but without face, without name, without colors for Rilla, walking slowly through all those dark shadows grief brings. It felt very true when you said that her head was working, and that it was "just" her emotions which were blocked.
I was particularly touched when you said that the others had started by inviting her to come with them, to ask her how she was, but that it slowly stopped - except for this young doctor who keeps asking her how she feels. I had the same feeling when you said that some patients were calling her a ghost, and when she says that she can't bear the sun. She shuts herself up, both on the inside and on the outside, and it feels very true, though when it is someone else, you can only wish that someone will come and show them the light again.
How Rilla started to come back (a little) to life with her brother's poems was a beautiful, despite all the sadness it creates. He helped her cry again, then took her tears away by dying. She needed to hear his voice again, even in her head, to come back. I enjoyed the way you presented them, without writing them. It works perfectly, just like in the books, if you don't take a look to the poem she wrote after. Especially the one called "Beauty". I can picture Walter "collecting" (I was particularly moved by this term you used) those precious things and moments. To think that they coexisted with war ... Beauty and destruction side to side ...
What struck me the most here is how lonely she is. Far away from home, no one from there can come and offer her a shoulder, but what about Jem? I know Shirley and Ken are in France, and can't have a leave that easily, but Jem could come, couldn't he? I wonder how they all are doing with Walter's death ... It feels like a constellation. Stars, away from each others, though forming an ensemble, mourning one of them away from each others ..
Now, you told me about the other waves of flu, in the autumn, and they are well into the autumn. I hope that, if it is the flu, she'll fight through it!
10/1/2021 c59 Feux Follet
(Sorry for the problem with the review)
Loosing Jerry was already hard, but it was bearable, in a way, because it was the first solution he found, and I think (I hope) that he found peace after it. But loosing Walter ... Loosing Walter is just ... You had given me clues, saying you couldn't promise Walter would survive the war, even though his story was different, but here ... it just hurts ... It particularly hit as I was close to live something like this during the summer.
I'm sorry, I'll try to put my thoughts and words in order. First of all, the waiting for the name was particularly well written, as were the stages she pass through (If I do this, see him, etc. he'll live, it won't be real). Those little things you try to hold on to until you see the situation and know if, yes or no, they will live. Those little promises, sacrifices, you promise to make if someone can save them, if they can live.
Then, there is the truth, the answer. And there is the name. And it is so infuriating to not be able to reverse things, to press the button which will make us come back to the previous day, where we'll be able to prevent it. And there is this anger, this rage against those who did their best but not enough - it seems in those moments - to save them.
I really burst when Walter said he wasn't coming home. What can be worst than dying away from the place you were happy to live, away from the people you love, away from everything, but plunged into this hell, sinister place ... I'm glad Rilla could make it on time. I'm glad she could see him, hear him talk one last time.
And when he said "let me go" ...
I'm sorry, this review is short, while it deserves more, for you did an amazing job here, and it certainly mustn't have been easy for you to write it .. I'm sorry, but thank you for everything!
(Sorry for the problem with the review)
Loosing Jerry was already hard, but it was bearable, in a way, because it was the first solution he found, and I think (I hope) that he found peace after it. But loosing Walter ... Loosing Walter is just ... You had given me clues, saying you couldn't promise Walter would survive the war, even though his story was different, but here ... it just hurts ... It particularly hit as I was close to live something like this during the summer.
I'm sorry, I'll try to put my thoughts and words in order. First of all, the waiting for the name was particularly well written, as were the stages she pass through (If I do this, see him, etc. he'll live, it won't be real). Those little things you try to hold on to until you see the situation and know if, yes or no, they will live. Those little promises, sacrifices, you promise to make if someone can save them, if they can live.
Then, there is the truth, the answer. And there is the name. And it is so infuriating to not be able to reverse things, to press the button which will make us come back to the previous day, where we'll be able to prevent it. And there is this anger, this rage against those who did their best but not enough - it seems in those moments - to save them.
I really burst when Walter said he wasn't coming home. What can be worst than dying away from the place you were happy to live, away from the people you love, away from everything, but plunged into this hell, sinister place ... I'm glad Rilla could make it on time. I'm glad she could see him, hear him talk one last time.
And when he said "let me go" ...
I'm sorry, this review is short, while it deserves more, for you did an amazing job here, and it certainly mustn't have been easy for you to write it .. I'm sorry, but thank you for everything!
10/1/2021 c58 Feux follet
I thought it would be a good idea to come back, at the end of the day, sit down and read one more chapter before eating, but no, definitively no. I'm now fighting against myself to not run and read the name of the person, and try to leave a correct review before doing it - besides, Rilla maybe have to wait before knowing who it is, and your other readers certainly had to wait a week before knowing it, so I can wait for a few minutes
I was touched by the scene of the faceless man. The way you described the injuries is just terrible, and even though I saw pictures during classes, every time it's the same pain for them, to think that there was nothing left but holes, and the consequences of this. Your words particularly hit when you wrote that the body is strange, but sometimes stronger than we know. It felt particularly true. But what also hit me there is that those men were already faceless, nameless - apart for their relatives. But to the world, to us, they are nameless and faceless until someone say there name, show their picture, tells us stories about them. So to have those injuries, and to be faceless again ...
I wasn't expecting German soldiers here, but I enjoyed this scene, and particularly the way you showed how Rilla changed since the CCS. I was particularly touched when you said that she still had this feeling that they were the enemies, but she still do it, and take care for them, and that's impressive! She fights for them, despite the language's problems, despite what the other thinks, and it is particularly powerful, especially after the first time we saw her in a situation like this.
