De-lurking with a Few Questions...

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

 Hello everyone!

I’ve been lurking for a while now, and I figured that after my first re-read of The Thief, I would de-lurk myself and… well, properly join the community, I guess? Hehe… Also because I’m feeling a little lonely not having anyone to talk about Queen’s Thief with. None of my friends are interested in reading it.

Anyway, a little bit about myself: I’m a first year comp-sci student in University of Toronto, and I first came across The Thief this summer. I’m afraid I’m not much of a reader, but when I found myself with loads of time a few months ago, and didn’t know what to do with them, I decided to pick up a book. The last time I really liked one was a couple of years back when I read Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. I was looking for something similar, and in Amazon.com, they said that some of the people who bought the book also bought Queen of Attolia. After I found out that it was a series, I decided to borrow the first book in the library.

When I first read it, I guess I wasn’t… jumping up and down, but I did marvel at some of the twists in the book. I like twists! ^^ And I guess I wasn’t much of the re-reader type at the time. It was only when I joined this community that I heard that the books get better in re-reads. And that’s why I borrowed it again. (I have to say now that the whole QT series has pretty much taken over my mind; I’d go home from an hour and a half commute from school, and be all like, “Must read The Thief!!!” or whichever book I happen to have at the moment. In lectures I’d be wondering what Sophos would think of the Big Bang, or if anyone of the characters could do an epsilon-delta proof. I bet the Magus could. So if I fail any of my mid-terms, I’m definitely blaming MWT! ^__^ hehe.)

You know, it was so strange going back and reading The Thief again, especially when only several weeks have lapsed between the times I read it; it was like… a totally different story! I mean, the plot was the same, but everyone, all the characters came to me in a different way. I noticed little things about Gen, comments that actually hinted his true identity - or at least that he had been incognito (i.e. saying “I bring myself,” to Moira) - and… and… so many other things! I can’t even explain it. I even liked Sophos a lot more this time, and Eddis. Did you know, the first time I read TT, I thought Magus was the bad guy? I just didn’t like him in the beginning. I would never have expected Ambiades to be the traitor… well, maybe I should have, but I’m not a really perceptive person, hehe ^__^; Some people said Attolia was supposed to be the enemy too, but when I first came across her appearance, I was pretty much indifferent about her. Which is weird, because after reading the other books, I’ve sort of developed a love-hate relationship with Attolia. (Well, her marriage with Gen, to be more exact. Attolia as an individual is awesome.)

Well, I’d feel a little embarrassed if I delurked and did not contribute anything, so I came with a set of questions that I had after my re-read. I’d really appreciate if you guys can clear up some things for me; I’ll try not to ask ones that I’ve seen asked before, but if I happen to, just direct me to a link!

1. Is Gen’s life somewhat like a parallel to Eugenides’s (the god) story? I feel like what they go through in life is pretty similar. I mean, Eugenides started out as ‘special’ (being half-god), but not entirely different from most men, until he pulled off the incredible feat of stealing Sky’s thunderbolts. But although he has attained immortality, he suffers a great deal because of the curse that Sky put on him. I feel like this reflects what happens to Gen so far. Being the queen’s thief, he was pretty normal, but he already had his path cut out for him; then he becomes more ‘respectable’ when he steals Hamiathes’s gift. Needless to say, the events that follow in the next few books weren’t exactly a ball.

I was just curious, because if Gen’s life is meant to mirror Eugenides’s, then who would be Lyopidus (guilty traitor, but a close ‘friend’) and Hamiathes (saviour)?

2. After my re-read, I realized that Hamiathes’s gift helped preserve Gen’s life during the fight in the Sea of Olives. “I’d felt my life dragged out with the sword, but in the end my life wouldn’t go,” pg. 178. And this confused me, because he stole the stone from the temple, right? And if the legends are reliable basis, the power of the stone only works if it was given to the bearer. Why is it that Gen was saved? And now that we know that he had used the power of the stone, does that mean that he is guaranteed immortality? Or immortality is only attained if the stone is existing (which in this case, it isn’t anymore after Eddis destroys it)

3. On the same page, Gen says that his living is an offense to the gods? Why? Is it because he stole from them? Doesn’t Eugenides assure him that he hasn’t offended anyone yet, other than Aracthus? Why does he think the gods dislike him? Or does he just feel that way, because he feels so guilty that he killed a man?

