Date: 02 Oct 2009 15:41 Title: Sleg
Wow. Tolan's reaction to the birth of 'Sleg' is quite profound and in its way moving. You can feel his blooming love and his hopes and desires for the infant child. And now things have become increasingly complicated in this charade.
Author's Response: Babies have a way of complicating things by their very existence. I don't think Tolan was expecting the depth of feeling he has for this child, but given Cardassian love and value of family, it makes sense. I imagine it to be very much an instinctive thing, too.
Date: 28 Sep 2009 21:21 Title: Sleg
Considering what awaits him later in life, Elim's arrival was uneventful. A wonderful snippet of Cardassian birthing practices. Their muted reaction to the promise the baby holds is telling... life isn't easy or soft in this society.
Author's Response: It's not at all. It was a bittersweet chapter to write, since I know what his future holds, and it's not a happy one. They don't know, but they suspect enough. I'm glad they have a little time before it has to go that way.
Date: 15 Sep 2009 01:08 Title: Sleg
Baby Garak! A most bittersweet chapter knowing what lies ahead ... but a fascinating look at a few of the traditions surrounding Cardassian childbirth, and definitely an insightful glance into Tolan's psyche, faith, and love for his family. Beautifully written, I loved the descriptions of the garden and the sunrise, as well as the physical descriptions of baby Garak.
Worth the wait!
Author's Response: I wrestled for a while with the decision to write this from Tolan's perspective rather than Mila's. In the end, I decided I could give a more authentic voice to his experience. It was bittersweet to write, knowing what I know. Babies know nothing of what's in store for them. I enjoyed being able to give them a moment that wasn't tainted. Thanks for the review and feedback!