Another excellent character study. You've captured the essence of the Shah's court as portrayed in Kay's novel, and created a delightfully depraved character in the Khanum without having to be explicit in your descriptions. Somebody else mentioned spiders and webs in their review, I think. I concur.

Kay's description of Persia makes me think of spiders and webs. this tale enforces that to a large degree. Even though the Persian hopes Erik gets something out of this, we know who feels a winner. The Khanum.

"In this country, I was almost as much an outsider as Erik. I merely had a better mask." I've always thought this, but reading it in your words was stunning.

Stunning is also how I would describe this story. I wasn't prepared for it, emotionally. The Persian's predicament was perfectly captured, and he did only what was normal under the circumstances. They all did. That's what's so great about the story: From the Nadir dancing delicately between life and death, and the Angel of Doom showing mercy, and the khanum turning a "gift" into both reward and torment, this story excels.

Have you published? Can you tell me where to find your stories/books? You know I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

~ML

This is absolutely wonderful. Delicately written, and perfectly in character for everyone.

May I hug you? (Hugs.)

I thought I was the only one who wrote decent, non explicit E/N. If you did indeed intend E/N. (I hope you did, it's my pet pairing.) I really enjoyed this one. You have Nadir's characterization down very well. His lack of self esteem, his denial of his feelings, his habit of rationalizing emotional situations. :) (Which I think is kinda cute.)

It's beautiful. I'm adding you to the C2 that Narsil and I staff.

Oh god, so Dirty > ; D. I haven't read Kay in a long time and it's always entertaining. A lot of "watching" going on: Khanum's watching Erik watching Nadir watching Erik in his mind. I think Nadir's concern for Erik is what comes out as most twisted. I'm sure no man can swear on his genitalia that they don't enjoy watching their best friend getting it on with a 15 year old girl when it's so wrong. *Especially* because it's so wrong. ;-) The Khanum has nothing on twistedness!

You always manage to find the right crevice to stick something interesting in (no sexual pun intended haha!) and this is a great example. Perhaps Nadir's liking being watched was a bit obvious... I'm not sure if you intended on an homoerotic inuendos but I definitely felt those here. Even though you got more reviews for this piece (I think the Kay/angst-factor is really why people opt to check things out in the first place), i think your voice comes out strongest in leroux excerpts. You have an interesting way of putting things into perspective, and I love that about your work. Keep up the good work Aurens!!

Lots of love,
Stitchgrl

Always nice to read another story by you :)

I saw the musical again a few weeks ago, and got the distinct "wow, what a psychopath" impression. I'd forgotten how to be sympathetic towards Erik. Thanks for a good (sad) read.

TLG

Touching. Morbid, slightly creepy, and beautiful. I like it.

I had read this on LJ, but didnt comment. However! I absolutely love this piece. It makes the scene that much more tragic for poor Erik, and I find it wonderful. Definately added this one to my favorties.