Will and Horus from Ranger’s Apprentice

First, I realized I couldn’t think of a ‘male/female’ friendship in literature that didn’t end up with a romance or have a one-sided interest.  It seems we’re incapable of having the opposite genders be closely linked by anything more than love, lust, or blood relations.  I know there has to be some out there, but I’m stumped.  This may also explain why people keep pushing for a Luke Callindor and Nyx romance.  As if his love life needs any more complication or that they would make a good couple.

For those that haven’t read the books, this isn’t really a spoiler.  If you haven’t figured this out by now then you’re new to the blog or ignore all Windemere-based posts.  Anyway, Luke Callindor and Nyx have developed a sibling relation due to their shared adventures and this continues to be strong.  It’s probably the most stable and powerful relationship in the entire series.  They will stand by and fight to the screaming end for each other, which is rather endearing.  The ‘big sister’ and ‘little brother’ comments are cute and has more impact than a lot of pet names that they have for each other.  Timoran calling Nyx ‘fire sprite’ is a close second.

So, what would happen if they find themselves in situations where they’re unable to help each other?  In Curse of the Dark Wind, Luke is suffering and cannot be helped by Nyx who is suffering herself.  You get to see the depth of their friendship and how raw it can be when they’re not able to be a hero to the other.  I’m sure many will see this as a potential romance, but it’s definitely more familial protection.  As Sari will point out if there is one person in the world that Nyx would consider true family, it’s Luke.  He would gut anyone who tries to hurt Nyx too.

This was an unexpected addition when I was writing and I ran with it when it turned up in the story.  It may even come up again if the villains figure out this connection.  The best part is that this relationship has really been the most naturally occurring thing in the entire book.  That’s a big reason why I wouldn’t push it into a romance because it’s really a different type of spark.  One that is about to get tested like all relationships should in a long series.

So, what do people think of best friends in fiction?  And, the kicker question, is it possible to write a male/female best friend relationship without going into romance?