Intertwined (Beauty and the Beast series)

Fanfiction
Title:	Intertwined
Author(s):	Nanci Folsom Casad
Date(s):	1990-1991
Length:
Genre(s):	het
Fandom(s):	Beauty and the Beast (TV)
Relationship(s):
External Links:
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Intertwined is a het Beauty and the Beast (TV) fiction series by Nanci Folsom Casad.

from "Intertwined" #5, artist is Jackie Kapke. From the author: "Thanks to Jackie Kapke for the "tail" pictures, both the one published and the ones I didn't dare print!"

They were printed five issues of Casad's zine series of the same name, Intertwined.

The series was a response to the episode "The Rest is Silence," and it postulated Vincent Wells with a tail.

The author received much feedback. Some fans were pro-tail, some anti-tail, and others were ambivalent.

Casad emphasized that: 1. she wanted to make readers think, 2: that Vincent's tail and how it made him different emphasized Catherine Chandler's unconditional love, and 3: that authors should be able to have the freedom to be as creative as they wanted to be.

A Turnabout on Love and Acceptance

Despite the author's views on the freedom to love and fannish creativity, Casad wrote a capslock inflammatory essay five years later, one which slammed the idea of slash, specifically the sexual Starsky/Hutch relationship. An excerpt: "I DON'T LIKE... WHAT THESE PEOPLE ARE DOING TO MY BELOVED CHARACTERS, TRYING TO JUSTIFY THEIR WARPED, PERVERTED FANTASIES IN THE NAME OF LOVE! IT'S PORNOGRAPHY, SICK AND DISGUSTING, NO MATTER WHAT OTHER NAME YOU GIVE IT... YEAH, I KNOW, WE CAN'T ALL LIKE THE SAME THINGS, AND ONE PERSON'S GARBAGE IS ANOTHER PERSON'S JOY... BUT IT'S STILL GARBAGE!!".

See GARBAGE LIKE THAT HAS NO PLACE IN FANDOM.

The Introduction and Explanation of the Tail

Father describes seeing Vincent drying himself off after he'd fallen into the river:

He stopped just outside Vincent's chamber entrance, wondering if he should announce his arrival first. Then in the dim light of one burning candle, he could see Vincent across the room, looking somewhat smaller stripped of the layers of clothes he usually wore. The fine blond fur that covered his body stood out around him in wet spikes, water dripping from the points, giving him the appearance of a slightly drowned cat. Holding his long, elegant tail in one hand, he dried the thick dark tufts of hair at the end with a towel.

Witnessing this, Father asked himself again if he had been wrong, refusing to surgically remove the appendage when Vincent was still a baby. At the time, others had urged him to do so, thinking it might make life easier for the boy, but Father had felt it would have been a mutilation of the worse kind. The tail was a part of Vincent like the fur and the elongated teeth and all of his leonine features. For the most part, it was kept carefully tucked away, and very few people even knew it existed.

Catherine Chandler sees the tail for the first time:

Vincent was on his side with his back to the room, and in his sleep he had kicked off the covers. Catherine walked up to the bed and started to reach for the top sheet and blanket when she froze, not believing what she was seeing. A tail -- a long tail covered with short blond fur, ending with a tuft of hair several shades tail coming out from under Vincent's nightshirt -- Vincent's tail! Catherine backed away a few steps, her hand over her mouth, staring at what was before her. She was not sure how this sudden discovery made her feel. Shocked? Definitely shocked, but only because it had been so unexpected. How could she have known him for two years and not know about a tail? She slowly approached the bed again, shaking her head in amazement. A tail! She gingerly reached out to touch it, but as her fingers brushed against the end tufts of hair, the tail flicked away. She felt like she had that first time she had seen Vincent-- shocked and a little horrified. Yet she had gotten over that initial shock almost immediately, and had come to love the way he looked -- but a tail? Why did it make him seem less human? His clawed and furry hands, a fur-covered body, elongated teeth, the high cheek bones and muzzle, the furry nose that ended with the triangle of flesh that split his top lip -- somehow all of this was perfectly acceptable to her. This tail, his tail was just as much a part of him as all the other leonine features -- yet it still bothered her. Was it his tail that made him so concerned about not being one hundred percent human? Was he ashamed of it?

Fan Comments Regarding "Intertwined" and Vincent's Tail

Fans had a lot to say about Vincent's tail:

• if he had one, where does he hide it in his clothes?
• a tail is humiliating for the actor who portrayed him
• children make fun of differences and that means young Vincent was teased
• a tail reduces Vincent to a beast and that's not okay
• the tail (and Vincent's purring, and when stressed, pooping behind a rock) was humiliating
• the tail was funny
• the author should be able to write what they want, including Vincent with a tail
• the tail was a natural extrapolation of Vincent's "otherness"

I read your story 'Intertwined.' It was very good. You have a real talent with your writing and imagination, too. Your story kept me wanting to turn the pages to see what came next. I just can't picture Vincent with a tail. Let me know if you write another story. I really enjoyed Intertwined. I have read it over and over.

