chapter 30

[simtopi]

[ ch 27 ] [ ch 28 ] [ ch 29 ] « previous chapters || [ All ]

Chapter 30: Daybreak

Welcome back to SimTopi! 

warnings: swear words :p 

"I never would have thought that you'd have the audacity to return here. Of all nights."
"I have as much reason to be here as you. Do you  hate me so?"
"If this were still my home, I'd have you hurled from the towers. I would do it myself if I could..."


"But she asks for peace for us."
"I will respect that. It's only her nature. Even after everything you've done... she wishes you well."
"I could only ask you to forgive me now. In time, you will understand why I've done what I did."
"If I live a thousand years, I never will, nor do I wish to. But in the here and now, all that is unimportant..."


"...Our sister is dying."

---

The spell was disorienting. Wesley took a deep breath, his head spinning as he returned to the corporeal world. He had been unwillingly transported here by Willow. After a brief moment of panic, he realized that she was lying on the cold ground in front of him. She seemed unconscious, an expression of mild discomfort on her face. She murmered distantly when he called her name.


The danger that Samantha Cordial had warned him about did not seem real to him. He never thought of Willow as anyone to be wary of. Sibyll had warned him too. But whatever happened to her in that room did not have any more significance to him except for the fact that it seemed to have hurt her. All he cared about was if she was safe.


He looked up curiously. He didn't know why Willow brought them here.

---

The warmth of her home immediately encompassed her as she returned, along with the cloying smell of artificial air deodourizers and furniture polish. Her small condo filled with expensive antiques was immaculate. Table legs aligned perfectly on an invisible grid that corresponded with the lines of the wooden floor boards. For anyone else the order and sterility of her home would almost be uncomfortable. But for Clara, it was never more welcome.


The cold should not have bothered her, her magic was enough to keep her warm. But by the end of the night, she was spell weary and it was evident by the frost that seeped into her skin. She was impressed with herself that she had managed to maintain her energy and her skills for so long. 


The vampire had managed to bruise and cut her. Clara could respect that she could have been sliced open easily. Whatever that was in the sky was well timed.  It saved her life... for the moment. 


It would take just another small spell to heal the wound. She needed rest, but her night was not quite over.

Once she was done her bath, she headed towards the closet in her bedroom. Towards the back of it was the false wall that disguised the entrance to the secret basement where she conducted her business. 

She had enough energy to summon the undead creature that had the relic that she had chased for years. She had been unable to touch the Heir, but fortunately her mindless slaves were able to bypass the magical barriers that would prevent her or any witch to cross into Willow's home. 

Disgusting, putrid things, she thought. But she had to admit that they were extremely useful. 

Clara: Well give it up, honey, that's no good to you. 

Clara: But it's everything to me. And finally, it's mine. 

Clara: As for you...

Clara: You can go back to being dead. 

Clara: Don't worry, living is overrated. You won't miss it much. 

---

Cecilia looked down at Gabriel, unable to think of what to tell him. What could she say that he didn't already know anyway? She was never good at coddling other people whenever they got all emotional like this. She guessed she could understand why... his girlfriend had simply, and quite literally disappeared... without a trace. How was she supposed to help him get through that? 

The limo sped down the empty streets, barely stopping at stop signs or traffic lights. Everyone had this strange sense of urgency, and it seemed to be influencing the driver as well. 

Cecilia couldn't help but feel guilty. It was her sense of urgency, her need to solve her problem with Brittany's ghost that got Willow and Gabriel involved in all of this to begin with. But it couldn't have been entirely her fault... Willow was obviously keeping something from them. In Cecilia's ideal situation, Willow would have solved the problem with the ghost and Brittany would finally leave her alone. They'd all be heading home now, Cecilia with a few more social contacts and Gabriel and Willow being the obnoxiously cute couple in the back of this limo. 

That strange man with the pale hair and cold skin had pushed past her into the room at the end of this hallway. She couldn't even imagine why he was here right now. He said his name was "Wesley", but that gave her no clue into who he was. 

As soon as he disappeared from sight, she exhaled the breath she seemed to have held in for minutes.  She felt flustered and dizzy. 

She waited a few minutes, listening at the door for anything. So many questions filled her mind. He couldn't have expected her to wait out here forever? What could possibly be behind that door that could be so dangerous. Tentatively she opened it.

