And Conclave concludes with a bang

[rthstewart]

Chapter 11 is posted.  I've not heard from a number of usual readers about the last chapter and I have lots to say about visuals and such, but for now,  here it is, and I hope you'll share your thoughts.

I wanted to share this, courtesy of Syrena, La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, the Silk Exchange in Valencia, which she thought was rather like the conference room and the Bankers' Counting House and I agree.

 



Thanks so much for being so supportive.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

- Big plus for the role of Maeve in this chapter; for her independence, for strength of her character. And - what I mentioned in my last review as well - that despite of what we could assume when she was introduced to us, she is not a villain in that story. Not only for Pierce’s sake. It just would be too easy. Too black and white.
- A very nice entrance Susan had. I also like using colours as symbols, not to mention grand entrances of monarchs surrounded by half of an army, so visuals were quite in accordance with my taste. To all that colours I cannot abstain from adding some music. What about Gounod’s „Faust”: „Merci de ta chanson!” (03:30-04.48). Ignore the text, instead put here „All hail and welcome...”. Earlier part (about minute and half) could also be a background for earlier mess.
Just one thing - do not offend Susan by calling her „Her Highness”. It is good for a princess or a duchess, not for Her Majesty the Queen.
It was very kind of Peter, that he sent Queen Susan the Gentle. Coming of Queen Lucy the Valiant would have a bit different impact. Not to mention personal appearence of The High King, Emperor of Lone Islands. There is such a word in Egyptian - khai - „appear in glory”, with basic meaning „rise” (about sun). Susan’s khai-ing was such a shock for bankers, that it’s better not to even contemplate what would happen if the High King would khai - without any warnings, preliminary steps and envoys.
Not to mention that Susan - as the other half of Narnian Concert of Minds - will be able to speak with bankers in their own language.

Well, I suppose it’s all what about I can think offhand. Maybe there will be something more in further discussion.
Best as always.
Krystyna

[belle-of-books.livejournal.com]

I agree with the comment about Susan. Having the two incredibly diplomatic monarchs there is wise. They both see the details and know how to diffuse situations. In addition, I love seeing Edmund and Susan together. Their understanding of each other and the way the other's mind functions is so interesting to read. I already said this on FF.N but I loved this chapter.

[rthstewart.livejournal.com]

Susan has been planning this trip all winter! I've not been able to decide if her gown was embroidered or tie-dyed! Thank you so much for the lovely, long review. I hugely appreciate it.

[rthstewart.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, again. I has always known it was Susan, though I thought of throwing Peter in there too. Susan is enough. She has been orchestrating this appearance for weeks and weeks. She's had all winter to prepare. Further, it's nice to give some substance to the importance she places on appearances -- in an environment such as this that is very conscious of status and clothing. This is very true of business people of a certain type -- the women in their designer suits and shoes and the men in their tailor made suits. Susan has decided to make an entrance speaking their language. I'm afraid that given the slightest incentive I could really "ship" Susan and the Linch Director, for all that he's probably 25 years older than she is.

As for musical cues, the Faust is gorgeous, I did listen to it!! Thank you!

My own musical inspiration, I confess has come from two parts of the Children of Dune soundtrack by Brian Tyler

Title Track, House of Atreides
and
Arrival of Lady Jessica

I am even more musically impaired than I am visually impaired but when I abandoned this story last year, this music was part of what made me pick it up again.