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ci5hqTitle: Harlequin Airs
Author: Ellis Ward
Archive: The Circuit Archive
Pairing: Bodie & Doyle
I already did a Mini Review on this story, and there were SO many fantastic comments and thoughts from so many fans that I thought about combining them in a bigger one in the 11th RR. So this is a cooperated effort!
They don´t know yet that I´ll use their input, but they do know now! (Thank you, everybody, please let me know if you mind!)
Harlequin Airs is full of “minor” characters, fourlegged ones, twolegged ones and one is even legless at one point or another.
Let me introduce them, the legless one first:
Alfred Weatherby known as Sergei, alright, he belongs with the twolegged ones most the time, he is the proprietor of Circus Sergei.
Doyle studied the round, fleshy face of the man in the picture with cursory interest. According to the description on the back, Sergei was of medium height, overweight, and a "controlled" alcoholic. Flipping the photo back over in his hand, Doyle memorized the small, dog-like eyes, the thin mouth, and receding hairline. Alfred Weatherby would be easily recognized.
He´s also Bi.
Then there are Simon and Derek the animal trainer:
A thin young man with short, light brown hair sat astride a bay mare, her reins held by a stockily built fellow in green wellingtons.
They test Doyle quite harshly, but then become fast friends, which they already are with Bodie.
They´re a couple. Pretty much married. Oh, and there´s that:
At Derek's nod of affirmation, Doyle gave Simon a blatantly inquisitive look.
Smiling reminiscently to himself, Simon said sotto voce, "Thought he was the strong, quiet type was Derek, y'know?
Swept me off my feet." He winked at Derek, who glowered tolerantly at him. "Was nearly two weeks before I found out he just doesn't speak."
Then there´s Sergei´s wife, and loads of circus folk who get quite fond of Doyle. And already are fond of Bodie. Everybody´s painted in bright colours with loads of character, a lot of thought put behind them.
Now let´s get to the fourlegged characters!
First of all there´s Basil:
Two urchins and a dog sat on Doyle's bike. At sight of the two men, the children bolted, leaving the tail-wagging terrier to its fate. Bodie chucked the dog under its chin; he was rewarded by the swath of a wetly lapping tongue across his hand.
"You'd better bring that along," he advised shortly, indicating the bike, "or someone'll add it to their act."
Paying no attention to the dog, which looked to have taken up residence, Doyle rocked the bike off its stand and started pushing it beside him. "Where to?"
"Sergei said to get you settled in. 'S only about fifteen minutes away."
.
.
.
…Doyle manhandling the unwieldy machine back up the slow incline, almost losing the small dog who managed to maintain her regal perch only through a bout of fast-footed agility.
.
.
.
…Holding his tongue, but prepared for a treacherous slog, Doyle was cynically surprised when the trampled-down path Bodie had spoken of came into view. By now their small canine stowaway was standing with her front paws balanced on the handlebars, back legs spread wide, hind paws searching for purchase on the enamel-painted surface of the petrol tank. Doyle stopped long enough to strip off his jacket; he unceremoniously raised the animal onto it and resumed the clipped pace set by Bodie.
"Are you always so accommodating?"
"I was getting hot and the dog needs something to stand on; worked out well for both of us."
Basil adopts Doyle, and wonder over wonder, she does all the tricks she learned for HIM, which she never did right for Hannah, the small animal trainer.
One trick in particular is stunning, she is able to “untie” somebodys bound hands if they give her the right sign with an eyebrow. Which comes pretty handy later on in the story! *g*
Next I´ll introduce to you:
Fascinated despite himself, Doyle went nearer the metal bars, staring hard to make out the full length of the beast, which was considerable, the regal shape of head and enormous paws, the pale pink trapezoid of its nose pad. Vaguely, he cold distinguish the long, curving stripes that proclaimed the big cat's breed.
Doyle wished quite irrationally for light so that he might see the magnificent creature better. It had been so long--
His wish was granted.
.
.
.
…"Why didn't someone tell me the circus has a tiger?" Doyle asked. His attention was so totally focussed on Derek, he startled visibly when a voice came to him from the dimly lit entrance Derek had just vacated.
"Because the circus doesn't." Simon leaned heavily against the front support pole, delicately hiding a wide yawn beneath a curving hand. "Sanjay is one of Derek's mercy cases."
Actually, he´s a pretty important character in the story.
