Hi, i just found this completely by accident and am really enjoying it. The start of the first chapter with the poker game rang especially true and that was what suckered me, a confirmed ophidiphobic, into a story I would not normally touch with a barge pole. You have a real gift for writing conversations, this last chapter's one with Dawn was a true delight. I love the dry humour of it. More please!

Thanks again! I'll check out your LJ too. You've got me interested.

Author's Response: I know that not everyone can feel the same way about snakes as me, so thanks for giving the story a chance! I'm glad you're enjoying it in spite of my little ophidian. Thanks for the review!

Love this chapter! I’m a huge sucker for Spike and Dawn friendship; and you’ve hit all the right notes there. I particularly adore the awkward hug. Of course Spike not used to platonic hugs; though I suspect he’d love more. Poor starved for affection Spike!

Also loved the tiger/ vampire parallel. Very apt; especially Spike’s refection on the caged tiger and his chances out in the wild. You capture the early season 6 Spike’s motivations well.

I’d wonder if you planned to take this in a central american mythological direction. The only winged snakes I can remember! Very cool. Looking forward to the next chapter!


Author's Response: Hey, everyone needs a hug sometimes. :-) Early season 6 Spike was one of my favorite iterations of the character. I'm glad you're liking what I'm doing with him. Thanks for reviewing!

Another wonderful chapter. Go, Tara! You really are a terrific writer.

Author's Response: Thank you!

I think Meret is so cute and I love Spike I just hope when Buffy gets in on the act that shes nice to him.

Author's Response: I'm glad you like her. Thanks for the comment!

Loved insightful Spike at the begin of the chapter. "Spike, I think there's something alive in your pocket." *gg* Poor Dawn *grins* It was a bit too much for her, huh? ;-) Ain't it isn't so easy to keep Meret a secret as Spike thought :) But Tara is kind - she'll help. And it seems she knows something.

Author's Response: Hey, "the best laid plans" and all that... Thanks for reviewing!

Noooo... what a place to leave me! I want to know what Meret is too.

Loved the Spike / Tiger paralell. Works beautifully, although I'm going to take a little time to ponder your, "...He had the sinking feeling that the once proud hunter had been so thoroughly gentled by its captivity that it would have chosen to stay within the confines of the only home it could remember..." because I sort of believe that Spike did quite easily accept his gradual transition from truly evil BigBadVampire to the non-killing/evil doing redemptionist vampire who eventually realised he was in love with Buffy. The fear he exhibits at the zoo seems to conflict with my image of him ultimately welcoming the transformation. I could however imagine him feeling pity or even some regret at the leashing of such wild explosive power. Just my opinion though, pet.

Dialogue is good, although I'm not a great lover of the abbreviated English-speak. You've captured Dawn and Tara though!

Wonder if Meret can communicate with anyone else? Wonder what she'll make of Buffy. It would be interesting to see two such different females vie for his attention! *grins*

Great update, ignore my nit picking - I'm a redemptionista grumpy so-and-so.


Author's Response: I looked at Spike at the beginning of season 6 as being on the cusp of becoming truly good. (Hey redemptionista here myself.) I'll cite the wistful look he gave the looting Hellions in Becoming I and the bite-that-wasn't in Smashed. He wasn't there yet, but he was so close. As for the zoo scene, it was set in season 4, right after he had been chipped. No worries about the nit picking. I appreciate a good debate! Thanks for the feedback.

This story is fun to read. Good chapter, maybe next we'll get some answears to what it is.

Author's Response: I think that is a very good guess. :-) Thanks for commenting.

oh poor spike *pets him*

Author's Response: Yeah, that's my general reaction to Spike too. :-) Thanks for reviewing!

It's pretty rare to find quality fic these days, especially from new writers. A great job; I hope to be following this one from here on. Though I will let you know that the use of the word 'Cor' is a fanfic nono to many. (It doesn't bug me, just letting you know). Otherwise, like I said, this one is really good, and very unique in premise. Welcome to the fanfic fandom, and don't be nervous! We can be a bit critical, (and yes, there is the odd and random flamers and trolls out there), but we also devour good fic in vast amonts. And this one surely meets the mark. Thanks for writing!

Author's Response: Thanks for the advice. I'll file it away for future reference. Thanks also for the encouragement. I'm glad you're enjoying the fic!

I’m becoming so hooked on this story! I love seeing Spike have interactions with a non-scoobie. I adore the scoobies; but (as you pointed out so well in an earlier chapter) Spike is a very social creature and as an outsider to the scoobie gang was clearly very lonely. Not that he’d ever admit that, but it came through in the series, and you show it well. Nicely done!

Meret—hee! I vaguely recalled an Egyptian goddess by that name, but I had to look it up. If it’s the Egyptian goddess you mean, great choice! I was expecting her to be a reptile goddess of some sort, but reality turned out to be a much better choice!

Really enjoying this story; and looking forward to the next update!


Author's Response: In honor of you (partially) guessing the origin of Meret's name, I'll tell you exactly who she's named after: Meret AND Meretseger. I had a little geeky fun playing with Spike's penchant for shortening names. The combination was too good to pass up. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

This is extremely well done-- I'm absolutely enthralled already. You've really captured the essence of Spike; even the quirks you've given him fit seamlessly into his character. I love the mental vision of Spike ranting at a plaster saint!

The back story of the carpet was very believable too, as were the details of the poker game. I particularly love Clem's poker tell! So excited to find an intriguing, well written story; and delighted to see you have a couple more chapters!


Author's Response: Thanks! I always wanted to see an episode like The Zeppo about Spike. I'm a sucker for little details, so I'm glad you're enjoying the ones I've put in this story.

God this is good. Can't wait to read more. I wonder if Meret will have an effect on Buffy. Lovely characterization.

Author's Response: Guess you'll have to wait and see! :-) Thanks for the feedback!

Okay, so far I'm liking Meret, though it's a little creepy. Guess it doesn't mean any harm, though something like that probably brings trouble, anyway. Anya might have seen one before, living over 1000 years. Dawn's going to be fawning all over it.

Author's Response: It wouldn't be Sunnydale if some trouble didn't come of it. ;-) Thanks for reading!