Howdy, fellow Draconiacs! RazorFox here.
Is that a tinge of regret in Xhianil‘s voice?
Those of you looking for a soundtrack for this song can pull up “Run” by Collective Soul.
Thanks for your patience over the past two weeks. The week of July 1, I took the first real vacation I’ve had in about eight years. I had some extra vacation time to burn at the day job, and I’d long been wanting to visit my old hometown of Houston, Texas, where I’d moved from twenty years ago in 1993 at the age of 14. I wanted to go back and take a look at my childhood home with a more mature set of eyes, and getting to enjoy the city my way, without having to get permission or a ride from my parents. It’s very true that you can’t go home again, as a lot had changed, but there was still enough there that was familiar which made it feel like I’d never left. It was a wonderful, relaxing, and educational week.
But it also created a weeklong gap in the comic. Please forgive me! ^__^;;
And yes, there will be a new page next week, which I need to get to working on. How will Flare take Xhianil’s statement? Stay tuned…
Take care, my fellow Draconiacs, and thanks for reading!
=RazorFox.
98 Comments
It’s Xhianil’s fault Ziza died? Damn! Poor girl…
*Gives the Fire Dragon cuddles*
Also, Danny, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation!
Thanks! And are you cuddling Xhianil or Flare?
Both to answer your question. (P.S. SOS. Buried in feels. Please assist.)
How can I help?
Dig me OUT!!!! D8
Oh SNAP! It was Xhianil’s fault and Flare was covering it up? I totally didn’t see that one coming as I originally thought that they were both hot heads XD
So I take it that Xhianil only stayed because she ultimately failed to protect Flare and thus wanted revenge against Kess (based on the statement here of seeing your attacker die)?
You might say Xhianil’s got a box still left glaringly unchecked on her to-do list.
I didn’t see that one coming either, they may be both hotheaded, but they were inseparable…
Also that is the most likely reason…
I have to say, you’re doing an excellent job portraying these two characters. In the flashback Kess had, we saw her version of Flare’s death, and have since seen how it has screwed up Xhianil’s mind, so these scenes are as sad as they are interesting. And it’s also very interesting seeing this younger Xhianil who, while she’s still depressed, doesn’t seem interested in fighting or the war, and then comparing her to her present self. So, yeah, while these particular flashbacks don’t seem to be advancing the overall plot, they’re still great to see as they help us understand poor Xhianil. Plus, hey, it’s great to see the sexy Flare! ^_^ Also, nice to hear your vacation went well, and you’re forgiven for the missed update. You’re almost always on time so you can have SOME slack. =P
Could it be soldiers remorse? Perhapse survivors guilt? Maybe it’s just the realization that war is stupid and makes bad things happen to good people.
Or maybe all of the above.
Thanks for the leeway! And Flare and Xhianil were two characters that received virtually zero development back during their original appearances way back when. I wanted to make sure their story was told, and the two have blossomed into an incredible duo to write for. I’m glad you’re enjoying these peeks into Xhianil’s memories as much as I enjoy depicting them. ^__^
I have to say, you’re doing an excellent job portraying these two characters. In the flashback Kess had, we saw her version of Flare’s death, and have since seen how it has screwed up Xhianil’s mind, so these scenes are as sad as they are interesting. And it’s also very interesting seeing this younger Xhianil who, while she’s still depressed, doesn’t seem interested in fighting or the war, and then comparing her to her present self. So, yeah, while these particular flashbacks don’t seem to be advancing the overall plot, they’re still great to see as they help us understand poor Xhianil. Plus, hey, it’s great to see the sexy Flare! ^_^ Also, nice to hear your vacation went well, and you’re forgiven for the missed update. You’re almost always on time so you can have SOME slack. =P
Thanks for the leeway! And Flare and Xhianil were two characters that received virtually zero development back during their original appearances way back when. I wanted to make sure their story was told, and the two have blossomed into an incredible duo to write for. I’m glad you’re enjoying these peeks into Xhianil’s memories as much as I enjoy depicting them. ^__^
Well this is what we can call something harsh and in its way, a turn
around that is catching up even if only with some…a shame that such
lessons must be found out the hard way.
A lesson learned the hard way is better than a lesson not learned at all, eh?
Unless, of course, it’s the wrong lesson…
Could it be soldiers remorse? Perhapse survivors guilt? Maybe it’s just the realization that war is stupid and makes bad things happen to good people.
Or maybe all of the above.
Well this is what we can call something harsh and in its way, a turn
around that is catching up even if only with some…a shame that such
lessons must be found out the hard way.
A lesson learned the hard way is better than a lesson not learned at all, eh?
Unless, of course, it’s the wrong lesson…
I think Xhianil found her answer to the soul-searching. It’s sad that it took Ziza’s death to realize she was repeating history with Flare. Poor girl. Revenge doesn’t stop the violence, it just starts the cycle all over again. Also, Xhianil is being hard on herself because she can’t control how fate works. Yes, she didn’t look back, but no one can do that; unless they’re psychic. I doubt she has precognition. In those situations, you can only do your best with what’s there.
