MERCEDES-LACKEY Digest 2350

Topics covered in this issue include:

  1) Re: And now for something completely different.
	by Amanda Carlston <alashandra-+AT+-yahoo.com>
  2) Me versus Love!
	by Reanna Laury <reanna20-+AT+-yahoo.com>
  3) Re: And now for something completely different.
	by winged_wolf-+AT+-juno.com
  4) Re: And now for something completely different.
	by "Misty's Secretary" <mistysdesk-+AT+-hotmail.com>
  5) Re: And now for something completely different.
	by "Misty's Secretary" <mistysdesk-+AT+-hotmail.com>
  6) Harry Potter
	by Jaec Songblade <jaec_songblade-+AT+-yahoo.com>
  7) Harry Potter praise.... (long long long!)
	by "Hill, Susan" <susan.hill-+AT+-weyerhaeuser.com>
  8) Re: And now for something completely different.
	by Melanie Dymond Harper <mel-+AT+-servalan.demon.co.uk>
  9) Re: MERCEDES-LACKEY digest 2349
	by Songjewel <songjewel-+AT+-yahoo.com>
 10) Re: Me versus Love!
	by Rainwing-+AT+-aol.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 02:59:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Amanda Carlston <alashandra-+AT+-yahoo.com>
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Re: And now for something completely different.
Message-ID: <20000711095954.21250.qmail-+AT+-web1605.mail.yahoo.com>


--- Reanna Laury <reanna20-+AT+-yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> <curiousity is peaked> Are the Harry Potter books
> really that good? I mean, I was under the assumption
> that they were for kids. I had heard that a bunch of
> adults read them too, but kinda dismissed that rumor
> out of hand.
> 
It's funny that you should mention that. In the UK,
they are actually printing versions of the books that
have a more 'adult' cover so that adults don't have to
be embarassed by carrying around a book that is
OBVIOUSLY a childrens' book. But I don't think they
are just for children, though. I mean, Harry goes
through all the same things that we did as kids, so I
think that we can identify with him better.

> For those who *have* read those books, if they are
> written for kids, what makes them so special? I
> mean,
> a child's book had better be damned good to get a
> cult
> following. Also, are these books only big in the US?
> Or are they popular in other countries as well. If
> they are popular elsewhere, that adds more
> credibility
> (in my mind at least; the U.S. has the tendency to
> latch onto something "cool" when it really doesn't
> deserve the attention).

I've only read the first one, but I know that it is
NOT just an American thing. Kids are just as excited
about them in the UK (where Rowlings is from and where
the books are set) and they are translated into other
languages as well. I don't know how many other
languages, but I'm sure there are ways to find out.
 
> <grin> I'm glad you enjoy it though, Paul, even
> though
> I haven't read any of the books and wouldn't know
> Harry Potter if he came and bopped me in the nose!
> Good reads are always gratifying!

Well, if you are going to start, I would suggest doing
everything you can in order to find the UK versions,
so that you can read them the way that they were
REALLY written. I've noticed a few differences between
_Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone_ (UK) and
_Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone_ (US). Not the
least of which is the title. There are a lot of things
that are changed to make it a little easier for US
kids to read, I think, but I personally prefer the UK
version. Amazon.co.uk has most of the paperbacks (they
have the first three in paperback over there already!
US only has the first one, and the second one soon in
paperback) at about 3 pounds a piece. I'm not sure the
P&H would be worth it, but check it out. 

For the record, I'm twenty-three and just broke down
to buy one so that I could have something to read on
the plane back from Manchester, England to Atlanta,
and hopefully from there home.
I was done in about five hours and kicking myself for
not getting the other two when I had the chance.
(Didn't have enough money to get the fourth).

Ashandra

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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 05:52:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: Reanna Laury <reanna20-+AT+-yahoo.com>
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Me versus Love!
Message-ID: <20000711125242.5213.qmail-+AT+-web1605.mail.yahoo.com>


--- ShadowDreamer <shadskitty-+AT+-home.com> wrote:
> Well, I enjoy them.  If you like Tamora Pierce's
> stuff, or the Dark is
> Rising series, you will probably like them.  

Oh! <happy smile> I *love* Pierce's stuff and the Dark
is Rising series! Pierce's stuff is completely
fanciful (mind candy) but the Dark is Rising has real
depth to it! Hmmm, maybe I should take a look at the
first book. So many people have said that they loved
the books. And hopefully, I can find the UK book.
"Philosopher's Stone" sounds a heck of a lot more
interesting than "Sorcerer's Stone"!

