Sorry about the paltry update schedule lately, folks. u_u;; There are some personal issues I'm fighting through... it's made motivation to draw anything rock bottom at times. I know that I have to keep at it, though! I just feel like I need some time to recalibrate or something, because this has been rough. -v-
There are exactly 10 updates left to this chapter and I fully intend on cranking them out as fast as I can, even though this artist block is killing me. >_>; I'm really sorry about this though! Words can't express my gratitude over the kindness and support you readers have given despite this lull. I promise we'll get through it though! >_<)9
Thanks for reading ;v;*)/ I'm gonna post the next update as soon as I can!
I'm currently planning to complete a good chunk of these pages that remain in this chapter before I start updating again - that could take a week or two before I do, but rest assured this is a priority for me. >_<)/ I need to clear this off my plate so I can breathe easier, dangit!
First off, thank you all so, so much for your kind words and messages of warm support and regard. ;v;* You made me cry! I love you guys and I'm so blessed to have such lovely people reading this comic T_T** thank you!!
So I've been hunkered down and focusing on just producing the rest of this chapter, and so far it's going fairly well. I thought about updating tomorrow but... hmm, something about that feels a bit premature. I feel like I've got a good momentum going, so I'll keep going with it for just one more week - that should get me on top of things enough to confidently start updating again, I think. So please expect the next update next Monday, 20th of August.
Here's a WIP shot for the next update:
Again, I can't thank you guys enough for your kind words and patience! ;v;*)/ I'll be back in a week with a fresh update!
It makes me think of this, but less creepy
https://www.google.com/search?q=pleased+face&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=ivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj0xvajstDcAhWN3FMKHQp5CTcQ_AUIESgB&biw=412&bih=604&dpr=2.63#imgrc=p3LNu-3YPQi7GM
I did consider doing a short-story on the side for Archer only, but I think Alicia and I are probably too busy to collab on that unfortunately XD; he's definitely got his own story though!
*squush squush* I'm sorry things have been tough lately, rufi :< It would be good if it's something you can just stop and take a moment with, but I know it's not always that simple. We're here for you no matter what, and we know you can do dis, just know that, okie? <3
Without the armor, Sir Bradley looks so chill and casual. And I'm super glad he's actually trying to help Archer, he really is a good dad (everyone is his child now, he is the ultimate dad XD).
A thing I did kind of wonder about is if Sir Bradley and Briar ever tried to help search for Lyn's family, like how Bradley's helping Archer on the side. But I suppose it would have been near impossible since Lyn wasn't talking and neither Kylie nor Seia even knew Lyn existed before Zinala deciphered Mom's Cryptic Dream Message of the Beyond. I mean it all worked out in the end, but dang, Lyn could've very easily ended up never reuniting with any of his remaining family.
*squishes back with much luff* thank you Cici-muffin ;v;* I don't have enough words to thank you for your support and friendship over the years <333
I'm pretty happy drawing Sir Bradley dressed down *^_^* (I mean, quite aside from the fact his armour is a pain to draw XD;;) it's nice to see other sides to him~
(And yes, ultimate dad, except he somehow manages to only *think* of dad jokes without saying them out loud :P)
And to your last point - yes, all the yes. Sir Bradley knew he was an orphan, but was unable to find out much more - and Lyn never gave indication that he would have wanted him to try. Part of the issue was that Lyn knew Kylie had no idea he even existed. The idea of attempting to find her with as little mobility as he had was already a fairly daunting prospect, but with that caveat added he wasn't quite sure what the best approach would be. Hence why Jasmine (Kylie and Lyn's mama) did her best to make sure Kylie got a clue! XD;
I gotta say, whatever doubts I had about Sir Bradley have been fully dissipated! He really is a good guy!
Of course, now I'm concerned about what the insanely bad consequences of breaking his oath are going to be... does he lose his job? or maybe be forced to leave Gem Citadel? Does he lose his ability to use his Lethiace for a certain amount of time? Is he forced to take on Misuta Pomp as an apprentice? The mind blowingly bad possibilities are endless...