 There was no one there. And nowhere else that anyone could have gone.  Before she could even process that entirely,  again she found herself with strange company.

"This isn't what I meant you know. Coming up here. There wasn't any reason for anyone to do this. Not for me."

Cecilia gasped again, startled by Brittany's presence in the hall. But there wasn't anger or bitterness coming from the ghost this time. There was genuine fear. 

Cecilia: What happened to you here? What's in that room? 

 

"You see yourself and everything goes to shit. No one was supposed to find it but no one knew it was there anyway.If they wanted to keep people away, why wouldn't they just lock the door?  All I wanted to do was open up the third floor. If they told me why I couldn't none of us would be in this situation."

Cecilia: What situation are you talking about??? 

"I never meant for anyone to come up here. You have to believe me!"

Cecilia: Why couldn't you just tell me what the hell you're talking about?

She was frustrated, but the ghost wouldn't answer it. There was a sudden surge of energy in the air, the fine hairs on Cecilia's skin standing on end. Cecilia took another deep breath...

Carl: What is happening? Is the roof on fire??? Why isn't someone calling the fire department??? 

Carl: And who are you, you're obviously not a member of the Landgrabb Society... how did you even find this place??? If I find out you have anything to do with what's going on here right now, I will have you arrested and sued lady!!!  

Samantha sighed.

Without saying another word, she turned quickly to face Carl with a sudden spell. 

Whatever she did left him rolling his eyes toward the back of his head and drooling mindlessly in the snow. 

Gabriel: What the fuck??? What did you just do to him?

Samantha: He'll be fine in a while. I'm sorry, I just don't have time for this. 

Gabriel stared slack jawed as the strange woman disappeared, just as she had appeared. Everything was happening way too quickly for him to process. Yet through it all, there was the resounding feeling throughout him that Willow was in danger. 

Samantha appeared where the ghost had been standing causing Cecilia to shriek in surprise. As if there weren't enough weird things going on already.

Samantha acknowledged Cecilia with a brief glance before she stormed into the now empty room. There was magic here still. Whatever it was was so powerful that its energy still lingered. 

Cecilia: Excuse me? What's going on?

Samantha: The vampire. Where is he? 

Cecilia: The what...???

Samantha: Willow was here too wasn't she?

Cecilia: I saw her come up here. But she's not in this room and it's the only place she could have gone. That guy came here too... I saw him go in. 

Samantha swore under her breath. That... vampire! Willow must have whisked him away again. But as much as Samantha wanted to believe that Wesley escaped her, every sense she had about this told her that there was much more to it.  Willow must have found something in this room that triggered something dark and powerful. Something that definitely should not belong to this world. 

Cecilia: So lady, are you going to tell me what's going on? 

Samantha: Are you a friend of Willow? 

Cecilia: I guess so... yeah. Where is she?

Samantha: We need to leave this place. Right now all of our priorities should be in finding her. 

Finding Willow... where could she have gone? Willow didn't seem the type to just up and vanish without telling anyone where she was going. Or maybe she was, Cecilia didn't really know her all that well. All she knew is that they left Carl asleep on a couch in the mansion and Gabe was being miserable beside her. And this strange woman... Samantha Cordial... was sitting in the limo with them impossibly glowing and staying tight lipped about everything. 

Cecilia: Why are we stopping? 

Given how fast they were going it did surprise Cecilia that they were slowing down just ahead of Gabriel and Willow's dorm. 

Samantha: Hmm. A roadblock. 

Gabriel: A roadblock on my street? Great. Just great. How much more fantastic can this night get?

Cecilia: Maybe it's nothing. It's not too far, we can walk the rest of the way. 

Gabriel got out as well and looked down the street. There was no reason for there to be a roadblock here. Gabriel began to fear for the worse.

Jasmine didn't understand why it seemed to take so long for the fire fighters to get here. The fire didn't look like it had given any reprieve at all. It continued to burn intensely throughout the night while they stood back and waited. 

Jasmine: How are you feeling? 

Adrian: I've got a bit of a headache. But even if I didn't have a bump on my head, I'd feel like throwing up. 

Jasmine: Now you know how I feel. 

Adrian: So are you ready to tell me what's going on then? 

Jasmine: Dude... I already pretty much told you everything I know. I can't explain it any better than that. I don't know why they're here or what they want with Willow.  