Hey, out of curiousity, has anyone on the list read
them and *didn't* like them?

> There's also a big uprising of the Fundamentalist
> Christians over them.
> Seems they're evil and full of evil witchcraft and
> might actually teach
> their kids to think for themselves.  But these are
> the same people who were
> raging over Pokemon, so...

Surprised??? Naaaaaaah...There's always someone upset
over books written with magic or fantastical elements.
I wish people would open their minds a bit.

> Except to
> Songjewel, who said there wasn't romantic intrest in
> the "Oath-" series,
> there was.  In Oathbreakers, with Jadrek.  It wasn't
> overt on the sex
> scene, but the romance and some sex hinting were
> there.  Also, there was
> the scene where they were working in a brothel,
> although that was dream-sex...

<grin> I was about to say the same thing! There wasn't
any love scenes, but Kethry *did* end up with her one
true love, Jadrek. I mean, seriously, do people find
their "one true love" that often in life? I've heard
that now half of all people who get married, get
divorced. How many couples have ended up "happily ever
after"? Talia and Dirk (lifebonded), Skif and Nyara,
Elspeth and Darkwind, Karal and Natoli (implied, I
think), Vanyel and 'Lendel/Stef (lifebonded), Kethry
and Jadrek, Darian and Keisha, Kerowyn and Eldan,
Ambersong and Winterhart, Skandranon and that other
gryphon (can't remember the name, don't kill me!),
Keren and Elsa/Sherrill, and.....
*
Burning Brightly Spoiler!!!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
and Lan and Kalira (lifebonded). Granted, they died
tragically, they still *found* each other! Although, I
will say one thing. I was immensely gratified that
Misty inserted thwarted love into BB. The Healer who
got a monster crush on Lan (can't remember her name,
I'm sure it'll occur to me when I send this email!).
Thanks Misty for representing all of those who've had
a crush but been denied!!!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
End Burning Brightly Spoiler!

I mean, look at all those couples! In every trilogy or
grouping of books, the main character has found their
one and only (sometimes even auxiliary characters). No
breakups, no nothin'! I mean, in real life, that's
hard to do! Okay, maybe those of you who have your one
true loves see things differently, but I live in a
world where love is difficult and Misty's characters
don't seem to have much trouble once they awknowledged
their love (Certainly Talia and Dirk had plenty of
trouble!). It just doesn't seem probable! Give me a
main character Herald who doesn't end up as part of a
couple by the end of the trilogy!!! Come on, Misty, I
dare ya!!

<sigh> Okay, okay, I'm sure a bunch of people will
react to this and say that without the relationships,
the books would lack something. I enjoy a good
romantic turn as much as anybody (regardless of what
the rest of this email says! <grin>). I believe in
true love, really. It just gets too predictable after
awhile. I mean, who didn't know when reading Owlsight
that Keisha and Darian were going to become an item!
And the message a little smarmy. "You can find your
true love if you search enough and have an open
heart". I know plenty of people who haven't found
their love, what do you think that tells them? What
about people who *can't* have a relationship for some
reason (mental, emotional problems)? There's more to
life than love, there's more personalities out there
than just ones who find their love, and after having
it flung in my face everywhere, I get a little fed
up!!!

<calms self> Hey, nobody attack me for being an
anti-romantic; I am who I am! My mom always gets
disgusted with me when I laugh during dramatic,
romantic movies. I'm sure there are plenty of people
out there with good counter arguments to this. But I
still believe everything I said, and I do think I've
said something with a grain of truth. But don't take
me too seriously, I'm still young and have a lot of
living left! <grin> Hope I haven't mortally horrified
anybody!

WTTW

~Reanna Laury
"Those who have crossed
With direct eyes, to death's other Kingdom
Remember us - if at all - not as lost
Violent souls, but only
As the hollow men
The stuffed men."
 - T.S. Eliot
 




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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 09:00:35 -0600
From: winged_wolf-+AT+-juno.com
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Re: And now for something completely different.
Message-ID: <20000711.100703.-464619.2.Winged_Wolf-+AT+-juno.com>

On Mon, 10 Jul 2000 22:47:06 +0100 (BST) Reanna Laury
<reanna20-+AT+-yahoo.com> writes:
> 
> <curiousity is peaked> Are the Harry Potter books
> really that good? I mean, I was under the assumption
> that they were for kids. I had heard that a bunch of
> adults read them too, but kinda dismissed that rumor
> out of hand.

