ext_75026 ([identity profile] sgasesa-admin.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] sga_santa2009-12-14 08:46 pm

Fic: The Sacrificial Mage (McKay/Sheppard; Teyla/Kanaan; Weir/Zelenka, R)

ADMIN NOTE: Story removed at author's request and with recipient's agreement.

Title: The Sacrificial Mage
Author: [livejournal.com profile] taste_is_sweet
Recipient: [livejournal.com profile] lavvyan
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard; Teyla/Kanaan; background Weir/Zelenka
Rating: R
Word Count: About 65,000
Disclaimer: Nothing in the story to do with Stargate: Atlantis belongs to me. Some of the other stuff doesn't either.
Warnings: Graphic violence; self-harm which could possibly be triggering.
Author's Notes: I had the honor of writing for [livejournal.com profile] lavvyan, who wanted a long, plotty McShep fic with Pining!John, Oblivious! Or Aware! but Rejecting!Rodney (for a good reason), and lots of drama and angsting before the mandatory Happy Ending. She also wanted AUs (preferably Fairy Tale AUs), little to no sex, skin hunger, John or Rodney protecting the other, Team Coolness and Radek. Not necessarily in that order. I think I got 'em all. ;D

I can say with no word of a lie that I worked like hell for this. This story was a labor of love that ended up being a successful NaNoWriMo novel, and then longer besides. I had been excited about the challenge of writing a perfect story gift for a stranger anyway, and when it turned out my recipient wasn't so much of a stranger after all it just made it that much better. (There's a homage to you in here, Lavvyan, above and beyond the entire story itself).

I had a blast with this thing, and I can only hope that [livejournal.com profile] lavvyan enjoys reading it half as much as I enjoyed writing it for her.

Fun though this story was to write, I would never have finished it without the help and boundless enthusiasm of a bunch of wonderful people: The entire [livejournal.com profile] wrisomifu community with their tireless support and cheerleading; [livejournal.com profile] annieb1955, [livejournal.com profile] fish_echo and [livejournal.com profile] ribbon_purple because of their invaluable help with sorting out how this universe even worked and how I could make the Thing I Desperately Needed to Happen actually happen at all; and [livejournal.com profile] anna_bird and [livejournal.com profile] squeakyoflight, who were exactly the kind of beta readers I needed, and whose constant requests for the next chapter while the story was still in progress was the best kind of indication that I was doing okay.

Summary: Magic was a substance, like fire or water. It was abundant and incredibly powerful and could be manipulated with the correct application of knowledge and will. But if you didn't use it properly, you'd be immolated or drowned. Or worse: other people would be, and you'd be forced to watch it happening. That was why it terrified him to see the casual, unthinking way Teyla and Carson used magic, because he knew that someday they'd be forced to pay for what they'd taken. Every wizard would, sooner or later. It was the first thing mages ever learned, and Rodney had lived it.

Magic was a zero-sum game. If you didn't sacrifice as much as you were given, you would lose.


( The Sacrificial Mage )
(deleted comment)

(Anonymous) 2009-12-14 11:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you very much for your comment! I just have a request, though--could you please remove the spoiler you put in? It's lovely that you enjoyed the twist, but anyone reading the comments first will have it ruined for them.

[identity profile] gaffsie.livejournal.com 2009-12-14 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Really liked the story! The world building was very impressive.

Sorry about the double post, but you can't edit comments that's already been replied to.

(Anonymous) 2009-12-14 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
My apologies--I didn't know that. But thank you very much for being so kind. :D And I am really delighted you enjoyed the story, not to mention that you took the time to read all of it.

(no subject)

[identity profile] gaffsie.livejournal.com - 2009-12-14 23:46 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

(Anonymous) - 2009-12-14 23:49 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] piplover.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
OMG that was amazing. I think this story now claims a large part of my heart, right next to chocolate and my kitties!

I loved the world you created, the wonderful richness of it and the impending horror of things to come. I really enjoyed Rodney as a mage, and the price he had to pay for that magic. It was delicious hurt!

I really can't say how much I loved the ending without giving anything away, so let me just say that this story held me spellbound and rivetted for the past few hours. Thank you!

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-03 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
Your comment is so nice! Thank you very, very much. :D I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

[identity profile] scarlettandblue.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
yes spellbound

wow

I have to be up forwork in 4 and a half hours!!!
but this was totally worth it

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-03 01:49 am (UTC)(link)
Wow--staying up late to read is definitley high praise! Thank you. :D I'm also thrilled you thought it was worth it.

