Oh, I am so glad it read that way to you and that you enjoyed it. I had so much fun writing that post. I mean, the subject matter wasn't fun, but damn if it wasn't great inspiration. 

I did want that feeling of being overwhelmed, so much so that he just kinda shut down. I just wasn't sure I managed to convey it well enough. Yay! 

I am totally loving this story. Miria having to deal with the complication of love and betrayal in the same figure and the family betrayal of was it justified, did I not see it? Should I have seen it? How could I love him? And all that sort of twisty(omg Alfbie, you're wicked)thought patterns that take over in such a situation. And then Curdle gets to realise potential that, realized sooner, would have saved him a whole lot of trouble. 

I like that they've both got complex back stories, but that Miria is probably the more problematic as far as resolutions go. Just cuz, we've got the resolution for Curdle planned(sort of), but Miria won't have the help of magic to figure things out. Although that magic might eventually become a problem but bah, I don't even know where I'm going with this anymore. I'm just happy babbling. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!