INDIFFERENCE, CONCLUSION

[big_brian_o]

Ok, vamps, here it is. The final chapter. I appreciate your hanging in with me and I really want to thank Heather and Sandi and Arness for the beautiful images! In this post, Heather did the icon, Arness the washington scene and Sandi the bedroom scene. Thanks thanks thanks ladies. Thanks to you all. I am not disappearing, just recharging some

Comments

[qafaddiction]

Wow, Brian. What can I say, but another fantastic series that has taken us on an incredible journey that I could never have imagined when we began this so many months (years!) ago.

I'm very impressed with the way you've incorporated both personal and populist messages in the story, particularly in the last few chapters. The parallels you've drawn between the civil rights issues of oppressed/minority groups, whether it be the vampires and their kind, or the homosexual community, speak volumes and reach far beyond the pages of fanfic. But you've done it in a subtle way, and it never felt heavy-handed. Bravo.

Bryant was a true hero in my eyes, a leader for his tribe just as the new President is for his followers. Vic chose his prophets carefully, and wisely. As indifferent as Bryant pretended to be, he really wasn't. He cared about what happened to his vampires. He had the courage to buck the Board, and was smart enough to question the viability of the entire vampire nation, even to the point of wondering whether breeding was a good thing. He never went to battle for his own entertainment, but he also never shied away from a fight. And it served him well.

The vampires kill to survive, and they had to make peace with that. You showed us that just because they must kill doesn't mean that they have to forego their sense of decency, of what is right, or their wisdom in realizing that they can only survive among the humans if they blend in as much as they can on a superficial level. I love the twist in this last chapter of the humans wanting to look like the others by dressing in similar clothing; something different, a 'fad' as it were, wanting to be like the other-worldly ones. If only they knew the half of it!

Bryant understood that living above everyone else could prove fatal in the end. He had his bar, the Bloody Shame, and his human colleagues like Wally (does anyone still remember him? Poor man, I wish he hadn't had to be sacrificed so early on), and instead of setting himself apart from them, he learned to live alongside his prey, and he taught his clan to do the same.

I love that Bryant and Slade were still together to the end. I enjoyed the small intimacies you included between them throughout their journey -- holding hands while walking down the street, or sipping wine on the porch of their home in Carmel. The strength they take from each other is powerful. You are a romantic at heart, B, and I love you for it. ♥ Oh, and the hot sex was amazing too! ;) Throwing Justinian into the mix was a nice touch! ;) A+ on that one!

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that I've enjoyed your tale SO very much and am as proud as ever to be a part of this, to contribute in some small way to the visual aspect of the story. Thanks to you, Arness and Sandi for being such great friends throughout this journey, and to everyone who read and commented. Whoo!

H.

[wren_kt7oz]

Yes, indeed I remember Wally.

Heather, you've done a wonderful job of summing up and reviewing the story as a whole. Thank you.

Brian - what she said *g*

[qafaddiction]

Aw, Wren, my comment twin! :) I read what you wrote below and I really liked what you said about having "more faith in the man than in the office" -- I think that is true in many cases, here in Canada as well. Thanks for your thoughtful commentary on all of the chapters; many times, you gave me a lot to think about, and echoed my sentiments as well. ♥

[big_brian_o]

I totally agree, you both write great comments

[big_brian_o]

Thanks Wren

[big_brian_o]

Thanks for a lovely comment Heather and for all your contributions to all my work. I can't tell you how much it has meant to me and how it has made the storytelling that much more fun. You are very talented and I am proud to consider you a friend.