I freely admit to running to the library and reading the whole lot. <g>
 
> For those who *have* read those books, if they are
> written for kids, what makes them so special? I mean,
> a child's book had better be damned good to get a cult
> following. Also, are these books only big in the US?
> Or are they popular in other countries as well. If
> they are popular elsewhere, that adds more credibility
> (in my mind at least; the U.S. has the tendency to
> latch onto something "cool" when it really doesn't
> deserve the attention).

As far as I know, they're also very popular in Europe.
 
> <grin> I'm glad you enjoy it though, Paul, even though
> I haven't read any of the books and wouldn't know
> Harry Potter if he came and bopped me in the nose!
> Good reads are always gratifying!
> 
> WTTW,
> 
> ~Reanna

Well, here's my theory--these books speak to the sense of alienation so
prevalent in today's society.  They address VERY tough issues, including
child abuse, without becoming too graphic, or preaching.  (The SERRA
books have done both, as far as younger children are concerned--most
children don't actually need to be reminded over and over that abuse is
wrong, they already know that).  They show a character who's not had an
easy time in life, at all, prevailing and making something of himself. 
They encourage independence of thought, and make the point that adults
are not ALWAYS right.  They show a kid solving his own problems.  The
fantasy elements remove the whole thing from the day to day dinginess of
the "real world".  Plus, they are very well written, and easy for their
target audience to understand without talking down.  And that's the real
hook, that keeps kids reading--the characters experience "real danger",
with no intimations that everything will necessarily turn out all right
in the end.  In many children's books, the danger is whitewashed, and
reassurance is given almost immediately that the heroes will always
prevail--that's a nice fantasy, but it's also boring.
So, if you haven't read 'em...go ahead and get 'em.  It won't take you
long to go through them, but you'll not be sorry you did.

--Winged Wolf
http://www.crosswinds.net/~wingedwolf/index.html
"Pardon me while I burst into flames...I've had enough of the world and
its' peoples' mindless games.
So pardon me while I burn, and rise above the flame, pardon me, pardon
me...don't ever be the same..."
                           --Incubus

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 17:03:13 GMT
From: "Misty's Secretary" <mistysdesk-+AT+-hotmail.com>
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Re: And now for something completely different.
Message-ID: <20000711170313.68987.qmail-+AT+-hotmail.com>

Anything to pique your curiousity :)

Only for Children? Hmm.. the books actually, especially this latest one do 
appear to be growing up. (Without spoiling it, I think it's fair to say this 
is hardly a happy ending this time around. Somewhat akin to the middle star 
wars film though.. and that was officially a kids film. Right?).

I feel that the best comparison for JKR's writing is that it is somewhat 
similar to Roald Dahls wonderful books. Yes, written by children, but read 
by adults as the stories were so charming too. In fact, here in the UK 
(where they are VERY popular, and not just because Joanne is a "local" 
author; some bookshops opened up just after midnight to sell copies on the 
day of sale..).

Fort those in the US who didn't know, Joanne was recently listed in the 
Queen's Birthday honours. Though actually I forget what she received - 
anyone recall?

Paul
(Anyone for Quidditch?)


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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 17:10:05 GMT
From: "Misty's Secretary" <mistysdesk-+AT+-hotmail.com>
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Re: And now for something completely different.
Message-ID: <20000711171005.98457.qmail-+AT+-hotmail.com>



> >Paul
> >Not on behalf. For me. My opinion. MINE! ya hear?
>
>Hehe, no need to get so defensive.. =)  We DO talk about other books

Actually, that was just my little joke. I'm so used to acting "on behalf of 
Misty" with regards to the list, fanmail and so on that I thought it novel 
to have an opinion of my own :)

(I often sign off fanmail with my name, and state that it's on behalf U 
see...)

Oh well.

Lame when you have to explain it :)

Paul
(Mine!)