[identity profile] squeakyoflight.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 03:18 am (UTC)(link)
This story is wraithraping *fantastic!* :)

Your world-building! The wonderful characterization! Elizabeth! Radek! Carson! Ronon! Lorne! *Teyla!* *John!* and, of course, *RODNEY!!!*

This story is incredible!!!

Lavvyan is incredibly lucky...

Well done,

Squeaky

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-03 01:50 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you. I'll give you that money I owe you later.

[identity profile] seekergeek.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
This was loads of awesome! I'm sure Lavvyan will be very happy to get it!

[identity profile] lavvyan.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
She is! :D
jamie: bitter panda saying not quite zen (angel)

[personal profile] jamie 2009-12-15 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
This is an amazing world. Thank you so much!

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-03 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you for the comment! And you're welcome. :D
(deleted comment)

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-03 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! I'm very glad you enjoyed it. It was fun writing it, too. :)

[identity profile] angw.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
Fantastic read. I liked how you weaved the story and the characters together in this world.

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-03 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you very much--that's one heck of a compliment. I really appreciate it.

This comment contains a lot of spoilers

[identity profile] lavvyan.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 08:51 am (UTC)(link)
So I'm at work and shouldn't really be checking my f-list, let alone read SGA Santa stories (which I will totally do tonight!), but I wanted to share my initial reaction with you:

Word Count: About 65,000

Holy shit. And may I just add how utterly gleeful your author's notes made me? I can't wait until tonight! ♥

ETA: Oh, seriously, where to begin? I love the world you created here, with its own lore and traditions and inner workings, and all the different kinds of magic. I especially liked the roles you gave Teyla and Ronon (Teyla - so pregnant, so awesome!), slightly removed from canon but still the characters I love. I really enjoyed how you incorporated-but-twisted canon in general. And oh, Radek! Golem!Radek, with his tragic decline and nearly killing Five and Rodney and then you killed him and then you brought him back! ♥

And! Poor Rodney always freezing (I can relate)! Teyla singing all night to keep Rodney's soul tied to his body! John cooling Rodney down with his body! The Chair - such a devious device, such sacrifice - and how all turned out well in the end!

And if that wasn't enough, dude! You made John a nightflyer! Imagine me flailing! *beams at you*

Also! Little to no sex! *laughs*

Thank you. Thank you so much. I laughed, I sniffled, I wibbled, I smiled. Of all the stories I could have possibly asked for, I can't imagine any one so awesome as this. You pushed all my buttons and made this a perfect, amazing, gift. And I'm humbled that you would pour in so much effort for me. Thank you.

Also, I'm pretty sure I know who you are. Though I've know to be wrong about these things.

ETA2: Hah! I knew it was you! Ask [livejournal.com profile] kisahawklin - I gloated. :D
Edited 2010-01-01 13:51 (UTC)

Re: This comment contains a lot of spoilers

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-03 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
Curses, you are too clever for me, Lavvyan! What gave me away? The word length? The blood? The impermenant character death?

(The repetitious phrases? The hyphens? The bizarre and frightening typos?)

Seriously though, I'm really, really happy that you liked this. I was so excited when it turned out I was writing for you, and your prompts were such a wonderful challenge. You've given the fandom so many fantastic stories (in every sense of the word) that it was my pleasure to write one for you.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Leah

[identity profile] mecurtin.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 01:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Take that, [spoiler-fandom]! This is what it means when you [spoiler-verb]! lolz

Wow, I stayed up too late last night, but it was worth it. A new and different universe! With plot in!

Seriously, if you file off the serial numbers and make it at least half again as long (more details of description of characters and setting early on, more emotional build-up before the first kiss), this could be a saleable pro novel. I love them all so much.

[identity profile] devin-chain.livejournal.com 2009-12-17 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
I thought the exact same thing.

[identity profile] acari.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 01:31 pm (UTC)(link)
That was utterly delightful. I can't come up with the right words to describe how much I enjoyed this story. I could've spent another 65.000 words in this world without getting bored. And I loved loved loved John & Rodney's story. It really felt like a fairy tale.

This is one of those stories which should come with illustrations. There are so many moments I'd love to see in paint. ♥

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you so much. It meant a lot to me that you enjoyed the story that much. I really appreciate you letting me know.

[identity profile] tzzzz.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
That was wonderful, such a fantastic and creative fairytale. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for writing!