Now, I'm sorry, this chapter was wonderful, and there are many other things to say, but I'm running to the next chapter!
I thought it would be a good idea to come back, at the end of the day, sit down and read one more chapter before eating, but no, definitively no. I'm now fighting against myself to not run and read the name of the person, and try to leave a correct review before doing it - besides, Rilla maybe have to wait before knowing who it is, and your other readers certainly had to wait a week before knowing it, so I can wait for a few minutes
I was touched by the scene of the faceless man. The way you described the injuries is just terrible, and even though I saw pictures during classes, every time it's the same pain for them, to think that there was nothing left but holes, and the consequences of this. Your words particularly hit when you wrote that the body is strange, but sometimes stronger than we know. It felt particularly true. But what also hit me there is that those men were already faceless, nameless - apart for their relatives. But to the world, to us, they are nameless and faceless until someone say there name, show their picture, tells us stories about them. So to have those injuries, and to be faceless again ...
I wasn't expecting German soldiers here, but I enjoyed this scene, and particularly the way you showed how Rilla changed since the CCS. I was particularly touched when you said that she still had this feeling that they were the enemies, but she still do it, and take care for them, and that's impressive! She fights for them, despite the language's problems, despite what the other thinks, and it is particularly powerful, especially after the first time we saw her in a situation like this.
Now, I'm sorry, this chapter was wonderful, and there are many other things to say, but I'm running to the next chapter!
10/1/2021 c57 Feux follet
I think that this is one of the most horrible things in this war, army killing ones of their owns. Especially when you know that on those trials, the soldiers couldn't even defend themselves. They were already condemned. And what condamnation! How could they do that? How could they consciously condemn them to death? I have the military notebook of my great-grand-father, and apart from his infos, there are all the condamnations possible in it for each case which can be judge. It is infuriating to see what they could endure for things which would be considered as normal, instinctives even!
But I'm mixing everything, sorry. At first, when you mentioned the thermometer, I was waiting for the moment it would break. I enjoyed the atmosphere you created in this first scene, though, with Rilla thinking about other things while taking his temperature and allowing us to learn that the situations is starting to look better. To be honest, it's a bit of a relief, because I was starting to doubt that war truly ended in November! But you also show that it is not the end yet, and that even when the bells will ring, war will pursue and haunt everyone who went there. I particularly admire how the saw haunt your words, though I wish there was a way to help her with this. I can't imagine how hard it must be, to carry on knowing that at every moment, the saw's sound can come back ... It's particularly visible in your words, where it breaks Rilla's balance, but it also interrupts the rhythm of your words, perturbing the small balance of peace everyone is trying to make.
The scene where the soldier attacked her was particularly hard and heartbreaking. Especially after Jerry's case, it was visible that it was that, and that he wasn't conscious about it, that he wouldn't do it on purpose. Thankfully, the other soldiers reacted quickly enough to save Rilla, and everyone came in time. I just hold my breath again when Miller called her "Ford". I read quickly the rest of the scene, hoping no one had heard! But it's good to know that she's really on Rilla's side here, and won't betray her.
I appreciated the scene with Dr Hunter. He seems to truly care, and it is particularly visible when they talks about shell shock. But the vicious thing about it and how the government asked to keep the diagnosis down near the front ... It's vicious, and unfair, that's what it is! I didn't know that near the end, those who could have a proper diagnosis of it could go home with a pension, but it doesn't change much, for how many truly had this pension and the right to go home?
But the worst is when Rilla sees the execution, and Dr Hunter says that it will always happen. I stand with them on this, how could the governments using this methods could expect good results? They points at each others for being the enemy, but in my views, the enemy is the one who send those men to death without hesitation, and sacrificed them as if they were nothing. Every government is responsible, and there isn't a good or a bad side here. They're just as cruel as the enemy they are depicting to the population. I know, you may call me an idealistic, but still, I will never understand this.
Rilla touched me by how she reacted for the soldier who attacked her. I think that, even without the execution, she wouldn't have said anything, especially if she knew the penalty for this. And if Ken ever says a word about this, he'll have to explain how the death of this man would have helped. I'm glad we could see the soldier again, though it was heartbreaking to see him that way. In the end, the song really was amazing here. It's one I used to listen as a child, and still listens at sometimes, and it have something reassuring. I particularly liked what you said about it not being scarred by the war yet.
Again, thank you for this marvelous, though hard chapter. I'm sorry, this review is a bit tangled up, but I really wanted to tell you how important it was in this story, I think it is one of the best written! Thank you for everything!
I think that this is one of the most horrible things in this war, army killing ones of their owns. Especially when you know that on those trials, the soldiers couldn't even defend themselves. They were already condemned. And what condamnation! How could they do that? How could they consciously condemn them to death? I have the military notebook of my great-grand-father, and apart from his infos, there are all the condamnations possible in it for each case which can be judge. It is infuriating to see what they could endure for things which would be considered as normal, instinctives even!
But I'm mixing everything, sorry. At first, when you mentioned the thermometer, I was waiting for the moment it would break. I enjoyed the atmosphere you created in this first scene, though, with Rilla thinking about other things while taking his temperature and allowing us to learn that the situations is starting to look better. To be honest, it's a bit of a relief, because I was starting to doubt that war truly ended in November! But you also show that it is not the end yet, and that even when the bells will ring, war will pursue and haunt everyone who went there. I particularly admire how the saw haunt your words, though I wish there was a way to help her with this. I can't imagine how hard it must be, to carry on knowing that at every moment, the saw's sound can come back ... It's particularly visible in your words, where it breaks Rilla's balance, but it also interrupts the rhythm of your words, perturbing the small balance of peace everyone is trying to make.