Edit (5 Aug 18): saw the new Author's notes post today. I'll be praying for you, Rufi. GOD has something planned for you, so trust in him!
I'm glad Sir Bradley's improved in your estimation! XD; He is an interesting one for sure~ :3
The consequences for breaking his oath won't be felt for a little while yet, but eventually we'll see. I only hope he won't be forced to take on Misuta Pomp as an apprentice because heavens, no one deserves that :'D
And thank you very much for your kind words and support, DLK! I really appreciate it. :)
Awwww :D Sir Bradley seems to have gained a lot of popularity recently among the comment section (and for good reason! he seems like a pretty solid guy)
And hey, Rufi, I totally get what it's like to get overwhelmed by life and lose motivation for stuff (it happens to me way too often, for a lot of reasons). I'll be praying for you and if you ever need to vent at anyone or something, feel free :)
EDIT re: A/N 2: Aww senpai, thanks for telling us all this! I know you mentioned your family thinking of moving back when we met up in February, I hope whatever you decide goes really well for you, and I will definitely be praying about that for you! Actually, I will be praying about *all* of what you posted. I totally understand what feeling unmotivated and stressed is like (I myself have pretty bad anxiety problems and often depression too), so I think it's really brave of you to decide to keep going despite all of it!
I can only talk for myself here, but again, if you ever need to vent at someone, I exist over here on the other side of the Internet :)
I hope all goes well for you!
EDIT 2: (Finally got my username changed, yayyy xD)
See, all he had to do was be nice to Archer - then everyone else agreed he couldn't be so bad after all XD pfft
And thank you so so much for your kind words and understanding ;v;* be careful, I might take you up on that and talk your ear off XD but really, thank you so very much for your prayers and encouragement. *much hug* <333 it has uplifted my soul and reminded me I'm not alone! ;v;*)7
AND! Good job getting your username changed XD *both thumbs way up!*
Aww I'm glad you're glad, Proxy! XD <3 I think if I do get a chance later, it'd be fun to draw Sir Bradley's story, on his growing up in the Lethian Guild and eventually becoming The Defender. (I might need an army of elves though XD)
That took some courage to spell all that out. Kudos! I'm not an artist, but I do know something about doing meticulous work, and having too much on one's plate. Plus you also have the personal pressures as well. Its hard to get started or finish when you can't see clear of doing justice to your endeavor. You are not alone. It seems there are a number of people having (for reasons of their own) some of these motivational and time management issues.
This doesn't mean we're going to toss you in the bin! We're here! I don't think your readers are that fickle; you need not worry, or be surprised. :D
*edit:
Re: A/N 3, Take your time! It looks like Sir Bradley has something to say!
Thank you megados ;v;*** I know I'm certainly not unique in the things I struggle with XD; but it does help to hear your kind words.
With webcomics like SF, I am aware that not updating for some time does heavily affect readership because the story requires some level of engagement over the long-term. ~_~ I'm really blessed to have readers still reading even with the sparse updates this year! I'm so grateful. ;v;* Thank you!
Hey Rufi! Kudos to you for not stopping. Things change, life change and evolves all the time, but you gotta remind to yourself, why you do the things you do.
I'm really alright! It's just a mental incapacitating issue, this whole thing I'm facing. Let's hope I grow up and get a grip and do what needs to be done sooner rather than later! >3<*)7
And I'm glad you find him so XD lol, adorable huh? :P
Awwww <pats Rufi> hold on there little sis. We love your comic very much <3 I know it goes slowly for now but if you keep doing it, who knows, it takes a moment for things to pick up and actually be great for their creators :) <hugs>
Gotta admit I was expecting a Shia LaBeouf video XDD thank you Crestlinger, that's very inspiring indeed - I should play that while I work on SF next! :D
Aw, rufi... I'm sorry to hear you're going through so much! It's really hard when life throws all this stuff at you and what you need is to work on the thing you love to make yourself feel better but you CAN'T because of the things life is throwing at you. X'D But I'm glad to see that you are feeling motivated and you're still hanging in there!
