I know I’ve left comments on some chapters on LJ, but it’s been a while since I first read, and fell behind.

Rereading the prologue, the dynamic you set up for this saga jumps out even more: Paine is the one who makes the initial proposal that sets the whole story in motion, proposing the break with the maesters and anointing Nooj as the leader. She’ll continue to lead by inspiring, pushing him to lead. It gets more complicated once her uncle enters the equation. I’m discovering the difficulties of having multiple leads, of too many leads, which helps me appreciate more the roles you establish for Nooj, Paine, Auron and Yuna as movers and shakers — each one with a slightly different role.

I really like your Baralai. Gippal’s such a straightforward character, he’s fairly easy to get right, but Baralai as the thoughtful, fallen priest is somewhat more complex.

The calm before the storm, setting up all their relationships plus the broken Crimson Squad: you packed so much into this prologue.