The scene where the soldier attacked her was particularly hard and heartbreaking. Especially after Jerry's case, it was visible that it was that, and that he wasn't conscious about it, that he wouldn't do it on purpose. Thankfully, the other soldiers reacted quickly enough to save Rilla, and everyone came in time. I just hold my breath again when Miller called her "Ford". I read quickly the rest of the scene, hoping no one had heard! But it's good to know that she's really on Rilla's side here, and won't betray her.
I appreciated the scene with Dr Hunter. He seems to truly care, and it is particularly visible when they talks about shell shock. But the vicious thing about it and how the government asked to keep the diagnosis down near the front ... It's vicious, and unfair, that's what it is! I didn't know that near the end, those who could have a proper diagnosis of it could go home with a pension, but it doesn't change much, for how many truly had this pension and the right to go home?
But the worst is when Rilla sees the execution, and Dr Hunter says that it will always happen. I stand with them on this, how could the governments using this methods could expect good results? They points at each others for being the enemy, but in my views, the enemy is the one who send those men to death without hesitation, and sacrificed them as if they were nothing. Every government is responsible, and there isn't a good or a bad side here. They're just as cruel as the enemy they are depicting to the population. I know, you may call me an idealistic, but still, I will never understand this.
Rilla touched me by how she reacted for the soldier who attacked her. I think that, even without the execution, she wouldn't have said anything, especially if she knew the penalty for this. And if Ken ever says a word about this, he'll have to explain how the death of this man would have helped. I'm glad we could see the soldier again, though it was heartbreaking to see him that way. In the end, the song really was amazing here. It's one I used to listen as a child, and still listens at sometimes, and it have something reassuring. I particularly liked what you said about it not being scarred by the war yet.
Again, thank you for this marvelous, though hard chapter. I'm sorry, this review is a bit tangled up, but I really wanted to tell you how important it was in this story, I think it is one of the best written! Thank you for everything!
9/30/2021 c56 Feux follet
The driver seems as tired as everyone else of Lieutenant Wilmington, when he replies that they'll see where they're going when they'll be there. And who can blame him? I laughed when Rilla complained about the polo, for Wilmington seems to be someone who loves to talk and hear himself talking. I wonder if he is conscious about that ... Maybe not, but sometimes he could stop and think a bit about what he is saying and doing.
Yes, Moustache! I was so glad to see him, even if it was short! It's good to know that he is still here, and as well as someone plunged in this can be. I loved how you slowly bring us to Ken. At first it's just a great moment, and then you think back that Rilla just went in a trench, and that Wilmington will surely be happy to tell him that. It was very thoughtful of Stowe to arrange this meeting, though. He couldn't know Wilmington would open his mouth like that - well, he could, but I think the main idea was to allow Rilla to be happy, and that was very kind of him. At first it's bit of both excitation and fear, then, and it doesn't help that Ken doesn't turn to see who's talking to him. It was quite a tense atmosphere, and it really matched well with how you built his character - more solid and more complex than in the books. And then he turns around ...
It must be strange to see each others like this. You don't really know what you can do or say, with everyone looking and listening, so it's very shy at first. And then there is Wilmington ... If you hadn't wrote about the groan from Irving, I still would have imagine it, for there was no way someone wouldn't groan at this interruption and what he said. Why, but why did he opened his mouth here? Of course Ken wouldn't react well! Of course, it wasn't very good to keep it either, but if they could have manage to tell him after the war, it wouldn't have hurt ... Poor Stowe, though. I feel sorry for him, for he seems to try to do his best and ends up scolded for something which isn't entirely his fault.
But the worst moment (not in your writing, it was great!) was when Ken talked to Rilla. The first moments, especially, when he asks her if Wilmington's opinion is now higher than his and forbade her to do something like this again. It was ... Yes, threatening, and frightening, and frankly revolting! Rilla was right to tell him that she's not a soldier under his orders, and that she can do what the hell she wants to do! I don't doubt that he was scared for her, but to speak to her like this, to forbid things and order others ... No, he can't, he just can't, and he really needs to write it in his mind as soon as possible! And while he is at it, he can put hit condescending tone away, too, and never pick it up! Again, I'm sure he was scared, but that's not an excuse to speak like this to Rilla. I'm glad she replied this way.
I'm a bit nervous after this scene. Even the ending didn't reassure me, for I don't think that "never speaking of it again" is a good idea. Of course, to let some time pass, for everyone to calm down, that's good, but "never" isn't a good thing. I wonder what will happen next ...
The driver seems as tired as everyone else of Lieutenant Wilmington, when he replies that they'll see where they're going when they'll be there. And who can blame him? I laughed when Rilla complained about the polo, for Wilmington seems to be someone who loves to talk and hear himself talking. I wonder if he is conscious about that ... Maybe not, but sometimes he could stop and think a bit about what he is saying and doing.
Yes, Moustache! I was so glad to see him, even if it was short! It's good to know that he is still here, and as well as someone plunged in this can be. I loved how you slowly bring us to Ken. At first it's just a great moment, and then you think back that Rilla just went in a trench, and that Wilmington will surely be happy to tell him that. It was very thoughtful of Stowe to arrange this meeting, though. He couldn't know Wilmington would open his mouth like that - well, he could, but I think the main idea was to allow Rilla to be happy, and that was very kind of him. At first it's bit of both excitation and fear, then, and it doesn't help that Ken doesn't turn to see who's talking to him. It was quite a tense atmosphere, and it really matched well with how you built his character - more solid and more complex than in the books. And then he turns around ...
