So, Meeting the Parents has started. Which is already a bit of an overstatement because I think it’s only gonna run three parts at most. I’ve been wanting to do a piece of Keto going home for a while (I want to do several pieces about Keto growing up as well but that’s for another time). The main conceit is that it’s so common in fantasy for character’s to have either no parents or problem-some parents (by which I mean parents who are trying to destroy, conquer, corrupt the world). Keto may have some disagreements with her parents, as any realistic family would, but she by and large has a a good relationship with them.

Which of course raises the question of how can this be interesting? That answer to that is that even in a well adjusted family there is conflict. As the story has already hinted at, there’s a desire on the part of Keto’s parents for their daughter to come home and settle. I wouldn’t be surprised if her mother has an idea or two about men she would be happy with. Keto doesn’t want to do that and that little bit of conflict will only be heightened when the parents find out their daughter is in simultaneously a very safe place, given Quartes’ strength and abilities, and a very dangerous one, given what he faces. What their reactions will be when they learn what it is she’s helping him do I’m not even sure of at this point.

Each of the characters is going to have different thoughts on all of that and I’m excited to see how it plays out. As I’ve said repeatedly on this site, I enjoy making a world and fleshing it out but what I really enjoy is simply spending time with characters. This is a slower moment but it’s in no way lacking for conflict, tension, and depth. I’m not entirely sure what the understanding is going to be between Keto and her parents when the Bard leaves home this time. Certainly pride, certainly worry and fear, but how those and other emotions will be mixed I think is part of the fun.

So, I look forward to finishing part 2 throughout this week and sharing it with you all this weekend. Along the lines of this story, I’d be interested to know some of your favorite slower moments in fiction.

Go forth and do good things,

Sean