Spice and Wolf Light Novel Discussion

[Blank-Mage]

Agreed. A Horo that isn't the Wise Wolf of Yoitsu isn't really a Horo at all. It's all she has... Plus, she'd lose the tail. She'd throw herself off a building.

[Vexx]

From Horo's perspective (and probably Lawrence)... losing her wolf aspect would be akin to "yeah, we can fix you but first we have to carve out half your brain... sound good?"

[judgment26]

Originally Posted by seaghyn16

What about this idea...?

Horo eventually gets captured by the Church, and a host of exorcists try whatever, etc etc, but eventually somehow, they are able to exercise the wolf part of Horo out, leaving her as herself, a normal girl now, just with centuries of memories and experience. Now they're both "normal," and can live their lives to the happiness of the end when they die and move on together, or something like that...O_o?

Uhm....I thought it was already made pretty clear from the first arc that Horo isn't some wolf-deity-possessed human girl, but a unique existence capable of taking human form. How then could she possibly be exorcised...?

Sorry sea, as much as I like you, that idea simply doesn't work.

[FTGT]

Hello everyone! ^^

Finally I brought myself to join "AnimeSuki". Actually I shouldnt be here. I am already a member of the Anime-Forum "www.myAnimeList.net" (MAL) and very comfortable with it. Therefore the only reason for joining is the following:

I would like to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of all members of the MAL Club "Horo's Pack" (Horo approved)
*Taking a deep bow before everyone*

I am visiting your S&W threads secretly since their creation (approx. february 2008). In addition to that Im eagerly reading every translated piece of S&W novel on "Baka-Tsuki" (...and Im by far not the only MAL user). In order to get a better "reading-experience" Im even printing it out. The translators are doing a great job! :]

Well..... I guess thats about all...... ok, maybe one more thing:

After reading volume 4, chapter 5 of the S&W novel and the comments in these threads my fantasies ran wild about how the series could develop and I got the urge to write it down. So, if you are bored to death and noshing apples without Horo leaves you in despair, you can give it a read (no real spoilers involved).

Spoiler for Fan Fiction:

Right now there are approximately four volumes translated into english by an eager fanbase. All in all 10 volumes were already released in japan. And if the rumours are correct, even at the end of volume 10 the medieval roadtrip still continues, but Horos hometown is within their grasp.


So.....what if our beloved couple decide to celebrate the soon homecoming of Horo in the bars of a town they just arrived in. This time the feasting evolves in such an uncontrollable manner, that not only Horo but also Lawrence end up heavily drunken. This is a problem since none of the two took care of the lodging beforehand. Fortunately a good-natured barkeeper notices the misery they are in, and sees to it that the "newly wed" (as he assumes) end up in an "marital bed".

The next day Lawrence wakes due to bright sunlight having an enourmous headache and not the slightest idea where he is and what happened the night before. He immediately makes a note to himself to not let something as careless as this happen again. Hopefully the cart and horse were alright. He would never forgive himself if the cargo was gone or ruined.

After a few minutes he becomes aware of the fact, that the sunlight is not the only thing "glaring" at him. Horo lies next to him emitting a deep growl.
Horo: "Why am I sharing bed with a mere male human?"

Despite of her aggressive tone, Lawrence realises the bad condition Horo is in. Unfortunately this time he has a hangover himself and can not activate enough energy to comfort her.
Lawrence: "There were times when you slipped into my bed and had no problem with it."

After hearing this, Horo just wrinkles her nose and turns the other way.
Lawrence:"We should gather oneselfs and find out where we are."

While Lawrence attempts to get out of bed Horo suddenly stares at him with a pitiful face: "Please dont leave me alone darling. This bed is too vast for just a little deity".
Being accustomed to Horos pranks, Lawrence just gives a faint smile. Then he notices something: "Mmhh....Horo...have you seen my clothes?"

Horo obviously didnt expect this question and takes a brief look under the blanket, "I am naked myself... although I can not remember taking them off."
She is absorbed in thought, "Mmmh....wait... I recall something. we were soaked due to heavy rain and brought here by someone from the bar. But I was a bit primed so I asked you to help me undress.", she says followed by an insinuating smile.

