'Thunder' is based very heavily in the myths and legends of the ancient British Celts, focusing on the myths that have come down to the twenty-first century from Wales, in the form of a book called the Mabinogion.

The two main legends I've used are 'Pwyll, Lord of Dyfed', and 'Culhwch and Olwen'. I've adapted them slightly to suit the story, so, for clarity, I'll outline my own versions here.

Originally, this story was intended to be just an off-shoot of CYEBDS, however it's turned more into a sequel. What can I say, Rhee's a more potent character than even I realised :-). Don't expect much of the high-emotion drama though, this is my experiment in getting away from what I always do; change is as good as a holiday.

If 'Thunder' keeps to its current structure – you never know with novellas, they have a tendency to walk all over you – it'll likely reach around 120 chapters before it ends. I only have a vague idea of where it's going, but I can say that I'm going to be exceedingly selfish with it; this story is being written to indulge my intrinsic sense of mischief. Take it with a pinch of salt and smile – remember this is meant to be fun!

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'Pwyll, Lord of Dyfed'

• Pwyll was the youngest son of the Lord and Lady of Dyfed, Dyfed being a moderately-sized island off the west coast of Annwfn. Even as a child, he was renowned for his skills as a warrior.
  
• Whilst out hunting one day at the age of 14, he met Arawn, King of Annwfn. They helped each other to bring down a stag, and became good friends. Arawn gave Pwyll the stag in return for his vow to serve Annwfn when he came of age.
  
• And so, two years later, Pwyll travelled with his parents to Caerfeddwidd (the capital of Annwfn) to compete for the title of Champion And First Warrior Of Annwfn, which he won.
  
• Arawn granted him the right to name his prize for winning. Pwyll requested permission to court the maiden Rhiannon, said if he could marry her, he would be content for the rest of his life.
  
• Rhiannon was already engaged to the son of an aging lord from northern Annwfn, but the King revoked his permission for the marriage to take place, and gladly gave his consent for Pwyll to court her. For a long time afterwards, Rhiannon would thank Pwyll for saving her from her intended marriage.
  
• The night before their wedding, a stranger challenges Pwyll to a game of dice, and during this game, Pwyll is tricked into gambling away his bride-to-be. Rhiannon later reveals that the stranger is the man she was supposed to marry.
  
• The day of the intended wedding, Rhiannon devises a plan, to be played by Pwyll. Rhiannon's ex-fiance falls for their trick, and is forced to give his word, on the pain of death, that he will give up any claim to Rhiannon.
  
• Pwyll and Rhiannon are married on the feast of Beltaine, then return to Dyfed to live at Arbeth, Pwyll's estate.
  

Culhwch and Olwen

• Culhwch was a cousin of King Artos of Prydein, their mothers being sisters. He got his name from his birthplace; his mother being crazy whilst pregnant with him, she gave birth to him in a pigsty
  
• Culhwch's mother died not long after he was born, and his father married again.
  
• His new step-mother put a curse on him, that he could marry no woman except Olwen, daughter of Yspaddadden.
  
• Yspaddadden was under a curse himself, that when his daughter married, he would die, so he was determined that Olwen would marry no-one.
  
• Culhwch travelled to Prydein, to enlist the help of his royal cousin. . . .