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Reviews for Both Sides Now

By : Firefall_Varuna

From ANON - Kav on April 27, 2015
This is such an amazing story, extremely well written. You make the WoW lore truly come alive in order to paint a vivid, fantastic world. Great action sequences with plenty of harrowing, suspenseful moments. I love the characters you've written, and the development they go through as the story progresses. Also, the full range of emotions you evoke, from laughing at those steamy romance novels and banter between characters to the sadness, horror and intensity of certain scenes, such as the nightmare in Kharazan and the solemn pyre for the troll child in the most recent chapter. Thanks so much for sharing this and I really hope you continue! I'll be eagerly looking forward to the next installment. :D
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From ANON - wanderingaddict on August 15, 2014
haha wow I must have written my last review at like, 4:00 am because I was just going off on so many tangents that I can't even tell what the hell I was talking about. Anyways, I was back doing my bi-annual check up on AFF and I saw you updated so I was like "ooo lets see what Una's fumbling her way to level gains through this time!" and lo and behold...

I find myself being an intense multi-shipper. This normally doesn't happen to me! I find one pairing I like, I'm like "oh those two are cool together" and I follow that one. That's it. Sometimes another character enters the battleground and is a superior upgrade to an existing character, in which case I simply toss out the existing one and continue onwards, blithely ignoring everything else. That... that doesn't happen here! Seriously! Una is just like, straight-up surrounded by beefy goody-two-shoes men who all are reasonably developed, hunky slabs of side-character meet, and each time she meets a new guy I'm just like "OOO UNA! Ask him out on a date!" Cole? Teases her and pushes her buttons while she fumes and gets back at him - and I'm like "Una just kiss him so he stops pulling your pigtails!" and then Una goes over and talks to Landon and I'm like "Ooo! Una! He's shy and friendly! I bet if you gave him a wink and a nudge he might leave a rose by your bedside in the morning too! UNA DO IT" but then she's just like "Ho hum all these hotties looking fly, whateves I know I got it, they're going to have to work for it" and I'm like "oh okay Una fine BUT WAIT! Hakandar is talking to you and damn but I bet you're wondering if he's got beard-tentacles in other places too!"

Haha, can you tell it really bothers me that I can't tell who she'll end up with? Romance? I keep trying to get a bead on her personal preferences but it's hard because it seems like every guy she talks to has SOMETHING going for him - even if every guy is wildly disparate from the next! But I could (and totally do) ship her with every single one of them. Even Ashal! Whose butt I also ship xRune, xLeland, and xRuneLeland2xDP combo. You write some fun characters, and it's really rare to have such a strongly defined, consistent line-up of alternates to shift perspective to. I think that's a real strong skill you got there. I know it's hard enough for me to balance one main character, much less like, the 4.5 you got going on. It's really intriguing!

This latest chapter continues to expand on the Drakkari trolls, and there are a lot of cool, flavorful pieces you bake into this little pie. The continual return to the troll village that - really I guess was the first "big thing" to take Una's innocence away this whole story is a nice, consistent touch. Having her continually learn and improve herself makes for an intriguing aspect of story I don't normally see much of in fantasy, just because a lot of dudes write about characters that are already totally strong and got their lives figured out, whereas you're writing about a very different point in Una's life. Maybe one day she'll be a bad-ass bitch in 8-inch, armored heels but right now she's still finding her place in the world - and her adversary isn't even "the world" so much as it is herself. Having her, even as a healer and "knowing better", fight and argue with her comrades about getting rest, responsibility to patients, and morality (I mean, as a doctor she should know full-well that the Death Knights are containing an infection, something absolutely necessary in times of crisis). She continues to struggle with these concepts, and clearly wants to be on the level that the other healers - Hakander, Rune, and the others - are on, but doesn't know how she can reconcile her childhood naivete with the harsh reality of the world.

It's pretty compelling! But you set a good pace, and interrupt it in a way that continually keeps things fresh. I mean, I as the reader know that Ashal has some weird fascination with her that - as I mentioned in my first review, I think, I can't tell if it's desire of *her*, what she represents, what of himself he sees in her (when he was a young pally), or if he's just projecting all his own unresolved personal baggage on to her and nothing at all is accurate. And then how she's even reading this?? She seems part creeped out, part... boggled? It's interesting and I'm curious to see how it gets resolved, even more so because Rune, who clearly greatly desires Ashal, seems content to just let things play out on their own. WHICH IS EVEN WEIRDER because of his OWN history with Ashal, and originally being the "lesser" (according to Ashal's lament) and surpassing him. What is Rune's stake in all this? Is he content just for the sake of letting Ashal find someone and "heal"? Is he actually just waiting for it to blow up in Ashal's face so that the guy can "get it out of his system" and/or "learn a lesson about responsibility" ? STUFF TO PONDER.