And also AW ARCHER! <3 He's so dang adorable. :3 I can't tell you how happy I am that he's become such a character in SF and others are even doing nice things for him and everything! <3 Awwww!
Thank you Alicia! ;v;* Long time no see <3 *hug* it's great to see you again! Your encouragement is greatly appreciated <33
And another THANK YOU for Archer!! <333 as you can tell from comments re:Archer, he's a big hit XD <3 he'll get his happy ending! ;v;*)9 Thanks so much for letting me use him <3
Just re-read this part; I'm not sure I fully understand, but does that mean there are... complications about Archer's "employment" status, between Briar and Sir Bradley?
That is correct. :) Archer's situation has always been a complicated one due to the circumstances by which he entered Sir Bradley's employ. The kind of contractual enchantment he is bound by isn't just to Sir Bradley or Briar, but is enforced by a third party who does not ever wish to see Archer be free. In a way, Sir Bradley is taking advantage of a loophole in the enchantment (which binds Archer to Briar but not to Sir Bradley) to help Archer.
I wasn't really able to go into it in this chapter but perhaps one day in the future I'll be able to elaborate a little more in-comic~ we'll see :3
https://www.google.com/search?q=pleased+face&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=ivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj0xvajstDcAhWN3FMKHQp5CTcQ_AUIESgB&biw=412&bih=604&dpr=2.63#imgrc=p3LNu-3YPQi7GM
Ohhh... will we see his family?
@A/N: *hugs Rufi*
I hope you will break through this block! *supports and cheers for Rufi* You will make it!!! <3 <3 <3
And thank you Mjkj for your support!!
It's good to see that you're working through your block. Light at the end of the tunnel!
And thank you so much for your kind words and support megados! ;v;* Your readership has been much appreciated <3
And Sir Bradley is being quite generous today. Guess having a big monster be defeated kind of helped his mood a bit, eh?
Sir Bradley's gotten some priorities checked after the whole interruption into his regular routine. Sometimes that's what it takes ;P
Without the armor, Sir Bradley looks so chill and casual. And I'm super glad he's actually trying to help Archer, he really is a good dad (everyone is his child now, he is the ultimate dad XD).
A thing I did kind of wonder about is if Sir Bradley and Briar ever tried to help search for Lyn's family, like how Bradley's helping Archer on the side. But I suppose it would have been near impossible since Lyn wasn't talking and neither Kylie nor Seia even knew Lyn existed before Zinala deciphered Mom's Cryptic Dream Message of the Beyond. I mean it all worked out in the end, but dang, Lyn could've very easily ended up never reuniting with any of his remaining family.
I'm pretty happy drawing Sir Bradley dressed down *^_^* (I mean, quite aside from the fact his armour is a pain to draw XD;;) it's nice to see other sides to him~
(And yes, ultimate dad, except he somehow manages to only *think* of dad jokes without saying them out loud :P)
And to your last point - yes, all the yes. Sir Bradley knew he was an orphan, but was unable to find out much more - and Lyn never gave indication that he would have wanted him to try. Part of the issue was that Lyn knew Kylie had no idea he even existed. The idea of attempting to find her with as little mobility as he had was already a fairly daunting prospect, but with that caveat added he wasn't quite sure what the best approach would be. Hence why Jasmine (Kylie and Lyn's mama) did her best to make sure Kylie got a clue! XD;
Of course, now I'm concerned about what the insanely bad consequences of breaking his oath are going to be... does he lose his job? or maybe be forced to leave Gem Citadel? Does he lose his ability to use his Lethiace for a certain amount of time? Is he forced to take on Misuta Pomp as an apprentice? The mind blowingly bad possibilities are endless...