Vincent's tail was an awful shock to me, and one thing I cannot agree with. Rough tongue and purring I would readily accept; but Vincent is 100% man with some extra characteristics of the feline nature. We've seen him dancing and he wears such tight trousers that there is no where he could hide such an appendage! Sorry -- no tail please!

Your story is wonderful! The conversations are so much 'in character' that I can almost hear the words in the right voices. And a most satisfying storyline--much more full of romance and feeling than some of the shows themselves ... I doubt the show is ready to show us whether or not there is a tail...though I liked to picture him as I read your description.

I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed 'Intertwined' and how much I'm looking forward to #2. Though I strongly disagree with the idea of Vincent having a tail, this was still an interesting twist that I had not seen in other 'zines before. I really did enjoy the two stories very much and thought they were very well written indeed.

'Intertwined' was very enjoyable. The idea of Vincent having a tail is fascinating if not very practical. (After all, we've seen him from the back without his cloak; where would he have put a tail?) It was lovely to have him making love to Catherine in his sleep -- just too bad that he had to wake up!

I loved your story very much. A tail? How different!

I just wrote to tell you I enjoyed 'Intertwined' very much. You cannot imagine my surprise on reading about Vincent having a tail! Although it shocked me for a moment or two, it would be one reason why Vincent is so shy about sharing more of himself with Catherine. Again, your concept was an interesting one.

I thoroughly enjoyed 'Intertwined' and your unique 'discovery' of Vincent's tail! ... I'm enclosing a check for 'Intertwined II' and I'm interested in reading your solution to 'The Rest Is Silence' ... Your treatment of Vincent having a tail seems so natural as he has all the other outward (feline) appearances.

I didn't get offended by the tail. I just never thought of it and really found it amusing. Just think how that tail could be used ...!

I admit to having a problem with the tail, but I just don't dwell on that part.

One of the most intriguing ideas you presented was the idea of Vincent's tail. (I'll bet you knew I was going to say that!) When I read it at first I was sure you'd made a typo. Then I reread it and smiled. When that great bed scene came up and Cathy is, to say the least, startled, I was laughing, especially when she looks for it under his nightshirt. Who wouldn't? I also enjoyed Father's 'house call.' (I'm not going to say a word about his bedside manner...) And Mouse's trick on Vincent was fun. The characters came to life beautifully. The stories were sweet and well thought- out.

I particularly liked the way you picture Vincent as feline, or at least non-human. Most of the fanwriting I've seen seems more or less assume Vincent is human with a differently shaped head face and claws, and a few superhuman attributes... but they don't want to put up any more barriers than there already are between him and Catherine and their "happy life', and so beneath his skin Vincent is 100% human. There are some very good stories written that way, but I liked meeting a different Vincent in your writing. It makes sense that Vincent's oddities are more than skin deep.

I had no difficulty at all accepting Vincent's extra appendage. He is different physically, mentally, emotionally, and biochemically. 50 why should the presence of a mere tail inspire controversy? Bravo for having Devin whisk Vincent away for some fresh air and sunshine, when he had lost the will to live. I felt this part of the story was very effective. I also liked the part about Vincent's regressing, and Catherine's continuing visits to the Tunnels even after he had no wish to see her. Thank you very much for your very fine stories. I hope that you choose to write some more for all of us B&B fans.M

I just wanted to let you know how much I liked 'Intertwined I.' The stories were well written. I am looking forward to reading 'Intertwined II.' There were just two things that didn't sit well with me. One was when Vincent purred. And two was his tail. By making him purr and have a tail, I felt like you were making him more animal. I personally see him as more human than animal. To me he's more human than some humans are.

I really enjoyed reading 'Intertwined I' except to two things. Reading that Vincent had a tail and purred really turned me off ... I feel Vincent's appearance and the way he feels about the limitations that are between him and Catherine are already enough to deal with, let alone a tail...I would like to order 'Intertwined II' and I hope there won't be a lot of references to the tail and his purring. I feel you are really in touch as far as the way you write about this special one-of-a-kind couple.

I must admit I was not too crazy about the tail, but as Ron Koslow himself said this weekend at VQT, "He's a beast."-

I've enjoyed both issues of 'Intertwined.' I have no trouble with fanzine stories that show Vincent with a tailor other animal-like features than what mayor may not have been established on the show.

The tail, I am not sure what I think, it's still growing on me. (pardon the

The 'furry appendage'--I didn't think it was appropriate. It didn't add anything to the story and having seen Vincent in those sleek slacks, he could never hide it!