Lawrence: "Ahh... I remember. I wanted to put the clothing outside and hang them up. They should be dry now!"
Horo: "Somehow I doubt that"
Lawrence: "Why is that?"

Instead of an answer, Horo points to the floor in front of the bed. The wet clothing of the two were randomly distributed all over the room.
Lawrence: "What?....Why didnt I...."

At that moment Lawrence remembers something which could not be true and stares at Horo in disbelief. To his dismay Horo seemed to be blushing and in a rage at the same time.

Lawrence: "We..."
Horo: "Shut up!"

Stunned, the two characters were sitting in silence for a long while.

Lawrence: "I will dry our clothes now..."
Horo: "I feel queasy!"
Suddenly Horo rushes out of the bed, leaves the room in a hurry and slams the door after flashing Lawrence an angry glance.

Lawrence could only sigh and hang his head!


***************15 years later***************


Lawrence: "Why must I have such an irresponsible daughter? You knew exactly how dangerous it is near the tower!"
In front of Lawrence resides an genteel dressed girl with short, amber coloured hair and braun eyes. She could be mistaken for a normal girl from the upper class, if you oversee the two wolf ears and the white tail. Despite of the scolding she sits totally upright and collected on a small chair.

Lawrence: "What if the black monkhood would have captured you...."
He goes towards a nearby window,"...maybe they followed you!"
Lora: "Dad. I was very careful, and no one noticed me. You know that we needed that information!"
Lawrence: "You always have to ponder the possible gain and loss of a situation. Didnt I teach you that?"
Lora: "More than once. And I thought about it a long time. I..."
Lawrence: "THE RISK WAS TOO HIGH!"

At that moment there is a knocking at the door.

Lawrence: "Who could that be?"
Lora: "I have no idea."
Lawrence: "Get the weapons."
Lora immediately goes over to a walk-in cupboard and takes Lawrence knife and a small crossbow out of it.

Lawrence: "Who is it?"
Unknown person: "Im a friend. I have information regarding your wife."
Lawrence: "I dont have a wife!"

He takes the small knife from his daughter and controls the attachment of the additional throwing knifes along his arm.

Unknown person: "Lora please open the door. Its me...Ambert!"
Lora suddenly stops preparing the crossbow and says with a shocked facial expression, "Ambert? Why for god sake are you here?"

Before Lawrence could do anything, Lora had open the door. Suddenly horror takes possession of his heart. In front of them stands a young man with the non-confusable black monk-robe of a church warrior. Without thinking, Lawrence jumps forward ready to stab the enemy with his knife. But he has to break off his attack since Lora stands before the monk with outstreched arms.

Lora: "DAD STOP! He is on our side!"
Lawrence: "What? He is a member of the black monks. Did you forget what they did to your brother?"

Ambert: "Mr. Craft, Im not in a position to say that, but please calm down. I would never do anything to harm your family. In fact, I love your daughter!"
Lora: "AMBERT! This is not the time nor the place to talk about that..."

Lawrence is more shocked and confused than he could ever imagine. He feels betrayed by his own daughter and throws his knife furiuosly into one corner of the room. After that he sits down on a chair and hangs his head.

- TO BE CONTINUED -

I wish you all a nice experience watching S&W Season 2! And please keep up motivating the translators. ^^

Best Regards
FTGT

[Vexx]

Hi, welcome to the forums, be sure to read the forum rules. Typically, the threads aren't for fan fiction. We either establish a separate thread via the Thread Request thread or such works go over in the Fan Creations subforum. Yours is enough of a "rough draft/story pitch" that I don't think its a problem

It has some interesting ideas (though I admit the first few paragraphs had me thinking "meh, another fantasy fanporn moment" and then I was disappointed they didn't seem to remember the event ).