It could be, but perhaps she’s also looking to honor Flare’s thoughts on the best way to die.
That’s true, which explains her zeal in her meltdown during the training. She needs to decide: Is revenge truly worth putting your squad at risk? It’s her late best friend vs. her commanding officer’s advice. A very hard decision, indeed. Hopefully she’ll choose the best one.
I’m a little confused. So was it actually the other way around from last page or is Xhianil blaming herself not seeing the tiger that was sneaking in behind them as Flare was taking care of that other tiger?
Still it would be a bad experience for them both no matter which situation was the case.
Well, the last page illustrated the situation, so based on that, it looks like both Flare and Xhianil bear at least some of the blame. It seems that Xhianil is just taking it harder than her friend.
…The perfect, drama-ruining spoof to this is on the tip of my tongue…
Too bad it’s not April Fools.
I’d love to hear it. Share, baby, share! ^o^
*Xhianil begins to tear up”
Flare: What—oh, don’t go cryin’ on me, this ain’t that big a dea–
Xhianil: I’m tired of trying to date a dragon that can’t catch a hint!
Flare: Buh?
*Xhianil runs offscreen crying*
*The Queen, Princess, and three tigers rise from the bushes*
All: Booooooo! I wanted to see making out!
Queen: I thought you’d be more receptive than that, Flare.
Tigresses, in unison: And we thought Red was bad at romance!
*Red pops her head out of a window*
Red: HEY! I aIn’t got no romance to be bad at!
*Everyone goes silent*
:Red: What? WHAT?
LOL! Which princess pops out of the bushes? Lumina or Kiriad?
Has to be Lumina, she’s secretly the matchmaker.
I’m envisioning her in a Cupid getup. ^__^
Which also might explain why Lady Red was chewing out Flare, instead of both of them.
Xhianil should have been watching her allies back. But if Flare stayed close and guarded the front, then they both could have guarded Ziza and made that a mute point.
I’m a little confused. So was it actually the other way around from last page or is Xhianil blaming herself not seeing the tiger that was sneaking in behind them as Flare was taking care of that other tiger?
Still it would be a bad experience for them both no matter which situation was the case.
Well, the last page illustrated the situation, so based on that, it looks like both Flare and Xhianil bear at least some of the blame. It seems that Xhianil is just taking it harder than her friend.
Which also might explain why Lady Red was chewing out Flare, instead of both of them.
Xhianil should have been watching her allies back. But if Flare stayed close and guarded the front, then they both could have guarded Ziza and made that a mute point.
I wouldn’t go putting words into other peoples mouths about the best way for them to die.
They both screwed up, don’t try and lessen it.
Good point, but Flare still has her own perspective on this tragedy. Xhianil doesn’t seem too convinced, though.
I wouldn’t go putting words into other peoples mouths about the best way for them to die.
They both screwed up, don’t try and lessen it.
Good point, but Flare still has her own perspective on this tragedy. Xhianil doesn’t seem too convinced, though.
Hope you enjoy texas. Hows the bbq over there? Flare how exactly is revenge justice cause last i checked the tigers are looking for the same “justice”. Seem like the dragons think all tigers are unthinking savages/monsters. I wonder if there is brain switch magic in this universe to let one walk in the shoes. first canidates kess and xahilini and second canidates Oscura and kilanni.
I actually didn’t have any barbecue, now that I think about it, but I did savor a lot of other foods that are hard to find in my part of the country. As for brain switching, it would certainly be nice if that could be done. Until then, the parties involved will probably just keep on going with their age-old assumptions about each other.
Finally got to the revelation that “An Eye for an Eye, Tooth for a Tooth” leaves everyone blind and toothless, eh? Nice one, RF
Thanks! Despite the war, that concept is not lost on at least a few members of each side.
…The perfect, drama-ruining spoof to this is on the tip of my tongue…
Too bad it’s not April Fools.
I’d love to hear it. Share, baby, share! ^o^
*Xhianil begins to tear up”
Flare: What—oh, don’t go cryin’ on me, this ain’t that big a dea–
Xhianil: I’m tired of trying to date a dragon that can’t catch a hint!
Flare: Buh?
*Xhianil runs offscreen crying*
*The Queen, Princess, and three tigers rise from the bushes*
All: Booooooo! I wanted to see making out!
Queen: I thought you’d be more receptive than that, Flare.
Tigresses, in unison: And we thought Red was bad at romance!
*Red pops her head out of a window*
Red: HEY! I aIn’t got no romance to be bad at!
*Everyone goes silent*
:Red: What? WHAT?
LOL! Which princess pops out of the bushes? Lumina or Kiriad?
Has to be Lumina, she’s secretly the matchmaker.
I’m envisioning her in a Cupid getup. ^__^
I feel like I’m gonna cry.
I’m really sorry to make you cry, but if you’re feeling that way, then that means I’ve done my job successfully. ^__^
I feel like I’m gonna cry.