4. Well… I feel like this might be a silly question because I know that this is the first book, and I’ve heard somewhere that MWT wasn’t expecting to make a sequel, but I’ll ask anyway because I think there might be different interpretations. When Gen meets Attolia, he says that “she was a fiend from the underworld and that mountain lions couldn’t force me to enter her service.” Judging from QoA (which I didn’t give a re-read either, silly me -__-), I remember it being implied that Gen’s pretty much in love with Attolia by this time. I think it started when he saw her dancing, didn’t realize it until Dite came along, and I’m pretty sure that Attolia dancing under the orange trees took place way before this.

I’m just… perplexed, because then it seems like Gen in QoA did a 180. Was Gen here being the ‘unreliable narrator’ again, and trying to mislead us? Or is he actually hinting more of the ‘service’ part? Like… he doesn’t want to serve her; he wants to be her equal, or something like that. Who does Gen really love anyway? Irene or Attolia? Or both? I think he loves Irene, but must accept Attolia as well… I don’t really know; I feel like it’s kind of sad to love a person for who they were once, and hate them for who they are now, but feel like you can bring back the past. But I don’t know… I’m so unromantic, hehe.

I don’t feel like getting into their relationship right now, though… I think I’ll save my thoughts for a fanfic and get myself out of a strike. ^__^ teehee.

5. Gen tells us his mother is called Queen Thief because she stole people’s hearts. I’m guessing she’s well liked in the court, then. So… why do most of his relatives feel like it’s a bad thing that he’s not turning out like his father?

Anyway, I’m sure this is pretty long of a post. I actually have more questions, but I think they have to do more with QoA and KoA than TT. I’ll ask them after I do rereads of those books.

So uhm, yeah, I’ll stop talking now, promise! ^^

Comments

:)

[(Anonymous)]

what Sophos would think of the Big Bang, or if anyone of the characters could do an epsilon-delta proof. I bet the Magus could. So if I fail any of my mid-terms, I’m definitely blaming MWT! ^__^ hehe.)

LOL. (we just did disgusting delta-epsilon proofs in calc a few months ago, I'd love to see Magus do one!)

Welcome, I'm Elle. :)

And I'll answer your last question :-)

Gen's mum was really well liked, but she didn't have status like Gen's father. People knew not to mess with her, whereas with Gen.. it's a different story. Stenides (Gen's brother) who is also unlike his father (b/c he's a watch maker and not a soldier) is also well liked by the court (like Gen's mum) but Gen is *not* because he's like his Grandfather (on his mother's side) a theif (who are commonly considered badluck) and annoying to his cousins and very deserving of their beatings (as Eddis points out in QoA) still he has a good heart, and when it comes down to it, they all love him (even though he doesnt think so :)

Re: :)

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Ah thanks! ^^ You guys are so warm ^__^. And yeah, those proofs are killers. I'd actually like to see all the characters do one. It's sometimes entertaining to think of them trying to work out modern day problems.

Oh, okay. That makes sense. Yeah, when I read the short story about ten-year-old Gen, it really seems like Stenides is a kind, amiable character. More so than his other brother anyway, lol, who punched Helen when they were young. I guess it's needless to say that being a soldier is a respectable occupation, and that's why Gen was pressured into it by his father.

[brandy-painter.livejournal.com]

Welcome!

And thanks for coming with great topics to discuss.

2. I think I know the answer to this but I loaned my copy of TT to a friend so I can't double check it. If someone else doesn't answer it though, I'll give it a try.

3. I always interpreted this as their godliness being offended at a mortal man having his life extended longer than it should have been but I'm interested in hearing others thoughts.

4. The scene between Gen and Irene in this book is one of my favorites. Gen does call her a fiend from hell but if you read carefully he also makes plenty of commentary on the quality of her smile and the loveliness of her voice. And he winces when he realizes he has hurt her with his words. He is young and she has a terrible reputation. I think he is aware of his attraction to her and she fascinates him but at the same time he is repelled by what he knows of her character and possibly a little frightened about being as fascinated by her as he is. He likes to be in control and his fascination with her against his better judgment probably made him feel out of control. Gen sort of explains this himself in the scene on the dock in QoA.