It must be strange to see each others like this. You don't really know what you can do or say, with everyone looking and listening, so it's very shy at first. And then there is Wilmington ... If you hadn't wrote about the groan from Irving, I still would have imagine it, for there was no way someone wouldn't groan at this interruption and what he said. Why, but why did he opened his mouth here? Of course Ken wouldn't react well! Of course, it wasn't very good to keep it either, but if they could have manage to tell him after the war, it wouldn't have hurt ... Poor Stowe, though. I feel sorry for him, for he seems to try to do his best and ends up scolded for something which isn't entirely his fault.
But the worst moment (not in your writing, it was great!) was when Ken talked to Rilla. The first moments, especially, when he asks her if Wilmington's opinion is now higher than his and forbade her to do something like this again. It was ... Yes, threatening, and frightening, and frankly revolting! Rilla was right to tell him that she's not a soldier under his orders, and that she can do what the hell she wants to do! I don't doubt that he was scared for her, but to speak to her like this, to forbid things and order others ... No, he can't, he just can't, and he really needs to write it in his mind as soon as possible! And while he is at it, he can put hit condescending tone away, too, and never pick it up! Again, I'm sure he was scared, but that's not an excuse to speak like this to Rilla. I'm glad she replied this way.
I'm a bit nervous after this scene. Even the ending didn't reassure me, for I don't think that "never speaking of it again" is a good idea. Of course, to let some time pass, for everyone to calm down, that's good, but "never" isn't a good thing. I wonder what will happen next ...
9/29/2021 c55 Feux follet
This chapter was impressive, and quite informative! I thank you for all the details you put there!
Again, Miller is quite a character! I like how she is, bold and not taking nonsense. Her friendship with Rilla is precious, and I love the fact that, even if all the fellow nurses Rilla met were strong and great women, you give each of them a tiny thing which makes it completely different. I wouldn't like to be on Miller's wrong side, though. The British nurses can prepare themselves! About that, I had hear about British nurses who were complicated to work with, but I didn't thought it could go this far. I laughed at Rilla's answer, but behind it's just strange and sad to see that there was wars behind the war, just like for Cooper.
Now I wonder how they passed to a visit of the trenches from a visit to a cathedral .. I'm not really sure it is a good idea, even if they are not used anymore, they're still pretty close to the danger ... The lieutenant seems to have a strange sense of humor, how can it be funny to go and visit this like a sort of attraction park. I know my comparison isn't chronologically right, but still, he seems to find this very funny, while it's just horrible. The way you described the tank, with the blood, and then the village which isn't a village anymore was so vivid, it felt like a monstrous thing to think that this lieutenant was laughing. It seemed as if he was organizing a picnic in a cemetery.
On another hand, the way you described Rilla's feelings about this was very powerful, especially when we have her thoughts about the trenches, and she says that she didn't imagine them to be living like this. It must be horrible to go there, and think that your husband, your brothers, your friends went through this and still are.
Again, I thank you for everything! I'm sorry, my reviews are a little shorter today, my keyboard is playing tricks to me and I can't write properly without several minutes of fight for some letters, I'm sorry!
This chapter was impressive, and quite informative! I thank you for all the details you put there!
Again, Miller is quite a character! I like how she is, bold and not taking nonsense. Her friendship with Rilla is precious, and I love the fact that, even if all the fellow nurses Rilla met were strong and great women, you give each of them a tiny thing which makes it completely different. I wouldn't like to be on Miller's wrong side, though. The British nurses can prepare themselves! About that, I had hear about British nurses who were complicated to work with, but I didn't thought it could go this far. I laughed at Rilla's answer, but behind it's just strange and sad to see that there was wars behind the war, just like for Cooper.
Now I wonder how they passed to a visit of the trenches from a visit to a cathedral .. I'm not really sure it is a good idea, even if they are not used anymore, they're still pretty close to the danger ... The lieutenant seems to have a strange sense of humor, how can it be funny to go and visit this like a sort of attraction park. I know my comparison isn't chronologically right, but still, he seems to find this very funny, while it's just horrible. The way you described the tank, with the blood, and then the village which isn't a village anymore was so vivid, it felt like a monstrous thing to think that this lieutenant was laughing. It seemed as if he was organizing a picnic in a cemetery.
On another hand, the way you described Rilla's feelings about this was very powerful, especially when we have her thoughts about the trenches, and she says that she didn't imagine them to be living like this. It must be horrible to go there, and think that your husband, your brothers, your friends went through this and still are.
Again, I thank you for everything! I'm sorry, my reviews are a little shorter today, my keyboard is playing tricks to me and I can't write properly without several minutes of fight for some letters, I'm sorry!
9/29/2021 c54 Feux follet
This was hard. To be stuck with death, and not be able to do anything ... It's just awful ...
I was touched by how Rilla went to each patient. You can feel the urgency in her voice, in her thoughts, but when she is with her patients, she's really, deeply caring. You already showed it through other chapters, but here it is more important, maybe precisely because everything is so small, and there is no possibility to run away - not that she would do it, of course, but sometimes it is easier when you know you can get out, even if you don't.
