Chapter Nine: page 13
posted 23rd Feb 2017, 7:46 PM
23rd Feb 2017, 7:46 PM
Saeriellyn
And we end the chapter on an appropriately pensive note.
Taking a quick break while I work on some other projects so I can devote myself fully to this one again. Meanwhile, for those interested, I did a speeddraw video of this page, which you can see right here if you've a mind to peek into my creative process. Enjoy and I'll be back up and running in a week or two.
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user comments
23rd Feb 2017, 8:24 PM
Robert
A... wee... week... or TWO?
But... how.... it's.... we.... um....
How dare you, um.... not deliver something for free on your own schedule.... or um.... that exact same point in some other less selfish sounding words. :)
(I kid)
Go get your other projects done, and recharge your batteries or whatever you need. We'll manage....
**deep dramatic self-sacrificing sigh**
...somehow. :)
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23rd Feb 2017, 9:26 PM
Saeriellyn
LOL well. I do like to stay consistent, for my own momentum and for the fact that it keeps readership high; people seem to give up watching comics that sit dormant too long.
I promise I won't let it sit very long. I couldn't even if I tried, really. This thing's got its claws in deep.
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23rd Feb 2017, 9:24 PM
The Doodler
I love that Taran is growing to be the voice of reason, and that the harp made no comments in the first panel!
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23rd Feb 2017, 9:27 PM
Saeriellyn
True! He's already learning!
And you're right about the harp. I actually never noticed that before. ;)
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24th Feb 2017, 1:05 AM
LMS
I love this page. It's so *Taran*, with the guilt and the self-evaluation that's so much harsher than he actually deserves. And Eilonwy absolutely exhausted and snapping at the companions. "Forget glory; I'm going to sleep."
As far as Fflewddur goes, of course he wasn't lying or even exaggerating in that first panel. One of the few things we learn for certain about him over the course of the series is that he's exceptionally brave and a renowned warrior.
He's also a bit too flighty to ever really serve as the voice of reason. Oh, brave, insightful, all that, but Fflewddur's a big kid at heart. He lets Taran take charge in BoT because he's kind, and he sees how important it is to Taran's honor to honor Gwydion's memory, but the truth is Taran is actually more suited to command than Fflewddur is for all his youth, and eventually Fflewddur is more comfortable following him anyway. As I'm working through BC, I'm finding it just as crucial for Taran and Fflewddur as it is for Taran and Eilonwy. Won't say more here for fear of spoiling.
Anyway, I've said too much already. I just enjoyed the page.
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24th Feb 2017, 2:04 AM
Saeriellyn
Said too much?! Impossible!! :)
You're right on. This scene does a nice job summarizing their respective personalities.
I see Fflewddur as being a voice of reason relationally between the kids, if not a guiding force of the quest itself. He is wry and, as you said, insightful, with the benefit of age and experience. I do see him as taking on a sort of guardian role, at this early stage - hanging back and allowing Taran to make key decisions; but when true danger looms later, and action by someone with experience is needed, he instantly takes charge. He doesn't like responsibility or organizing - as evidenced by his abdicating his throne to traipse around the countryside with a harp - but that doesn't make him immature or incapable. He's just happier doing his own thing and if there's somebody else around who'd rather steer the ship, he'll let them, if they're capable - for all his bluster, he's really quite humble.
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24th Feb 2017, 2:55 AM
Odd May
Little Taran in the last panel looks so earnest and adorable. My baby. *sigh* Can't wait for what comes next! Also I love little curled up Gurgi in panel 4.
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24th Feb 2017, 3:44 AM
Saeriellyn
They're each lovable in their own way, are they not? :)
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24th Feb 2017, 11:32 AM
nano1
I agree with you about Fflewder, Saeriellyn. He is a big kid at heart, but definitely has the maturity there to keep a level head when Eilonwy and Taran are losing theirs. He's probably my favorite character because I'm a lot like him, and I like the way that he models Lloyd Alexander, being a bard. As a writer and the eldest of 5 siblings, I can relate. :)
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17th Mar 2017, 2:02 PM
Saeriellyn
Indeed - I love how Fflewddur is an obvious stand-in for Alexander himself, no accident that he's a storyteller. I wonder if his "unofficial" status reflects an attitude on LA's part that he never quite believed he deserved his success. He was such a humble guy.
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2nd Mar 2017, 4:58 AM
BlueDragon
Looking forward to the next chapter! It'll be great, as always :)
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17th Mar 2017, 2:00 PM
Saeriellyn
Coming soon! Set to start posting again next week. :)
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29th Jun 2017, 6:18 AM
Alex
I love Taran'sbemused half-smile in the first panel; i5 looks like he's thinking, "Oh, is *this* what I sounded like to Gwydion the other day?" He's so clearly trying to be the kind of person Gwydion modeled for him in the short time they traveled together -- and it's no wonder he feels inadequate, when those are the shoes he's trying to fill, as best he can.
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