Generally, the problem I find with much fan fiction is its lack of meat -- they tend to sound a bit like point-to-point outlines rather than novel prose writing. They also often do a terrible job of character continuity. However, you seem to have a fair grasp of natural conversation and narrative though so the only thing I'll suggest is that both segments of your narrative each warrant several pages of descriptive prose. Good luck -- even though its a fan-work, such things are good practice for budding writers.

[FTGT]

Hi Vexx,

sorry for bending the rules. I forgot that you have the "Speculations and Expectations" Thread. :P

Nevertheless, thx for the constructive criticism. I am new to "fan fiction" and this is the first time that I carry the idea of a show a bit further. I know that there is a lot of necessary background and outline missing (i.e. how did Lawrence survive 9 months of pregnant Horo?). If the moment of inspiration comes again, I will try to fill some holes. :]

It was just meant as a small glimpse into possible scenarios if the story of S&W would go more towards "generation spanning family drama". But that will remain just a dream of mine, I guess. ^^

[seaghyn16]

Well, I didn't really describe it well...it was just a suggestion ^_^.

Instead of exorcism, I guess what I was getting at may be something more like this:

Horo isn't a human by our definition, we can agree on that right? If so, then there are plausabilities that abound in this world created. Assuming this is the case, then it's not impossible to think that there may be a way to separate the longevity from Horo, or as has been suggested already, increase that of Lawrence. For this, it first needs to be understood what these beings are. Simply the fact that have the ability to look like the biological makeup of a human being, means there has to have been some form of interaction somehow, in the past. It may even be said, if you've read the Shannara series, that the world was something altogether, advanced, in the far, distant past, where humans and animals could be genetically engineered or something. I think this is unlikely as well, unless Horo and the others may have somehow lost memories of the Old World or something, but it's a fiction/some fantasy/ unique novel. I am not disregarding the possibility that modifications can be made to Horo and/or Lawrences unique genetic makeups, whether by "magic" "church" "science" or something different altogether.

I may have been a little forward saying Horo would be "exorcised," but I also did say "can" move on in life. Meaning the possibility Horo commits suicide also exists. I remember alot of people saying Japanese novels have sad, bitter endings...hey, it's just a possibility.

But even so, I don't think Horo would think it would be the end, if Lawrence were there...remember Volume 3, I kind of feel that way...though it would take time I believe....

It's just a possibility

[diesIupitri]

I'll put it blunt, Horo without a tail is like Lawrence without his good looks. Useless! I'll "exorcise" anyone who thinks differently. Whether Lawrence is good looking is another question, but let's not dwell on that.

Spoiler for Meaning of Life! Serious business!:

I'm joking of course, Vatican didn't renew my exorcist license...~

[seaghyn16]

In SandW vol. 4 chap. 5, there is a line -

Spoiler for line:

him with melancholy eyes, and thrust her chin

and I was just wondering, should it be *melancholic eyes?* I'm not too sure about the grammer here, but if it's the later, I'll fix it. I think it is, but a second opinion would be helpful.

[judgment26]

Melancholy can be used both as a noun and adjective. Its meaning is rougly the same as melancholic, so either would work in this case, I think.

[Kaguya]

Vol.11 "Spice and Wolf Vol.XI Side Colors II" is released on May 10.
This volume is a collection of side stories.
The following three stories are contained in this.



1. Kuro-ōkami no Yurikago (The cradle of black wolf) / A newly-written novelette
2. Ōkami to Ōgon-iro no Yakusoku (A wolf and a golden promise)
First publication: Dengekibunko magazine Vol.4/Vol.5 (Oct 10, 2008/Dec 10, 2008) / B5 size Text: 24 pages, Illustration: 3 pages
3. Wakakusa-iro no Yorimichi (A bright green detour)
First publication: Dengekibunko magazine Prologue 2 (Feb 9, 2008) / B5 size Text: 8 pages, Illustration: 2 pages

2. 3.

