And Hades Followed Him by C.M. Decarnin

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

Title of fiction: And Hades Followed Him
Fandom: Highlander
Author: C.M. Decarnin
Author web site: Stories By C.M. Decarnin
Author on LJ: I don't think she has an LJ
Pairing: Methos/Duncan, Methos/Cassandra, Methos/Other
Warnings: This story is X-rated for graphic m/m sex, consensual S/M, and references to rape and extreme violence.

Why this must be read: Well, from what I can tell this is one of the most controversial Highlander fics. Of course, that is from my newbie perspective and I could be wrong. But, I don't think that I am.

If you are familiar with C.M. Decarnin's work then you will know that she is often ruthless in her exploration of BDSM. This is an amazing work on so many levels. While there are things about the story that I definitely take issue with, I think that she has the best explanation of any that I've read so far about exactly what Methos meant when he said to Mac, "Death was all I knew." *shudders*

It is an intense read and do not take the warnings lightly. At the same time, this is a hugely thought provoking story and a fascinating look at both Methos and Duncan--their past, their present and what they will do for love, what Duncan will do to heal Methos and vice versa.

It is a long story with a lot of graphic sex--much of it BDSM, etc. (*looks at shaggirl*, here's the dirty-wrong, babe. *wink*) I can't really recommend it highly enough despite the fact, or perhaps because of the fact, that I had some issues with it.

So, let's read and discuss!

Also, send feedback to the author! Feedback = Love!

*g*

I love Highlander!

Comments

[twigged.livejournal.com]

This story is X-rated for graphic m/m sex, consensual S/M, and references to rape and extreme violence.

Sold!

[ilexa.livejournal.com]

Aw, that's my dirty-wrong Dana!!

Rhi, I've had this story sitting in my To Be Read folder for a loooong time. Now I know I *must* read it.

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

Yes. We need to discuss it!

[ilexa.livejournal.com]

Okay, so I started reading it last night. I'm not done yet, but ... Hmm.

I like my dirty wrong fic as much as the next girl, but I'm having a hard time seeing this.

I love Part 1. One of the things that I've always regretted was that the *why* of Methos-as-Death was never explained. I think the author does a great job of it. It truly *was* a different world then. More than Duncan, and perhaps more than any of us, could possibly understand.

Based on what we see, canon-wise, of Methos and Kronos' relationship, it's completely believable that Methos was held very much in an almost abusive relationship. "I love you; don't leave me even though I beat you."

I get that Methos probably had an extremely warped sense of love and comfort. But at the same time, he mentions that he *outgrows* being a psychopath -- a point with which I also agree. But with 68 wives, and who knows how many lovers, and 3,000 some odd years, I find it very hard to believe that he couldn't relearn love.

And while Duncan's behavior puts in mind of his actions under the Dark Quickening, I have difficutly seeing him slide back and forth between loving/tender Duncan and dominate/humiliating Duncan.

I only got as far as Duncan about to ... whatever Methos in the dojo with Ritchie there (I fell asleep on my laptop!). But I'm having trouble *wanting* to go any further. Does this get better explained?

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

Does this get better explained?

Well--hmmm. Yes, it gets better explained. I'm not sure that you will buy it entirely, but, yes, it gets better explained.

I'm having a hard time seeing this.

There are a lot of things in this story that I've had a hard time seeing. A lot. However, there were parts of it (the explanation of Methos as Death and the part with Cassandra much later in the story) that are some of the best discussion of Methos' evolution from a 'non-person' (as he kind of describes himself) to a full-fledged person who can love, etc.

I find it very hard to believe that he couldn't relearn love.

I think that it is possible that you've misunderstood. Methos knows love. He loves Duncan. He takes pleasure in Duncan's pleasure. He wants to help Duncan be the best person he can be. He adores him. What he can't do it get off in a normal way.

If you are saying you would think that he would have been able to learn how to get off in a normal way--I suppose it is possible. But 68 wives really isn't all that many in a 5000 year span. And marriage throughout history had little to do with love/affection or even lust.

I don't have a real problem with the idea that Methos might have a hard time getting off normally. However, I will say that I've never really gotten that from the character I see on the screen.

And while Duncan's behavior puts in mind of his actions under the Dark Quickening, I have difficutly seeing him slide back and forth between loving/tender Duncan and dominate/humiliating Duncan.

Well, I think that this has already been explained, but there are two reasons why this is happening. One is the link between Duncan and Methos. Methos is feeding his own desires for Duncan's behavior through the link. The other is Kronos' Quickening.

However, I have a hard time seeing Duncan as being satisfied with this state of affairs forever and if you read the rest of the story (and series) you see that because of a trick that Methos plays in his head, Duncan is essentially fooled into thinking that things aren't always like that.

whatever Methos in the dojo with Ritchie there

I think that the part that I absolutely can not suspend disbelief about is Richie's role in the whole thing. But since you haven't read it, I'll be silent on the subject.

But I'm having trouble *wanting* to go any further.

Well, the sex stays brutal except for two of the events. I would say that you would be missing out on some fascinating ideas if you don't read further, but I can't tell you that you won't have suspension of disbelief issues any more.

Despite thinking this is a hugely important story in terms of ideas in it--I still have major problems with suspension of disbelief on key issues.

Pun will probably back me up on this. We discussed the story at length after we both read it and while we had huge issues with stuff--we both thought it was worth the read. I think. I guess I shouldn't speak for Pun. :)

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

Hee!!

Thought you might like that. :)

[carenejeans.livejournal.com]

I thought this was already recommend on Crackvan once... And that I did this already too, but what the heck --

C.M. Decarnin now has her own website (shared with moi), the Garret (http://garret.slashcity.net).

She's got lots of new stories there -- all Smallville *for now* -- but I'm trying to be a bad influence and get her to write HL again. *g*

She doesn't have an LJ, though, dang her hide.

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

Umm, unless there is someone doing Highlander Crack Van recs that isn't me, it hadn't been rec'd yet.

Thanks for the link to her new website! :)

People should *definitely* read her SV stuff.

Oh! I know! Someone rec'd A Boy And His Rat for the X-files recs, I think.

Missing brain cells...

[carenejeans.livejournal.com]

You're right, it was "A Boy and His Rat." I was confused, 'cause, you know, they're exactly the same... duhhhh. *g* Thanks.

Yep, people should *definitely* read ALL her stuff! *g*

[darthhellokitty.livejournal.com]

This story is so nasty, it's nasty for ME -- I actually felt a little shaky after reading it, which just doesn't HAPPEN. I love it.

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

*laughs*

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it! :)