I really hate intro scenes. They're always ridiculously unrealistic. "Hello stranger, welcome to my family, here's my newborn son for you to cuddle, let me adopt you!"

Master of the Forbidden Seal has a good intro scene: SG1 and the Scoobies try to say absolutely *nothing* of any importance to each other. They admit only what they've already given away and spin it out to make it seem that's all there is. In other words, they admit only things TO THEIR OWN ADVANTAGE.

As soon as Buffy said they should go first, this whole scene came to my mind:

Dawn put a hand on Buffy's arm to stop her, saying "Let me handle this." Buffy frowned but looked at her expectantly.

Dawn took a step forward then asked "Will anyone who's got divine powers please raise your hands?"

Dawn was alone to raise her hand while they all looked at each other before staring at her.

"I am the goddess of gateways, my temples are in shopping malls and my favourite colour is green. My powers are locked away in this mortal shell but I hold the power to destroy all of creation within me."

She waited a beat to stare down anyone who started speaking while Willow and Buffy were staring at her in horror.

"Now some people might be stupid enough to try destroying me to prevent my powers being used. The smarter ones don't want to take the chance that my power will be unleashed with my destruction. Please raise your hands if you think playing with divine power is a good idea."

Nobody raised their hands but Willow interrupted, "Dawn, this is the first time I've heard any of this."

"Giles didn't think you needed to know. Ways to destroy the world are strictly need to know."

...

Ok so this story has been suspended for a short while. As its now March 2007 i feel that while should be about over. As I like all the story lines the characters come from and I find the interaction interesting I hope you see fit to continue this someday.

I'm not sure if I'll ever come back to this story. Looking at it now, I kind of cringe at some of the scenes. If I ever find my HP and LOTR muses again, I might come back. If I do, the story will probably end up being completely rewritten to fix some of the problems.

Thanks for reading!
Pol

I love this fic!! It is very weel written and stays true to the characters. My dad is totally hooked on this fic and he does not read any fic ever and yet he keeps asking how this one is doing and asking me to print updates for him to read. Please keep this up as I can not wait for this to continue( Altough I am willing to wait as long as necessary). Thanks for writing this fic.

Another good chapeter! Buffy throwing Legolas when he woke her was funny. And I like the Draco and Hermione interaction. As far as updates go, take all the time you need. I look forward to the next part.

Very interesting, I'm a sucker for a noble Malfoy myself. I hope you continue your marvelous story!

Oh, I'm sure Buffy isn't going be happy with Aphrael sending Draco after Hermione. I don't think she would be all that impressed with her being a goddess, it probably would even piss her off even more. Especially when Buffy finds out what she is the goddess of. I wouldn't be surprised to see Buffy threating the little goddess. That could be an interesting thing to see and how Aphrael would react.

Very interesting. I have actually read all but the one set of books. The one with the goddess. The rest I've read. Will keep following the story, see what you do with it.

Excellent chapter. I was a little weary about the strangers being so forthcoming about themselves. In the normal course of things, I don't think that would actually happen. But, I suspended that belief basically for the fact of your author's note about getting so many questions about Edding's work. It was nicely done, giving the basic information for people to know if they want to read more. You might have to delve further into Sparhawk though. The one without destiny is a deep subject. And I love that you added in Willow's assessment of Draco. I always like a semi-noble Draco, even when he's being a perfect git. Great job. Can't wait to read more.

Oh this is so great! Starting out nice and slow, I can't wait to see where you're going with this.

Bravo for keeping everyone civil. Hey, I didn't know Aragorne was part elvish.
Serves me right for not having read the books in over 20 years!
Well, I hope you figure out a way for some of them to go back
to Sunnydale with the gals and pitch in.
Best with continuing your story-puzzel.

Hi! I am very glad that you decided to continue this story, because I like it very much - even if until now not much happened, but I think there's much potential in there. Carry on!

Very interesting beginning. Looking forward to see how it goes on.
Only thing I don't like is that there is no Xander in this story... Could you try to find a way to include him? He IS a trouble magnet after all. It doesn't seem right that they are all in a big mess and Xander isn't around...