I can't tell you how eager I am to read about Weiland next chapter. I hope to god you're hinting that the magistrix he saved is coming back for him. Regardless of good or bad, I'm already shipping Magistrix Yutani with her little duckling that she just *om nom noms* all day because damn you write cute, young, impressionable elves so well.

fuck, why did I write that? now I just think about cute, young, impressionable Anaru and the day he found a fiesty elf-rogue minx fishing her hands into his pockets. Your characters are too much fun, you know that?
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From ANON - Raven on March 31, 2014
I just want to say I very much enjoy this story. It is unfortunate most do not realize the Sin'dorei did not join the horde on a whim but because they were betrayed by their alliance allies. I think the way you put it into perspective is a well thought out process. I still have high hopes for Una to find lasting love depite the struggle she faces (the hopeless romantic in me cries out for it actually) and I love that you've delved deeper into Deathknights. Showing they can be exceedingly cruel or like the Frost brother caring to a point. Too many stories I've seen paint DeathKnights and what happened to then in a one sided light, or they make them immediately accepted which you know wouldn't have happened.

Keep up the good work and I'll be keeping an eye out for updates.
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From wanderingaddict on August 26, 2013
hahaha, geez, two new chapters! oh gosh these stories are so cute. I was just rereading chapter 16 about their first journey into the north on Friday when I saw you updated and I was like GASP WOAH! and okay first off, was a liiiiiiiitle disappointed that no worgen fights happened (in large part because I actually know nothing of the Alliance stuff in Grizzly Hills, and the Horde have like all of two garbage quests there) (the other part is that I do like Una and werewolves, but maybe that's just 'cause of her time in Darkshire?). anyways, that was a really cute - and chilling!- scene to end a chapter on, real nice tie-in to the platoon's cohesiveness and revelry with each other contrasted with the seriousness of the setting. also, I swear to god woman, I can never tell WHO Una is going to get it on with! I mean that big towering dranei totally seems like he could maybe soften up to her just a teensy little bit, but also I know that Ashal is a little enamored of her/of mentoring her, BUT ALSO the way you write about her, and shattering her expectations, and making her go through (lesser) hell, hah, I can't even tell if maybe one day her and Cole are finally going to hash things out with a bunch of sexy snarls! lawlz, this is really fun to read about her adventures, I'm always happy to see a new chapter.

in terms of criticisms, one thing (and I say this because I do it all the time and so have to police myself religiously for it) that you might double-check occasionally are the instances where you double-up on words! there were two in chapter 17 that sort of stood out - one was "Despite the chill, flowers were blooming despite the chill" or something. maybe not in the same sentence, but it read a little like it. then a little later there was soemthing like "there was a massive crash" followed by "she hefted her massive swords" and it's just really easy to change either one of those two something more descriptive and unique. just minor details though. also, if I missed it, what the heck happened to Weiland?? where has he gotten off to?

otherwise I'm thrilled to see where you're going with the Drakkari stuff. totally did not expect you to go there, but I personally loved the area! and the interactinos with all the troll gods. lawlz, especially how spiteful they were to their followers! blowing themselves up, trapping troll souls in Limbo for all eternity, hunting them down and eating them. awesome. also, does this mean that their route is going to be taking them through Crystalsong Forest???? OH MY GOD that is only my most favoritest place in the entire game! well, technically I liked it before they patched it a little more, and all the ghosts were neutral in most areas and the night elf ghosts would play hopscotch on the pillars (seriously, they still might too, cutest thing in the world), and the music is all peaceful-like and the two little elf camps are all cute and adorable. have I ever told you how much I like elves? because yeah total MAJOR selling point for me here, so awesome that you write blood AND high elves in an awesome, tasteful, and absolutely delightful way. thanks for continuing this story, I honestly look forward to the next chapter because I genuinely enjoy seeing how and where Una's going to grow.
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From wanderingaddict on November 21, 2012
this was a FANTASTIC read! there was a LOT that I have to cover since it's basically got like, 15 chapters or whatever that I just plowed straight through last night. stayed up waaaaaaaay past my bedtime and then had to force myself to bed. then I woke up and read some more it was that enthralling!

