Aaaaand now I have backstory and framing. Sort of.

[kurukami]

I fumbled my way into a realization that I could set up a really cool framing device for my Calvin-in-Temeraire-verse fic. Everybody knows that one poem of William Blake's, right? But no-one ever quotes the second verse.

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

Comments

[helenkacan]

Um ... Carpe Incendium (I believe it's a neutral noun, also in the accusative)?

[kurukami]

Oh, right, that makes sense. Just like carpe diem.

[starcat_jewel]

No reason you can't have a moderately-dark story with moments of whimsical insight. Achieving a balance between the two will be tricky, but would make for a really riveting story.