And then there are, among other ones, two important horses:
He stopped abruptly, suddenly nose to nose with a tall, black Friesian that had swung its head up to take a look at him. "Beautiful," he exclaimed reverently, and touched the velvety muzzle with a tentative forefinger. An inquiring whicker from the neighboring stall heralded the appearance of an Andalusian of somewhat slighter stature. Technically a "grey," to the eye the mare was as purely white as the Friesian was sootily black.
"Piper and Tuppence." Bodie materialized at Doyle's side, his footfalls impressively noiseless on the rustling straw floor.
I believe the horses impersonate our heroes. In looks as in character. But read for yourself!
And don´t forget to take a look at the absolutely STUNNING Artwork from Suzan Lovett!
So these were the most important minor characters, at least in my opinion, I hope whoever read the story will let me know, if I missed anyone. (Is there anybody who HASN´t yet read it??)
For the story itself, I let some of my commenters from the last post I made on Harlequin Airs come to word.
I do hope nobody minds my lazyness for just copying it into this post, but all of them did a wonderful reccing in it´s own, and I couldn´t put it into better words!
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anna060957 said:
Harlequin Airs is my favourite too! I love it! There is some background information on the version I have (I think from Circuit Archive) where the author mentions a number of sources, one of which is a Mary Stewart novel called "Airs Above the Ground". I had read this book years ago and so had a good understanding of the equestrian element. I did not find the boys too good to be true (That´s just my opinion…) - circus is magic and Bodie and Doyle's ability to communication so easily simply fitted into that magical atmosphere and although trapeze work must include incredibly precise timing, there must also be an element of natural empathy between the flying partners?
Ellis Ward is such an accomplished author and all of her stories are worth more than one read. She manages to draw the most beautiful images with her words - but the artwork is also lush!
It is a long story, which needs to be read for enjoyment rather than a quick B&D fix, but one I've read more than once in my very short acquaintance with Pros Fiction
moonlightmead wrote this:
It's well-written, and it races along, and the other characters are a fun cast to surround them with. And I am happy to imagine a Doyle aged to look like Don de Marco. Her descriptions of both guys are lovely.
And it is happy escapism. I just don't believe a word of any of it, if you see what I mean. So for example, the description of the tiger and the weight of his head (and his stinky breath!) is beautiful every time, but - a secret tiger? And the geography is just close enough to real geography in the area for me to notice that it's not right. (There are no moors and dales half an hour's bike ride from Newcastle - although there is a moor in the middle of the place, funnily enough.) And when is it set? I see why it makes sense to be pre-canon, but the comments about abseiling in parliament put it in the late eighties. But wasn't there a real backlash against animal circuses by then? So I skate quickly over all of these questions and just remind myself "AU".
So mostly I enjoy the scenes of them together, whether practising, or Bodie explaining facts of circus life, or realising they are falling for each other. The interactions between people rather than the performances.
Oh, and Doyle with the dog. If Doyle had a dog, I am sure that's exactly how he'd treat her, with an exasperated affection, and thoroughly enjoying it if she eats anything of Bodie's.
jaicen5 let´s us know:
What I love about this story is the way it is written. It's entirely from Doyle's POV (which I don't usually like, preferring Bodie's) and we really only know what Bodie is thinking by Ray's assumptions and thought processes. It's detailed and descriptive and rich and it gradually builds, that slow awareness they have of each other, the fit and gorgeous physicality of both men lovingly detailed. The back drop of the circus adds something magical, creating a cosy, warm, enviable hideaway for them, protected by like minded people and it all glitters, despite it's dubious criminal connections. Unrealistic? Maybe, I can't see anyone suddenly swinging from a trapeze after a 10 year absence, but who cares... it's the circus.
(Please excuse the late posting, we had about 34°C on our first day of the school holidays, and I spent all of it with the little Maus at the outdoor pool...)
Author: Ellis Ward
Archive: The Circuit Archive
Pairing: Bodie & Doyle
I already did a Mini Review on this story, and there were SO many fantastic comments and thoughts from so many fans that I thought about combining them in a bigger one in the 11th RR. So this is a cooperated effort!
They don´t know yet that I´ll use their input, but they do know now! (Thank you, everybody, please let me know if you mind!)
Harlequin Airs is full of “minor” characters, fourlegged ones, twolegged ones and one is even legless at one point or another.
Let me introduce them, the legless one first:
Alfred Weatherby known as Sergei, alright, he belongs with the twolegged ones most the time, he is the proprietor of Circus Sergei.
