Hi! I was wondering if you plan to include Bagoas as a character in future novels in the Dancing with the Lion series? I’ve read only two novels that cover that period of ATG’s life, “The Persian Boy” and “The Conqueror’s Wife”, but both novels sidelined Hephaestion and demonized Roxanne. I love the way to depict Hephaestion and women in your novels so I’m really looking forward to reading your take on that period of ATG’s life.
Hi, there. Thank you; I’m glad you appreciated how I dealt with Hephaistion, as well as the women. You’re not the first one to ask whether I intend to include Bagoas, and how I intend to treat him, with regard to Hephaistion and Roxana.
I’ll be honest. I am not a fan of love triangles in general, and I’m really not a fan of them with Alexander and the Hephaistion/Roxane/Bagoas trio because it’s highly anachronistic. Not to mention, the importance of Bagoas is largely a creation of Mary Renault. I will treat Roxana, of course, and both Kampaspe and Kleopatra will remain important female POV (point-of-view) characters. They remain significant to Hephaistion (and Alexandros) in positive, not negative, ways.
I’ve talked about Bagoas at length here:
Did Bagoas Exist? How Bagoas became such a significant figure in modern fiction and film about ATG. But I also address the larger question of whether there was a Bagoas.
I’ve also talked about Roxana alone, or in connection with Bagoas and Hephaistion here:
Who Was Roxana? A look at Roxana as an historical person, as well as a little of how she’s been treated in fiction. But THIS ONE is more specifically about Roxana as a character in ATG novels.
Roxana, Olympias and Potential Conflict with Hephaistion This is also directed at some fictional portrayals, and talks a little about the triangle/quadrangle and why I detest it.
Half the cases are blatantly implausible. Remember how we only needed one more case for this one? Well try looking 20 when you’re actually 40, I mean I have a babyface and even I stopped getting asked for an ID when buying alcohol in my early 30s... There’s no way this lady could date a teenage fellow classmate without him realizing she was 39 haha!
Adam and Roxane break up. Well. We all saw it coming, right?
At least two Titanic references. So we already had the hand against the window, now let me introduce you to
tHe dAnCinG:
Also I’m very tempted to call a hookup here given how NOT PG13 this LSD trip scene was, but ahem.
(but seriously though, can we talk about the boinking bed? Or the hands sanitizer/lube? Or the way too fast offscreen hand rub? Or the “Je sens que ça vient Karadec”? Or the BLATANTLY orgasmic case resolution?)
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I tried to make gif packs in a format more familiar to you with a link to a separate page. However, unfortunately, I did not succeed because of the large format of high-quality gifs.
Actors in alphabetical order: part 1(A-D), part 2, part 3
Navigation
The arrangement of names may not be alphabetical
▶Page 1
Anne Hathaway
Anya Taylor-Joy
Asia Argento
Astrid Berges-Frisbey
Boran Kuzum
Camille Rutherford
▶Page 2
Carla Juri
César Domboy
Cate Blanchett
Charity Wakefield
Charlie Rowe
Chiara Mastroianni
Christian Bale
Christoph Waltz
Ethan Erickson
▶Page 3
Dagmara Dominczyk
Dan Stevens
Ella Purnell
Emily Blunt
Ezra Miller
Raffey Cassidy
Rebecca Emilie Sattrup
Rose Byrne
Roxane Duran
Annabelle Wallis
Carey Mulligan
Guy Pearce
James Frain
Olivia Cooke
Rachel Hurd-Wood
Soko
Sujaya Dasgupta
Tom Cruise
▶Page 8
Adèle Exarchopoulos
Anna Maxwell Martin
Charles Dance
Emma Williams
Gillian Anderson
Natalie Press
▶Page 9
María Valverde
Paz Vega
Frédéric Noaille
Catherine Mouchet
Déborah François
Joséphine Japy
▶Page 10
Ben Whishaw
Clémence Poésy
Elliot Grihault
Emilia Fox
Joseph Morgan
Lambert Wilson
Michelle Dockery
Phoebe Fox
Sophie Okonedo
Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hughes
Tom Sturridge
▶Page 11
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Felicity Jones
Fu'ad Aït Aattou
Greta Scacchi
Helena Bonham Carter
Holliday Grainger
Michelle Pfeiffer
Rupert Friend
Christina Giannelli
▶Page 12
Katie McGrath
Keeley Hawes
Maria Bonnevie
Marta Gastini
Miriam Giovanelli
Olivia Hussey
Oscar Isaac
Peter Plaugborg
▶Page 13
Ben Barnes
Ben Chaplin
Bill Skarsgård
Iben Akerlie
Jakob Oftebro
Jo Woodcock
Lily-Rose Depp
Reese Witherspoon
Ruth Wilson
Samantha Soule
Tess Frazer
Virginie Ledoyen
▶Page 14