Spoiler for Summary:

1. Kuro-ōkami no Yurikago (The cradle of black wolf)
Abe is a beautiful female merchant whom Lawrence and others will meet in port town Kerube, and they will pursue after that to the town of confrontation Lenos.
How did she who was an aristocrat become the present merchant?
The newly-written novelette which describes the past of "another wolf" Abe and is rich in the contents is "the cradle of black wolf". (from Dengekibunko mail magazine)

2. Ōkami to Ōgon-iro no Yakusoku (A wolf and a golden promise)
Villagers were quarreling in the village at which Horo and Lawrence dropped in on the way to Lenos.
It seems that the village is a colony and the villager is quarreling about the boundary line of land frequently.
What is the surprising method which Holo thought of in order to solve the problem!?

3. Wakakusa-iro no Yorimichi (A bright green detour)
Lawrence thinks of taking a nap in grasslands, looking at one map on a certain fine day.
In order to take a shortcut, they try to cross woods, but cannot come out from woods easily.
This is a short story describing the nice detour which Horo and Lawrence planned.

I think that "1" is the first story in which Horo and Lawrence do not appear.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I think that the following side stories will be published by Side Colors III or later volume.

1. Ōkami to Hoshi-iro no Tōboe (A wolf and a star colored howl)
First publication: All of Spice and Wolf (Dec 10, 2008) / B5 size Text: 11 pages, Illustration: 1 page
2. Ōkami to Yūgure-iro no Okurimono (A wolf and a nightfall color's present)
First publication: Dengekibunko magazine Vol.6 (Feb 10, 2009) / B5 size Text: 10 pages, Illustration: 1 page
3. Ōkami to Momo no Hachimitsuzuke (A wolf and a honey pickled peach)
First publication: Dengekibunko magazine Vol.7/Vol.8 (Apr 10, 2009/Jun 10, 2009)
4. Ōkami to Kin no Mugiho (Wolf and Gold Wheat)
First publication: The visual novel of a same name (Apr 30, 2009)

1. 2. 3. 4.

Spoiler for Summary:

1. Ōkami to Hoshi-iro no Tōboe (A wolf and a star colored howl)
Even if Horo has human appearance, she sometimes wants to run about grasslands thoroughly, and has temptation of hunting the animal which escapes.
And she wanted to howl thoroughly under the moon, under a starlit sky.
But she was not able to howl for fear that the companion who responds to it does not exist.
Even at such time, Horo felt at ease by Lawrence's being always near her.
This is the 2nd work described from Horo's viewpoint.

2. Ōkami to Yūgure-iro no Okurimono (A wolf and a nightfall color's present)
In the town which they visited, when Lawrence tried to have bought fuel, Horo became ill-humored.
It is because the fuel which Lawrence is trying to buy was stinking peat.
What did Lawrence who tried to please Horo present her with?

3. Ōkami to Momo no Hachimitsuzuke (A wolf and a honey pickled peach)
Lawrence and Horo were visiting the town where trade of agricultural products is prosperous.
Although Lawrence looked for the inn, all of them were full occupancy.
When he has made up his mind to sleep outdoors, the conversation about the honey pickled peach by the baker who passed by has been heard.
Although Horo speaks nothing, it is clear that she is wanting it.
However, if 35 Trenni silver coins are paid to it, cash on hand will be lost.
So, Lawrence began the part-time job of building-materials conveyance in order to show a dependable man, and secure a lodging.
Will he be able to get a honey pickled peach at last?
To be continued ...
Although there is no word which shows a color in a title, I think that it has the qualification included in Side Colors since a peach (momo) reminds pink (momo-iro).

I think that the following side (spin-off) stories will not be collected and reprinted by ASCII MEDIA WORKS.

1. Gakuen Horo-tan♥ (Horo-tan Academy ♥)
First publication: Official pirate book, Dengeki hajimari & period (Nov 24, 2007) / A5 size Text: 11 pages, Illustlation: 2 pages
2. Gakuen Horo-tan・MW Gakuen-hen (Horo-tan Academy MW Academy Part)
First publication: Dengeki Collaboration Saigono Kane ga naru toki (Oct 10, 2008) / A6 size Illustlation: 4 pages
3. DENGEKI GAKUEN RPG cross of venus Isuna Hasekura
First publication: DS game CROSS of VENUS reservation privilege (Mar 19, 2009) / A6 size Text: 14 pages, Illustlation: 1 page

1. 2. 3.