Doyle studied the round, fleshy face of the man in the picture with cursory interest. According to the description on the back, Sergei was of medium height, overweight, and a "controlled" alcoholic. Flipping the photo back over in his hand, Doyle memorized the small, dog-like eyes, the thin mouth, and receding hairline. Alfred Weatherby would be easily recognized.
He´s also Bi.
Then there are Simon and Derek the animal trainer:
A thin young man with short, light brown hair sat astride a bay mare, her reins held by a stockily built fellow in green wellingtons.
They test Doyle quite harshly, but then become fast friends, which they already are with Bodie.
They´re a couple. Pretty much married. Oh, and there´s that:
At Derek's nod of affirmation, Doyle gave Simon a blatantly inquisitive look.
Smiling reminiscently to himself, Simon said sotto voce, "Thought he was the strong, quiet type was Derek, y'know?
Swept me off my feet." He winked at Derek, who glowered tolerantly at him. "Was nearly two weeks before I found out he just doesn't speak."
Then there´s Sergei´s wife, and loads of circus folk who get quite fond of Doyle. And already are fond of Bodie. Everybody´s painted in bright colours with loads of character, a lot of thought put behind them.
Now let´s get to the fourlegged characters!
First of all there´s Basil:
Two urchins and a dog sat on Doyle's bike. At sight of the two men, the children bolted, leaving the tail-wagging terrier to its fate. Bodie chucked the dog under its chin; he was rewarded by the swath of a wetly lapping tongue across his hand.
"You'd better bring that along," he advised shortly, indicating the bike, "or someone'll add it to their act."
Paying no attention to the dog, which looked to have taken up residence, Doyle rocked the bike off its stand and started pushing it beside him. "Where to?"
"Sergei said to get you settled in. 'S only about fifteen minutes away."
.
.
.
…Doyle manhandling the unwieldy machine back up the slow incline, almost losing the small dog who managed to maintain her regal perch only through a bout of fast-footed agility.
.
.
.
…Holding his tongue, but prepared for a treacherous slog, Doyle was cynically surprised when the trampled-down path Bodie had spoken of came into view. By now their small canine stowaway was standing with her front paws balanced on the handlebars, back legs spread wide, hind paws searching for purchase on the enamel-painted surface of the petrol tank. Doyle stopped long enough to strip off his jacket; he unceremoniously raised the animal onto it and resumed the clipped pace set by Bodie.
"Are you always so accommodating?"
"I was getting hot and the dog needs something to stand on; worked out well for both of us."
Basil adopts Doyle, and wonder over wonder, she does all the tricks she learned for HIM, which she never did right for Hannah, the small animal trainer.
One trick in particular is stunning, she is able to “untie” somebodys bound hands if they give her the right sign with an eyebrow. Which comes pretty handy later on in the story! *g*
Next I´ll introduce to you:
Fascinated despite himself, Doyle went nearer the metal bars, staring hard to make out the full length of the beast, which was considerable, the regal shape of head and enormous paws, the pale pink trapezoid of its nose pad. Vaguely, he cold distinguish the long, curving stripes that proclaimed the big cat's breed.
Doyle wished quite irrationally for light so that he might see the magnificent creature better. It had been so long--
His wish was granted.
.
.
.
…"Why didn't someone tell me the circus has a tiger?" Doyle asked. His attention was so totally focussed on Derek, he startled visibly when a voice came to him from the dimly lit entrance Derek had just vacated.
"Because the circus doesn't." Simon leaned heavily against the front support pole, delicately hiding a wide yawn beneath a curving hand. "Sanjay is one of Derek's mercy cases."
Actually, he´s a pretty important character in the story.
And then there are, among other ones, two important horses:
He stopped abruptly, suddenly nose to nose with a tall, black Friesian that had swung its head up to take a look at him. "Beautiful," he exclaimed reverently, and touched the velvety muzzle with a tentative forefinger. An inquiring whicker from the neighboring stall heralded the appearance of an Andalusian of somewhat slighter stature. Technically a "grey," to the eye the mare was as purely white as the Friesian was sootily black.
"Piper and Tuppence." Bodie materialized at Doyle's side, his footfalls impressively noiseless on the rustling straw floor.
I believe the horses impersonate our heroes. In looks as in character. But read for yourself!
And don´t forget to take a look at the absolutely STUNNING Artwork from Suzan Lovett!
