[Original] Swan Angel

[beckyh2112]

Title: Swan Angel
Genre: Supernatural/Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 1100+ words
Rating: G
Summary: Chad went to the park to feed the angel.
Author's Notes: Because the presence of angels should be as frightening as the presence of demons. If I can find the rest of the story in my head (and learn more about what being in a small-time rock band is like

Comments

[beboots]

Ooh... now this, I really like. I've loved the idea of angels and humans interacting in "normal" situations ever since reading "Good Omens." I like the way you portrayed the angel in this universe - you DON'T look at it's face, it can't talk like humans do (and I love the description of "chiming" <3 ), and has more than a single pair of wings. <3

I liked the way it was a grumpy swan - and how Chad is astonished that nobody can see it for what it really is.

Anyway, I thought that this was adorable and awesome and all of that all at once. <3 Very well done!

[beckyh2112]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Angels as creatures who have to open conversations with "be not afraid" have always fascinated me. It's a servant of God, and it's terrifying. It's also not human. A lot of modern urban fantasy, however, disappoints me in making angels too human.

[charles_rb]

As noted, I found it a bit unclear that he's saying "you don't need to let go" to the angel (who is upset he singed Chad) rather than going "er, please don't singe me" and the angel making him shut it. That aside, I found it creepy (and that's a compliment): the angel is consistently alien, terrible in its full form. I like Chad, he's clearly trying to help and get to grips with things.

It's sort of like if Lovecraft was religious and wanted to write about nice things.

[beckyh2112]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

You're right, that bit is rather unclear. Ah well. I will try to do better in the future.

I am very glad Chad is a likable character. I'd like to do more with him and the angel in the future, if I can catch hold of their story.

It's sort of like if Lovecraft was religious and wanted to write about nice things.

Still think that's a great cover blurb line. ^_^

[charles_rb]

Only until it makes you think of a grinning Lovecraft singing All Things Bright and Beautiful...

[lunatron]

Nice to see your original work!

[beckyh2112]

Thank you! There'll be more in the future; I'm using this round of story_lottery to 'practice' with various settings and characters of mine, get a better handle on them.

[air_n_darkness]

Agreeing that it's nice to see some original fic from you!

The concept of "terrible beauty" is one I've always enjoyed, and not too many people pull it off to my satisfaction. You angel does so. I hope you continue the story; I'd like to read more.

[beckyh2112]

Thank you! As I mentioned to Luna, there will probably be a few more pieces out as part of story_lottery (and I blame you for "Warring Dragons" and whatever I end up writing for Science in My Fiction. Well, you and James Nicoll.)

Am really glad the angel came across as well as it did. I wanted it to be something where the readers can understand why people in the story find it frightening.

If I can find out more about what it's like to be in a rock band/filk band/filk performer, I will do more with this story. But a lot of stuff hinges on Chad being a musician who performs a fair amount, and man, I have no idea what that life is like.

[air_n_darkness]

[21:14] akaLadyBoss: Message sooj and see if she will consent to an interview for research purposes.
[21:15] ChaosAngel2112: Ooh.
[21:16] ChaosAngel2112: On lj?
[21:16] akaLadyBoss: you could send her a PM through LJ, yeah, or her website. Just keep in mind that she's always traveling and it might take her awhile fore her to respond.
[21:17] akaLadyBoss: but I'd bet dollars to doughnuts she'd do it

[weirdlet]

Amen to the prior comments- it's interesting how he's so calm about what he knows is going to hurt him, but he's still so attracted. And there's this whole terrible beauty thing, but the angel isn't so alien that it isn't grateful for help or regretful for pain- it's not a sociopathic elf.

[beckyh2112]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Interesting comment on Chad being attracted to/by the angel. *nibbles on it*

Angels are definitely not sociopathic at all. Well, at least not the unfallen ones. ^_^

[weirdlet]

It seems pretty clear that he's drawn in by it- whether that's in a romantic or sexual way is in a way, irrelevant, because there's just this all-consuming 'something you want/good for you, therefore desire' radiating from the angel, like sunlight, even if too much will hurt you. Love, regardless of format.

[beckyh2112]

Yes. *purrs and nibbles affectionately* Sometimes readers are a lot better at putting things into words about what goes into my writing than I am.