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

^__^ Heehee, your welcome. I'd feel bad if I just popped out and didn't contribute anything.

Really? I guess that would make sense, especially since how furious Sky was when he found out that Eugenides wanted a drink from the water of life. But then, why would they have allowed him to take it in the first place, if they know that it would result into him using its power?

[brandy-painter.livejournal.com]

Gen is the one who says they are offended that he lives, not the gods. I think Gen knows it is unnatural for his life to continue and therefore the gods must find it offensive. And they probably do at some level. Sky was furious but he still gave Eugenides the drink. The gods seem to have some kind of code they stick to even if the result is an affront to them. They needed Gen to take the stone and give it to Eddis, not only to secure her throne at the time but so that it could be destroyed.

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Welcome to Sounis! You have so much fan potential. Cheers to you!

(1) We've never really come to concrete answer about that, but I would say not really. Their lives are similar but still very different. Also, Mrs. Turner doesn't seem to be going towards the demi-god cliche. I think Gen is all human. He may be super-human, but hey...

(2) Yes, you get it! That's an important observation, because it means the gods GAVE Gen the gift. He didn't actually steal it. More: http://community.livejournal.com/sounis/221360.html

(3) I think Brandy has that one covered. Gen upset a balance of nature, or at least he believes he did at that particular moment.

(4) Nope, she did not plan to write a sequel.

Gen lied to himself! That has been our general conclusion. You get more info on this in CoK, but I wouldn't say MWT made her character do a 180. She simply reinterpreted his actions. Gen was intrigued by Irene the night she danced under the orange trees. He didn't fall in love with her until after TT. Well... He did, but he didn't know he had. He lies to himself, remember?

And just because he loves her, doesn't mean he's not still afraid of her. He's terrified of her, really.

Don't worry about re-posting questions. We all need excuses to ramble on and on. And on...

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Opps... I forgot about 5.

(5) Gen's Mum was a very charismatic figure, but she was still considered "low-born" because she wasn't landed. She was the type of person who was just so full of energy and charm that she entranced people, even if they didn't agree with anything she stood for.

Plus...

The court of Eddis is trying to become "civil" like the rest of the peninsula, and crown sanctioned stealing is not "high-class". They were likely to look down their aristocratic noses at her, Gen, and their family in general because they represented something "barbaric". Politics isn't always personal, though it can be a lot of the time.

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Ah thanks!! ^__^ Yay, fan potential! I'm glad to hear that. ^^

Yeah, maybe I'm just reading too much into it, but I just had a thought that if Gen's story would be like another Eugenides's, it'd be an interesting conclusion to the story. I mean, we already know that the Sacred Mountain will explode in the near future (near enough that Eddis must evacuate her people from the mountains), and Eugenides's story ended also with the world being consumed in fire.

Oh, thanks for the link! I'd make sure to check that out.

See, this is what makes me so... so... umph!! It's so tricky when Gen lies, and even more so when Gen lies to himself, because we're made to believe what he believes! But I like the complication, lol... it makes more room for introspection, which in general, I find lacking in many books that I read. Now I have to go back, and re read what he says, and second guess everything. How do we know when Gen is actually telling the truth. I mean, Eddis says that "you'll know", but... it's tricky.

I'm really... hmm, iffy with the fact that he loves someone he's afraid of. I was hoping there'd be a different way to explain it, or a different approach, because when it's worded that way, I can't help but feel sorry for him. I feel like he's an victim of domestic abuse. =( You know... if you've got to be afraid of someone you love... how can that make you happy?

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

One never knows... You might be on to something, actually. You just can't tell with Megan.

A lot of Gen's fear for her is subconscious, stemming from their past history. I don't think he consciously thinks she's plotting to hurt him again.

And there's another issue. Gen's afraid of Attolia not Irene. Just like I think Irene is wary of the Thief but not Gen.

Does that make any sense?

There's a reason Megan plays the name game. What you must do as a sovereign is often different from what you want as a person. Megan explores this paradox repeatedly throughout the series, and uses different names to represent different aspects of the characters' motivations.