So these were the most important minor characters, at least in my opinion, I hope whoever read the story will let me know, if I missed anyone. (Is there anybody who HASN´t yet read it??)
For the story itself, I let some of my commenters from the last post I made on Harlequin Airs come to word.
I do hope nobody minds my lazyness for just copying it into this post, but all of them did a wonderful reccing in it´s own, and I couldn´t put it into better words!
anna060957 said:Harlequin Airs is my favourite too! I love it! There is some background information on the version I have (I think from Circuit Archive) where the author mentions a number of sources, one of which is a Mary Stewart novel called "Airs Above the Ground". I had read this book years ago and so had a good understanding of the equestrian element. I did not find the boys too good to be true (That´s just my opinion…) - circus is magic and Bodie and Doyle's ability to communication so easily simply fitted into that magical atmosphere and although trapeze work must include incredibly precise timing, there must also be an element of natural empathy between the flying partners?
Ellis Ward is such an accomplished author and all of her stories are worth more than one read. She manages to draw the most beautiful images with her words - but the artwork is also lush!
It is a long story, which needs to be read for enjoyment rather than a quick B&D fix, but one I've read more than once in my very short acquaintance with Pros Fiction
moonlightmead wrote this:It's well-written, and it races along, and the other characters are a fun cast to surround them with. And I am happy to imagine a Doyle aged to look like Don de Marco. Her descriptions of both guys are lovely.
And it is happy escapism. I just don't believe a word of any of it, if you see what I mean. So for example, the description of the tiger and the weight of his head (and his stinky breath!) is beautiful every time, but - a secret tiger? And the geography is just close enough to real geography in the area for me to notice that it's not right. (There are no moors and dales half an hour's bike ride from Newcastle - although there is a moor in the middle of the place, funnily enough.) And when is it set? I see why it makes sense to be pre-canon, but the comments about abseiling in parliament put it in the late eighties. But wasn't there a real backlash against animal circuses by then? So I skate quickly over all of these questions and just remind myself "AU".
So mostly I enjoy the scenes of them together, whether practising, or Bodie explaining facts of circus life, or realising they are falling for each other. The interactions between people rather than the performances.
Oh, and Doyle with the dog. If Doyle had a dog, I am sure that's exactly how he'd treat her, with an exasperated affection, and thoroughly enjoying it if she eats anything of Bodie's.
jaicen5 let´s us know:What I love about this story is the way it is written. It's entirely from Doyle's POV (which I don't usually like, preferring Bodie's) and we really only know what Bodie is thinking by Ray's assumptions and thought processes. It's detailed and descriptive and rich and it gradually builds, that slow awareness they have of each other, the fit and gorgeous physicality of both men lovingly detailed. The back drop of the circus adds something magical, creating a cosy, warm, enviable hideaway for them, protected by like minded people and it all glitters, despite it's dubious criminal connections. Unrealistic? Maybe, I can't see anyone suddenly swinging from a trapeze after a 10 year absence, but who cares... it's the circus.
(Please excuse the late posting, we had about 34°C on our first day of the school holidays, and I spent all of it with the little Maus at the outdoor pool...)
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no subject
Date: 2012-07-26 08:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-07-26 08:29 pm (UTC)Join in to our "Harlequin Airs Pros Watch" where we will find quotes and clues from our Lads, that the circus history is true!
And THANK YOU for the nice comment!!
no subject
Date: 2012-07-26 08:57 pm (UTC)The artwork ist absolutely stunning. Also, so interesting to see an 80s touch to it now that we look at it years later. I'm always amazed at the love and effort Suzan put into her artwork, the details and composition of it. Gorgeous.
no subject
Date: 2012-07-26 09:02 pm (UTC)bit unrealistic at times maybe (agree with what Jaicen said here, I think for that kind of artistic stunt you need to keep in practice)
And what you said about the Artwork!! It´s just AMAZING!!!
no subject
Date: 2012-07-26 10:31 pm (UTC)I love the way you've introduced the story and characters to us and quoting some of the previous comments is a great idea. (I must read this story again!). Thanks for this.
no subject
Date: 2012-07-26 10:34 pm (UTC)Go read!! *g*
no subject
Date: 2012-07-26 11:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 07:36 am (UTC)Looks like everybody just loves this story!
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Date: 2012-07-26 11:30 pm (UTC)I'm currently re-reading Harlequin Airs. It is the story that convinced me to give AUs another try. I used to detest the genre, but HA pulled me in, with its colorful characters and the circus atmosphere, and somehow still making me see Bodie and Doyle.
