A conversation about the writing journey of Penna and Silbrith.
Current projects: Penna is writing a Caffrey Conversation story.
Silbrith is writing a Six-Crossed Knot story.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Bloodlines: A Female Perspective

"It's in my blood" is a key expression for both Supernatural and White Collar. In an earlier post, I wrote about the pressures the Winchester brothers place on themselves because of their heritage. Dean in particular feels hunting is a destiny he can't escape. In canon, Neal expressed similar emotions. When he told Peter his dad was dirty in the episode "What Happens in Burma," he confessed his belief that certain traits were in his blood. It's a view that's been shared by some of the characters in our series, notably the head of D.C. Art Crimes, Phillip Kramer. But bloodlines don't have to be a negative factor, nor are they the exclusive domain of male characters. This is especially evident in Crossed Lines.

Warning for minor spoilers to Dark Rabbit

Dean's friend Chloe is a descendant of Bridget Bishop, the first woman to be hung in Salem for being a witch. Chloe isn't bothered by her famous ancestor. If anything, she's proud of her heritage. Dean, though, is uneasy about the implications. Chloe displays a gift for making potions. She's been able to summon spirits. How much of a role does Bridget play in her ability?

As for Maia Stavrou, her situation is even more complicated. You could say she has conflicting bloodlines. Ever since Electra abducted her as a young teen, Maia's been feeding on the blood of artists. For ages, the only life she has known is as Electra's adopted sister, a muse who draws strength from the life force of artists, writers, and musicians and in the process consumes them. Recently, however, a second long-dormant bloodline has awakened—that of her forebears.

So far, not much has been revealed about Maia's life before Electra. We know she comes from Ireland. Her parents were druids and she had brothers. What had attracted Electra to Ireland? Had the druids' fame as wizards and witches intrigued her? Did she hope Maia inherited the ability of her parents?

Now that Maia's no longer sampling the blood of artists, her own Irish blood is clamoring for attention. Maia is confused by an awakened desire for the family ties of the clan. In ancient Ireland, fealty to one's clan was of paramount importance. Membership was primarily based on blood relationships but links established through adoption and marriage were equally valid. Because of her love for Sam, Maia considers that both he and Dean are now members of her clan. She also senses a closeness to Chloe. There's even a chance Neal could be a distant relative.

As Maia wavers between two bloodlines, the scales tip toward Ireland. Her druid ancestry and the power of the clan call to her. Up to now, Electra appears unaware of Maia's change of heart. Crowley, on the other hand, senses an opportunity.

Related posts:

Dark Rabbit on Archive of Our Own
Dark Rabbit on FanFiction


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