Spoiler for Summary:

1. Gakuen Horo-tan♥ (Horo-tan Academy ♥)
Lawrence is a beginner teacher of a high school.
The class which he takes charge of had many problem students, such as Nora who brings the sheep to a classroom, and Horo who carries in alcohol.
Horo is wanting to revive the Japanese cultural-studies club (the reality was the study group of sake) which was in the school building of the north to which club activities were forbidden recently.
"I would like to return north."
It was her latest way of speaking.
At such time, Amati appears and he says that he revives club activities.
And, he says that he will go out with Horo if it succeeds.
To be continued?
This story was published by "Dengeki hajimari & period" by which fictitious final episode and first episode were collected.

3. DENGEKI GAKUEN RPG cross of venus Isuna Hasekura
Lawrence got the shop of the wish at last.
However, he keeps on working like a housemaid every day, and is not satisfactory.
On the other hand, Horo eats delicious food, takes a nap and plays the game every day.
Something is wrong.
However, Horo contributes to the sales of the shop as a poster girl.
It seems that Horo is gathering visitors these days, pretending to Tsundere and Yandere.

[seaghyn16]

Kaguya...you rock ^_^

The stories look pretty interesting...

I've only just begun reading light novels on my own without the use of translation materials, and it's really difficult and I still miss lots of stuff, and so far I can only read Puipui! How I ever found that novel series I'll never know O_o.

Thank goodness for Natsu Midori, who writes these novels in some of the easiest Japanese for me to understand, while bringing out a really intriguing story. Still can't read S&W yet. someday....

[diesIupitri]

Wtf? Abe was a girl/woman... It's not like her name would make you think it's a guy, but...oh right, it does. I really should have read vol. 5. I never noticed it in vol. 6, probably just an indicator of how bad my Japanese is.

[FTGT]

@Kaguya:
Thank you very much for the latest "Horo News". ^^

Im really looking forward to the second story written from Horos point of view.

But Im not a fan of these spin-off storys that put the characters of S&W in totally different environments like i.e. high-school. For me it just doesnt fit.... although.... Horo wearing a cute school-uniform could be remarkable. ^^

[Kaguya]

Originally Posted by seaghyn16

Thank goodness for Natsu Midori, who writes these novels in some of the easiest Japanese for me to understand, while bringing out a really intriguing story. Still can't read S&W yet. someday....

Since there are many euphemisms, it is hard to understand the text of Isuna Hasekura.

Originally Posted by diesIupitri

Wtf? Abe was a girl/woman... It's not like her name would make you think it's a guy, but...oh right, it does. I really should have read vol. 5. I never noticed it in vol. 6, probably just an indicator of how bad my Japanese is.

Abe Bolan is an assumed name.
Her real name is Fleur von Etersentel Mariel Bolan (spelling is not clear).
I think that she is using the male name in order to pretend to be a male.

Originally Posted by FTGT

@Kaguya:
Thank you very much for the latest "Horo News". ^^

Im really looking forward to the second story written from Horos point of view.

Since I can understand the real intention of Horo, I also like the story of a Horo's viewpoint.

[Blank-Mage]

Yeah, it's always fun to know what she's thinking (for once).

[diesIupitri]

@Kaguya
Thanks for the explanation~

[judgment26]

Wow, thanks for the update, Kaguya. @.@

Ok, I know people have been eagerly awaiting the completion volume 4, and I apologize for making everyone wait so long, but with midterms right around the corner and a pile of reports to finish, I just haven't had much time to translate lately. Rest assured though, I'll resume translations and wrap up this volume soon as I can get some schoolwork off my back!

[Blank-Mage]

Awesome, the complete lack of info was giving me a facial twitch.

[Kaguya]

I updated the information of the side story.

#651

The short novel of latest Dengekibunko magazine Vol.7 is "A wolf and a honey pickled peach (part 1)".
Horo cannot stop slobber.