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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,082
Kerth
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OP
Kerth
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,082 |
In response to the Queen of the Capes' X Challenge. Enjoy! Xerxes the Great
You can find my stories as Groobie on the nfic archives and Susan Young on the gfic archives. In other words, you know me as Groobie.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9,509
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9,509 |
Another Greek historian within our midst. So, are you implying that Lex went after Lois only because he saw that *Clark* liked her, and not because of Superman? It's possible. It would explain their animosity for one another, and why Lex went after Lois even before Superman came onto the scene. First defeat Kent (by winning Lois), then go after Superman. Very perceptive. I wonder what would have happened if Lex recognized Clark's ability to stand up to Lex in Superman this early on... at least by the end of this episode. Hmmm. The games have certainly begun. Herodotus's History is one of my favorite ancient texts. It's like travel guide and historical novel all rolled up into one. May I also recommend Plutarch? And here I had hoped you had picked Xerotic (which if you look up the definition isn't as sexy as it sounds).
VirginiaR. "On the long road, take small steps." -- Jor-el, "The Foundling" --- "clearly there is a lack of understanding between those two... he speaks Lunkheadanian and she Stubbornanian" -- chelo.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,060 Likes: 20
Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,060 Likes: 20 |
Nice! I never would've made those connections; this was a great episode-expansion. The only thing that bothers me is that they finished their conversation in front of Lois, so wouldn't she wonder what they were talking about and maybe get suspicious of--well, it's S1 Lois; nevermind. :p *mutters about blind reporters*
~•~
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,800 Likes: 30
Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,800 Likes: 30 |
Antartic history is more my thing, but this is fascinating! Thanks for the lesson in Greek history. Especially considering how important it is for Lex. Imagine having this young man - stranger really, throw that history in your face as a challenge. “You surprise me, Mr. Kent. I’m not often surprised.” The tightness in his voice suggested that Lex Luthor did not enjoy surprises.
“I’ve studied history.” Clark ran a finger along the edge of the blade. “Learned how leaders have used power for destructive purposes.” He looked into Luthor’s cold eyes. “Some say Alexander called himself a demi-god, the son of Zeus.”
“He never lost a battle. Maybe he was ordained by the gods, chosen for a greater purpose. Better than mere mortals.” This sets the stage for the conflict between billionaire and journalist, a conflict the older man will lose. Thanks for filling in the scene!
Morgana
A writer's job is to think of new plots and create characters who stay with you long after the final page has been read. If that mission is accomplished than we have done what we set out to do, which is to entertain and hopefully educate.
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,466
Top Banana
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Top Banana
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,466 |
I really enjoyed this story. The original scene in the pilot is such a 'moment' between Clark and Lex--sizing each other up, creating the tension that will only ever build between them. Expanding on this scene--great idea! What stood out most to me, what really excited me about this story, was the challenging atmosphere. It was there originally in the Pilot, but you were able to build upon it wonderfully. You've created a hostile feeling in the piece, but done in a subtle way, so it comes off as brilliantly subdued (if that makes sense ). It's written politely condescending--they are totally trying to out do and outwit the other--and in such a scholarly way. This type of thing is so very much Lex at his best (and Lex KNOWS this), but with Clark? With Clark he's met his match . Lex glanced at Lois, but then looked back at Clark. And Clark’s face betrayed him with a nervous glance at Lois, a look filled with unhidden unprofessional interest. Lex raised an eyebrow slightly when Clark looked back. He silently asked the question, because every battle should ultimately earn a prize. Clark’s eyes narrowed slightly with determination. Awesome! This paragraph has so much power to it. Lex immediately can see Clark's heart, as far as it concerns Lois. He (Lex) knows he has a way get at Clark, a way to hurt him. Yeah--I love this last line ! Great way to get the point across. They will be enemies till the end. Excellent story! Laura
Last edited by LMA; 10/16/14 01:31 PM.
"Where's Clark?" "Right here."
...two simple sentences--with so much meaning.