I was touched by Paddy, how he asked Rilla if she would still love Ken if he came home blind. There was genuine fear, and you managed to show how young he was, through his words. It's heartbreaking to see how many lives have been broken by war, how youth have been cut when it was just the beginning of life for them ... I liked how Rilla took the time to speak with him, to reassure him about his sweetheart, and how she asked him to sing. There was something very powerful here, and yet very sweet and soft. You did an amazing thing here!
But now, about Pete and Olli, it's just awful. For Paddy, it was hard, even more hard when he tried to be brave, but there was still hope. Not for his eyes, but for his life. It was visible that it would be hard, but again there was still life, and therefore hope. Here ... Here it's just heartbreaking. The worst is for Ollie, but you managed to show Rilla's feelings perfectly, too! When she prays, then thinks that she's going to be sick, but still find the strength to take care of Ollie ..
The last question hit me the most. We're in August, the end of war is coming, and yet it sometimes seems just impossible to happen ...
This was hard. To be stuck with death, and not be able to do anything ... It's just awful ...
I was touched by how Rilla went to each patient. You can feel the urgency in her voice, in her thoughts, but when she is with her patients, she's really, deeply caring. You already showed it through other chapters, but here it is more important, maybe precisely because everything is so small, and there is no possibility to run away - not that she would do it, of course, but sometimes it is easier when you know you can get out, even if you don't.
I was touched by Paddy, how he asked Rilla if she would still love Ken if he came home blind. There was genuine fear, and you managed to show how young he was, through his words. It's heartbreaking to see how many lives have been broken by war, how youth have been cut when it was just the beginning of life for them ... I liked how Rilla took the time to speak with him, to reassure him about his sweetheart, and how she asked him to sing. There was something very powerful here, and yet very sweet and soft. You did an amazing thing here!
But now, about Pete and Olli, it's just awful. For Paddy, it was hard, even more hard when he tried to be brave, but there was still hope. Not for his eyes, but for his life. It was visible that it would be hard, but again there was still life, and therefore hope. Here ... Here it's just heartbreaking. The worst is for Ollie, but you managed to show Rilla's feelings perfectly, too! When she prays, then thinks that she's going to be sick, but still find the strength to take care of Ollie ..
The last question hit me the most. We're in August, the end of war is coming, and yet it sometimes seems just impossible to happen ...
9/29/2021 c53 Feux follet
The fact that you started with Rilla being already at work, and you only give us the memory of their goodbye was perfect. It really shows how precious it is for her, and it avoid a painful scene, though you wrote that everything have been said between them. I enjoyed how Rilla thought about who should worry the more, too. It must be hard for Ken to think that Rilla is still in danger while, if she wished too, she could go home and be sace until the end of war, while he have no choice, but Rilla is right too when she thinks that he is the one who faces more dangers, for "normally" (and I insist on the quote mark) she shouldn't be a target for the enemy.
Also, I was anxious about where she could be sent next, especially after what happened with the ship, but now that I know, I'm not very sure. First of all, I did know there were trains which were specially for the injured people, but I didn't know some of them had been created and arranged specially for their transport. It's strange to think that a little more than a century after this, trains were once again used to transport people for medical reasons, though it was for illness, not injuries.
You really gave this sensation that everything is small, too small, that there are not many room left and it is somehow suffocating. What's hard is that if they want to take a break, they can't just ask the train to stop and go outside to breathe and get out of the situation, even for a few minutes, they are just stuck with it. It must be hard to be there, and even if it is not underground, I wonder if Rilla will be okay with this position. Miller talking about the linen room is funny, at first, because of the smell's problem, but then it just shows how limited they are.
Speaking of whom, Miller seems to be quite a character! The poor American soldier seemed terrified by her. She's impressive, that's for sure, but I think she is kind, and I'm waiting to learn more about her. I looked for this cow's story, for at first I didn't understand what she was talking about, then I learnt about the American president's cow. What a story! And, moreover, what a name for a cow!
I enjoyed the Indian patient's part, and how you speak about all the nationalities being gathered in this war.
Thank you for this!
The fact that you started with Rilla being already at work, and you only give us the memory of their goodbye was perfect. It really shows how precious it is for her, and it avoid a painful scene, though you wrote that everything have been said between them. I enjoyed how Rilla thought about who should worry the more, too. It must be hard for Ken to think that Rilla is still in danger while, if she wished too, she could go home and be sace until the end of war, while he have no choice, but Rilla is right too when she thinks that he is the one who faces more dangers, for "normally" (and I insist on the quote mark) she shouldn't be a target for the enemy.
Also, I was anxious about where she could be sent next, especially after what happened with the ship, but now that I know, I'm not very sure. First of all, I did know there were trains which were specially for the injured people, but I didn't know some of them had been created and arranged specially for their transport. It's strange to think that a little more than a century after this, trains were once again used to transport people for medical reasons, though it was for illness, not injuries.
You really gave this sensation that everything is small, too small, that there are not many room left and it is somehow suffocating. What's hard is that if they want to take a break, they can't just ask the train to stop and go outside to breathe and get out of the situation, even for a few minutes, they are just stuck with it. It must be hard to be there, and even if it is not underground, I wonder if Rilla will be okay with this position. Miller talking about the linen room is funny, at first, because of the smell's problem, but then it just shows how limited they are.
Speaking of whom, Miller seems to be quite a character! The poor American soldier seemed terrified by her. She's impressive, that's for sure, but I think she is kind, and I'm waiting to learn more about her. I looked for this cow's story, for at first I didn't understand what she was talking about, then I learnt about the American president's cow. What a story! And, moreover, what a name for a cow!
