You know the thought occurs that I’ve not actually spoke much on this issue. The reason was I was actually going to let my writing do the talking, but these forums have been so quiet recently and because I had sometime (I know! I was shocked as well!) I decided I’d write my reasons for why I preferred Aurin and Ryushi over Ryushi and Calica-Sue. Personally, I would far rather meet Chris face to face and bring this point (along with many others; plot holes, character abandonment, Lord of the Rings rip off ending, and terrible, terrible clichés and plot twists) up; perhaps over a pint of fruli. But that’s not going to happen; because, frankly, he has better things to do with his time then listening to rambling of a mad romantic/writer who can’t seem to grasp the major differences between reality and fiction.
So, at the risk of being dragged to the town centre and stoned to dead, here is why I feel Ryushi and Li’ain relationship was better.
The reason I loved Aurin (Li’ain) and Ryushi was because it was only relationship that was actually developed and constructed in a meaningful way. I admit that most, if not all, the romance in Broken Sky wasn’t brilliant; Ty and Kia’s reunion springs to mind as does Kia and Jedda’s sudden revelation of love. And before anyone says, “It’s an action novel” then why did he write the romance in the first place? Because he wanted to add another element to the novel’s formula? Then why didn’t he put more work into it, to make it feel like it was a part of the novel, rather than a tack on?
But let’s leave all that aside and focus on the relationships: Calica and Ryushi for starters. Before I go any further let me say, I felt the foundation for the relationship was laid out quite well. Sure it wasn't ground breaking, but it wasn't bad either.
However, despite the fact that foundations were in place, the relationship was devoid of any believable build up. All we got for these two, was some information dumping (which is really bad writing, even Chris has admitted that!) about how Calica loved him and then some really bland interaction that was lacking in any sense of emotion; which consisted of: “Your quite poetic”, a sickening joke scene that went along the lines of: “I saw you telling me the meaning” and a moment of indecision with Ryushi at the end.
By contrast, Aurin and Ryushi relationship was developed in a fairly realistic way (given the circumstances). It started with intrigue and gradually built into something more. You know, I think I summarise it best like this. This is a scene from chapter 5 when Li’ain reflects on Ryushi and what he means to her (please keep in mind I’m still editing this).
****
Her relationship with the Parrakka’s swordsman, the youngest son of the group founder, was more complicated than she’d perhaps care for. Maybe she was demanding too much of herself. After all everything had changed the second they’d met, the war, the future of the worlds, and her life.
He had absolutely fascinated her, with his cheek, his bravado and his convictions. He had challenged her, had taunted her, had teased her, had even excited her. While everyone else around her catered to her every whim through a mixture of fear and self gain, Ryushi had treated her like a human… with both honest contempt and honest affection.
While it was true she had Corm and Tatterdemalion... she could have never really considered them friends in the truest sense of the word. They had been servants, beloved and valued servants, but servant none the less.
No, as Aurin, she’d been completed isolated and over time she’d grown more and more bitter and hate filled. But, she’d always hid it well and continued to masquerade in the great deception that was her life... until she’d met Ryushi.
In the time they’d been together, he’d been her enemy, her friend, her lover and even her liberator. The role he’d played in her life had been far too significant to merely dismiss.
He wasn’t like Whist who could be easily cast aside once he’d fulfilled his purpose and use, nor was he like Jedda or even Kia, dear as they were. Ryushi was something wholly unique and precious to her.
****
Hopefully that will neatly give you my thoughts on the relationship, though I admit the writing is a bit rosy. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Aurin and Ryushi was perfect. I accept, that their relationship was bit rushed, and I can’t help but wonder what one more chapter would have done. Furthermore, I also feel Chris stumbled a bit when he used the term “love”, though it could be argued it's nativity of emotions. But all that aside, it was the only relationship in the story that had any really creditable weight to it.
Then after all that robust development, Chris writes, “Calica gets Ryushi... because... she does.” No reason, no scenes, no sincere devolvement.
Now, frankly, that’s lazy (I have many more colourful words to use... but really there is no point) But, I will say, I was really p*ssed off, I was upset and felt betrayed (sorry, I’m aware that sounds a little emo ^^
I mean for even Li’ain and Ryushi farewell kiss had so much emotion to it.
Yes, I’m more than aware it’s fiction! But at the same time fiction can go beyond the media its confined to, and defiant this, correct, perception; look at Sherlock Holmes.
Anyway, back on the topic, what makes even more heartbreaking is fact that Chris doesn’t seem convinced by the choice, hence: “He could scarcely go without Calica, either,” – which translates to – “I’m in no way, shape or form trying to convince myself that this is a good idea. Please, don’t hold this against me, because I’m currently without my beloved brain, as it’s out saving the world and fighting the Daily Mail; wearing a dashing cape.”
Anyway, jokes asides, let me say something about Calica. I could have really liked her... if only had had some dimensions and character growth, and not been unoriginal, cliché action girl with without any real faults. I could have even handled her getting Ryushi, if only there had been some honest development, some really sincere moments between them.
I’ll show you what I mean: when Aurin kisses Ryushi for the first time (and I mean properly kiss) there is a huge amount of shyness and tenderness. It’s something she’s never experienced before, Ryushi likewise. It’s the little details like that, that makes this fictional relationship work. The characters grew from their interaction with each other, finding their similarities and differences and this is why it’s so beautiful and real, despite being such a cliché. I actually maintain it one of the only enemies turning into lovers plotlines executed well.
Yes, it does do some things wrong, but, it also does so many things right. Personally, I don’t know what Chris was thinking when he paired Calica off with Ryushi, but at the same time, I don’t know what he was going through at the time he wrote it. I don’t know if was going through some serious personal issues, I don’t know if it was his editor idea, maybe he got so sick of writing Broken Sky he wanted it to end in any old way; there are so scenarios that could explain why he did it this way.
Contrary what people think, I actually agree with what Chris has said, about not wanting Li’ain be huggy-buggy. Fair point, but would have prefer an opened ending for the relationship. Frankly Chris, allow me indulgence arrogance for a minute, if you are going to write a romance that goes three ways, then give an open ending. Let the fans decides who gets with who.
I know this all sounds a bit mental and bizarre and I actually agree with you. But at the same time, I need to get this off my chest. Anyway, I’ll get back to writing Broken Age now and avoiding the lynch mob!
Thanks everyone
Smaug
Oh look my wambulance has arrived
www.thewambulance.com/