Poor Xhianil. She needs HUGS!

I'm sure she'd accept that. ^__^

*Gives Xhianil more hugs*!!!

I was going to say Xhianil REALLY needs hugs... but someone beat me to it! *Sighs* Ah well, I probably say it too much as it is. =P Excellent update, and eagerly awaiting next weeks.

Thanks! I'd originally intended this to be an altogether different scene, but Xhianil and Flare took it in a different direction than planned. Different, but better. ^__^;

*Chuckles* They had no real development originally, but that changed. This scene/page also changed. I wonder just what else they're going to change in the future. They seem to like making you rewrite this story, in a way. =P

They are, actually, but I'm very happy with what they've done for me. I was originally going to have Xhianil join Flare in a bath and console her after she got chewed out by Miss Red, and that would've actually led to a rather steamy scene, both literally and figuratively. It didn't feel right for the characters, though, given the situation. It felt very forced. Xhianil would be too bummed out to be frisky, and so the scene evolved into a somber conversation atop a roof, instead.

In fact, the very nature of their relationship has evolved considerably. My original intent was to have them be lovers, but I felt there was more actual story to tell by making them a very close pair of lifelong friends, making Xhianil's loss all the more intense. There's a lot of love there without having to sexualize it. I realize that seems ironic, given the sometimes tawdry nature of the comic, but it made more sense for them both.

Though I wouldn't rule out the two getting frisky at some point down the road, but if they do, it'll happen organically and it won't be shoehorned in. ^__^

I can't deny I'd LOVE to see them getting frisky with one another. But, yeah, I can definitely see what you mean by it feeling forced. After watching a friend get killed by the enemy, then her best friend taking the blame? Xhianil wouldn't likely be wanted that kind of quality time. This scenario definitely fit MUCH better to explain what really happened in that fight.

So, while it would be sexy to see, and fairly amusing to find out that Kess had been right about Xhianil and Flare, this was definitely better for the time being. *Nods* ... ... ... Still want to see them having fun like that, though. =P

Awwwwww...

Let there be feels!

aw shit man, this kind of stuff makes a hole somewhere between my stomach and my heart.

I'm sorry! It just turned out that way. Read at your own risk!