Adrian: This is just... insane. I don't know if I could handle all this. 

Don't fall apart on me now over this, she wanted to tell him. I need you with me.  She gritted her teeth so she wouldn't say it aloud. She couldn't blame him. A few hours ago, for all he knew life was normal. 

"OH COME ON!" came the loud shout from somewhere down the road. Jasmine turned around quickly.

Jasmine: Gabe???  

When they got to the mansion, Gabriel was horrified to find his dorm on fire. He had been preoccupied throughout the trip back with Willow, wondering where she had disappeared to and why she'd just leave with some creepy looking guy.  This was beyond anything else he could deal with right now. 

Gabriel: I can't fucking believe this.  What the hell is going on? Why is my dorm on fire???

Jasmine: GABRIEL! 

He was surprised to see Jasmine running toward him. He couldn't even properly react as she leapt up and threw her arms around his neck. She was never more happier to see her cousin.

Jasmine: I'm so glad you're safe! Where were you guys?

Gabriel: Where were we??? We were chasing freaking ghosts in the middle of nowhere. What are you doing here?

Jasmine: Chasing ghosts? Was Willow with you? Where is she now?

Gabriel: I don't know, you tell me. 

Jasmine: ... What? She's not with you?

Gabriel: She was earlier. But she's gone, Jasmine.

Jasmine: What do you mean "gone"? 

Cecilia: She disappeared. Literally. With a vampire. 

Jasmine: Cecilia? What are you doing here? And what are you talking about... a vampire? 

Cecilia: I... I think it's my fault. I wanted Willow to help me and she did. Well she tried to. 

Jasmine: Cecilia, whatever happened to Willow I can guarantee it isn't your fault. Now don't get all freaked out right now, I need you to be calm so you can tell me what happened. 

Gabriel: If she knew what happened we'd all be a lot happier. But this whole thing is really fucked up.   

Samantha: Indeed. 

Jasmine: And who the hell is this now? 

Samantha: Samantha Cordial. I'm with the Circle.

Jasmine: Of course. So what are you going to do, wave a wand and fix all this? Because there are zombies and dead kids in there and this shit has gotten way out of hand. 

Samantha: Wave a wand. If only it could be that simple. You've already called the authorities which will make this a lot more difficult than I ever wanted it to be.

Jasmine: What did you expect us to do? 

Samantha shook her head and sighed. 

Samantha: I'm going to need a lot of help for this. 

Gabriel: Who's she even calling? Munchkins? Flying monkeys? 

Jasmine: Would any of that surprise you?

Gabriel: No. Frankly, I don't give a crap. I just want to know what happened to Willow. Fuck... Rowan tells me to take care of her, and just like that I lose her. 

Jasmine: I don't think anyone could expect you to protect her from everything, Gabe. We'll find her.  I know we will. 

She turned back slightly, wondering if Rowan had seen and heard everything going on. He had made himself pretty inconspicuous as soon as the fire fighters and paramedics arrive. She sort of understood why he would.  

Jasmine nodded towards him. He turned his head slightly to acknowledge her back. It was difficult for him to simply stay calm at this point. Once again his sister was missing and there wasn't anything he could do about it. 

---

The front door was locked but with another gently try, it clicked and opened almost as if welcoming Wesley in. The old floor boards creaked loudly under his and Willow's weight. She mumbled something incoherently as he brought her inside. The place was cold, and looked like it had been abandoned for years. It seemed that more recently it had been some squatter's haven. But there was nothing here now except for the mice that hid in the corners. 

He took her upstairs where he found a bed. The upstairs rooms were still fairly derelict, but it seemed to be untouched by unwelcome inhabitants. At least it was somewhere warmer where Willow could be comfortable.

He helped her take her coat off before he laid her down. The mattress springs squeaked loudly. The covers smelled of must. She  sank her head into the pillow as if it was the most comfortable thing she'd ever rested her head on. 

Wesley: You're safe for now Willow. I'm going to leave you for a bit to let someone know that you're here. 

At his words, Willow's eyes flew wide open.

Willow: No Wesley. Please. Stay with me.

Wesley: People are worried about you right now. I just have to let them know where you are. 

Willow: I don't care about any of that. I don't want anyone to find me. I just want to go to sleep. 

