Tried a few old tricks on this one.

Namely, gradient maps. When I first learned about them, it took me hours to get something set up to where the alpha didn't screw up everything. I can get past those problems very quickly now. Plus, it makes it easier to do more ambient/back-lighting.

Additionally it made for an easier way to add tone to my lineart. On that note I used the pen tool again for the first time in a long time, instead of just my traditional inking. Whole lot smoother, more consistent, and easier to edit, so I think it's worth the extra 15-30 minutes to pen-tool everything...

Only thing that bugs me still is the sun/background.

Anyway, Aora was needing some love, so here she is.