I enjoyed the Indian patient's part, and how you speak about all the nationalities being gathered in this war.
Thank you for this!
9/27/2021 c52 Feux follet
I wasn't expecting this at all... (not in a bad way!)
When I first saw that they were still in Bretagne, I was happy, even though you said that it was their last night here. At least, they were safe for one more night, one more chapter. At least, that's what I thought, then. I was impressed by how Diane helped them to keep this marriage a secret, too. I didn't know if she would really help them, but she did, and that was wonderful to know. Rilla not being a model housekeeper? Who would blame her for that? Then, the war starts its first round. There is the reminder that Rilla will go on the hospital ship, which means that, though she'll see her family again (which can also cause fear, because she haven't seen them since years, and even if they wrote to each other, I think it can be stressful to think about it, like wondering what will happen. They can't run into each others arms as if nothing had happen, and yet maybe there is this very need, to feel their arms around her and know that she is safe ...), it also means that she will leave Ken, that again both will be at risks, that the future is not promised to them until the last bell echoed the end of war. It's like being on the edge of something, like on the edge of the sea. You see the water under your feet and you don't know how it is going to end, and what lies under those waves.
But that's only the first round. Then, there is Ken coming back. The way you pictured his distress was frightening. It was particularly well written, especially how you used the short sentences and go back to the line so often. There is a sense of short-breathing, which only adds to the tension of the scene. What hit the most here, is how he reacts by making sure she's alive, then pushing her away - I think that in his mind, it's me "I need to keep her away so that she will be safe", but it is translated by him pushing her away - and looking for alcohol. It was terrifying to see how he reacted when he thought that there was only red wine. As if the world had turn upside down and there was no way to put it right.
I liked the way Rilla took the bottle but didn't give him, and asked for answers. The bottle of wine falling and breaking into pieces at their feet, with the wine spreading on the ground, was a strong picture - and I couldn't help but think about blood. I just hope that it doesn't mean Ken's blood and Ken's grave. The more I read chapters, the more I am getting close to the answer of who is in the grave - and the more I'm scared. It's just a few months left before the war is over, you wish they could all go home safe and sound, but it seems that months are years in war.
But the broken bottle is also the breaking point - sorry for the game of words. The moment where Ken's shell breaks, where the truth comes, where answers are possible. And what answers ... It's frightening to think that sometimes, our life is only retained by one faint "if". To think that this word only composed by two letters can mean death or life ... The worst is that, in those moments, you just want more answers, like knowing where Rilla is going to be sent, and you can't even know that.
I was moved by how they talked, after that. How Ken tried to prevent her from going back, though he knew she would say no, and how he spoke about the guardian angel. But I wished every character involved had one. I know it is silly, selfish, unrealistic, but with your story, it's like being there with them, and you just want everyone to be safe. But what moved me the most was when Rilla said that she had given him answers about her experience, but not him. On one hand, I think she's right, because even if she isn't fighting, Rilla could have keep the silence, too, for she's going back there too. But there is something else, and on another hand, you already shown us how Ken had been affected by this. Everyone manages the traumas as they can, and at that time, as psychology was very young, I don't think anybody knew what could really help. The censorship of the letters and of the press was massive, too, and I can't help but think that it was so strong that it just transposed to their thoughts about war, and how they think they could handle it, and talk about it. There is also the first natural (I'm writing this word, and now I'm wondering if it is truly natural or if it is a mechanism we learnt to have) reaction of not telling, because if ones tells what happened, they'll just break into pieces - or so we think we will, at least. I'm just wondering where it will lead them...
Now, I must thank you for the last scene. How he bought the house to Gallou, to make sure that Rilla will have a shelter if anything happens. And what a shelter! It's just ... It's just so wonderful for them to have this house! The house of dreams is great, too, but it also belongs to others, and keeps other memories, untainted by war and from another time, while this little house belongs to no one else than to them, it keeps their memories, their hopes and fears, and it really seems like a shelter against which no tempest can win. And I liked the fact that they talked about the tea and Rilla's possible pregnancy. I can't say I blame Ken for wondering if she would leave her job if she discovered that she was pregnant. But I can't help wondering what will happen next!
Thank you for this chapter!
I wasn't expecting this at all... (not in a bad way!)
When I first saw that they were still in Bretagne, I was happy, even though you said that it was their last night here. At least, they were safe for one more night, one more chapter. At least, that's what I thought, then. I was impressed by how Diane helped them to keep this marriage a secret, too. I didn't know if she would really help them, but she did, and that was wonderful to know. Rilla not being a model housekeeper? Who would blame her for that? Then, the war starts its first round. There is the reminder that Rilla will go on the hospital ship, which means that, though she'll see her family again (which can also cause fear, because she haven't seen them since years, and even if they wrote to each other, I think it can be stressful to think about it, like wondering what will happen. They can't run into each others arms as if nothing had happen, and yet maybe there is this very need, to feel their arms around her and know that she is safe ...), it also means that she will leave Ken, that again both will be at risks, that the future is not promised to them until the last bell echoed the end of war. It's like being on the edge of something, like on the edge of the sea. You see the water under your feet and you don't know how it is going to end, and what lies under those waves.
But that's only the first round. Then, there is Ken coming back. The way you pictured his distress was frightening. It was particularly well written, especially how you used the short sentences and go back to the line so often. There is a sense of short-breathing, which only adds to the tension of the scene. What hit the most here, is how he reacts by making sure she's alive, then pushing her away - I think that in his mind, it's me "I need to keep her away so that she will be safe", but it is translated by him pushing her away - and looking for alcohol. It was terrifying to see how he reacted when he thought that there was only red wine. As if the world had turn upside down and there was no way to put it right.