Wesley: Something happened up in that room and I think it's serious. I can't help you.

Willow: Yes you can. Just stay with me. Don't tell anyone I'm here. 

Wesley: I can't do that. 

Willow: Then just for tonight. Promise me, Wesley. Don't leave me.

He knew he couldn't stay the whole night with her. He didn't even know where in the world they were at all. Her words surprised him. He never expected her to not actually want to be found this time. As much as he wanted to leave to contact Samantha and let her know where Willow was, the sense of urgency and the pleading in Willow's voice compelled him to stay. 

Wesley: I have to leave before dawn. But I promise I'll stay by your side tonight. 

She gave him a small smile  as her eyes fluttered shut. That strange sleep overcame her again and he wondered what it was that she afraid of.

---

 

She sat in the cold, surrounded by the bewitched cage, unable to do anything but contemplate her fate. She had tried to call out for anyone who could hear her, but no one came to her rescue.  

She didn't expect this spell. But she hadn't been expecting a lot of what had happened recently. She knew she should have killed Willow when she realized who she was. But Wesley strongly cared for her, and her love for him made her doubt her own instincts.  

In the end, it was her own hubris that was her downfall. She thought herself more than capable to confront Clara. She had thought she could be stronger and much more focused. But she was easily distracted by the beacon in the sky, and Clara was far more quicker than she was, and like a rat, very keen on her own survival.  

Sibyll was never more aware of her age than she was at that moment. 

Sibyll: I knew it was you, Helene. 

Sibyll: After a thousand years, I was beginning to believe that maybe you were simply a legend. The old witch in the woods fearful peasants told tales about to keep their children in line.  I never thought I'd begin to forget. 

Sibyll: When vampires rest, it isn't sleep as the mortals know it. We do not breathe. We do not dream. Yet at times in the moment between waking and oblivion, I think of you. Those are my only nightmares.

Sibyll: I think of how much I had hoped you'd stay dead. How the Coven couldn't possibly be right about returning you. And yet you're here. 

Helene: I am glad to see you, no matter what you may think of me. You look very much the same. But you're voice is different. 

Sibyll: After a thousand years some things will change.

Helene: If it reassures you, I've returned well before I meant to. This was unexpected. As is seeing you here, like this. 

Sibyll: I keep interesting company these days. And no, I am not reassured. 

Sibyll: But you're not completely here, are you. You're neither dead or alive. You're merely a shadow. Still something to fear. 

Sibyll: And the first thing you do is come here to watch me die. You were cheated of it last we saw one another. 

Helene: I would have thought I'd come back hating you, Sibyll. But I do not. 

Sibyll: There's still time for that. 

Slowly, Sibyll stood to her feet. 

Helene: Such a crude and cheap spell to hold you. I cannot break it for you. You do not deserve this fate.

Sibyll: Possibly. But you've already taken part in my demise, my dear. 

Sibyll:  You have no power in this world yet. If there is a creator, then you never will. It is as it is, Helene. 

Sibyll: At least you'll be happy to know that I cannot kill you again. But finally after a thousand years, you've managed to kill me with that same beautiful curse you cast on me before you breathed your last.

Helene: You must know that I take no happiness from this. 

Sibyll: So you say.

Sibyll: Daybreak, Helene. I am ready. 

Sibyll: Some things will never change. I am not like our sister. I do not wish you well. 












next » [ chapter 31: Guardians ]

......................................................................................................

special guest zombie appearance by Aria created by dgjamie ! 


 

Comments

[dgjamie.livejournal.com]

Nooooooooo! Sibyll :( I was really hoping she'd be all right! But argh, what is happening with Helene! I can't even begin to try to puzzle it all out to be honest, so I'll just have to suspend my guesswork until next chapter. But I feel like, to steal an expression from Buffy, we're getting to the "Big Bad" of Simtopi *wrings hands*

Also, Dear Cecilia you drive me insane sometimes.

And it still makes me grin to see my Evil Girl being a Zombie :D

Awesome to see this pop up on my flist as always!

[simtopi]

Yeeeeeeah.... I'm going to stress a bit now that some people may not like what's coming down the pipe. Or maybe they will, who knows. I've struggled a lot on how to write this chapter to be honest, and not only at the technical end. :D

Unfortunately it's the end of Aria's Simtopi tour. I can reassure you she's enjoying her stay here, pretty much hitting on everything that moves in my downtown lots. Ah, treacherous romance sims! :D I'll try to post outtakes of zombie outing fun in a while. ;) And once again, thank you for letting me play with her!

