QUOTE (Norren @ Jun 10 2012, 02:25 AM)Ah, the subtle beauties of these scenes in motion. Rider's final charge, filled with satisfaction, punctuated by force, and ended only by Gilgamesh's very last resort, Enkidu's chains. If I recall correctly, the books describe Rider's charge symbolically, as well. In his mind, Rider was running on the beach of Oceanus, excited and overjoyed like a child, surge of waves in the background, at the same time as he ran forward across the bridge. It gave sort of a duality to the statements "have you awakened from your dream?" and "the sound of Oceanus' waves was my own heart".
Something I felt noteworthy that was difficult to communicate visually, Gilgamesh and Iskander held the greatest of respect for each other. Gilgamesh doesn't draw Ea for just anybody, and to jump immediately to using it to break his Reality Marble was an absolute sign of respect. Waver's survival in the end came down to this respect. Gilgamesh did not spare Waver out of respect for Waver's devotion, but out of respect for the fallen Iskander's order to live.
And with that, Waver has become a man capable of returning the gaze of the King of Heroes himself. He came looking for the respect of his peers and betters in the magician's society... he leaves with something far better... the respect and friendship of his King.
I will always cherish the great and noble Iskandar as one of my all time favorite anime characters...I admire Waver too and really had fun watching his character come into his own and grow to be a fine young man. Love the spoiler you put out there, Norren-san and look forward to that possible said series.
Now, I wish to do my humble best to pay tribute to my hero...words will not do him justice but since I have no harp to sing my tribute...I do so here:
The Dream's of Oceana~~
Ah...at last, I have come home.
I do so without regret
without renouncing my throne.
I am not dead but live on.
I will live in time and in eternity
upon the waters still
upon the blue of night
in Oceana's fill.
I faced my death
with noble intent.
My men, beside me,
heaven bent.
Onward we roar
to the highest helm
wherein we can
in sword and battle
be found.
My heart, dancing,
my steed, soaring,
my armor, clamoring
even now,
in immortality,
still.
Death has no sting
upon me,
Iskandar,
a great and noble King.
I will live on
in you, noble Waver
my friend,
in whose memory,
hope will spring.
Listen to her now,
Oceana's dream.
Listen now, as she envelops me
in sleep eternal.
Her waves,
a sweet caress,
her smoothness,
my mother's breast.
Now, with noble jest,
I lay my head upon her
noble and deep
abiding crest.
One last hope,
before I part,
to you
noble King Gilgamesh,
to you,
after I am gone,
may victory
rest.
Written humbly this day...06/16/12 by yours truly.