The Requiem of Janus
May. 17th, 2009 04:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
n_wilkinsonAh, I missed yesterday. That's okay. I suppose I can't make it everyday.
In any case, this day I bring you The Requiem of Janus, a slashy original fiction of mine. Currently complete, though not in posting, and going through a massive editing so that I can hopefully get it published. I need to cut out a massive number of words however. It's presently at 155K which is a big deal less than 185K it finished at. So difficult to find what I need to cut. I plan to rip out at least 30K more so that means one of my side-plots, possibly two, is getting the axe. If only I could figure out which ones.
It's my first finished slashy/homoerotic novel and I'm quite proud of it. Angsty and bittersweet and romantic, it has a special place in my heart.
Political intrigue and inescapable desire clash in this tale of a priest and his sudden, inexplicable fascination with a member of his own guard. Janus has always known that the constant and lengthy use of his magick will someday bring his death. When his attentions turn to Alcaeus, already devoted to another, Janus concludes that he must have him, no matter the price. Obsession battles with deeper emotions as Janus struggles to cling to both his desires and his pride, unaware that in the background lurks a rebellion and ultimately, his complete downfall.
While not a traditional, tender love story, The Requiem of Janus is still a dramatic romance. Janus, who battles with feelings of isolation, finds himself drawn deeper into Alcaeus' world, one where love and emotions actually have a stake. Though in the end, neither of them claim their feelings to be love, it is evident in their reactions towards one another. Alcaeus' misnamed affections for his intial lover -- Baldir -- also present a stirring contrast to the seemingly sex-based relationship between Janus and Alcaeus.
The story focuses on the title character -- Janus -- who is the youngest to ever succeed as high priest among the five temples of Tenryuu. Serving the High Goddess Sybaris, he has held his position for about eight years at the start of the story. Throughout the course of the book, the reader is given glimpses of Janus' true self, and his motivations. We watch a young man, thrust into a position much too early for the sake of his country, learn what it truly means to care, rather than treating it as a weakness, but relying on it as a strength.
I chose the name Janus because of the meaning. Janus was the Roman god with two faces looking in opposite directions, the god of beginnings and endings, doors, gates and passageways. He was frequently used to symbolize change and transitions such as the progression of past to future, of one condition to another, of one vision to another, the growing up of young people, and of one universe to another. It was the perfect name for the main character, who changes so much from the book and finds himself facing a downfall, only to discover a new beginning as a result.
Alcaeus, the second main character, was also purposefully chosen. In Greek mythology, he was considered the son of Perseus and Andromeda and the grandfather of Heracles (Hercules) or the son of Andgrogeus and grandson of Minos, depending on who you're asking. In either case, his name means "the mighty one" or "bodily strength". In other translations, it can also mean "strength of spirit". I wanted Alcaeus to represent a determined, defining presence, one that was sure of himself and his convictions, very loyal, and unwavering in his devotion to those who have earned a place in his heart. And I suppose the sadistic side of me wanted to write and test that.
The other main characters: Sigurd (Alcaeus' best friend) was a legendary hero in Norse Mythology). Baldir (Alcaeus' former lover) was a god in Norse Mythology associated with light and beauty, also spelled Balder. Ceres (Baldir's younger sister) was the Roman goddess of corn and the harvest, as well as motherly love, perfectly fitting her role as the matrichal presence in her household. Frejya (one of the antagonists) was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility in Norse Mythology, also spelled Freyja. Niord (Frejya's sister) is actually one of the god's of Norse Mythology and the father of Frejya, though I changed their relationships for the sake of my fic, also spelled Njoror.
The gods and goddesses of Thessalia were all chosen from important ideals from other religions and cultures: Fenrir (Norse Mythology), Sybaris (an ancient, massive city of Greece), Fafnir (Norse Mythology), Gilgamesh (Mesopotamian Mythology), and Ishvara (philosophical concept in Hinduism).
Thanks to Who's Who in Classical Mythology and wikipedia.org for the info!
In counterpart to the romance centered around Janus and Alcaeus, is also the political disturbance floating around in the background. Someone is attempting to usurp Janus' position, and ultimately the throne of the country.
The story has it all angst. A tad and momentary bit of het sex. A lot of hot, slashy boy on boy action. A few slight fight scenes. Heartbreak and healing. It displays love in all forms, from familial to brotherly to maturing love. And though you may hate Janus in the beginning, I've found that many tend to like him over the course of the story.
*EDIT*
The Requiem of Janus has been published by Torquere Press! And it's gone through a few changes, actually. Here's the link to purchase it, if you please.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2666
Thanks for the interest!.