Cary Elwes
Colin Firth
Daniel Day-Lewis
Emilia Verginelli
Hannah James
Jonah Hauer-King
Loli Bahia
Lorenzo Balducci
Rebecca Hall
Robin Wright
Rupert Everett
Willa Fitzgerald
▶Page 15
Annes Elwy
Claire Danes
Eliza Scanlen
Kathryn Newton
Maya Hawke
Romola Garai
Samantha Mathis
Trini Alvarado
Winona Ryder
▶Page 16
Douglas Smith
Eric Bana
Gizem Karaca
Jessica Brown Findlay
Kenneth Branagh
Millie Brady
Natalie Dormer
Poppy Delevingne
Rachel Weisz
Rosy McEwen
Sam Claflin
▶Page 17
Aubri Ibrag
Christina Hendricks
Guy Remmers
Henry Cavill
Imogen Waterhouse
Josie Totah
Mia Threapleton
Olivia Hallinan
▶Page 18
Fahriye Evcen
Jim Caviezel
Justine Waddell
Penelope Cruz
▶Page 19
Francesca Annis
Jasmine Blackborow
Louis Cunningham
Mélanie Thierry
▶Page 20
To do list:
Léa Seydoux - under development (Roses à crédit 2010, Belle Épine 2010, Mistérios de Lisboa 2010, The Beast 2023, Dune: Part Two)
Kelly Macdonald - under development (Elizabeth1998, Nanny McPhee 2005, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 2011, Boardwalk Empire)
Emily Mortimer - under development (Elizabeth1998, The Glass Virgin 1995, Leonie 2010)
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Hi this is my first time doing this but if it’s not a bother can you do Roxanne and Chica as roommates please? I just loved how you do it for sun moon, monty and freddy. 😊
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note :: the roommate headcanons come full circle. Freddy roommate, Sun & Moon roommate, Monty roommate.
warning :: none
reader pronouns :: none mentioned
relationship :: platonic, can also be read as romantic
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Chica
Considering how chipper Chica was, you’d never believe she just lost her home and all her friends.
Of course she’s upset, how could she not be? She just reserves her grieving when you’re not around.
She’s a total foodie and loves to eat your cooking.
Even though Chica’s a robot and never gains any weight, she’s always looking for ways to exercise in the house. A lot of the time, she’ll get you to come work out with her.
It’s like having your personal trainer!
Just Dance will steal her attention all day if you’re not careful. She’s a force to be reckoned with and always gets 5 stars on every song she does.
You’ll only play to make her happy, but it’s never a competition.
Chica is the perfect roommate; she doubles as so many things, girlfriend, personal trainer, best friend.
Since she’s been around, you find she’s influenced you a lot, especially your fashion style. So many 80’s clothes…
Chica’s confidence has rubbed off on you quite a lot too, she pushes you to go on dates and make more friends.
Even though those things keep you away from her, she does it anyway. She loves you too much to keep all to herself.
Roxanne
Similar to Monty, Roxanne would hate for you to see her sad or upset, not because that would make you sad only because she has a status to uphold.
She still acts herself when you’re around. Mean, but nice.
You think she’s been cleaning occasionally, sometimes when you come home it’ll be a little more tidier than how you left it.
Of course, Roxy denies any cleaning. She’s too “above” it.
She continues to bring up the pizzaplex and the burned ruins.
She says that she “doesn’t miss it” but that’s a lie.
Pleaseee bring her whatever Roxy merchandise you can, she really misses being popular.
Usually Roxane will search the internet for updates on the possible rebuild of the pizza plex.
She never clears her history, so you will often be able to see what she’s been searching. It makes you sad, but at least she’s hopeful.
We begin with Buffy waiting for a new vampire while playing with a yo-yo. Do people still play with yo-yos? They used to be a big thing when I was in Junior School, like we had someone come into school to show us how great they were and you could order one of your own through the school.
Angel appears and he's clearly jealous after Buffy and Xander's 'dance'. It was... a lot.
While they argue the newbie vamp pops up. And Angel takes one hit to the face with a shovel and he is down. For a former evil, scary vampire, Angel gets taken down very easily. Like Worf in Star Trek: TNG.
How does one not notice a open grave? Buffy falls in one, and so does Spike in season 5, both to comedic effect.
Empty casket? Oh no. We got some body snatchers. Quick, call the Winchesters.
I love Giles practicing asking out Jenny.