Truth is, Gen was a spy captured in her country. She had to do something with him. The most merciful thing probably would have been to hang him, but her anger at Eddis and her fear of how Gen smiled at her drove her to a VERY dark place. What she did was partially a judgement as the sovereign Attolia and partially an act of revenge as Irene. That's where she went wrong.

There are just so many very complicated emotions going on here. It's hard to explain it all. Even so, I do honestly believe Gen and Irene are equals. Gen doesn't let his fear rule him. He's afraid to fall, yet he walks on a parapet drunk. So, he's afraid to fall, and yet he's not. He's afraid of Attolia, yet he loves Irene. So he's not afraid of her, yet he is.

It's contradiction that's going on inside of him.

Am I making any sense?

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don’t think he actually thinks she’s going to hurt him again, but the books always emphasized that rulers must do what they have to for their country despite of what they actually feel is right; now, I don’t think that there’ll ever be a time when Attolia would ever be forced to turn her back on Gen, but she did say that two knives couldn’t save him, ^__~ Hehe. Naw, I don’t think she’ll hurt him either, and he knows that.

That was what I was also trying to get at a while back. The name thing. Attolia is really more like a title, or a big, brick room that Irene can’t get out of. Or maybe doesn’t want to get out of. I don’t know… I think there are both external and internal forces that keeps Irene from surfacing and revealing herself.

The name game, I think, was more prominent in Conspiracy of Kings, where Sophos is labeled with three: Sophos, Sounis, and Zec… is it Zec? I forget… Bunny, I guess. I felt a little sorry for him to see that he was happiest as Bunny but he didn’t feel like he could be like that for a long time.

And to think about it, even in real life… almost everyone has a different persona depending on who they’re with.

I understand that Attolia had to do something with Gen. She already lost face in her court the first time he outsmarted her, and within a span of a year, he came back four times. Again, I have to give QoA a re-read to pick up more subtle information, I guess. But here’s another thing… now that they’re married, what does Attolia have to be wary of the Thief? The fact that he can sneak up on her without her realizing (which is potentially dangerous, I understand that), or the fact that he can steal from her? But what can Gen steal from Attolia that he doesn’t already have? I mean… when it comes to tangible wealth, he’s just as rich. If she thinks he’d steal love or faith from her… well, she doesn’t even have much to begin with -__-. And what would be his motive? He’s the one who thinks that everyone doesn’t care much for him. I don’t think she’d entirely be an exception.

Ooh, ooh, yeah, the paradox!! Again, like how Attolia is afraid that Gen could be walking around her room without her knowing, and yet she wishes that the shadows in her room are secretly hiding him! ^^ Hehehe.

Yeah, you are making sense, don’t worry. I get you. I just… they’re complicated, you know. And I’m just trying to figure them out. I’m glad they’re deep characters though. Nothing makes a book more off-putting than shallow characters. =)

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

...now that they’re married, what does Attolia have to be wary of the Thief?

...she did not manage him like a dog on a chain. His wildness sometimes frightened her.

KoA, p98

Around the time of TT, Gen was a threat to Attolia in the most basic sense of the word. He was smart, quick, resourceful, sneaky, and he kept Sounis out of Eddis, leaving Sounis only Attolia to torture. After their marriage, Irene is still wary of him because she can't completely control him nor can she predict what he'll do. This unsettles her.

Also, Irene loves Gen dearly and she trusts him. I think that scares her more than anything, even if having someone is good for her. She's opening herself up to potentially being hurt, betrayed, and dethroned, though we all know Gen would never do that and so does she. Just like Gen, Irene carries scars, even if they are all emotional ones.

[philia-fan.livejournal.com]

Well, I fell as if I just said this on a recent post, but I've always felt those lines about the fiend from the underworld and the mountain lions could be read two ways. Not that he's necessarily aware of being in love at this point, but she's a fiend from the underworld because even though she's the ruthless enemy, she makes him feel this fascination for her. Mountain lions couldn't force him to enter her service, because what would be worse than serving the woman you love and being in her power and not being in a position to help her or express your feelings? So I don't find it inconsistent. I think you can make up your own mind about how much of the double meaning Gen is aware of and how much is subconscious.

