Not only is this Space Opera, it Space Opera with elements of God knows how many different sources, tossed together into a blender and switched on high. Trying to keep everything stright is hard enough.....

Now, it didn't take me long to figure out Utena/Corwin relationship. What annoyed me was it took them long enough to figure it out for themselves. Both have strong codes of honor they live by, and neither one wanted to hurt Anthy. Of course, Anthy, instead of giving each one of them a desperatrely needed slap alongside the head, chose her own method of resolving the situation.....

IaVL is not, as Laudre implied, a simple result of Akio's attempt to drive a wedge into the relationship. Anthy knew that sooner or later, something was going to have to be done about this 'all but in name' romance. Neither Corwin nor Utena were going to take that last step without a big push from somebody. Anthy, by herself, couldn't have moved them, so she need to appeal to something else -- their honor. Akio's bluster, no matter how weak, was the thing she needed.

By appealing to their honor, she bypassed the walls they put up around their hearts, counting on them to take down the walls themselves. Utena and Corwin were already in love, and had already be willing to sacrifice for the sake of the other. All they neded was an excuse....

(I can't believe I just wrote that....)

Craig