Templum Bellonae

As he approaches the entrance to their temporary base, the ground under Batman’s boots is softer than it was a month ago. Scanning the area for predators, he can see patches where the frozen soil has relaxed into mud. The chill in the wind is slightly less unyielding than it has been; the sun’s weak light lingers a little more stubbornly at the end of the day. Signs of spring, of promise.

Batman isn’t fooled. He’s never been a farmer–though he’s observed Alfred planting the manor’s herb garden for years-but he knows that early spring is starvation time.

Batman and Robin in No Man’s Land, and the promise of spring.

This whole experiment of green by Sarah T.

Ownership or ‘in fact’ possession of a freehold estate. Inferred here is an increasing degree of ownership with the passage of time, as the possessor makes productive use of the land. Seizin was originally not an estate, but a way to gain one, as by adverse possession. This is rooted in the Roman concept that whoever worked the land should be its owner.

Robin brings someone home with him. Batman is less than pleased.

Seizin by Elynross

A while ago, this author wrote Family Business: Five Things That Never Happened to Dick Grayson, which I recommended. I loved the third story, Hanging Work, and thought it would make a great jumping-off point for a longer AU.

Well, apparently the author came to realize the same thing, because she’s written a series of stories in that universe. Bruce Wayne doesn’t adopt Dick when his parents are murdered, so eventually, someone else does. Excellent, amazing, fantastic AU. I love it.

Hanging Work by Lucy Gillam

A Batman Christmas story. Old-school Batman, that is.

Yes, Batman, There is a Santa Claus by Diana Williams

And its sequels, Shutting Doors II, Shutting Doors II: Gratuitous Sex Scene, Shutting Doors III, and Silent Passage.

Much less dark than most Batman stories. Charts the development of Robin’s relationship with Batman. I really like the Dick voice. And Davy is a great OC.

Wherever You Stand A Hundred Shall Fall is an AU of the Shutting Doors universe, a crossover with The Sentinel. Also Jim/Blair. Its sequel is Castoff.

Shutting Doors by James Walkwithwind

And its sequels, You who know my heart and And you alone of pure substance

I have a feeling this series would make better sense if I was more familiar with the canon storyline, but it’s still amazing. It’s Tim and Jason and they…but I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.

At last our starving eyes by Te