I’m really sorry to make you cry, but if you’re feeling that way, then that means I’ve done my job successfully. ^__^
wow, such tension, such drama. this story just keeps on getting better. I like how their scales are so white in the pale moonlight, despite having their natural color being a deep red.
So glad you’re digging the story’s tension and drama! I’m really enjoying how this chapter’s turning it. Yeah, it’s moving a touch slow, but I think the time has been well spent. I hope to have things pick up soon, though. ~__^
wow, such tension, such drama. this story just keeps on getting better. I like how their scales are so white in the pale moonlight, despite having their natural color being a deep red.
So glad you’re digging the story’s tension and drama! I’m really enjoying how this chapter’s turning it. Yeah, it’s moving a touch slow, but I think the time has been well spent. I hope to have things pick up soon, though. ~__^
*Prepares the best Cockney accent in the world*
IT’S ABOUT BLOODY TIME!
‘Ello, guvnah! Jolly good comic, eh what? ^__° (monocle FTW!)
Oh I say, it’s pippin’ top notch!
“The enemy? His sense of duty was no less than yours, I deem. You wonder
what his name is, where he came from. And if he was really evil at
heart. What lies or threats led him on this long march from home. If he
would not rather have stayed there … in peace. War will make corpses
of us all.” ~Faramir or Samwise, Lord of the Rings
Excellent assessment of war! And whose quote WAS it? Faramir’s or Samwise’s?
Both. Faramir said it in the movie, Sam thought it in the book.
Pretty much. I put “or” there based on what people take more seriously, but it’s fairly well known that it was more or less Tolkein himself that said it- he made it clear that Sam and Faramir reflected some of the ideals he took.
I’ve noticed a creeping sense of disillusionment on both sides for this war, and I really hope this is intentional on the part of creators. Both side’s leaders keep going on about the need to wipe out the other, while the people in the trenches suffer the consequences.
The Dragon Queen, in particular, is disturbingly casual about rewriting her daughter’s memories multiple times- purely in an effort to mold Lumina’s views to reflect her own… Which, seem to advocate nothing less than genocide! The Tigers are just as bad, with several of them casually advocating genocide as the logical conclusion of the conflict. If cooler heads don’t prevail at some point, then I can only see the body count rising endlessly…
In some ways, the Tigers vs Dragons is similar the conflict in DUNE, except that the speakers of both sides echo the views of the Harkonens! (“You must not show even the slightest measure of pity or remorse!” or “I will kill him… I WILL KILL HIM!”)
Excellent observation! Between what I contribute and what the characters “contribute,” I like to think that there are no accidents. You may be on to something… ~__^
*Prepares the best Cockney accent in the world*
IT’S ABOUT BLOODY TIME!
‘Ello, guvnah! Jolly good comic, eh what? ^__° (monocle FTW!)
Oh I say, it’s pippin’ top notch!
everything is so messed up in the comic there is betrayal on both sides and people missing
loved ones and getting revenge on one another you know a wise man said that blood follows blood and there will nothing left history repeats itself
You’re starting to see it now. ^__^
everything is so messed up in the comic there is betrayal on both sides and people missing
loved ones and getting revenge on one another you know a wise man said that blood follows blood and there will nothing left history repeats itself
You’re starting to see it now. ^__^
I’ve noticed a creeping sense of disillusionment on both sides for this war, and I really hope this is intentional on the part of creators. Both side’s leaders keep going on about the need to wipe out the other, while the people in the trenches suffer the consequences.
The Dragon Queen, in particular, is disturbingly casual about rewriting her daughter’s memories multiple times- purely in an effort to mold Lumina’s views to reflect her own… Which, seem to advocate nothing less than genocide! The Tigers are just as bad, with several of them casually advocating genocide as the logical conclusion of the conflict. If cooler heads don’t prevail at some point, then I can only see the body count rising endlessly…
In some ways, the Tigers vs Dragons is similar the conflict in DUNE, except that the speakers of both sides echo the views of the Harkonens! (“You must not show even the slightest measure of pity or remorse!” or “I will kill him… I WILL KILL HIM!”)
Excellent observation! Between what I contribute and what the characters “contribute,” I like to think that there are no accidents. You may be on to something… ~__^
“The enemy? His sense of duty was no less than yours, I deem. You wonder
what his name is, where he came from. And if he was really evil at
heart. What lies or threats led him on this long march from home. If he
would not rather have stayed there … in peace. War will make corpses
of us all.” ~Faramir or Samwise, Lord of the Rings
Excellent assessment of war! And whose quote WAS it? Faramir’s or Samwise’s?
Both. Faramir said it in the movie, Sam thought it in the book.
Pretty much. I put “or” there based on what people take more seriously, but it’s fairly well known that it was more or less Tolkein himself that said it- he made it clear that Sam and Faramir reflected some of the ideals he took.
“And we shall call it….. CRABWAAAALL!” 7@=Q
I… I feel like this is just spiraling further and further. One side’s friends and children murder the other side’s friends and children, who retaliate with the same… Where does it end? Why won’t it end? I never understood endless loops of revenge. It just makes me sad.