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
You're welcome! And thank you for your comment!

[identity profile] d_odyssey.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Amazing and engrossing story. I couldn't stop reading, stayed up past 2 am on a work day to finish. Love the vivid, rich detail and characterizations. I like the world you created with the merchants, castle and different kinds of magic. Had me smiling and on the edge of my seat at different times. Great voices, particularly John and Rodney and Teyla and Ronon. Love the story, great read!

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! As an avid fanfiction reader myself, I know what a compliment it is when someone stays up far too late in order to finish a story. I really appreciate you letting me know you enjoyed it that much. :D

[identity profile] gottalovev.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
that was absolutely WONDERFUL. Fantastic even! =D

I loved it so much. I laughed and I had tears in my eyes and was riveted all the way through. what a mesmerizing universe, where every character shone true. definitely a favorite of mine in everything I've read in SGA. wow. Your Rodney and John, in particular, were breathtaking.

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you so much. :D

[identity profile] tavabean.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Wonderful, Beautiful story!
I loved reading it.

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

[identity profile] beadattitude.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
I inhaled this, and love it so much I can hardly talk. ::squishes you so hard::

And I don't want to spoil people in my comments but oh my goodness...just....everything. And way to fulfill the request for the pining and the staying away. ::flaps hands and makes squeaky noises::

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you, bead! What a wonderful thing to say! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. ::Squishes you back just as hard::

[identity profile] trystings.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
I'm completely enchanted by this story! Love the world building and the magic!

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

[identity profile] geeklite.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
What a wonderful journey this was! <3

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you so much!

[identity profile] conser.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
I don't have words for how amazing this story is. The world-building is incredible. The obvious but simple feeling made the love all the more effective. The plot is brilliantly put together. Thank you.

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you, Conser. What a wonderful thing to say!

[identity profile] deliranteverse.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
The plot was an absolute joy to read. I love everything <3

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

[identity profile] rissabby.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
Wonderful fairy-tale.

I really felt for poor Radek. The way you described his transformation was very sad and creepy at the same time.

And John was a delight. Sparkles! I want some. I have a cold, I need some!

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-07 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you very much. :) I'm sorry you have a cold! I hope you're better now? I would certainly send you John's sparkles if I could....

(Anonymous) 2009-12-16 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Just want to say I LOVED this fic. So much sorrow, pain and joy and humour. I loved the teamness in this, Ronon and Teyla were kickass. And carson, lorne radek and elizabeth were all awesome.

*SPOILERS below*

Just want to say the following line near the end killed me: "I think I kind of fell in love with you when you were irritating Carson"


[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-16 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

I have to admit I liked that line too. ;->
ext_13205: (Deranged Mckay)

[identity profile] korilian.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I absolutely adored this! I love that how they all fit so well, despite the World being so different. And poor John. It was a great twist when we finally found out what happened to him too.

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-16 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, thank you! What a wonderful comment. :D

[identity profile] lilyfarfalla.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
This was so so fantastic. It’s like the best children’s (young adult?) book I’ve read in ages, plus John/Rodney. And Teyla! Oh, lovely, amazing, singing, Teyla, with her red skein of yarn. (Which reminds me: the titles of the chapters were so perfect. So perfect!)

And Ronon, who could see into the future. It just fits so perfectly for him, and I don’t know if I can even say why. And oh, the evil of the chair, and the myth of mage magic, and how Rodney finally figures out how to defeat it, and how to accept Teyla’s help.

And John! John, who had wings, and had them torn off, and was changed into a monster as a gift! It’s so ridiculously and perfectly angsty. Oh, lovely lovely blue bug John. I so loved how he could talk to Rodney, even without words, and how important that was to him, and how they just clicked so naturally.

And oh Rodney, who has scars all over his arms from using his magic to help people, to heal and protect them. (And Elizabeth, who hides hers on her thighs, so she can be a queen.)

Oh man, and having Rodney accidentally turn Radek and Elizabeth into metal golems was BRILLIANT. I’d thought at first that Rodney had been replacing lost limbs with metal ones, but having be an inadvertent result of his use of the chair was so much better—more tragic and awful for him, better for the readers.

I’m not being very coherent, but basically: I loved everything. I’m going to keep this one close to the heart for a while.

[identity profile] taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com 2010-01-16 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you so much for that wonderful comment! I'm truly honoured that the story meant that much to you. Thank you so much for letting me know.

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