Lots of original characters, and they are all interesting in their own way, but don't take over the story, leaving Bodie and Doyle as minor characters.
Even though I've read the story several times by now, it's still enjoyable, in spite of everything just being a little too perfect, sometimes.
Doyle, having lost none of his skills, and Bodie a perfect catcher, flyer, rider etc.
I don't care, and fall for it again every time, and it has opened the door to liking quite a few AUs for me.
no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 07:39 am (UTC)You put the overall thoughts on this story in perfect words!
Thank you so much for commenting!
no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 08:37 am (UTC)But I'm afraid all your efforts are in vain in my case.
I've tried the story two years ago, I guess, and I remember that it was quite nice and all – but the circus background really isn't my cup of tea.
I only wished to have such a skillful art for some other stories! *sigh*
no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 06:23 pm (UTC)I feel very sorry for you, and so far you´re the only one who admits that she can´t enjoy stories like these! *G*
And the Art is just unbelievable, that´s right. There´s so much skill and thought and work and time involved, it´s .....gorgeous!
no subject
Date: 2012-07-30 08:11 am (UTC)Oh, don't worry about me! :-P
I'm very easy to entertain, and there are so many beautiful stories I adore!
no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 10:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 04:14 pm (UTC)So if it had not been for that "half an hour bike ride", I would totally have believed it, and been super-impressed at the research into the bargain. I wish I could go back in time and say "Pssst. Move it a few miles over..."
no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 04:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 06:26 pm (UTC)In fact, I really enjoyed it!
no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 01:39 pm (UTC)I love your review, thank you.
I reckon that when I'm in the old fangirls' home for the bewildered but still feisty, Harlequin Airs will be one of those stories I still remember - it really stands out, and I can't really put my finger on why - maybe it's a combination of good writing, colourful characters and gorgeous artwork... and there's something about the tiger that always sticks in my mind. Whatever it is, I'm incredibly fond of it. I hope your review will encourage anyone who hasn't read it to give it a go. *g*
no subject
Date: 2012-07-27 06:33 pm (UTC)Oh dear, I´m looking forward to meeting all of you in that home, and to talk about our favourite stories and to remember the trousers and cars and all the other fabulous stuff!!
I do hope that people will read that story, too.
no subject
Date: 2012-07-30 06:07 am (UTC)What a brilliant review – thank you!
I had not made the connection with Don de Marco in Ladder of Swords. I hadn’t at that time seen the film (it’s now joined my collection!), but can now totally see where the straight, greying hair came from! I do remember reading the description, but then totally keeping my image of Doyle as curly and shaven, so that it was a surprise when he’s revealed in all his curly shaven glory at the end! Possibly because although the need to disguise his identity due to his previous contact with the IRA chap was not central to much of the story, I simply forgot that detail in the wonderful and magical unfolding of the story, both in terms of the plot and the boys’ burgeoning relationship.
As already mentioned, this is one of my favourite Pros stories and in fact Ellis Ward is one of my favourite authors.
I loved Basil – who’s a girl dog – and could see Doyle treating her with casual affection but underneath it all a lifetime commitment. Although I’m not sure she would have survived his return to normal duties at CI5!
I do feel the comments about the location have run their course. I would be the first to confess my pedantry, but EW’s comments at the end of the story [reproduced below] rather endear those mistakes to me (not that I have any knowledge of the area) and as is often the case, the quality of writing allows you to forget those little niggles.
(... and apologies for the lateness of this comment)
GENERAL NOTE: For those circus aficionados among you, I know I've tested your credulity in more ways than is feasible to list here. If you're looking for the "real" thing, I can recommend "The Catch Trap" by Marion Zimmer Bradley and "Airs Above the Ground" by Mary Stewart. There are, of course, many other sources both fictional and non-, quite a few of which are to be found in the juvenile section of the library.
To give full credit where it is due, Bodie and Doyle's "dramatic" flying sequence is based on The Flying Cranes, a Russian aerial ballet troupe. They are unqualifiedly fantastic.
no subject
Date: 2012-07-30 10:41 am (UTC)And don´t worry about the lateness, any comment is appriciated!
I forgot about the hair and stuff, too, while reading, but I did enjoy the transformation forth and back again immensly!
And (because that´s what fangirls do) I believe that Basil is happyly living with them and at one point, when they´re overwhelmed in their flat, freeing them with her amazing skills! *g*