'Thank you, Cyrano.' I understand this reference! This is a reference to Cyrano de Bergerac, a play by Edmond Rostand, published in 1897. It's about a soldier in the French Army who is a gifted poet that tries to woo Roxane. But due to his large nose, believes she would never love him. There is a love triangle between Cyrano, Roxane and another solider called Christian. There was a recent adaptation with Peter Dinklage as Cyrano. Another version I remember, because of my mum, was the film 'Roxanne' with Steve martin and Daryl Hannah. If you look on the Wikipedia page for the play, you'll see it's been adapted a lot and you will probably recognise some of them.
Do schools do science fairs? Are these really a thing?
Cordelia understanding what lighting is best for photographs is understandable. Also, the tomato is not only a fruit, it is also a berry.
'Perfect for us', 'She's alive'. We got our felons. That was quick.
Cordy mentions Daryl. Hmmm... something tells me this will come up later.
Giles comes in with the sarcasm for Cordy, got to love it.
Zombies are a season 3 thing. Which happens in the second episode.
Willow and Buffy talk while Giles and Xander dig up a grave, which is technically a crime.
Grief is a powerful thing. Chris's mum not leaving the house after her son died. Poor woman.
A stalker after Cordy? Who could it be, oh wait, it's just Angel. Dude needs to stop being a creeper.
Okay, you know what. I would scream too if I found body parts in the bin.
The ninety-sixth episode of De Algemene Verwarring was broadcast on Monday, September 4, 2023, and you can listen to it by clicking on the link below that will take you directly to the Mixcloud page:
Yes, we're back at it after a long summer break, it's September 4 and it's bleeding hot in the Quindo studio, so nothing has changed. Pictured below is the UK postpunk band The Psychedelic Furs at around 1980, a lineup that wouldn't last long but that was responsible for the self-titled debut album that was released in 1980. The band was brought to my attention again by the Dynamite Hemorrhage radio show. Host Jay Hinman mentioned some reviews that he had read about the debut album being characterized as the ultimate mix of Roxy Music and The Velvet Underground. For me it was also the first time I heard these two bands mentioned when talking about The Psychedelic Furs, but it kinda makes sense. Anyway, the debut album is really really a great record, sexy and groovy and made to dance to. So I played the track "We Love You" from the Furs. There's more old music in this episode from The Prunes, The Vultures, The Peechees, Armitage Shanks, Blod. But moreover, the summer spawned some really great releases, I don't think I have ever bought so many records in the summer months as I did now in 2023, and most of them being new releases. The new Famous Mammals lp is a masterpiece, there's new bands such as Children Maybe Later, The Sheaves and Burnt Envelope, and new releases from bands such as the synth goths from Es and droners Pefkin. So, a great episode, if you ask me. And beneath the photo you can find the playlist for the show. Enjoy!
Playlist:
Armitage Shanks: Are Friends Electric? (7” picture disc “Are Friends Electric?” on Damaged Goods, 1997)
The Vultures: Alcohol (7” “At Home” on La Vida Es Un Mus Discos, 2015, reissue, originally released in 1981, self-released)
Patsy: Heathen (12” “LA Woman” on La Vida Es Un Mus Discos, 2017)
The Peechees: Well Worth Talking About (split 7” met The Drags, “Radio Disappears” on G.I. Productions, 1996)
Burnt Envelope: I’m Immature (LP “I’m Immature: The Singles Volume II” on Hozac Records, 2023)
The Sheaves: Lariat Slung (LP “Excess Death Cult Time” on Minimum Table Stacks, 2023, reissue, originally released on tape by Moone Records in 2022)
Famous Mammals: Empty London (LP “Instant Pop Expressionism Now!” on Siltbreeze Records, 2023)
Children Maybe Later: West Macarthur (LP “What A Flash Kick!” on Slothmate Productions, third pressing 2023)
Liars: Rose And Licorice (Oneida cover) (Split LP met Oneida “Atheists, Reconsider” on Version City Records, 2002)
Es: Emergency (7” “Fantasy” on Upset The Rhythm”, 2023)
The Psychedelic Furs: We Love You (LP “The Psychedelic Furs” on CBS, 1980)
The Prunes: Man Falls Down (LP “Lite Fantastik” on Baby Records, 1988)
The Pheromoans: Wizard Thing (LP “I’m On Nights” on Alter Records, 2015)
Peter Jefferies: Whatever You Want (LP “Closed Circuit” on Grapefruit Records, reissue 2023, originally released in 2001 on Emperor Jones Records)
The Cat’s Miaow: Hollow Inside (LP “Songs ’94-’98” on World Of Echo, 2022) - Ross Cummings ook in The Shapiros en Hydroplane (recent ook compilatie uitgekomen op World Of Echo)
Pefkin: The Lunar Pull (split LP met Roxane Métayer on Morc Records, 2022)
Blod: Leendet Från Helvetet (LP “Leendet Fran Helvetet” on Aguirre Records, 2022, reissue, originally released in 2017 by Forlag For Fri Musik)
De Fabriek: Harrisburg (LP “Blecheintopf - Music For Modern Art Exhibitions, Volume Two” on Futura Resistenza, 2022, reissue, originally released on cassette in 1982 by New Bulwark Records & Tapes)
do you listen to music when you write/edit "An Arranged Marriage" ? what kind of music gets you in the mood to write/edit the fic?
