Lewis Fic: Pain Assimilated & Endured

[paleom]

AU finish to Dead of Winter. I don’t think you can ‘fix’ child abuse in just one fic so I needed something else to fit with the series, causing the angst and the anger. Admittedly I didn’t need James’ mother but I saw the scene in my head and couldn’t let it go so here goes…..

Pain Assimilated & Endured:

Robbie saw Hathaway approaching from the

Comments

Nice and original!

[anonymous]

I like this look at what could have been the story behind 'Dead of Winter': never mind that it veers away from the episode, it does do in a believable manner which is interesting and well-written. And all the little character touches you add (with Innocent etc.) ring very true

Re: Nice and original!

[paleom]

Thank you for the comments. So glad you enjoyed it and found it believable.

I agree that Hathaway does seem to have survivors guilt, but find it hard to believe he would shake Lord Montaigne's hand with a smile (allbe it tight) if he had done those things that James' sense of justice would just leave him to abuse others.

Something happened there, but still can't make up my mind exactly what. The way James just stands and looks at his old house says that the problems are more with his own family than the Lords. I suspect there are many secrets at that manor.

You are probably right about Bryony. I thought I'd looked it up, will have to check. As for the other typo - thanks, I'll go change that.

Again, thanks for your comments. It's always nicer to get an insight into the parts that worked and those (hopefully none) that didn't. Hope you enjoy the third one. That one worries me the most about thier character's.

Paleom
xx

Re: Nice and original!

[anonymous]

but find it hard to believe he would shake Lord Montaigne's hand with a smile

Exactly: I feel sure that he must not have known. Otherwise he would have spoken up, regardless: it just does not fit James character to let fear silence him, whatever the price to himself.

Something happened there, but still can't make up my mind exactly what.

I agree entirely, and especially about the fact that it's much more likely to be related to his family than to Crevecoeur. People are rarely so simple that they let one early childhood trauma define them, especially children who are remarkably resilient - something the modern media seems to have forgotten completely.

On the other had, a very large part of what we are is defined by our childhood, upbringing and life experiences, but in ways that are usually far too complex to unravel easily...

Re: Nice and original!

[paleom]

Agreed. I think that place is like Eastenders. LOL.

I think there are lots of stories going on. In just the time span of the ep we had affairs, marraige of convenience, murder, abuse, self harm, priest with a past and god knows what else.

Many different things going on and I think it was like that in James' time too.

I think his family had centre stage but also it's clear he had a long time infatuation with Scarlet and when Paul said happy times James did not agree so many curious things.

Also, it's worth noting that the Manor had a resident church and priest - considering that James chose to follow that line of work - it makes you wonder doesn't it?

**Grin** Gets the old grey matter thinking doesn't it.

Paleom
xx

[lindenharp]

Anything was possible at night, emotions were easier at night, but the daylight reminded you how much of yourself you’d shown and gave you no where to hide.

I'm glad James could talk to Robbie, even if it was awkward afterwards.

Review

[paleom]

Well they found thier way in the end - but then don't they always. Ups and downs, ups and downs. LOL.

Paleom
xx

[flowerpotgirl]

This fitted into the episode so well and there is definitely a tale associated with that place that affects James. You described the numbness of grief so well and I loved the way Robbie took care of him.

Review

[paleom]

Glad you thought it fitted so well and enjoyed it.

Yes, definitely a story in James' past that piques my curiosity.

I am glad you liked the emotions as well, I had wondered if I'd overdone it and knocked them out of character.

Thank you for your comments.

Paleom
xx

[tinzelda]

Oh, the delicious pain! This was an interesting take on the episode. It seems easy to jump to the conclusion that James might have been one of Mortmaigne's victims, but I never could quite accept that - I like your explanation better. I find it hard to swallow that he would never speak up if he knew the truth, you know?

Review

[paleom]

Me and an anon reviewer were having the exact same discussion and we both agree that James' sense of justice would not let it carry on if he knew but also agree that there are lots of things going on there.

I likened it to EastEnders. LOL. I think there are lots of stories going on, a few of which affected James a great deal but more to do with his famiy I think and that he chose the church and there is a church and priest in situ is very telling too.

Glad you are enjoying the stories.

Paleom
xx

[enednoviel]

Gah, sorry that it took me so awfully long to catch up with my reading, I'm so behind things it isn't funny anymore!

Anyway, finally managed to read this and oh, my heart broke for poor James. I wish they had explored James' hitory with that place in the series itself, but that's what fanfic like this is for, right?

Off to read the next part.