~Lois and Clark in 'House of Luthor'~
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,082
Kerth
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OP
Kerth
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,082 |
So, are you implying that Lex went after Lois only because he saw that *Clark* liked her, and not because of Superman? It's possible. It would explain their animosity for one another, and why Lex went after Lois even before Superman came onto the scene. First defeat Kent (by winning Lois), then go after Superman. Very perceptive. Well, as soon as Clark cut in on Lex and Lois' dance, the animosity began. Sometimes you just don't like people when you meet them and I think long before Superman was tested, Clark sensed something he didn't like in Lex. It's instinctive - two alpha males locking horns. Herodotus's History is one of my favorite ancient texts. It's like travel guide and historical novel all rolled up into one. May I also recommend Plutarch? I read stuff from both Herodotus and Plutarch 20 years ago in college. It's been quite a while since I taught ancient Greece, but while I was staring off to space in my classroom, avoiding grading papers, the name Xerxes and the scene from the pilot popped into my head and I went with it. And here I had hoped you had picked Xerotic (which if you look up the definition isn't as sexy as it sounds). Well, I can freely admit that was the first word that caught my attention! (At least until I read the definition...not so sexy!) Fear not, this G-fic was merely a momentary distraction...I'm back at work on my latest piece of L&C x-rated erotica. LOL The only thing that bothers me is that they finished their conversation in front of Lois, so wouldn't she wonder what they were talking about and maybe get suspicious of--well, it's S1 Lois; nevermind.*mutters about blind reporters* Next scene...Lois tells Clark to cut the macho crap. She wouldn't have said anything in front of Lex...in that scene, she knew Lex had caught her snooping and she was trying to cover and get out of there. But I can certainly imagine her ripping Clark a new one after they left the party. Imagine having this young man - stranger really, throw that history in your face as a challenge. Oh yeah, Clark hits him where it hurts the most...Lex' ego. As Laura says, "politely condescending", brilliantly subdued, subtle hostility. You can't legally punch a guy, but you can take him down a peg intellectually and it sometimes delivers an equally effective blow. Laura: I love how you always understand my voice! Thanks, again, for your beta review and your constant support. Thanks to all of you for your feedback, and thanks to all the lurkers who are reading and (I'm going to assume for my own vanity's sake) enjoying it. You all encourage me to write more.
You can find my stories as Groobie on the nfic archives and Susan Young on the gfic archives. In other words, you know me as Groobie.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,066 Likes: 31
Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,066 Likes: 31 |
Hi Susan! Rating: G...I know! A g-fic, from me! Can you believe it? So, I believe Lex’s dog is called Xerxes. Is there a romantic subplot involved? Summary: Clark and Lex square off over ancient history. Clark accidently tripped over Xerxes? A move not often made by anyone. A challenge. So, Lex’s PoV? “You surprise me, Mr. Kent. I’m not often surprised.” The tightness in his voice suggested that Lex Luthor did not enjoy surprises. And yet, he goes after Lois. LEX: Easily explained. She looks like she knows how to please a man. And once she doesn’t, no harm done to the waste compactor. Clark shook his head. “No better than Xerxes. The Persians called him ‘the Great.’ But he suffered the same delusions of grandeur as Alexander. Herodotus wrote that Xerxes had an arrogant pride.” He does realize that without arrogance and pride, neither man would have strived to build or expand their empire. “Tallest building in Metropolis. I must confess a certain pleasure in knowing that everyone in the city has to look up in order to see me.” Clearly, he’s compensating for some shortcoming there. That was an in-depth expansion. Double fun considering there has just been an Alexander documentation on TV. Michael
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9,509
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9,509 |
So, I believe Lex’s dog is called Xerxes. Actually, Lex's dog is only called this in Wrong Clark, Michael. Just because my story will seem to have taken longer to write / post than the show it's based on to air, doesn't make it canon.
VirginiaR. "On the long road, take small steps." -- Jor-el, "The Foundling" --- "clearly there is a lack of understanding between those two... he speaks Lunkheadanian and she Stubbornanian" -- chelo.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,066 Likes: 31
Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,066 Likes: 31 |
Actually, Lex's dog is only called this in Wrong Clark, Michael. Ooops? Just because my story will seem to have taken longer to write / post than the show it's based on to air, doesn't make it canon. /kicks dirt/ But at least Home still is, right? Michael
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