Fanfic: Beneath the sun by frith_in_thorns

[ranalore]

Title: Beneath the sun
Creator Link(s): frith_in_thorns
Canon: Drama
Type: Fanfic
Category: M/M
Length: 58.676
Characters/Ships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan, the Regent, Chu Shuzhi, An Bai, SID team
Rating: Teen and Up
Warnings: None
Themes: H/C, Post-canon fixit, AU: Everyone Lives, Angst, Magical Exhaustion, Caretaking, Dixing Politics
Summary:

In western lands beneath the sun
the flowers may rise in Spring,
the trees may bud, the waters run,
the merry finches sing.
Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night
and swaying beeches bear
the Elven-stars as jewels white
amid their branching hair.

Though here at journey's end I lie
in darkness buried deep,
beyond all towers strong and high,
beyond all mountains steep,
above all shadows rides the sun
and stars forever dwell:
I will not say the day is done,
nor bid the stars farewell.

- JRR Tolkien (Sam's Song)

Why I'm Reccing This: This series is an amazing fix-it that takes an original, unusual approach that's one of those "oh, of course" things when you read it. Post-canon, Shen Wei suffers from worsening magical exhaustion with no explanation, while the Regent plots against him and Ye Zun's former followers stir up trouble. Because it's frith, there is intense, visceral hurt, vivid and detailed world-building, gorgeous characterization, and lovely writing. One of the best things about this series is the intensity and steadiness of the love that informs Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan's relationship, even as it's in flux, even those times when they're frustrated with each other or their own limitations. I also really love how much this series is about giving Zhao Yunlan a chance to caretake and comfort Shen Wei, which is kinda my kryptonite. Also, there is house-shopping.

The link below leads to the series page, where the three stories are listed in order.

Fanwork Link(s): Beneath the sun

Comments

[naye]

Such a gorgeous fix-it!

And thank you so much for including the poem! I am a bad nerd and did not actually get the reference at first.

[frith_in_thorns]

♥ ♥

I'm terrible for assuming that everyone keeps all the exact same references as me at the forefront of their minds XD

[frith_in_thorns]

Awww, thank you so much! I am melting from this wonderful rec! ♥ This fic is my baby, I'm really proud of it (although there are loads of things I'd have done differently in part 1 if I'd realised while writing that it was actually the start of a series instead of a one-off, haha /o\).

[bonibaru]

This has been on my TBR list for ages and it's looking good for this weekend finally being THE TIME. A timely rec.