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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 11:52:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jaec Songblade <jaec_songblade-+AT+-yahoo.com>
To: MLML <mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk>
Subject: Harry Potter
Message-ID: <20000711185206.10434.qmail-+AT+-web4804.mail.yahoo.com>

 Okay, you people are making me soooooo jealous, I am
THIRD in line for the book in my house and my mum's
going to take FOH-EVA. Anywho, I thought they'd be
really shildish when I first read 'em. BUT I loved
them, they were really quick and amazingly good. So
read them. Third in-line for the book! Gaaaah!
   WTTW 
   Jaec
   

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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 12:15:57 -0700
From: "Hill, Susan" <susan.hill-+AT+-weyerhaeuser.com>
To: "'mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk'" <mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk>
Subject: Harry Potter praise.... (long long long!)
Message-ID: <872A9D7CC09CD11188CE00805FBB042E05BFFDE7-+AT+-emswwc7.weyer.com>

> From: "Misty's Secretary" <mistysdesk-+AT+-hotmail.com>
> Harry Potter.
well said!
> So there.
I know! people look at me sideways when I mention him - like I'm some idiot
who can't read real books.
> I've now read the fourth Rowling book, and am halfway through a repeat
> just 
> in case I missed any good bits :)
I read it all in one sitting - I had ordered it from Buy.com and couldn't
wait till today, so on Saturday, I too was in line at Barnes and Chernobyl.
I now own 2! copies of the Goblet of Fire. I know, "Hi my name is Suzi, and
I'm addicted to Hogwarts."
> I love the Harry Potter books, and so do all of us at highflight, so
> there!
You are in good company <wink wink>
> The fourth one is a clear departure from the previous books - it's got 
> teeth.. and not really quite the cosy happy ending that readers may have 
> come to expect either (though the last one wasn't quite that cosy was
> it?).
I agree. Its just as funny - at least at the beginning, but the G rating
went PG or worse in this one. Its less of a "Yea! we did it!" ending and
more a "Thank god we made it." ending. And before I get thwapped for
revealing anything, I haven't. You don't know who "we" is, and there's still
3 books to go, so there. 

I loved book 3 - mainly because the Marauder's map was so funny when it
interacted with Prof. Snape.  And Year3 had a character that  left the
ending with a pretty nice touch.

All in all, I think my FAVORITE characters have to be Fred and George. At
least from an entertainment perspective. Dumbledore is too cool for words
though.

And I do NOT like the house elves. They irritate me.

> Anyway, highly recommended. Well done to Joanne.
> Paul
> Not on behalf. For me. My opinion. MINE! ya hear?
> 
Are you sure? Are you absolutely positive?.... Okay then. <grin>

> Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2000 21:04:04 +0100 (BST)
> From: Melanie Dymond Harper <mel>
> > Harry Potter.
> No arguments from this quarter -- I'm just disappointed I haven't had the
> free time to finish the copy I bought on Saturday yet ;)
> Mel
Keep the klenex handy, Mel. I will admit with no shame that I cried over
this one. As a matter of fact, I got teary over Year3 when Harry thought his
Dad was fighting the Dementers and all the stuff that went with it. I keep
suspecting that somehow his parents aren't really dead, but each book
manages to say "Keep dreaming, Suzi." in its own way. <sigh>

> From: Reanna Laury <reanna20-+AT+-yahoo.com>
> To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
> <curiousity is peaked> Are the Harry Potter books
> really that good? I mean, I was under the assumption
> that they were for kids. I had heard that a bunch of
> adults read them too, but kinda dismissed that rumor
> out of hand.
> For those who *have* read those books, if they are
> written for kids, what makes them so special? I mean,
> a child's book had better be damned good to get a cult
> following.
> 
Reanna - They are WONDERFUL - I can not say enough about them.

When you truly think about GOOD children's literature, why does it have to
be exclusive to adults? Look at C.S. Lewis, Frank Baum (the Oz books),
Madeline L'Engle (A Wrinkle in Time), Susan Cooper (The Dark is Rising -
Silver on the Tree), Lois Duncan (I know what you did last summer, etc...),
and lately someone like Tamora Pierce (Alanna books)...

All of these are "childrens" literature, but are complex enough that I
reread them often. But Harry appeals to even 1st and 2nd graders because
there's things that even younger children understand and grasp as familiar
and exciting. Doesn't mean that its "See Jane. See Jane run." type material.
Rowling has said time and again that she feels we don't give kids enough
credit - that we underestimate their capacity to understand and learn. And I
think these books illustrate that sentiment. 