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

He implies it twice though, right? There's the fiend from the underworld thing, but there was also the throwing-myself-in-the-river thing, when they were escaping to Eddis, and they were contemplating what would happen if they were caught by the Attolian soldiers.

Yeah, I also thought about it that way; he might not want to be a 'servant' of hers, but rather, her equal.

You know what's weird though? There are different types of love, and even after I read QoA, I thought Gen's love for Attolia was more platonic than romantic. Like... a really, strong platonic love... or maybe agape? Like he wanted to help bring her humanity back, and such. I wasn't sure, but at the end of QoA, when Attolia asks Gen who she was that he should love her, his reply was "You're my Queen.", which gave me an impression that he loves her the same way as he loves Eddis. Am I completely weird for thinking that? I mean... because, throughout the book, "my queen" is so frequently used between Eddis and Gen, that to me their relationship is heavily connected with that phrase. And I thought that it affected Attolia so much to hear those from Gen, because she *knows* how loyal he is to Eddis. What a blessing to have the same loyalty given to her.

It was only in KoA that I realized, oh... so they really are in love with each other.

[philia-fan.livejournal.com]

Implies what twice? Not sure I understand.

That's funny, I always saw their love as rather charged, physically. Just goes to show you where my mind is...

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah, I guess I wasn't very clear. I meant that he implies it twice that he'd hate it if he were to serve her. The second time he wanted to stay close to the river, so that just in case the Attolian soldiers capture them, he could throw himself in it.

Really? Physically charged? Oh, you mean like they had the hots for each other?

[philia-fan.livejournal.com]

Oh well, of course he didn't want to serve her -- would you?

Yep, definitely. I've always felt they crackle. :)

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Any time we love someone we open ourselves up to the possibility of being hurt very badly by them. (Today, fortunately, it's not usually the threat of physical harm.) Megan once said Gen and Irene both suffer from "you couldn't possibly love ME" syndrome, so they are both pretty insecure about the other's love.

I always thought a lot of his fear after their wedding is more Post Traumatic Stress syndrome than an actual current fear that she's going to harm him. He has nightmares about what happened, then wakes up and there she is. But, also, in the back of his mind he understands what rulers like Attolia are capable of--poison, political murder, etc. After all, it's what he urged Sophos to do by giving him the gun.

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, that was one of my thoughts. How horrible is it for Gen to continually have those nightmares with Attolia in it, wake up from it and find her sleeping next to him? It'd be like... him trying to wake himself up from his nightmare, when really, he's already awake.

So heartbreaking, man...

-__- I think it was a wise idea for them to have separate sleeping chambers. Which, of course, is really only wise if they stuck to it. From KoA, it feels like Gen sneaks into her room anyway.

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Welcome!
1. Oh, nice interpretation. I hadn't thought about it that way, but I like it.

Others have answered 2 - 4 very well, indeed.

5. I assume it's because the relatives at court are all from the Minister of War's side of the family--solid, no-nonsense folks. Gen said something once about his mother's ne'er-do-well side of the family. I'd guess his father's side didn't approve of her, and don't want their nephew turning out like that. Plus, I think we're just seeing Gen's slanted side of things again. He's never felt his family appreciated or approved of him. He found out after Hamiathes' Gift and the destruction of Sounis' army that he was wrong--Eddis told him how upset the cousins were over what happened to him. But he just continues to see things from his own, often inaccurate, POV.

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Oww... Good points on #5, Checks. I hadn't thought of that.

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Thanks! ^^

Yeah, I especially agree with the fact that Gen sees thing in a different angle, especially about his family. I mean, near the end of The Thief, he says that his father nods at him, and that will be the only approval he would ever get for his accomplishments. That was so sad, especially after he's risked his life, and all he gets is a nod. Not even a "good job", or a pat on the back. I wonder if that too is only his own interpretation of things, and MoW actually does other things to show him his appreciation.

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

The MoW is a man of few words. A nod may seem really weak to us, but to Gen I think it meant a lot. For one, his father acknowledged his position and success as the Thief.

Even so, I do agree with you. Gen doesn't always get how much people love him.

