Dorset County Series

Fanfiction
Title:	Dorset County Series
Author(s):	Dasha
Date(s):	24 January 2002 – 3 October 2003
Length:	~152,000 words
Genre(s):	Slash, Drama
Fandom(s):	The Sentinel
Relationship(s):	Jim/Blair
External Links:	Series at squidge.org Series at 852 Prospect Series at AO3
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Dorset County Series is a Jim/Blair series by Dasha. It was originally posted on 852 Prospect and later imported to AO3.

Series

Stories (in chronological order for series timeline):

• Iceberg
• I Still Believe
• Pilgrimage
• The First Annual Dorset County Folk Music Festival
• The Greater Public Good
• On the Way Home
• Obscure Music

Reactions and Reviews

Unknown Date

[trkkr47]
Dorset County Series --- (Starts with 'I Still Believe') A long lingering tale of Jim and Blair's life after Jim's senses force him to leave the big city or die. I can't express enough how much I love this series. I think Dasha is very in touch with the characters, and looks at an interesting angle of the Sentinel-Guide thing, which is Blair's own anxiety that he'll screw up and Jim will be hurt because of it. In fact, a large part of the overall story arc is about Blair's efforts to overcome this fear. (And yet, it does not make Blair annoying or weak). I love the simple, everyday tone of this story, the depth and permanence of Jim and Blair's love, and the running cast of interesting original characters.

2003

[anonymous]
This is Jim and Blair some six (I think) years in the future and Blair's a cop (surprise;). Jim is paying for years of utilizing five very enhanced senses in the city and Blair is protective, loving and determined to care for Jim. He still looks for answers and ways to help Jim handle his senses and control them. I felt for Jim, who has nearly come to wit's end (and for Blair). Their move to Dorset County took a little getting use to but Dasha made me believe and cheer for them in their new life. Jim has always been my favorite character but in this series Blair is wonderful. I loved him. He's capable, protective (almost overly so) and loves Jim (and vise versa) with everything he has.

2005

[ceares]
This is a futurefic, and maybe an a/u. The first part in a series, the author plays with TS fandom convention, and makes Blair the overprotective one, with good reason. It's a terrific examination of the problems a modern sentinel might face, and a moving story of Jim and Blair rebuilding their lives among a new tribe.

2007

[jane_elliot]
This may be my favorite TS series. Jim and Blair find that a Sentinel really can't survive long term in a major city and move to a small town in rural Washington. The premise is intriguing and well thought out, the stories are quiet (at least for The Sentinal fandom, which tends towards the melodramatic) and beautifully written, and the plots explore an aspect of Jim and Blair's relationship that I think the show seriously short-changed: how do two people learn to live together for years, especially when one is a Sentinel? Add in a bevy of interesting and well developed OCs (Miss Lillian is my hero), hurt/comfort and angst galore, and a thought-provoking examination of Sentinels, Guides, and relationships, and you have the must-read series of the fandom.

2012

[I Still Believe]: This is the first story in Dasha’s wonderful “Dorset County” series. After living in the city of Cascade for years, the Jim Ellison, Sentinel, starts to have multiple health issues and his best friend and guide, Blair Sandburg decides that the only solution is to move away from the city with all its modern problems. As Dasha’s summary states: The trouble with happily ever after is that life keeps happening even when the fairy tale is over.

This story is long and plotty and very, very satisfying. Jim and Blair have been together for over ten years and Blair has been a cop for seven. They pull up stakes and move to Dorset County where they become sheriff and deputy in a small town. They buy a house... with two bedrooms and only one bathroom, and when Blair remarks on this, two guys sharing a bathroom, you realize what you might not have been sure of before this: they aren’t lovers. Blair loves Jim and Jim knows but Blair has never acted on his feelings. He had to keep at arms length from Jim when he was working on his dissertation and now feels it would ruin what they have. And more than anything, Blair wants Jim in his life, whole and healthy. He’s entirely committed to Jim, who knows this and has mixed feelings since he feels this is the second time he’s caused Blair to overturn his life.

There are no bombs or serial killers in Dorset County. They get calls like Andy and Barney of Mayberry: a snake in an old lady’s basement, various other non-serious crimes. But when a child goes missing, and they think finding her will be easy, Jim’s senses don’t help him solve the case in record time. Blair has misgivings about whether he’s really going to be able to help Jim.

The reader gets the feeling that Jim would be willing to take their relationship to the next level, but Blair is too much in his own head, concerned and fearful that Jim’s health won’t improve, despite both their efforts. Finally, however, the find their way to each other.

The story is beautifully written, deep and full of life and meaning and love. It reminds me of even older fanfiction, the way it takes its time and portrays two mature men gradually realizing the depths of their feelings for each other. There are more stories in the series, posted on the 852 Archive as well. All of them are just as wonderful

2013

[Pilgrimage]: “Pilgrimage” is part of a long, lovely series that takes place several years after the show ends. The premise of the series is that Cascade has finally become too toxic for Jim’s sentinel senses and he’s battling health problems. He and Blair move to Dorset County, in rural Washington State; Jim is the sheriff and Blair is a deputy. Dasha’s stories explore the changes as they adjust to their new territory, and to their (finally) consummated personal relationship.

In the episode “Sleeping Beauty”, Stacey was a crime victim; she spent years in a coma after a car crash that killed her parents. At the end of the episode, she obviously has a crush on Jim but his feelings for her are definitely avuncular. In “Pilgrimage”, we learn that Jim and Blair had continued to act as her surrogate parents. The story is told from her POV as she travels to Dorset County for the Thanksgiving holiday. Through her thoughts and memories, their family dynamic unfolds.

Reccer's Notes: The series is well worth reading, so I’m providing all the links, in order. Stacey appears in later stories as well, although “Pilgrimage” is the most applicable to this round’s theme.

[the series]: This is also known as the "I Still Believe" series, because that was the first story posted. Dasha's writing is interesting and comprehensive. This genre really hits my comfort button: I love seeing the guys years down the road, knowing they are still together and in love. It's become a favorite read.