This is the most beautiful characterisation of Ellen I've seen yet, and a very well written account of her relationship with John over the years. I can clearly see it happening like this. I love how Ellen only told Jo about how her father died to keep her safe, and not because of a haboured grudge or anything.
I love this image: She hopes wherever hunters go when they die, Bill and John are together. Sharing war stories over a corner table, grins like celebrations. She imagines Mary joining them, jostling John aside until she can nestle into him, comfortable, warm.
I love it simply because it's simple, and it shows her love and her longing.
This bit: One day, she thinks. One day. just adds the icing to the cake.
There's so much else I want to quote =] but I'm running late for work lol. All in all this was a brilliant look into a hunter's life over a long period of time...I think I'll have to come back and stalk your journal for other fics of the same greatness.
♥♥