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Annnnnnnnnnnd, I just squee every time I read the part in QoA where the MoW helps Gen put his jammies on after spending an angst-filled day hiding in the temple. Gen has just floated his idea about finally doing something useful--going to uni on the continent--but his father knows that isn't going to happen, not with a war going on. *huggles MoW*

I do feel very, very sorry for Gen that he lost his mother at such a young age, with a father who seems so emotionally distant.

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Hey, I forgot that part!! Man, this is why rereads are important.

Sometimes I really wish that we could see Gen's mother. She seems like a very energetic character who could bring more to the story. And his grandfather too. I wish we could see them when they were alive.

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

My dear, that is what fan-fiction is for. I'm writing a story now with Gen's Mom in it. I already wrote one about his grandpa.

[amolegere.livejournal.com]

Hey!!! It was great meeting in The Conspiracy Room earlier! Good luck with midterms!

Oh my gosh, how awesome would it be to sit next to Sophos in lecture and get his views on stuff? Best study budy EVER!

Hmm, if Gen's life parallels the god's then wouldn't that be bad for Sten? I hope it's not too close of a parallel! And for 2, how have I not realized this before? Brilliant! Thanks for enlightening me! And as for 5 I think they're worried that he'll turn into his grandpa, not his mom. All this makes me want to jump back into my rereading!

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Hey there! Oh yeah ^__^ hehe. Actually I was just planning to sit back and watch what you guys talk about, but it was my first time in Chatzy, and I was clicking random buttons. And before I knew it, I was talking with you!!

Aww, thanks, I'm sure I'll need it!

I bet it'd be pretty awesome. Yeah, he'd be the guy with the notes you'd offer to pay for. ^^ But then he'd blush and say, "Nah, it's okay. Here you go."

Sten? Well, it could always be Temenus ^^ Hehe, yeah, I don't think it'd be too close of a parallel either, especially when Lyopidus wanted to be Eugenides's 'friend' rather than a jealous brother.

Really? Oh, you're welcome. Actually the first time I read it, I wasn't even aware that Gen was supposed to die. I know, how stupid of me, eh? ^^; I was just like, "hmm... okay, he gets pierced by a sword, and he's alive. He must have a nice body." Lol, it didn't occur to me at all that there was something mystical going on there. I actually found out about it here in Sounis, but then I started wondering about the gods, and the 'taking' versus 'stealing' issue.

[amolegere.livejournal.com]

Oh, we would have dragged you out, I saw you lurking there ;)

Awww, he would do something adorable like that, wouldn't he?

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

Welcome! Actually, I was out to dinner and I read your post on my phone (no worries, very informal, my bro asked me to send an email to dqbunny telling her where we were in case she wanted to meet us, so he didn't mind) and then I popped over to Chatzy and read the backlog, so I feel like I know you already! Great points you have brought up here! I can't add anything to what anyone else has said but dang! I love Sounis!

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Yah! Thank you!! Yeah, that chat was nice. You guys are such friendly people! ^__^

[timeisinfinite.livejournal.com]

Wow wow wow! I've never been a particularly observant reader, so a lot of these points hadn't even come to mind! (Particularly that perhaps it was the Gift that saved Gen's life, and not just luck and coincidence :P)

Welcome, you've brought quite excellent observations! I joined a while ago, posted a tiny bit, then spent months just lurking and reading all these insightful comments and observations. I don't think there's much I can say that hasn't already been said. It's quite the understatement to say that MWT is a master of foreshadowing, twisted plots, deceitful narrating (^^), and... can I say it? General confusion for us fans? :)

Long live Sounis! (and Attolia and Irene and Eddis and Helen and Attolis and Gen and Sophos and and...)

[chubbyleng.livejournal.com]

Oh don't feel bad. I'm probably one of the worst readers around. Before I decided to reread The Thief, I was here on Sounis a lot, collecting notes that I ought to be more observant about.

Haha! Well, it does cause a bit of confusion. But I love that we can all go into these discussions, exploring her story and stuff. Even when we get into tangents and start introducing really crazy ideas, they all still sound plausible, because with MWT, you just never know!

and... the magus, and Relius and Telius and Stenides!! Btw, I know that Dite and Costis are married to some people here. Is Sten taken yet?

[ninedaysaqueen.livejournal.com]

Costis is bagged. Dite is recently divorced. Stens... You know... I don't know. I don't think he is. Imagine that.