Vincent with a tail? I think it is distasteful and sort of offensive. Animals have tails. One of people's major objections to the show is what Vincent really is. If he's part animal, then any love relationship between him and Catherine is wrong. So he has to be all human. I'm just not comfortable with it.

I love the tail. I think it's a neat idea. I hope you are going to continue with this story.

I enjoyed "After the Silence" ... it made me laugh, and cry, and worry, just as it should have. Though I never imagined Vincent with a tail ... it's your story not mine!

Good story and well written, but at a certain point my reaction was: 'Excuse me?!' A tail?! I bet I'm not the only one who reacted like that. It's certainly an original idea, and it's funny, but I have very mixed feelings about it and I don't think it's very realistic. No, it does not offend me. I can well imagine Vincent having been born with a tail. Why not, considering the way he looks? And I can even imagine Father feeling that it would be a terrible mutilation to cut it off (though not so easily; after all, what father wants his son to run around with a tail?!) Furthermore, having a tail would prove very embarrassing for a little boy once he notices that no one else has one (more so than fangs and fur, I think), because it would obviously be a source of ridicule (children can be awfully cruel to one another). So, even if he did have a tail once, I believe that at a certain point Father -- or Vincent himself -- would have decided that he'd be better off without it. That would solve quite some problems, save him a lot of embarrassment (you do indicate that he doesn't feel comfortable about it--who would?!) and after all the tail does not serve any purpose, does it? But then it's your story and your imagination, and who am I to say that it can't be? I certainly had a good laugh about it.

That story is BEAUTIFUL! You got me with the tail! My immediate reaction was NO. Then I paused and said, 'Why not?' I like it! That ending was true Ron Koslow! Neat! You caught the characters well. I'm sure that's the way Father would react. And Mouse! Of course he would 'fix it.' He fixes all kinds of of things. And Vincent, being Vincent, would step aside for Catherine's happiness. Not being ready to admit that he is Catherine's happiness. I loved it, Nanci.

Can't you just imagine him flicking his tail when happy?

I must admit I wasn't too crazy about the tail, but as Ron Koslow himself said at VQT, - he is a beast. I think you showed that Catherine is willing to accept him exactly how he is, all of him.

You asked what I meant by -cringed- when I first starting reading your new story. Well, I did have difficulty having to picture this wonderful, proud, majestic person reduced to prowling around a cage on all fours, flipping his tail in the air, going behind a rock to go to the bathroom, etc. What I meant was that it's hard to watch someone you care about behaving in a way that he, himself, would find humiliating and embarrassing if he were even aware of the behavior. I think your interpretation of his downward spiral resulting in his reverting back to feline behavior is very justified. It was hard to read, but at the same time it was fascinating to read. It's very obvious you have cats. I think that plays a part in our fascination with this character on some level.

I just received your zine -Intertwined- and I feel compelled to make a few comments. (I'm sure you can guess what is coming.) Please explain why you saw fit to endow Vincent with a tail! You write well--in fact, you write very well. You were very careful in staying faithful to the characters, which only serves to make that appendage all the more glaring. As I said, you are a good writer, but because of the anomaly of it, your readers will tend to dwell on that tail and nothing else. You are doing yourself a disservice in this manner. Everyone I have talked to who have read -Intertwined- have said the same thing. If you had chosen to go off on a tangent, that is, to try an alternate universe approach, it would have been more acceptable. Also, one further point. I have seen - Vincent - on several occasions, in various states of costuming, and I can promise you beyond any shadow of a doubt that he does not have a tail. If Ron Koslow doesn't think he has one, why do you?

I'm so sorry that you felt my comment [about your story] was negative -- I never meant it to be inferred as such. I was only asking out of curiosity -- far be it for me (or anyone else) to condemn ANYONE for having a creative imagination. This is not to say I disagree with Vincent's tail. I merely found it a curious addition.

And I wasn't the least bit offended by the furry appendage.

The big shocker was his tail. I still smile as I write it, as I did when I read it. I guess I never thought about him having one before. It just seemed funny ...... About the tail--it still makes me laugh when I think or write about it. I'm not sure if I like it or dislike it. I guess I dislike it because it reminds me of his beastly qualities, and I like to think of him as more human. You really make a person think.

(Ed.'s note: That's the idea.)

Regarding your -furry appendage,- I don't understand why anyone would be offended. I thought it was a neat idea, too.

I just finished reading Intertwined III. I really enjoyed it. I wish you had put more in about Vincent's questionable appendage. For example, if he has control over it, couldn't he maybe use it to caress Catherine when he is especially happy or content. Talk about sexy!

(Ed.'s note: Wouldn't the anti-tail readers just love that?!)