first off - goooootta say, I really like how detailed your lore is. I mean, there were just so many points where you actually reflected on both sides of the Horde/Alliance issues - I mean, frick, when Anaru was all like "Yeah Gaithos was a gigantic douche who deliberately plotted to execute the ruler of our people and the Alliance seem to have totally whitewashed that" - that's such a FANTASTIC point that adds so much depth to your story! geez, there were just so many instances of that. each time I saw one, though, I clasped my hands to my mouth and went "Eeeee! Lore buff here!" and squealed for like, a minute afterwards. (also I noted all the NPC names like the level 50 priestess trainer AND the level 60 high priest eh? eeeh?) lawlz I LOVE picking out those little details.

the second thing is that I just like the space of your world. Ratchet isn't just the 5 raggedy buildings that in-game - it's an entire city! the Lich that they encounter in Razerfen Downs wasn't even the one that the Quillboar helped raise - it was an entirely new one! there's a level of originality here that is super refreshing. you and Koori have such original stories that are divorced from the typical questlines and instances that so many people do. or the rampant death where it's just like "some derp blood elf aggros too many undead and gets killed" gee, what a surprise. I mean, even when you have close, genuinely distressing battles (like when they accidentally tangle with the DKs in EPL), it's not "everybody dies except for Una." nope, everybody (except the poor wold :( ) lived! super awesome and fitting for their skill level, the timing of it - I mean, it was really well done and a lot of fun to read that battle sequence. esepcially because I got to finally see some of Una's mettle there!

hmm, I don't really know where to go next, I guess. there's a lot here! these are some long chapters and there are a lot of them - I'm really impressed at your fortitude! I suppose my impressions of the characters? these are just my impressions, mind you, I'm not saying that "this is how they are" or that you even have to agree with me. if you're just like "no, you're wrong" you can just call me a stupid fuck and tell me to gtfo, I won't mind :) they're your characters and your story, so you obviously know them best! I'm just telling you my likes and dislikes and impressions, nothing more.

first up - Una: she seems to occupy a nebulous role. I know that she's young, but sometimes it sounds like she was old enough to have fought in the First War (when Azeroth (the nation) first fell to the Horde), and then other times it sounds like she was never a part of that? it's the same with some of the other people in her seeming "age bracket". Rune was apparently at Northshire Abbey (which was just like "que?" to me), Anaru (who's name I may be super mispelling) and Ashal were apprenticed as pallies before the Third War (but not the Second? just want some clarification on certain things is all). anyways, I get that she's a neophyte and new to everything, but, like in one of the most recent chapters, she's spent time as a guard/reservist? I just feel like that's inconsistent with other times where she gives the impression that she was always a pally-in-training and has only just recently even started using a sword.

I DO like her though. she's amusing, and it's kind of funny to see her slowly open up to and learn about the world. in terms of where I feel I know the least about her, thoguh, is things like... how and why she decided to become a pally, instead of a priestess? the high elves have a long tradition of that, or why isn't she a mage, or warlock, or even just a straight-up warrior? (ignoring the in-game restriction that's gone now, of course). some explanation of her motivation would be nice at some point, to really understand her character better. another thing might be like - okay, when she woke up in Soren's room, I was amused and impressed! I thought she'd never have the nerve and be a total virgin! that seems like a hugely important distinction, however, and some exploration of why that is the case would be helpful too. just to connect more with who and what she is, how she sees herself, some things like that (lol, especially after this latest chapter, which left me wondering what she'd think (lol or if she could even imagine, without overheating) about her new bodyguard wanting to take her while he has his boyfriend take him from behind).