[inferiarecoming.livejournal.com]

Oh god, I literally squealed when I saw this was updated!

SIBYLL! :'( I kind of thought that someone would be coming by to break her out of there. And Helene is gorgeous! I'm so intrigued by this little plot twist, and the whole scene at the beginning with the sisters. I also like the details about Clara's home - that obsessive/compulsive need to have everything in order is interesting, it was a neat little insight into her character.

And I agree with dgjamie about the "Big Bad" coming. I'm a little bit worried now...

I just realised that I'm not watching this journal, so I'm going to friend you if you don't mind, just so I can keep track of all the Simtopi goodness. I'm on edge waiting for the next update!

_{(also, just a nitpick: in the scene where Gabriel and Cecilia come back to find the dorm on fire, you used the word "mortified". I think you meant horrified? Because I always thought that mortified meant embarassed or ashamed. plz ignore this if I'm wrong.)}

[simtopi]

Hi! I don't remember if you've commented here before (*shame*), but thank you so much for leaving one now. :)

I had a lot of fun coming back to writing but a little worried because you might be right about the 'big bad'. I hope to keep it entertaining at least.

As for the word 'mortified' i think it could be used to describe a feeling of dread (as well as embarassment). I still need to look it up but I think I like "horrified" better anyway. *makes note to fix that!* Thank you, I totally never mind the nitpicks! I do it to myself all the time.

[simmie-girl09.livejournal.com]

Awww...Gabriel. I really hope he finds out Willow is okay soon. It breaks my heart to see him so worried. I'm glad Wesley was able to take care of her though. I hope Samantha finds her quickly.

Hmmmm... those last little bit intrigues me.

Great chapter as always :)

[simtopi]

I think it's sweet that you're worried for Gabriel. You're right, it really is upsetting for him not knowing what happened to her or if she's safe or not.

Thank you for your comment. :)

[just-jasper.livejournal.com]

Aww, I was hoping she's get out, but I think it was quite a dramatic and "good" (for the readers XD) death for Sibyll.

[just-jasper.livejournal.com]

And I mean good like...powerful. Poignant.

[kkkayleighh.livejournal.com]

Yaaaaaay Simtopi update. <3 :D

[simtopi]

:D So happy to finally get this out!

[wisteria-sims.livejournal.com]

I've been reading this story for ages, but this is the first time I have commented. Anyways, I love the scene with Sibyll and Helene, but I thought this was so sad, I don't want Sibyll too die!!
But it was amazing as always :)

[simtopi]

Hi and welcome! It's awesome to hear what new commenters think, so thank you for leaving your note. :)

I know some readers didn't want Sibyll to die so it was difficult for me to write. I'm glad you loved the scene between them.
:D

[spyroeldragon.livejournal.com]

Nooooo Sibyll. ;__________;

Man. Still loved this chapter, though! :D

*has nothing productive to say*

[simtopi]

LOL, it's okay if you don't have much to say. I totally do appreciate you reading and commenting though. I'm glad you liked this chapter despite the somber note.

[simtopi]

Yeah in the end Clara found a way to get the better of Sibyll. It's weird, I did follow the path of the story as was intended from the beginning but it was still nerve wracking to write this.

I actually did want to use a Maxis house... the classic "Victorian" type house that's available in the lot bin. But I looked at it and it wasn't quite what I needed so I built something similar, as well as inspired by some other lots I've seen around here.

[mimiwiggles.livejournal.com]

Awesome chapter!!! I can't wait for the next one! Every time a chapter answers some questions, new questions arise. I loved seeing a little insight into Sibyll's life! Also, I was wondering if this was intentional or not or if it's just that last picture, but did you mean to make Helene look a lot like Willow? They have very similar features and I think the same eyes. Just wondering!!!

[simtopi]

Thank you again for your nice words. I'm happy you've enjoyed it, and yes there's still more questions and answers and plot fun heading down the line. I was a little excited to get into Sibyll's life a little bit. We will learn more about her (and Helene) soon.

And yes Helene does have an intentional (in the story its coincidental) resemblance to Willow. That's all I'll say for now.