*EDIT 2*
You can find more information about "The Requiem of Janus" here.
In any case, this day I bring you The Requiem of Janus, a slashy original fiction of mine. Currently complete, though not in posting, and going through a massive editing so that I can hopefully get it published. I need to cut out a massive number of words however. It's presently at 155K which is a big deal less than 185K it finished at. So difficult to find what I need to cut. I plan to rip out at least 30K more so that means one of my side-plots, possibly two, is getting the axe. If only I could figure out which ones.
It's my first finished slashy/homoerotic novel and I'm quite proud of it. Angsty and bittersweet and romantic, it has a special place in my heart.
Political intrigue and inescapable desire clash in this tale of a priest and his sudden, inexplicable fascination with a member of his own guard. Janus has always known that the constant and lengthy use of his magick will someday bring his death. When his attentions turn to Alcaeus, already devoted to another, Janus concludes that he must have him, no matter the price. Obsession battles with deeper emotions as Janus struggles to cling to both his desires and his pride, unaware that in the background lurks a rebellion and ultimately, his complete downfall.
While not a traditional, tender love story, The Requiem of Janus is still a dramatic romance. Janus, who battles with feelings of isolation, finds himself drawn deeper into Alcaeus' world, one where love and emotions actually have a stake. Though in the end, neither of them claim their feelings to be love, it is evident in their reactions towards one another. Alcaeus' misnamed affections for his intial lover -- Baldir -- also present a stirring contrast to the seemingly sex-based relationship between Janus and Alcaeus.
The story focuses on the title character -- Janus -- who is the youngest to ever succeed as high priest among the five temples of Tenryuu. Serving the High Goddess Sybaris, he has held his position for about eight years at the start of the story. Throughout the course of the book, the reader is given glimpses of Janus' true self, and his motivations. We watch a young man, thrust into a position much too early for the sake of his country, learn what it truly means to care, rather than treating it as a weakness, but relying on it as a strength.
I chose the name Janus because of the meaning. Janus was the Roman god with two faces looking in opposite directions, the god of beginnings and endings, doors, gates and passageways. He was frequently used to symbolize change and transitions such as the progression of past to future, of one condition to another, of one vision to another, the growing up of young people, and of one universe to another. It was the perfect name for the main character, who changes so much from the book and finds himself facing a downfall, only to discover a new beginning as a result.
Alcaeus, the second main character, was also purposefully chosen. In Greek mythology, he was considered the son of Perseus and Andromeda and the grandfather of Heracles (Hercules) or the son of Andgrogeus and grandson of Minos, depending on who you're asking. In either case, his name means "the mighty one" or "bodily strength". In other translations, it can also mean "strength of spirit". I wanted Alcaeus to represent a determined, defining presence, one that was sure of himself and his convictions, very loyal, and unwavering in his devotion to those who have earned a place in his heart. And I suppose the sadistic side of me wanted to write and test that.
The other main characters: Sigurd (Alcaeus' best friend) was a legendary hero in Norse Mythology). Baldir (Alcaeus' former lover) was a god in Norse Mythology associated with light and beauty, also spelled Balder. Ceres (Baldir's younger sister) was the Roman goddess of corn and the harvest, as well as motherly love, perfectly fitting her role as the matrichal presence in her household. Frejya (one of the antagonists) was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility in Norse Mythology, also spelled Freyja. Niord (Frejya's sister) is actually one of the god's of Norse Mythology and the father of Frejya, though I changed their relationships for the sake of my fic, also spelled Njoror.
The gods and goddesses of Thessalia were all chosen from important ideals from other religions and cultures: Fenrir (Norse Mythology), Sybaris (an ancient, massive city of Greece), Fafnir (Norse Mythology), Gilgamesh (Mesopotamian Mythology), and Ishvara (philosophical concept in Hinduism).
Thanks to Who's Who in Classical Mythology and wikipedia.org for the info!
In counterpart to the romance centered around Janus and Alcaeus, is also the political disturbance floating around in the background. Someone is attempting to usurp Janus' position, and ultimately the throne of the country.
The story has it all angst. A tad and momentary bit of het sex. A lot of hot, slashy boy on boy action. A few slight fight scenes. Heartbreak and healing. It displays love in all forms, from familial to brotherly to maturing love. And though you may hate Janus in the beginning, I've found that many tend to like him over the course of the story.
*EDIT*
The Requiem of Janus has been published by Torquere Press! And it's gone through a few changes, actually. Here's the link to purchase it, if you please.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2666
Thanks for the interest!.
*EDIT 2*
You can find more information about "The Requiem of Janus" here.
