Time Crystals wasn't initially meant to be. Arkham Files was designed to be a four-story arc, concluding with Cinereous Skies where Neal learns the truth about his hybrid nature. But I've learned that plans can often go awry when writing meta works. The characters in Caffrey Conversation rose in revolt. How could I abandon the stories when Rolf and Klaus are still a force to be reckoned with? And then there are all the romantic conspiracies that have yet to be resolved. Mozzie sent me a document highlighting comments from readers who were asking about Neal's childhood. So here we are, with the sixth story now completed. Times Crystals is at the intersection of two arcs. By going back in time, Neal and his friends lay the framework for what will happen in the future.
For a story meant to spotlight Neal's lost years, I found that Simon and Garfunkel's song "Dangling Conversation" best fit the mood. Neal has been wrestling with the black hole of his childhood since the first story. He has no memory of his parents. As he gradually learns more about the aliens who are helping him, new questions arise. His future path is uncertain. I equated Paul Simon singing of couplets out of rhyme in syncopated time with Neal and Sara's situation. There are no secrets in Sara's life. If Neal is a stranger even to himself, how can he feel comfortable reaching out to Sara?
For inspiration in visualizing Tirelia, I used screenshots from the Elder Scrolls video games, especially Skyrim. The dragons of Skyrim are cousins to shantaks. The settings of Lord of the Rings were also a factor. In a nod to that trilogy, I cast Peter Jackson's character in The Fellowship of the Ring to be Azathoth's Tirelian minion.
Both Penna and I use animal mascots as writing aids in our storytelling adventures. For the meta world of Arkham Files, they're joined by the characters of Caffrey Conversation. Time Crystals was the first story for Mozzie to co-write with Diana. He was responsible for Henry's part, the scenes in Providence, and the Hlanith scenes in Tirelia. This story was being written while the events in The Musicians were taking place. The decision was made for Sara to have a limited role since Neal was supposedly infatuated with Bianka. Mozzie is now busily scheming on the next story, Sands of Abydos, but Diana has found to her astonishment that having Mozzie as a co-writer is increasing her own enthusiasm for writing. She may not admit it to the others, but she is excited about sharing responsibilities. Peter called himself and Mozzie Arkham's odd couple, but Diana and Mozzie are even more deserving of the title.
At the end of Time Crystals, Neal is no longer contaminated with Sornoth's poison, but his life is not necessarily more secure. There's an entire warren of plot bunnies living within the closing chapters. Why did the shantaks believe Neal glowed? How is the alien DNA changing him? Peter consoled himself in Tirelia that the adult Neal didn't remember his family being killed. Now that he does, what difference will it make in his life? What role will Henry play in future events? Will Neal find a way to return to Tirelia? What is the significance of Azathoth's words to his agents? The stories continue with Sands of Abydos.
Time Crystals on Archive of Our Own
Time Crystals on FanFiction
No comments:
Post a Comment