 The beauty of Rowling's world is that its described in simple text, but its
a complex adventure. Its so easy to read, yet so detailed, its almost like
*watching* it happen, as opposed to reading about it. And the humor and wit
and the twists and turns make it enjoyable for any age. Adults will pick up
more of the sly humor and probably appreciate some of her names more - lots
of her Charms and names seem to have a latin or "adult" language basis. But
there's fun stuff too - it reminds you exactly of how it felt to be Harry's
age - we all knew someone like Fred and George Weasly, or Draco Malfoy, or
we were Herminone or Nevile Longbottom. We all had a teacher we thought was
evil incarnate, and we all had a relative like Dudley. And most of all, we
all wished for something like Harry - to wake up one day and discover we
were special and different and magical. 

Uhh...I'm a huge fan, and I'm 25. And I read all sorts of stuff. Sci Fi,
Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, horror. And these are probably some of
the best books I've read in a LONG time. <grin> Can you tell?

> From: Kenneth Allen Hyde <kenny-+AT+-UDel.Edu>
> popular with adults in Canada that the Canadian version comes in two
> versions: the "children's" version, and an "adult" version that has a
> bland cover so that people can read it on the train or bus without being
> obviously involved in a "kid's book."
Thats so sad. I admit I've had odd looks thrown my way, but thats just a sad
marketing trick.  I've found more children come up to me and ask if I liked
the books while I'm reading them. And there are enough curious adults who
want to know "why?" that I take great pleasure in trying to sell them on the
book. You shouldn't be ashamed of reading good fiction. 
> plots are engaging and reasonably complex.  My only dislike is that the
> main "muggle" characters (the non-magical ones) are Harry's adoptive
> family and are a particular nasty demonized foster family.  But part of
I agree... I almost wish we had gotten to meet Herminone's parents more.
They seemed nice, if it abit overwhelmed. But I guess since *we're* all
muggles, we probably know enough nice people to realize that not all Muggles
are like the Dursleys.

> From: ShadowDreamer <shadskitty-+AT+-home.com>
> Well, I enjoy them.  If you like Tamora Pierce's stuff, or the Dark is
> Rising series, you will probably like them.  I believe they are also quite
I didn't even see you reference these before I replied above. I love both of
those authors too! My favorites as I was growing up. (did I actually use
"was"? oh dear.)

> There's also a big uprising of the Fundamentalist Christians over them.
> Seems they're evil and full of evil witchcraft and might actually teach
> their kids to think for themselves.  But these are the same people who
> were
> raging over Pokemon, so...
yeah well, these people ought to take a long hard look at Leviticus and
think very very hard about that. I'm thinking the Bible has more occult
stuff in it that Harry Potter. And I'm sure these are the same people that
let their kids dress up as ghosts, goblins, vampires, and witches every
october 31st. "no one true way" I guess. morons.

Hugs to all list-sibs. READ HARRY POTTER. <grin> Here's a new bumper sticker
for you:

Teach a kid about Hogwarts  and piss off a Fundamentalist!

	Bring on year 5!
	-suzi



------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 22:07:51 +0100
From: Melanie Dymond Harper <mel-+AT+-servalan.demon.co.uk>
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Re: And now for something completely different.
Message-ID: <zWs8pBAny4a5EwK8-+AT+-servalan.demon.co.uk>

In message <20000711170313.68987.qmail-+AT+-hotmail.com>, Misty's Secretary
<mistysdesk-+AT+-hotmail.com> writes
>Fort those in the US who didn't know, Joanne was recently listed in the 
>Queen's Birthday honours. Though actually I forget what she received - 
>anyone recall?
>

She was awarded an OBE, for something along the lines of "services to
children's literature".

Not sure what the issue is with two different covers. I was cheerily
reading my copy of the latest on the Tube this morning, opposite a chap
in a business suit doing just the same. ;)

Mel -+AT+- home
-- 
Melanie Dymond Harper

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 14:53:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: Songjewel <songjewel-+AT+-yahoo.com>
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Re: MERCEDES-LACKEY digest 2349
Message-ID: <20000711215352.1158.qmail-+AT+-web1005.mail.yahoo.com>

>> Julia writes:
>I think there's a lot of evidence that Misty 
>subscribes to this kind of idea, especially 
>in the Gryphon series when Kaled'a'in were still 
>being used.  Can't get my hands on passages right 
>now, but I remember a few places where there were 
>explanations for why the Kaled'a'in (am I using 
>the right word here?  Can't remember...<<

I think the word you're searching for is
"Kestra'chern,"
And I agree. It was very important to have trust
between
the "therapist" and the patient. That's one of the 
reasons Hadenalith's crime was such a big deal.

