originally posted by alexith
Speaking of "the handsome spellbinder in the swamp", it might just be an odd quirk of mine, but I have always wished that we saw more of Verraine in the stories. From what I have read of him, he seems like an interesting character, but he sadly doesn't show up all that often. Besides, I feel sorry for him, being stuck out in Mirthlvain all by himself for so long.
Lisa, thanks for the reference to that story. I read it a while back, and have been meaning to reread it, but couldn't remember where it could be found.
Are there any other Athera short stories that I should read?
Yup - grin - Sundering Star, in Under Cover of Darkness, edited by Julie Czerneda and Jana Paniccia
Reins of Destiny, in the Solaris Book of New Fantasy, edited by George Mann
And - your wish with regard to Verrain's story is already IN PROGRESS, as a side piece, but who knows where it could turn up…I have to get it JUST RIGHT before I'll even think of turning it loose. Suffice to say, it's well along…
originally posted by Sundancer
Wow! A Verrain story…
I've yet to read Reins of Destiny, but reading Sundering Star and Child of Prophecy before reading SF added so much to it! I've got to read Verrain's story, he is so charming, and the whole issue of the F7 having spellbinder and apprentices is fascinating. Janny, when are we going to find out about the other World Gates?
But to get back on track, I'm one of those who you have to beat over the head to see someone as gay. Someone's sexuality is not a big issue for me, but I must admit that Sulfin Evend just doesn't come across to me as gay. He's archetypal warrior - he's sworn fealty and that's what he's sticking to.
I did love the description of Greek attitudes, it rings very true.
Happy New Year to you all - reading SF was my best Christmas present
originally posted by Joshua Bruce Law
Hi all, used to be a member but when the change in how accounts work happened I must have been cleansed out.
Anyway I'm going to throw my opinion out.
Personally I feel Athera would not tolerate a wholesale antipathy to those whom are GLBTI. I can see the clans having thier issues clearly from the situation they are in. But the towns may not care as much. I doubt that the 7 would care but we mist remember they actually come from a space faring culture originally, so are more likely to follow modern aka our current cultural tolerances. It is widely accepted by those whom do not disagree with homosexuality that it is intrinsic and is not a choice and cannot be changed. As such being part of a persons base components Athera would not punish them for something they have no choice of. Of course the cultures of the world have no such restraint. I doubt Arithon is homophobic for the simple or not so simple fact of his geis of compassion.
As for Davien and SE I don't see Davien being anything but amused by Arithon, in some ways seeing a kindred spirit. As for SE to me it seems merely or not so merely his almost religious devotion to lysaer and then a deep abiding brotherly love.
My 2 cents
originally posted by Richard Myburgh
Hi all.
Didn't one of the "Priests" have an infatuation (beyond all others) with Lysaer? how he would link with Lysaer every morning to feel his presence. or was it just his power that the guy was craving?
This is the field priest that was involved with the necromancy issue. Don't have books at hand for reference.
originally posted by Annabelle Ang-Bok
I remember that guy! Yeah I recall feeling as though he had a more than normal religious type fervour for Lysaer and the morning link-up ritual thing, as though he derived some sort of orgasmic bliss from it. I just found it rather disturbing though, like he was just really, overly obsessed to the point of being crazed rather than actually being sexually attracted to Lysaer as a person. But that's just my personal response to it.
originally posted by Richard Myburgh
Thought as much, thanks Annabelle.