Ashal: okay, gotta admit - when he first came up, I TOTES thought that he was gonna be some recurring douche who only exists to fuck Welaen's life up and be incredibly petty. as it turns out, he was the TOTAL OPPOSITE! hah! lawlz, he's also starting to have as much prominence as Anaru is, and that's kinda funny considering that he now has double Anaru's sex scenes (and is therefore 2/3rds of the reason this is adult-oriented, lawlz). but also, I mean, DAMN girl! even when it was him and Rune all by themselves in Shattrah I wasn't expecting hardly anything at all (well, honestly I was expecting to be some rivalmance yaoi with him and Waelan) but nope! the big muscly pally dude who's so angry gets a real touching massage and then gets all twitchy when his guy-friend starts exploring his butt. my god that was a good scene there (and not just because I play a belf priest myself and totally did a fist pump at my screen when Ashal finally had enough and was just like "Okay god damnit just fuck me!" go belf priests, I'm proud of you, Rune, doin' the class proud there bud!).

he's interesting because he plays something of a similar role to Una - only maybe a little in reverse? I mean, aside from having a male perspective (which is different in and of itself) he's as self-conscious and insecure as she is, only where for her that comes from inexperience and social isolation, Ashal's insecurities aren't affected by the fact that - comparitively - he's been through the MOST of the entire group! he survived the demonic possession and drugging of Kael'thas's forces, rose through the ranks and then rose through the Shattrah ranks *again*, has held numerous command positions, is clearly a skilled warrior and pally, survived the Second AND Third Wars... he's been through tons, but he's got a crippling self-doubt where he compares himself to his douchey bro and, heh, any other man that he seems to be afraid will... "fill his spot." his brother is smarter, more charming, better looking, better at magic (better than him as a son then). Anaru is better looking, more skilled, more competant, more lucky (better than him as a pally then). he even does that with Waelen! it makes it all the more interesting, then, (and kinda sweet) that he doesn't do that with Rune - instead, when he's at his worst - he just laments that Rune's surpassed him and then he wants to feel Rune dominate (re: protect????) him with topping during sex. I can see where he feels a strong connection to both Rune and Una, it's really pretty rad.

hands down though, Anaru is my favorite char though. I mean, ballz, when he plays pranks on Una? hahaha MAN that was rich. it might be kind of "introduced first" effects going on here, but he's super competent, leads his division well, is strong-willed and doesn't back down or let fuckwits get in his way (like Una's parents!). I was SO impressed with him there, where he stood up to her dad instead of shrinking away. my only wish is that he'd caught the guy's fist and tossed him to the ground. maybe next time? eh eh? haha just dreaming! anyways, yeah, I totes dig his relationship with Emmie and was cheering them BOTH on with the flip-flop domination they had going on in their first scene together. I like that he's self-confidant with her, even, too - it makes a real strong contrast between them (as both individuals and as a couple) and the other people like Una and Ash. they like sex, they're in love, and it doesn't matter what other people do or think. hah, I mean DAMN when the orc walks in on them in their sex scene and Anaru doesn't cover up or stammer or anything, just totally lets Emmie keep going for what she wants and is just like "Nah bro, I got this"? SO MUCH of his character just shines through right there that it's pretty hard NOT to like him.

so yeah, those are just some thoughts on and my impressions of what I figured were the main characters. I am mad interested in seeing where this starts going, though! mainly, is Waelen going to get snapped up (or have to rescue/be rescued) by that older magistrix chick was bodyguarding earlier? is she going to miss her little duckling? lawlz, I know he gave a poor showing at the start of his new inspection, but hey the kid's got a real big set of balls to have done all the shit he did already (tossing those fleshbeasts over the edge! taking a point-blank fireball to the face! there's a real kickass story there!). I do wanna see how Una reacts if/when he surpasses her though :3c lawlz, sorry, she's just *really* fun to tease. I can see why everyone else does it all the time.
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From ANON - Horde Enchantress on September 20, 2012
I have to say I've read a lot of WoW fics and I haven't until now seen one from this angle. Bravo for originality. I check for updates nearly daily hoping to see a new one. Course i'm (not so)secretly rooting for Hakander to catch Una's attention >.> but then again I'm strange like that. Anywho keep up the good work Hope to see an update soonish!
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From Koori on June 29, 2012
(So I have this thing I do with reviews on my Sis's tales, I won't repost the dozen I've done in the past but will start anew!)

“That is totally unfair!” Obito said with a loud sigh, “all of you are just terrible teases!”

Una raised a slender eyebrow, “hmm?”

The hunter threw up his hands in exasperation. “You had him shackled down and … and … let him go?” He pointed a finger at the dark haired paladin across the table.

Rune let out a chuckle from his seat. “Afraid I was too much for him to handle.”