>>Reanna writes:
>For those who *have* read those books, if they are
>written for kids, what makes them so special? I mean,
>a child's book had better be damned good to get a
cult
>following. Also, are these books only big in the US?
>Or are they popular in other countries as well. If
>they are popular elsewhere, that adds more
credibility
>(in my mind at least; the U.S. has the tendency to
>,latch onto something "cool" when it really doesn't
>deserve the attention).<<


Have you heard about the movie they're making and the
casting 
problems? Well, since J.K. Rowling was going to have a
movie w/an 
all-british cast, I'd guess they must be pretty
popular there, too.
I heard the 1st 2 books on tape during our Christmas
vacation, and 
I haven't gotten to the third one yet, but both of my
parents have 
read it, and they bought the 4th the night it opened.


>>Shadowdreamer writes:
>There's also a big uprising of the Fundamentalist
Christians 
>over them. Seems they're evil and full of evil
witchcraft and 
>might actually teach their kids to think for
themselves.  But 
>these are the same people who were raging over
Pokemon, so...<<

Okay, allow me my few and far-between rages. Do the
people 
SERIOUSLY believe this, or are they just trying to get
money? 
Dear Goddess, PLEASE tell me they're trying to make
money, 
because if they believe it...okay, these kinds of
people are 
one of the reasons Misty had to stop the Di Treguarde
books, so 
I'm OBVIOUSLY already a little peeved. Do these people
even READ 
the books or WATCH the show, or do they automatically
attack 
anything with a popularity rating over a certain
amount????

*whew* Ok, done ^^

Beach Sheep to everybody!!
~Songjewel

=====
Priestess of Nuriko
Spokes-otaku for Desert Bloom
Mistress of the Pagemasters

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2000 01:03:24 EDT
From: Rainwing-+AT+-aol.com
To: mercedes-lackey-+AT+-herald.co.uk
Subject: Re: Me versus Love!
Message-ID: <f2.c00fb5.269d561c-+AT+-aol.com>

Reanna wrote:
 How many couples have ended up "happily ever
 after"? Talia and Dirk (lifebonded), Skif and Nyara,
 Elspeth and Darkwind, Karal and Natoli (implied, I
 think), Vanyel and 'Lendel/Stef (lifebonded), Kethry
 and Jadrek, Darian and Keisha, Kerowyn and Eldan,
 Ambersong and Winterhart, Skandranon and that other
 gryphon (can't remember the name, don't kill me!),
 Keren and Elsa/Sherrill, >>
 
Pretty impressive list.  Don't forget Selenay and Daren, Starwind and 
Moondance, Firesong and Silverfox...:::grin:::
 
 <sigh> Okay, okay, I'm sure a bunch of people will
 react to this and say that without the relationships,
 the books would lack something. I enjoy a good
 romantic turn as much as anybody (regardless of what
 the rest of this email says! <grin>). I believe in
 true love, really. It just gets too predictable after
 awhile. I mean, who didn't know when reading Owlsight
 that Keisha and Darian were going to become an item!
 And the message a little smarmy. "You can find your
 true love if you search enough and have an open
 heart". I know plenty of people who haven't found
 their love, what do you think that tells them? What
 about people who *can't* have a relationship for some
 reason (mental, emotional problems)? There's more to
 life than love, there's more personalities out there
 than just ones who find their love, and after having
 it flung in my face everywhere, I get a little fed
 up!!! >>

I know what you mean.  It would be very interesting to read a story about a 
character who either by fault or by his/her own will did not become involved 
in the traditional "happily ever after" romance.  Didn't Misty write that 
between a Herald's duties and their bonds with their Companions they rarely 
had room for anything else in their lives?  I had thought that generally 
Heralds were contented with their Herald/Companion bonds and were 
occasionally a little promiscuous to satisfy their physical needs.  That's 
why I like Tarma so much.  Even though she was denied a romantic relationship 
and a physical one, she was still contented and had a great amount of love in 
her life between her She'enedra, her mindmate, and the vysaka.  It is true 
that not everyone falls in love and gets married.  And it doesn't always work 
out perfectly.  Even though I enjoy Misty's books immensely, it is not only 
because of the characters' romantic relations.  I enjoy their platonic 
relations just as much.  I guess were both anti-romantic, Reanna.  ;) 

Rain soothe thy spirit, 
Rainwing    

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End of MERCEDES-LACKEY Digest 2350
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