And Deeps Below is a short story written for Seanan McGuire's Patreon supporters. It shows Simon Torquill's point of view during the end events of A Killing Frost.
| “ | For now the wind begins to blow, thunder above and deeps below. | ” |
–William Shakespeare, Pericles | ||
Publication[]
On October 13, McGuire posted on Twitter that she wanted to write Simon's second honeymoon, but didn't want to put him through the conflict of an actual story. Fans suggested a "low-key slice of life" Patreon story with minimal drama.[1]
On October 15, McGuire posted: "November's Patreon story is officially going to be "And Deeps Below," which is probably part one of two, picking up at the end of A KILLING FROST and going through what is chronologically the end of the book. Simon POV. Simon needs a hug and a nap. (Note: This is me, so it's not going to be NC-17, but wow does Simon want it to be. He's adorable.)"[2]
Synopsis[]
This month's Patreon story is narrated by Simon Torquill, and is not recommended if you haven't read A Killing Frost yet. CW: Emotional trauma, implication of past abuse (nothing graphic, detailed, or explicated)
Plot[]
Simon is marched to Goldengreen to meet with Patrick and Dianda, who declare that they are taking him to Saltmist. Simon is disbelieving both that they are alive and that they would want anything but to punish him.
They give him the breathing-underwater potion and Dianda guides both men down to Saltmist. They greet Helmi, and Peter refuses to come out of his room to see Simon. After the Lordens show Simon to his own private rooms, he falls almost immediately asleep.
When he wakes, he attempts to join Dianda and Patrick for dinner but becomes overwhelmed. He explores his new workroom next, and finds his own handwritten notes there. The Lordens saved them when Amandine threw Simon's belongings away.
Several days pass, and Dianda accidentally walks in on Simon shirtless. She is horrified by the marks on his bare skin caused by Oleander. Dianda assures him that she and Patrick will still have him even if he does not wish their touch. They just want him to be safe and loved. With this assurance, and being clear that he may never be comfortable with the physical aspects of marriage, he accepts their proposal.
Characters[]
Mentioned