Hi all,
This came about because of research I was doing on early
literature, comparing the significance of "The Tale Of Genji"
in Japan to "Beowulf" in Scandinavia (the earliest known
pieces of fiction in each culture). After reading part of
"Beowulf", I became inspired to write this. It's meant to
be as much romantic tragedy as magical adventure, just in
time for Valentine's Day.
Parts and ideas for this come from various sources; Clark
Ashton Smith, Michael Moorcock, Beowulf, and Buddhism. And
I swear, it's not self insert! I may fit the physical
description of Ciaran, but the personality of the character
is Siddhartha Gautama, aka Buddha, pure and simple. ^_^
The name "Ciaran" if you're interested, it a Celtic name; in
an anime swords and sorcery universe, a Celtic or Saxon name
seemed the most appropriate. It's pronounced "KEER-uhn", and
the name's etymology is "dark and handsome", much the way the
character is described. ^_^
The timeline in this story? Obviously Naga as an apprentice,
in her late teens and well before she met Lina; no particular
time is implied, just that it was a different Naga from the
girl in anime. I used to hate the character after seeing the
ADV dubs with Kelly Manison's voice. However, after seeing
the Bubblegum Crisis 2040 dub and Manison's great work as
Linna, I decided to give Naga a fresh look...and I kinda fell
for her. <*silly blush*>
And yes, I used a *LOT* of big and obscure words, strange
spellings and pompous language. If you're going to flame me
for it, get it over and done with. I ain't apologizin' fer
any of it!!! ^_^
It's a rare once in a while I come up with a good idea, and
I think this is one of them. If you liked it, let me know.
If you think I'm full of myself, please be kind when you say
so. ^_^
Thanks for reading,
Shunsuke
------------------------------------------------------------
Madrigal
(lyrics by Neil Peart, as recorded by Rush
on their 1977 album "A Farewell To Kings")
When the dragons grow too mighty
To slay with pen or sword
I grow weary of the battle
And the storm I walk toward
When all around is madness
And their's no safe port in view
I long to turn my path homeward
To stop a while with you
When life becomes as barren
And as cold as winter skies
There's a beacon in the darkness
In a distant pair of eyes
In vain to search for order
And in vain to search for truth
But these things can still be given
Your love has shown me proof