[selenaq13.livejournal.com]

*cries sadly* Bye Sybill, finally find your peace. As for Willow, I'm concerned about her, she would never let her family and friends worry. I hope she's ok!

[simtopi]

Sibyll served us well. She wouldn't want you to cry for her.

And yes we should continue to be worried for Willow for now. Thank you!

[prettypalisades.livejournal.com]

Armagad, great update! I'm very intrigued by the plot development ... I'm excited to find out more about Sibyll's history, even post mortem. The relationship between Sibyll and Helene could almost be a foil to Samantha and Kimberly ... but much darker, of course.

I LOVE where the plot is going, so I'm excited for whatever is coming down the pipe!

chapter 30

[simtopi]

Hi! I guess I could reiterate how nervous I was about posting this chapter. We will learn more about Sibyll and Helene in later chapters definitely. I never thought of them compared to Kimberly and Samantha to be honest.

I really am glad you like it. I guess most writers have angst about killing off important characters.

[natsumi82.livejournal.com]

That was beautiful. And sad.
Poor Sybill, I hoped 'till the end of the chapter that someone would come and rescue her. Anyway, great character, I loved her so much.
I'm also sad for Gabriel, it's actually a pain seeing him so worried for Willow. He even doesn't care about what is happening, witches, zombies, fire in his dorm. He's deeply and sincerely in love so his thoughts are all for Willow, nothing else matters.
Who is Helene? Why is she so similar to Willow (similar, they have almost the same facial features)? I am already impatient, I want to know more! XD
Awesome chapter as always!

[simtopi]

Thank you. :*) It was a bit sad for me. I've gotten pretty fond of writing and playing with Sibyll. She wouldn't have said no to being rescued, but in the end she's much too proud to have been able to live that down.

Gabriel will get by, but yes he is understandably upset right now. I think he is also pretty bothered to see his home on fire too.

We will learn about Helene in a few chapters or so. I hope you can be patient. :D

[redfox-2.livejournal.com]

NO! SIBYLL! SHE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES! :(

O o Helene looks a lot like... Willow... O_O

Wonderful chapter! The pictures really are wonderful!

[simtopi]

Awww, for what it's worth, I did stress a little about killing her off. In the end, I decided I had to, but hopefully her death won't be in vain.

Thank you very much! ^_^

[niki1988.livejournal.com]

Oh, poor Sibyll! Clara better get a good butt whoppin' for that!

I like the Willow/Wesley scenes. Will he be able to help her?

[simtopi]

LOL, yes Clara probably does deserve a little asskicking for everything she's done.

As for Wesley, I don't know if he can help her but he'll certainly try. Thank you Niki. :)

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

Oh Sibyll, what a way to go.

Am I right in thinking that first scene is Sibyll and Helene? And I can't help but think there's a strong link between Helene and Willow...

Poor Gabe and Rowan, neither unable to help and both torn up by it. I did like the flying monkeys comment :)

AND YAY!

[simtopi]

Yes, you're right, the opening scene did involve Helene and Sibyll in much earlier days. I had originally staged that to be even more ambiguous but it ended up looking too confusing. As for a link between Helene and Willow, they are connected in a manner. More on that in a while. ;)

I couldn't resist the Wizard of Oz reference, seeing as the sim witches seem to be inspired by it.

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

AND CLARA. I forgot her for a second. Now she has the book!!! [insert OH NOES face here]

[simtopi]

dun dun DUNNNN!

[keoni-chan.livejournal.com]

I usually just lurk in your lj, but i was so happy about the update I just had to de-lurk.
I love this update! In particular the first part where you show a bit of Sybill's story. it's really interesting to learn more about her story .

All your pictures are so pretty. You really know how to choose the right camera angle to tell your story.

Anyway, great update, can't wait to read more
*goes back into lurking*

[simtopi]

Hi lurker! :D I really appreciate you delurking to leave a comment. Thank you so much. ^_^

I'm glad to have been able to tell a bit of Sibyll's story. It is fairly important but we'll learn more for sure.

