This story has definate potential. The iconoclast is a very interest period in history, lots to read and write about, and I haven't read very many (actually, any) stories here on
FictionPress concerning (not that I have perused the Historical Fiction very much).

However, I felt that the story ended much to soon. I was just beginning to become familiar with the characters, when all of a sudden, "Bam", "Bang", "Presto", story over. I think there is a lot more you could write about these characters. I felt that I was looking at them from a distance, not ever really connecting with them. I think one part of it is that the majority of the story is narration, with no dialogue. You can learn more about a character in a few short exchanges of words than in pages of narration. The beginning seems to rush through introductions and then immediately throws the characters off the final cliff before the climb. Instead of telling how they met, show us. Describe their clothes, their actions, and show how they talk and relate to one another through dialogue. I want to see how they fell in love. Also, I think there should be a reference to the girl's relationship with her father, perhaps a scene between them, near the beginning of the story, before she meets the artist. And I would like to see more of the artist's flee from the authorities, to know more about him, how he handles fear, his feelings--maybe even his life before he began fleeing.

I do like the ending, where she sees him for the last time. Very touching, and thought provoking. Nice realistic touch. However, I didn't find the trial extremely convincing. The judge needs to have more convincing reasons to keep his daughter from punishment. Also, from what I gathered from what little was shown about Chrysisaura's character, it seems unlike her to not say anything at all, or not try harder to defend her lover. But perhaps if I knew more about her, it would fit into her character better.

Altogether, I found your story to be very interesting, and full of potential to be extremely intriguing. By the by, where did u get the names? There are very unique.

Beautiful and entertaining! I love your story.. I only have one complaint, Chrysisaura's personality seems a little flat..
but it's no biggie^^
Beautifully done!

Oh, my. That was beautiful, but perhaps the characters were too perfect? It doesn't matter, it was still really good. Best of wishes, E.

My Byzantine history is appalling, like literally appalling. I didn't know that that's where iconoclasm originated, but I do find it odd, especially because the Russian Orthodox church (and indeed the Russian imperial culture as a whole) has a strong foundation in Byzantium, and icons are a major part of Russian Orthodoxy.

This is...very interesting. I would be curious to know as to whether this was a real event in history? I would suggest refraining from using some of the more dramatic adjectives, such as "alluring green eyes" "delicate hands" "lustrous hair" "obsidian eyes" ...they aren't too overdone, but just keep an eye on how much you use 'em ;)

I was also surprised by the ending. It was so sad! But I liked it because it was unique - good job!