Edit (5 Aug 18): saw the new Author's notes post today. I'll be praying for you, Rufi. GOD has something planned for you, so trust in him!
The consequences for breaking his oath won't be felt for a little while yet, but eventually we'll see. I only hope he won't be forced to take on Misuta Pomp as an apprentice because heavens, no one deserves that :'D
And thank you very much for your kind words and support, DLK! I really appreciate it. :)
And hey, Rufi, I totally get what it's like to get overwhelmed by life and lose motivation for stuff (it happens to me way too often, for a lot of reasons). I'll be praying for you and if you ever need to vent at anyone or something, feel free :)
EDIT re: A/N 2: Aww senpai, thanks for telling us all this! I know you mentioned your family thinking of moving back when we met up in February, I hope whatever you decide goes really well for you, and I will definitely be praying about that for you! Actually, I will be praying about *all* of what you posted. I totally understand what feeling unmotivated and stressed is like (I myself have pretty bad anxiety problems and often depression too), so I think it's really brave of you to decide to keep going despite all of it!
I can only talk for myself here, but again, if you ever need to vent at someone, I exist over here on the other side of the Internet :)
I hope all goes well for you!
EDIT 2: (Finally got my username changed, yayyy xD)
And thank you so so much for your kind words and understanding ;v;* be careful, I might take you up on that and talk your ear off XD but really, thank you so very much for your prayers and encouragement. *much hug* <333 it has uplifted my soul and reminded me I'm not alone! ;v;*)7
AND! Good job getting your username changed XD *both thumbs way up!*
And you can definitely take up my offer and talk my ear off xD
^^
I appreciate the kind words and support so very much ;v;* thank you!! <3
That took some courage to spell all that out. Kudos! I'm not an artist, but I do know something about doing meticulous work, and having too much on one's plate. Plus you also have the personal pressures as well. Its hard to get started or finish when you can't see clear of doing justice to your endeavor. You are not alone. It seems there are a number of people having (for reasons of their own) some of these motivational and time management issues.
This doesn't mean we're going to toss you in the bin! We're here! I don't think your readers are that fickle; you need not worry, or be surprised. :D
*edit:
Re: A/N 3, Take your time! It looks like Sir Bradley has something to say!
Also: *hug*
With webcomics like SF, I am aware that not updating for some time does heavily affect readership because the story requires some level of engagement over the long-term. ~_~ I'm really blessed to have readers still reading even with the sparse updates this year! I'm so grateful. ;v;* Thank you!
*much virtual hug* <333
Will try not to take too long! XD;; <3
...and thank you for explaining and keeping us posted...
...and no, I will not give up on you nor on the comic <3
*supports Rufi*
Thank you for your encouragement! I feel like a very rusty gear but XD I'll do my best to keep at it no matter what! o/
... and damn, Sir Bradley is adorable!
I'm really alright! It's just a mental incapacitating issue, this whole thing I'm facing. Let's hope I grow up and get a grip and do what needs to be done sooner rather than later! >3<*)7
And I'm glad you find him so XD lol, adorable huh? :P
It *is* slow but sure, I hope ;v;** you're right... I just gotta keep at it!! >3<*)/
"Ya doin' good!"
*awkwardly steps away, regretting everything
You're one of us now, better learn to dance!
P.S.- I still don't trust Chikin Wings there. lol
(Also, XD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBxLgW9lE64
And also AW ARCHER! <3 He's so dang adorable. :3 I can't tell you how happy I am that he's become such a character in SF and others are even doing nice things for him and everything! <3 Awwww!
And another THANK YOU for Archer!! <333 as you can tell from comments re:Archer, he's a big hit XD <3 he'll get his happy ending! ;v;*)9 Thanks so much for letting me use him <3
I wasn't really able to go into it in this chapter but perhaps one day in the future I'll be able to elaborate a little more in-comic~ we'll see :3