Ash snorted at the comment and waved his hand dismissively. “We were interrupted; it was hard getting back into the mood after such dire news.”

“I find that hard to believe,” Obito countered, “I’ve heard Rune is always in the mood …”

“Heard?” Una said, “Bet he’s shown you pictures if not more!”

“Oh believe me,” Rune replied, “the thought has crossed my mind, then I remember your watch dog and decide I want to live and sadly must find another.”

Picking up his glass Obito studied the lithe blonde paladin over the rim, he could easily picture Rune shackled down on the bed, vulnerable. Taking a long drink of the strong liquor, he let his eyes roam down the body of the other. When his gaze returned to Rune’s face, the long eyebrow was cocked, there was an air of curiosity.

“Maybe you should wear a sign that says “Fuck Me”,” Ash mumbled under his breath.

Obito could feel the burn on his cheeks as he glanced down at the cup in his hand. But not before he saw Rune cast a withering look toward his old friend.

Before his liquid courage faded Obito whispered, “Rom is in Thunderbluff on a diplomatic mission, he’s not expected back for a couple of days.”

The table got painfully quiet and after a long moment the hunter glanced up, the raw lust he saw in the trio of elves sitting with him caused a chill of anticipation run up his spine. Una raised up her hand in a stopping motion, “Are you sure about this, Obi?”

The elf shrugged his shoulder; sure his cheeks were as crimson as he locks. “I’ve never … I mean … I’m always …” he struggled to put his thoughts into words as he went to take another drink.

Strong fingers wrapped around his wrist and Ash pulled the cup from his hand. “I won’t take advantage of an inebriated lover.”

The word lover caused Obito to shudder; he’d only been with one other. The rest of these probably had a list of lovers a mile long. Rommath had always said he was welcomed to have sex with others as long as he only made love to him.

A low growl came from behind him. “I’m going to take him here on the table,” Rune said, “I suggest we hurry and retreat to somewhere more private.”

Obito’s passion waned, of course it would be him on bottom. It always was. The expression wasn’t missed by Una who was watching him closely. “I suggest we tie Rune back up and see if Obi can do what you could not, my love.”

“Hey three against one?” Rune pouted playfully, as the four of them got up from the table. “I’m not sure that is fair.”

“Oh don’t worry,” Una replied, “I’ll make sure Ash’s hands are tied behind his back.”

“Mine?” Ash countered, “We will see whose wrists are bound.”

Hours later Obito dozed contently in the nook of Rune’s arm, one leg hooked around the sleeping paladin, the other entwined with Una’s at his back. Ash was snoring somewhere beyond her, worn out from their hours of fun. As he hovered on the bridge of slumber and wakefulness a powerful aura filled his mind and once the connection was made, the room. Instantly alert Obito found the eyes of his mate, the Grand Magister studied the full bed. It was obvious the others had awaken to and were all waiting to see what the most powerful mage in Silvermoon would do.

“Please don’t turn me into a sheep,” Una whispered behind him, Obito felt her shiver and reached an arm back protectively laying it over her nude body.

Rommath held out his hand. “Come, my mate,” he said.

Rune snorted, “He already did … like a dozen times.”

Obito let Rommath teleport the two of them back into the Magister’s estate, Una and Ash could deal with wooly Rune they left behind.

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From RogueMudblood on June 25, 2012
Okay, I know nothing of this fandom.
That said, I think you've done an excellent job rendering believable characters and a very detailed setting. Your descriptions make it easy for me to form a mental picture of not only the lands, but also of the characters.
You've done very well describing the characters' interactions with one another-I absolutely adore the relationship you've depicted between Anaru and Una. The dynamic that you've already established with them to each other, as well as their interaction with other characters, is excellently portrayed.
I do have a couple technical notes:

First, a small typo: "You outta tell - outta should be oughta
Second, in regards to punctuation after the ending double-quotation:

You have a few instances of character dialogue that are punctuated with a period where there should be a comma. For example:

"Dunno. Guess we'll be findin' out." The Dwarf replied.

should read

"Dunno. Guess we'll be findin' out," the Dwarf replied.
While I've only read the first chapter so far, I am enthralled! You've drawn me in with this tale, and I do look forward to reading more of it. (Don't worry, I'll leave you reviews as I go - even if they are a couple days apart!) Thank you for sharing, and happy continued writing!
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