crack_van | Catalyst by Zarah (R)

Fandom: LotRiPS
Pairing: Viggo/Orlando, Orlando/Elijah
Author on lj:

zarah5
Author website: What It Is
Why this must be read:

"Catalyst" has something of a unique concept: Orlando goes color-blind. But beyond wondering where that idea will end up, I really enjoy Zarah's style of writing-- This fic has an almost lyrical quality to it, exploring Orlando's thought process as his life loses its color. Elijah as a secondary character is both real and vulnerable, and Orlando is given more depth than some authors allow him. "Catalyst" is a well-observed and thoughtful fic that I find myself coming back to over and over.

He guesses there might be a cruel sense of irony to the fact that he used to like film noirs. The lack of color always seemed to emphasize gestures, emotions; everything appeared sharper and more meaningful, details that might have faded into the background in color movies were brought into focus.

Reality, however, lacks the stark contrasts usually found in black-and-white movies. Without their harsh lightning, purposefully employed to pale brightness and blacken darkness, everything presents itself in shades of gray: washed out, lacking contours and life.

Orlando blinks against the wind that burns in his eyes, stares at the ocean and tries to stop thinking.

Catalyst