I do have music that I listen to get inspired, but I don't oftentimes write while listening to music. I listen to all sorts of music over the course of my day, so I tend to have it quiet when it's time to sit down and write.
...
Well, I guess that's a lie, because I've got two lists: inspiration music and writing music. Both I occasionally dip into if I feel that it is necessary for the scene (parties, dances, etc) or if I just feel the vibe is necessary.
Inspiration music is whatever song I've latched onto for the day that just gets my interests going. I can't possibly list all of the songs that have inspired me, we'd be here all day if I did, but I can offer some of my most recent songs I've listened to. They may not even be possibly related to the story, just the vibe that's being given off by the song has caught my attention.
"Dance With Me" by Phillip Phillips
"5 AM (extended edition)" by Amber Run
"Song of Durin" by Clamavi De Profundis (honestly they're pretty good for anything I'm writing)
"Wake the Witch (feat Roxane Genot)" By Karliene
"Let You Down" and "When I Grow Up" by NF
"Reasons" by Beth Crowley
"Everybody Knows (unstoppable)" and "Maneater" by Royal Deluxe
"You're Not Welcome" by Naethan Apollo
"Rise Up" by 2WEI & Edda Hayes
"Castle" & "Colors" by Halsey
"Experience" by Ludovico Einaudi
"Royalty" by Egzod, Maestro Chives & Neoni
"Glimpse of Us" by Joji
"Golden Hour" by JVKE
"Your God is Dead" by Really Slow Motion
"Middle of the Night (Violin)" by Joel Sunny
"Carry Me", "Eurielle", and "Hate Me" by Eurielle
"Glitter and Gold" by Barns Courtney
"You are the Reason (Duet Version)" by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
"Somewhere Only We Know" by Lilly Allen
(I will also say that some of these songs are good for Mergana in general, but not all Mergana songs are "An Arranged Marriage" songs and not all "An Arranged Marriage" songs are Mergana songs. Perhaps one day I'll compile a list for Mergana, but that will take a lot longer to do.)
Writing music is just wordless, storyless music that just has the sort of... vibe that I'm going for that I play in the background while I write. Mostly, it's this list that I will pick a song from and listen to on repeat in the background, but sometimes they're inspiration as well.
Various different Gregorian chant albums
"La Petite Fille De La Mer (Remastered)" by Vangelis: Delectus
"TLT Birdies" by The Lonely Tree Birdies
"Snowfall" by Oneheart & reidenshi
"Kammergrav" by Danheim
"300 Spartans (feat. Merethe Soltvedt)" by Lunan & Richine Kohan
"Dreamer" by Low Roar
"Don't Be So Serious" by Low Roar
"Don't You Dare (make me fall in love with you)" by Kaden Mackay
"Heather (Violin)" by Joel Sunny
"Experience" by Ludovico Einaudi
"Leave A Light On (Jayson DeZuzio Remix)" by Tom Walker
"Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root
"Wish That You Were Here (From “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” Original Motion Picture)" by Florence + The Machine
Very rarely will you notice the 'musical intention' while in the story, but if there is like a specific song that I wish for people to listen to while reading it, I will list it in the chapter.
Truly the José Ferrer version of Cyrano de Bergerac is the best by far because by the end of the film he has you convinced he's the most attractive man ever, even if he still doesn't believe it, and that is at the core of what the play is about
Dr. Reames do you have someone in mind for the character of Roshanka? Any actress, model or person that you think resembles her. I'm quite eager to read how she brings her character to life. No old or modern writing did her justice. I think you, with your knowledge, could give us an idea of what she was like, even if only fictionally. I am anxious to get to that point in the story.
It may be quite a while, alas. But yeah, in one of my write-ups on her, the longer one, I gave some hints. Roshanak has always loomed fairly large in my internal plotline. I want to do something fairly different with her. And I’m using her actual name because that’s what it’ll be in the novel.
As for a mental image, it’s always been that stunning 1985 National Geographic picture of the young Afghani teen with the striking eyes. I like it not only because it’s a person from the region, but also because it helps to highlight how young she must have been. She’s my Roshanak.