Invocatus Rex, Part I: Xavier, Chapter IX

[smwright.livejournal.com]

Title: Invocatus Rex, Xavier, Chapter IX
Fandom: Original Fiction, The Witch War Histories, Vol. III
Prompt: #41 Asylum
For: by Taming the Muse
Warnings: None really.
Rating: PG-ish
Summary: The gang visit a street fair after their adventure in St. Cadoc’s.
Word Count: 3,319
A/N: Ongoing story, in chronological order, here.
A/N2: Thanks to meredevachon for the early beta. All errors which may remain are mine.

One further note. This chapter has two tarot spreads worked in it. I've done other pieces here and there with them as well, but I don't think I've ever mentioned that I actually throw the spreads when I need one in a story. Thus, what is encountered below is what I got, and I was both forced to go with the cards drawn (I got lucky) and a bit impressed with them as well. Regarding that, on reworking the chapter in light of Declan's retelling of SA and the new information I have from that now, I must say I never expected St. Michael to have just as much meaning as he does. In truth, I really did throw both spreads well before I began Declan's version...

---

This chapter has been moved, along with all prior chapters, to my LJ, where they're located in chronological order in the IR section of my memories.

Comments

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

The scene with Lucie was nice, but the conclusion where you said within moments, my heart walked through the door with Kincaid dogging her heels. brought it back down to earth with a crash. Very nice.
The first reading was very interesting, it pointed out something I had known but not quite managed to put together - the irresponsible attitude Sylvie has to magic, as someone who has always had access to it and never yet done permanent harm, and the way her family indulge and spoil her, so she learns the concept of restraint and control, but doesn't know it.
While Kincaid's reading promises much, but makes me worry about the eventual outcome, because although they are together, doesn't make the readings complementary, does it? Is the Empress in one the same person as the Empress in the other?
Lovely chapter hon. Rich and full of portent and promise and written as usual with your wonderful use of colour and feeling.

[smwright.livejournal.com]

so she learns the concept of restraint and control, but doesn't know it. This is a good point. It's illustrated better in the original SA, and I put a bit of it (http://swweeks.livejournal.com/37050.html) up it you care to read it... just for killing time or finer illumination. Other characters, particularly Gavin and Xavier, often refer to this scene, and I think it really gets to the heart of what you're saying. It takes place shortly after Kincaid and Sylvie meet, and she's just brought him home for the first time.

because although they are together, doesn't make the readings complementary, does it? Is the Empress in one the same person as the Empress in the other? No and yes. I really drew those cards. *g* Once upon a time, I had scanned the layouts to have a pictorial of them. I really should see if I can dig that up.

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, and thank you for your lovely comments. I'm so eager for this week's prompt, I could pee myself. This is the chapter I've been waiting on. *g* Eager too for your chapter. You must be very busy this week!

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

I put a bit of it up it you care to read it...
*Knocks politely on the door... no answer. Knocks again... no answer. Tries once more... decides that 'Forbidden 403' is not going to let her in*
*Grins at you* Hey, Friday! Now that's a good idea.

[smwright.livejournal.com]

Well, that just didn't work out as planned. I was attempting something new (to save time, of course) with the custom friends groups). *shrugs* Oh well. You should see it now. Please let me know if you don't. *g*

*stumbles off to the shower, waving, coffee in hand*

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

Please let me know if you don't. *g*
*grins back* Letting you know.

[smwright.livejournal.com]

I do believe that fixed it. God, I hope so. *g*

[sparrow2000.livejournal.com]

I think I should just copy and paste all of Maz's comments as she's got in there before me this week.

I'm really struck by the juxtaposition of the lightness of the flirting and the excitement and fun of the fair and then to gradual creeping seriousness of the tarot reading.
Fortunate lass, aren’t you? Success or failure, truth or illusion, it doesn’t seem to matter. Your emotional support network is very strong…” If only this stranger knew! “…and your heart will survive the quest.” Very perceptive. I've often wondered what's Sylvie's nature would be without that support structure. Also the reading says that her heart with survive, it doesn't say it will be whole.

Fascinating reading for Kincaid, especially the last card. The Empress meaning the possibility of a future, not a fait accompli. I think this speaks back to Sylvie drawing the Wheel of Fortune where paths may go in unexpected directions.

Oh I love the imagery of tarot. It's about 10 years since I've done a spread, but you've made me want to get my cards out.

Lovely chapter. I really can't wait for next week to see the fall out of this.

[smwright.livejournal.com]

Funny - I feel a bit like your reply on Momemto this week. This chapter, surrounded by the others, is just sort of there... a breather. By itself, I think it's awfully boring! Glad it seemed to fit still. That's gratifying. Thanks.

I've often wondered what's Sylvie's nature would be without that support structure. I do believe that gets found out in the fourth book, although I've not written any of that bit yet. What I do know is that this particular story touches a bit on that for all of her family (or at least the principle players). SA was fun if a little creepy at times, but IR asked a lot harder questions ultimately.

Also the reading says that her heart with survive, it doesn't say it will be whole. That is very true.

Fascinating reading for Kincaid, especially the last card. I seem to recall nearly spilling my wine when I drew that card. It's such a gorgeous deck, too, and although Guinevere on that deck doesn't entirely fit my image of Sylvie, from a brief description, it works.

Oh I love the imagery of tarot. It's about 10 years since I've done a spread, but you've made me want to get my cards out. You should! They're great story motivators... this from someone who probably hasn't touched hers since she threw these spreads!

As always, the support and feedback is lovely and wonderful. Thank you so much! I'm excited to get this week's prompt. This chapter will be... well, something I've been waiting for.