Those who are at war with others are not at peace with themselves.
-William Hazlitt

Backstory: Over the years, Aitira has earned a reputation as one of Queen Maud's most efficient killers. She will carry out any job, no matter how heinous, without even a hint of remorse or sadness. But it is all a lie. Behind the mask of a coldblooded killer lies the heart of a pacifist. And every job is yet another blow to her fragile psyche.

Aitira desperately wishes to flee to the peaceful nations of Grandesque or Twistoult, but in Queen Maud's brutal regime such thoughts could be seen as the highest treason, worthy of death. Even regret itself is a fatal affront to the war-loving powers that be. So Aitira mourns in private, where only the dead can hear...

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Finally finished! This is my half of a trade with tatiilange!

I gotta say, this one was a doozy. It looks simple enough, and the sketch wasn't too bad, but the painting fought me the whole way. I had problems with the lighting, the colors, the textures.. really, the picture just didn't like me for some reason. I guess it's cause my last picture was so easy. It always seems to work that way. XD

Thanks to hanmonster for her encouraging words while I was slogging along, and for the lighting tips. It was the values, Han. It was the values all along...

Hope you like it!

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Artwork © 2014 by aboveClouds
Aitira belongs to tatiilange
I used this texture by Beledra for the background: http://beledra.deviantart.com/art/S.....e-10-244226673

Comments and constructive critiques are always welcome. :)

You are not allowed to sell this artwork, trace it, or claim it as your own.