Strangers in Gilead

[corvus_imbrifer]

A period piece. Not typical with regards to structure, development, and vocabulary, so may not be everyone’s cup of whiskey, to be sure. I will claim it is ’avant guarde.’ Oh, and there is sex in it, but nothing that will make anyone *is ded*. And swearing.

And a long piece, upwards of forty thousand words. No, really. It was recommended to me

Comments

[janissa11]

That was truly beautifully done. Absolutely engrossing, with so many perfect details; I love the way it spun out, tantalizing questions eventually answered, and the outsider POV giving us a gorgeous view of the guys. Fascinating original characters, intriguing plot, and great brotherly interaction -- and I adore Westerns, which makes this all the more wonderful.

Fantastic work! Bravo!

[corvus_imbrifer]

I wasn't entirely sure it was 'western' enough, but I am glad to hear you found it so. The outsider POV was key, as you found. The people who never hear the full story, who meet the Winchesters, are affected by them, and then are left wondering.

Thanks!

[hiyacynth]

Oh, hell yes. That was amazing. Have just recc'd the heck out of it to my flist, many of whom often say what the world needs now is Winchesters in the Old West. God. SO GOOD. I loved the way you managed to get so much information and characterization across from the outsider perspective (let's hear it for peepholes, eh?), and how you let the slow reveal of what was going on, how they got there, etc. build. I anticipated losing interest because we weren't going to SEE a lot of the action take place, but I never did. The tension was tight throughout, and man alive, when the action did come home, you brought it. That fight--perfect for the Winchester reunion--was a thing of beauty. Um. As were all those lovely scenes in and around that bathtub. OMG and the glory of Sam buying his brother some company for the evening, and then trying to have a civilized conversation while Dean's getting it on, loudly, next door. Too precious, I tell you. And THANK YOU for that lovely set of scenes with Sam and Miss Rose. Sam girl that I am, I gotta say

[corvus_imbrifer]

I just glanced back over my comment lists and don't see a response to your comment. My apologies!

I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. Particularly the Sam characterization, that's so important to get right. (And often neglected in the show, if you ask me.)

Hope school is going well!

[trishabooms]

I nearly didn't read this because I'm working on an RPF western using Jared, Jensen and Jeffrey Dean Morgan and I worried a little. Stupidly really because the only real similarity is the Western setting.

I adore westerns, and yours was excellent. I couldn't stop reading and enjoyed every word.

You write a wonderful Sam, I thought he was perfect.

I loved the attention to period detail. I thought you balanced it beautifully, never letting it detract from the actual story.

Oh and Dean singing the Firefly theme, that's going to be in my head for quite a while!!

Thank you so much for a truly enjoyable read.

[corvus_imbrifer]

I just glanced back over my comment lists and don't see a response to your comment. My apologies!

So glad you enjoyed it. Particularly the characterization of Sam, that's so important to get right. I think Dean would make a good Browncoat, don't you?

[musesfool]

This was utterly fantastic - I loved the outsider POV, the image of Sam in his long black coat, and Dean in his altogether *g*, and their reunion, and their fight after the battle. And then Dean singing the Firefly theme! Hee! Awesome.

[corvus_imbrifer]

I was afraid the Firefly reference would be too obscure. But I rather imagine Dean is a Browncoat, don't you think?

Thanks!

Re: this was a very good story

[corvus_imbrifer]

A real curse, attention to accuracy. I spent quite a while just looking for maps of Nebraska in 1871. Had to change a town name because it hadn't been established yet. I'm pleased it paid off for you! Thanks!