I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes...

Fanfiction
Title:	I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes...
Author(s):	fawatson
Date(s):	1 January 2009 (Yuletide) 12 June 2009 (maryrenaultfics)
Length:	5300 words
Genre(s):	sequel
Fandom(s):	Mary Renault
Relationship(s):
External Links:	on Yuletide, on MRF
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"I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes..." is a long story by fawatson based on Mary Renault's 1953 novel The Charioteer. The story is set at the end of the war, and features Andrew Raynes. Other characters from the book are mentioned, notably a fellow conscientious objector, Tom, who is overheard by Laurie when he goes to visit Andrew in London at the end of the novel. The author also includes Mrs Kearsey, a character from another of Renault's novels, North Face; but indicates in a note that she does not consider the story to be a crossover.

Synopsis

Following a crisis of faith, Andrew decides to go on a hiking holiday in the hills. The war and its aftermath have sorely tried his struggle with his anger. To his surprise, one of the other Friends, Tom, decides to join him at the hotel. A later walk reveals just why Tom has felt he should come.

Background

"I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes..." was written for kindkit as a New Year's Resolution (2009) on Yuletide. It was beta'ed by sarasusa, who provided advice about Quaker faith and sexuality. The author also thanked leolane for inspiring a discussion about the Quaker faith on maryrenaultfics.

Comments

Comments on the story included the following:

• "oh Andrew.
  wow, I've never quite liked him before this. Thank you."—comment by toujours_nigel
• "Thank you for giving such a hopeful future to Andrew. The only thing sadder than someone limited by society's rules is someone limited by having internalized society's rules. How awful for Andrew to live with this conflict between who he is and who he thinks he should be."—comment by mysid