Between the -furry appendage,- the purring, and the bit about his gripping her neck, I think I know where your thoughts are! Your ideas may offend some fans, but not this one. I have said all along it doesn't matter one iota what Vincent's origins are. The only thing that matters is the love he and his Catherine share. And you show this in a very delicate and beautiful manner. I love your leaving Catherine pregnant with twins, and can't wait to goes ...... Anyway, I for one, like your idea of Vincent with a tail. If it makes Vincent seem a little less human, so what? I've always felt that part of his mystique was the question of what it is that makes him like he is. Besides, who cares what he is, as long as he is. Right?

I enjoyed the last two Intertwineds. If possible in Intertwined III, dump the tail. Nothing personal, just in my opinion, Vincent is a man with some lion features, not the other way around. But I must admit at times I thought the tail was amusing. I am enclosing a money order for III.

Of course a tail is an extension of the spine. But you are wrong in assuming that having a tail would change the positioning of the tailbone. A tail that does not curve down would obviously be a nuisance and in addition would also be very vulnerable. So, logically, if Vincent did have a tail, his tailbone would also still curve down and inward, and capable of movement or not, he would, unfortunately, find sitting down a very troublesome business. Certainly if he would have to keep that tail tucked away in a pantleg, that would considerably hamper its moveability. Sorry, but those are the simple biological facts. As to the fact that his tail does not serve a purpose, and does not need to serve a purpose, that's true. But when there is something about your body that is 1) pretty embarrassing, 2) very bothersome, and 3)completely unnecessary, you have it removed, right? And contrary to claws, fangs and fur, a tail is quite easy to remove. Still, I agree it is an original idea, and if you insist on picturing him with a tail, that's obviously your good right. But it's not very realistic ... I feel it would be wrong to make the character of Vincent anything less than realistic or to explain him in any other way than the most obvious. He is not a beast with human characteristics (whatever Ron Koslow or even Ron Perlman may say), he is a ~ with some animalistic traits.

(Ed.'s note: But both Rons have said many times that he is a beast with human qualities. They should know - they created him!)

I'd like to hear about IV. After all, I want to support the only B&B zine I know that features a - furry appendage.

I must say I don't like the idea of showing Vincent with a tail! He's a mutant -- not an animal!

Of course, mutants, part animals, etc., can have tails, but I don't like to think of that magnificent creature Vincent having one. I wouldn't want him mutilated by having it amputated either. I'm just hard to please. He's so perfect, I wish he were real! Besides, do you really think a 'high born lady' like Catherine would take a lover with a tail?

(Ed. 's note: This 'high born lady' has taken a lover with a muzzled, fanged, furry face with furry, clawed hands and (presumably) a furry body that goes about growling and roaring and shredding and killing!! Why would one little tail bother her?!)

The only part I didn't like was about the tail. I don't believe he has a tail. If he did, that would take away from his human side completely, making him mostly beast, therefore the hope of C&V's dream would be destroyed.

(Personally, I kind of like the tail.)

I thought the story quite interesting, but I must confess I am turned off by the "tail" and other bestial features. Sorry. Anyway I'll let you know if I decide to try again

I loved the purring. I do not see Vincent as having a tail. That would be taking too much away from any humanness he has. (But these are your tales to tell.)

It made me smile to think of Vincent with a tail -- what an interesting idea. And I think, like Catherine, I was also wondering just where was that tail! I think your stories were beautiful.

I think you have a special series of zines here with a nice feel for the characters, especially our mane man, and with a unique thread (V's tail) that made them just you ~ and that I know I look for when reading.

I've just finished III. It's not easy to write this. There are very good parts ... but A TAIL???? Please be serious, it can't be. Look at him. Vincent, the most beautiful man I ever saw, the most human, the most loving man ever ~ and you give him a tail. Where is his humanity? Yes, I think I found out now, in his trousers, because with what I've been reading lately I wonder how you American fans are watching B&B. You guys make him a sex maniac. He jumps in and out of her bed every five pages, sometimes near a rape (have you all been reading the Kamasutra before you wrote your B&B stories?) Otherwise he eats himself sick on chocolate and sweet stuff, why? Of he walks in short jeans with sunglasses! Or he's crawling naked over the floor like some animal! Please, where is the respect for Vincent and Ron Perlman? Just look at them and think what you are doing to them!!! I can't imagine Vincent like you describe him, I'm sorry, I just can't, and I'm not alone in this, I'm sure of that. So forgive me for being so hard on you, but you've asked for opinions. Now let me know when #4 is ready.

At first I thought, oh my, she's given him a tail! And I was sort off put off by that fact, but then I read the zines and found that you really didn't dwell on the appendage -- you worked it into your storyline very well.