Thank you about the pictures. I take so many and just pick out which ones are best. :)

[infinitygoddess.livejournal.com]

An intense chapter. I just love when I'm at the edge of my seat. :D

[simtopi]

Well I'm very glad you're enjoying it! I was worried compared to the last few chapters this would be a bit dull. Thank you. :D

[simsforaranya.livejournal.com]

As always, I'm in awe of your picture skills. Especially when I recognize actions from various activities, but combined in totally different ways. *bounce*

That said, BOOO on Helene. Poor Sibyll. ;-;

[simtopi]

Thank you! Mixing and matching sims animations could be a pain but I'm glad it works. In a way, it's a lot more natural than some of the pose box poses I've come across.

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

completely breathtaking. heartbreaking. gorgeous. and true.

the way you switch light, color, voice, is astonishingly brave. Takes incredible talent to pull it off, and you do it, every single time.

Sibyll goes into the light. And takes some of the light with her.

You never fail to inspire!

[simtopi]

Thank you so much! This is incredibly kind of you. :D

I like our sims story community, I think we all take away from eachother and that's always a good thing. :D

[llama-ramalon.livejournal.com]

I could be completely off on this, but with the way Willow's sleep was described, and how Sybil said Helene was not yet more than a shadow, I was very much reminded of Tom Riddle and Ginny Weasely in the Chamber of Secrets. . . . *is a nerd*
Else-wise, I found it rather odd and interesting how Rowan was acting. . . I would have suspected him to be drunkenly yelling at the authorities, or running off with sword in hand to find Willow. :P

[simtopi]

I love the nerd comments most of all! ♥ It's somewhat similar to that event in Chamber of Secrets, but there is a little more to it which I'll get to in time.

As for Rowan, well, he already had a run in with the police which he doesn't care to repeat and he's more than aware that someone like him, carrying around this crazy sword probably wouldn't be looked at too favourably. He can be crazy, but he's still smart. He does want to find Willow and I had a whole scene about him ready to go, but i figured I'd push it back another chapter. ;)

[robertcarney.livejournal.com]

oh no, poor sibyll! ): her death was extremely sad, but nonetheless very well conveyed.
also, i think helene is related to willow in some way, a sister, mother, etc.

can't wait for the next chapter!

[simtopi]

Thank you for saying it was well conveyed. It was a little hard for me to write. I did want to honour her.

Helene is connected to Willow but not by blood (Willow is definitely a Marlen through and through ;)

[budgie-budgie.livejournal.com]

Aaah, wonderful - a cup of coffee and a new chapter of Simtopi. This is going to be a great day! :D

[simtopi]

Well I hope it will be a good day regardless! :D

Enjoy!

[the_mctavishams.livejournal.com]

gahhh so beautiful! i loved this. So glad to see you back!! :) All of your shots are gorgeous and well composed, but my favorite was the one with Wesley sitting on the side of the bed as he talked to Willow. It was such a sincere picture.. I really loved it!

And nooooooo poor Sibyll. T_T

[simtopi]

Thank you so much! I'm so flattered that you like my pics. ^_^ Posing Willow and Wesley in this chapter was pretty fun, for some reason it was easy for me to get into that "mood".

[jerzibot.livejournal.com]

Poor Sibyll. I was so sure she'd find a way out of that nasty trap that Clara left her in. Apparently, I was so very wrong. Though, her death did her justice. She was always such a dramatic and intense character, it only makes sense that her demise should follow suit. I'm going to miss that lady.

I'm incredibly curious about Helene and her coincidental resemblance to Willow. Along with why Willow is so intent on keeping Wesley in this random house. Or is it a not-so random house? (Lovely decorating, by the way).

This was simply gorgeous as always. To read and to view. I'm glad you've gotten back into this and aren't as disenchanted with throwing these at us when you can. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[simtopi]

Well, I did envision different ways she could have gotten out and what it would do for the storyline before I decided to stick to the original plan for her. To be honest, I left Sibyll deliberately vague, I really didn't think she'd get any kind of reaction like this. Thank you for thinking it was dramatic, I did try to do it justice.

There might be reasons Willow is trying to keep Wesley close to her. Then again, she just went through something that's confusing and possibly traumatic, she's definitely reacting to something. Or being influenced. ;) It isn't a random house either, but we'll get to that.

And again, so glad you took the time to read and comment. I always appreciate that. There's no way I'd ever be disenchanted with this story. Maybe annoyed, frustrated and exhausted with my game and it's technical shortcomings sometimes, but never with the story. I still enjoy telling it very much. Thank you!