Three's a crowd, chapter nine.

[girl_called_sun]

Where our protagonists begin to figure out what the others are thinking.

Comments

[osprey_archer]

Dom must be really drunk if he really wants Kel to help him win Lerant's heart. She's sweet but engineering romance is...possibly beyond her capacity. :p

I love Kel and Dom's conversation. I was a bit miffed last chapter, actually, that we didn't get to see Kel and Lerant have The Most Awkward Conversation Ever, but hearing Kel recap it for Dom ("I may have finished with a remark along the lines of “your love does not have to be hidden” and then the words “let Dom know your true feelings” may have slipped out") totally makes up for it.

However, as much as I love that conversation, Lerant's Internal Monologue of Low Self-Esteem (oh, woe! Dom will try to let me down gently!) is even BETTER. Poor Lerant. We love you! Even if you don't love yourself!

He and Dom are going to have the Most Awkward Conversation EVER (Even More Awkward than Kel and Lerant's conversation) next chapter, aren't they? I hope I hope?

[girl_called_sun]

Dom is both drunk and at the end of his tether. (And there are only so many awkward conversations you can write.)

This whole fic is me expressing the Lerant love. I am so glad it is catching. Although I would totally accept I have issues.

And yes, Dom and Lerant are going to have the most awkward conversation ever next chapter.

[girl_called_sun]

Thank you! Mortification, it comes easy to Lerant.

There is more of the Duchess, later.... she just helps facilitate one or two things.

T hype is building for the most awkward conversation EVER.

[peroxidepirate]

This is excellent! I read it yesterday (all 9 chapters) and had to keep thinking about it for a while before I could comment, and I still don't have much beyond, "wow!" Canon!Dom doesn't appeal to me much, but I really like the direction you've taken him. I like Kel's reaction to being on leave for once -- "Wait, shouldn't I be doing something?" And I adore your take on Lerant.

Also, your take on same-sex relationships in a place like Tortall is very realistic. Here and in some other fics, you've shown how the culture keeps homosexuality completely under wraps, and expressed how painful that can be, without being the least bit preachy. I'm impressed.

I think I'm going to be a little obsessed with Kel/Dom/Lerant now. I can't wait for the next chapter!

[girl_called_sun]

I wanted to thank you for all the lovely comments you've left recently - I can't tell you what a pleasure it to read comments from someone who has read, thought about, and enjoyed the fic.

Canon!Dom is little one dimensional, and for all that I prattle on about Lerant (my one true obsession) I write Dom a lot, too, so I can flesh him out, think about his character. King's Own banter is the most fun to write.

So thanks, and I hope the next chapter lives up to expectations!

*friends back*

[heather_neather]

Geeeeeeeeeeee.

That is all. I am pleased.

[girl_called_sun]

I am pleased that you are pleased. Nice to see you around, busy person.

[anait]

“Knight,” said Kel. “I hit things for a living. Not much call for subtle.” Hee!

I may have finished with a remark along the lines of “your love does not have to be hidden” and then the words “let Dom know your true feelings” may have slipped out.” Nooooo! Kel, keep your day job! Yenta does not suit you.
That was the funniest part for me, because it actually seemed in character. I can just see her saying it. So awful! Kel the closet romantic. I bet she has a secret stash of Harlequins.

“Of course he didn’t hate you Kel.” Dom paused. “Of course he doesn’t hate you, Kel.
This bit seemed a bit awkward and obvious to me. It stuck out, especially since Kel handed him the present tense verb immediately before.

I liked the dowager!

I hope Lerant doesn't get to carry out that pre-emptive strike. I'm looking forward to the remaining twists and turns you no doubt have stored up your sleeve to put them through before we arrive at the ending.

[girl_called_sun]

I'm glad Kel still seems in character, I was worrying about her.

“Of course he didn’t hate you Kel.” Dom paused. “Of course he doesn’t hate you, Kel.
This bit seemed a bit awkward and obvious to me. It stuck out, especially since Kel handed him the present tense verb immediately before.
I agree with you there, on re-reading. *cringe*

There's not so many twists left - just sorting all the previous ones out!