I liked the way Rilla took the bottle but didn't give him, and asked for answers. The bottle of wine falling and breaking into pieces at their feet, with the wine spreading on the ground, was a strong picture - and I couldn't help but think about blood. I just hope that it doesn't mean Ken's blood and Ken's grave. The more I read chapters, the more I am getting close to the answer of who is in the grave - and the more I'm scared. It's just a few months left before the war is over, you wish they could all go home safe and sound, but it seems that months are years in war.
But the broken bottle is also the breaking point - sorry for the game of words. The moment where Ken's shell breaks, where the truth comes, where answers are possible. And what answers ... It's frightening to think that sometimes, our life is only retained by one faint "if". To think that this word only composed by two letters can mean death or life ... The worst is that, in those moments, you just want more answers, like knowing where Rilla is going to be sent, and you can't even know that.
I was moved by how they talked, after that. How Ken tried to prevent her from going back, though he knew she would say no, and how he spoke about the guardian angel. But I wished every character involved had one. I know it is silly, selfish, unrealistic, but with your story, it's like being there with them, and you just want everyone to be safe. But what moved me the most was when Rilla said that she had given him answers about her experience, but not him. On one hand, I think she's right, because even if she isn't fighting, Rilla could have keep the silence, too, for she's going back there too. But there is something else, and on another hand, you already shown us how Ken had been affected by this. Everyone manages the traumas as they can, and at that time, as psychology was very young, I don't think anybody knew what could really help. The censorship of the letters and of the press was massive, too, and I can't help but think that it was so strong that it just transposed to their thoughts about war, and how they think they could handle it, and talk about it. There is also the first natural (I'm writing this word, and now I'm wondering if it is truly natural or if it is a mechanism we learnt to have) reaction of not telling, because if ones tells what happened, they'll just break into pieces - or so we think we will, at least. I'm just wondering where it will lead them...
Now, I must thank you for the last scene. How he bought the house to Gallou, to make sure that Rilla will have a shelter if anything happens. And what a shelter! It's just ... It's just so wonderful for them to have this house! The house of dreams is great, too, but it also belongs to others, and keeps other memories, untainted by war and from another time, while this little house belongs to no one else than to them, it keeps their memories, their hopes and fears, and it really seems like a shelter against which no tempest can win. And I liked the fact that they talked about the tea and Rilla's possible pregnancy. I can't say I blame Ken for wondering if she would leave her job if she discovered that she was pregnant. But I can't help wondering what will happen next!
Thank you for this chapter!
9/26/2021 c51 Feux follet
I just loved this chapter! I think it's just after Gallou's first appearance's chapter, in the rank of my favorite chapters! There is just so much kindness and caring here ...
I'm glad they stayed in Bretagne, and I thank you for letting us have another chapter here! It was just magical to be there with them, and I think that the way you opened this chapter with Rilla slowly waking up and thinking about her mother's word, with the fairies was just perfect!
There is also such an evolution here with Rilla. I'm not speaking about whether she wants children or not, though there is a big step here too, but about her position. She starts this chapter alone, even though Ken is going back soon to her - I wonder, is it a way to tell us that he will come back from the last months of war unhurt, or is it just me? Then, she is like a sister to Nolwenn, guessing what's on her mind, listening at her hopes and fears, then giving her this advice - I wish someone had given it to me! There was something very sweet there, between Rilla who grew up and saw things during war no one should have, and learnt from this, and Nolwenn, who is like her younger-self (just like Ken said in the previous chapter), still full of hopes and fearing that she will never escape from this place. There is something beautiful here, and even if war leaves a shadow on all of that - Josselyn's husband, Rilla's experience, her father's - it's still beautiful to see that she's going forward, not letting war having it all. I enjoyed the way Rilla talked to her, and encouraged her though telling her to be careful. Really, it was like seeing an older sister talking to her younger sister. Maybe Nolwenn could come to the House of Dreams, after the war? (I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you about this in the previous review, but I'm so glad that, even it it's not for long, they will stay there!)
After Nolwenn's departure, Rilla's position change again, and she become a daughter again. I just loved how Berthe arranged this, sending Nolwenn outside, and then, at the end of their talk, said she needed to go and separate her sons and gave her little Berthe to watch over. But what touched me the most was the scene in between. First of all, I didn't know about Queen Anne's lace properties, but I was touched by how you introduced it, with Berthe knowing them too. It's like a witch's secret, which passes generation by generation. I would maybe say mother to daughter, but Anne is not there, though Berthe takes her place here (not in a bad way). Even if there are the letters, Anne is away, and I think that it is great someone is here, near Rilla, helping her even if it is only temporary. I loved how Berthe talked with Rilla here, even if Rilla was a bit angry, but as someone once told me, behind anger there is often, if not always, fear, and you showed it perfectly.
Then there is the scene with little Bertha, and she become, for a few minutes, like a mother figure. It reminded me about the scene with Jims, where Ken can't help but look at her and be amazed. But it is something even more powerful here, because it comes from Rilla. We see Ken's reaction, of course, but the main part is on Rilla and her thoughts. Her last gesture have me wondering what will happen, though. In those situations, there doesn't seem to have a good or a bad path, you just do what you can with what is given to you. I'm curious to know what you are preparing there!
But again, thank you so much for this chapter, which deeply touched me! Thank you!
I just loved this chapter! I think it's just after Gallou's first appearance's chapter, in the rank of my favorite chapters! There is just so much kindness and caring here ...
I'm glad they stayed in Bretagne, and I thank you for letting us have another chapter here! It was just magical to be there with them, and I think that the way you opened this chapter with Rilla slowly waking up and thinking about her mother's word, with the fairies was just perfect!
There is also such an evolution here with Rilla. I'm not speaking about whether she wants children or not, though there is a big step here too, but about her position. She starts this chapter alone, even though Ken is going back soon to her - I wonder, is it a way to tell us that he will come back from the last months of war unhurt, or is it just me? Then, she is like a sister to Nolwenn, guessing what's on her mind, listening at her hopes and fears, then giving her this advice - I wish someone had given it to me! There was something very sweet there, between Rilla who grew up and saw things during war no one should have, and learnt from this, and Nolwenn, who is like her younger-self (just like Ken said in the previous chapter), still full of hopes and fearing that she will never escape from this place. There is something beautiful here, and even if war leaves a shadow on all of that - Josselyn's husband, Rilla's experience, her father's - it's still beautiful to see that she's going forward, not letting war having it all. I enjoyed the way Rilla talked to her, and encouraged her though telling her to be careful. Really, it was like seeing an older sister talking to her younger sister. Maybe Nolwenn could come to the House of Dreams, after the war? (I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you about this in the previous review, but I'm so glad that, even it it's not for long, they will stay there!)
After Nolwenn's departure, Rilla's position change again, and she become a daughter again. I just loved how Berthe arranged this, sending Nolwenn outside, and then, at the end of their talk, said she needed to go and separate her sons and gave her little Berthe to watch over. But what touched me the most was the scene in between. First of all, I didn't know about Queen Anne's lace properties, but I was touched by how you introduced it, with Berthe knowing them too. It's like a witch's secret, which passes generation by generation. I would maybe say mother to daughter, but Anne is not there, though Berthe takes her place here (not in a bad way). Even if there are the letters, Anne is away, and I think that it is great someone is here, near Rilla, helping her even if it is only temporary. I loved how Berthe talked with Rilla here, even if Rilla was a bit angry, but as someone once told me, behind anger there is often, if not always, fear, and you showed it perfectly.
Then there is the scene with little Bertha, and she become, for a few minutes, like a mother figure. It reminded me about the scene with Jims, where Ken can't help but look at her and be amazed. But it is something even more powerful here, because it comes from Rilla. We see Ken's reaction, of course, but the main part is on Rilla and her thoughts. Her last gesture have me wondering what will happen, though. In those situations, there doesn't seem to have a good or a bad path, you just do what you can with what is given to you. I'm curious to know what you are preparing there!
But again, thank you so much for this chapter, which deeply touched me! Thank you!
9/25/2021 c50 Feux follet
(My computer decided to cut my enthusiasm, I'm sorry!)
I was saying that there is such a feeling of safety there. Of course, it's not for long, and war is still not far away, but for a few moments, it's reassuring, and relieving to feel safe.
I enjoyed the way you described Gallou's family. You really took the time to give everyone a real temper, between Katell who runs everywhere and Loïc who would surely love to be away from them and reassured. Katell reminded me a bit of Izzie, too, and it was funny to see her running into Rilla's arms, but turning her head away from Ken. On another hand, I was touched when you talked about Elouann and how war stole his youth, even if it hadn't take him on its battlefield yet. I think every family watched over their sons like hot milk on fire .. Normally he won't go, but like I said on an earlier chapter, it's different when you are in the middle of the events, it's harder to think that in just a few months this war will be over.
The end ... It is always an emotional chapter when Gallou is there, but here ... It was already moving to see how kind and caring he was around Rilla and Ken - the "sister Bertha" touched me, there was such kindness and quiet assurance in those words -, but when he came back with his youngest daughter ... When he said "it's quite right this way" ... the scene was so powerful in emotions ... So powerful that it seems I'm loosing my words, I'm terribly sorry for that. This scene reminded me of something and it was just perfect to read, lovely to witness. There is something so sweet, so lovely here, which doesn't pass by words. It just is.
The "I won't doubt" was perfect, too.
Thank you for everything!
(My computer decided to cut my enthusiasm, I'm sorry!)
I was saying that there is such a feeling of safety there. Of course, it's not for long, and war is still not far away, but for a few moments, it's reassuring, and relieving to feel safe.
I enjoyed the way you described Gallou's family. You really took the time to give everyone a real temper, between Katell who runs everywhere and Loïc who would surely love to be away from them and reassured. Katell reminded me a bit of Izzie, too, and it was funny to see her running into Rilla's arms, but turning her head away from Ken. On another hand, I was touched when you talked about Elouann and how war stole his youth, even if it hadn't take him on its battlefield yet. I think every family watched over their sons like hot milk on fire .. Normally he won't go, but like I said on an earlier chapter, it's different when you are in the middle of the events, it's harder to think that in just a few months this war will be over.
The end ... It is always an emotional chapter when Gallou is there, but here ... It was already moving to see how kind and caring he was around Rilla and Ken - the "sister Bertha" touched me, there was such kindness and quiet assurance in those words -, but when he came back with his youngest daughter ... When he said "it's quite right this way" ... the scene was so powerful in emotions ... So powerful that it seems I'm loosing my words, I'm terribly sorry for that. This scene reminded me of something and it was just perfect to read, lovely to witness. There is something so sweet, so lovely here, which doesn't pass by words. It just is.
The "I won't doubt" was perfect, too.
Thank you for everything!