[Nem]

"Alright then Nan', let's go and do war stuff. You did have something in mind, right?"
_________________
Never forget,
We stroll along the roof of hell
Gazing at flowers.
- Issa

[karama9]

I think Nanashi's behaviour is partly her being very concerned about this ball, and partly a reaction to the fact her views on the matter were ignored. It's almost like she's thinking "if THIS is the only sensible thing I'm going to be able to implement, I'm definitely implementing it. We're at least going to be dressed to fight when the mandragoras attack during this stupid ball..."

I really feel for Nanashi lately. She's very harsh, but she is trying to protect Earthsong and presumably her eve, and said eve hates her while Earthsong no longer heeds her advice. It's got to be difficult for loyalty to be 'rewarded' like that.

As for Willow's gown, I was assuming it would be the one she's wearing in her recurring dream. But then, would she want to wear that? But then again, if the dream does reflect the future, she obviously will eventually. Perhaps she'll be forced into it following being captured again? Ah, the mysteries. They make this story awesome.

[Asa]

Nan is jealous of Earthsong's attention to Willow, and Willow is chafing at Nan's control. That's what setting this off. I don't think Willow hates Nan, not really. She just doesn't like being treated like a child.
_________________
Self-styled Forum Grandmother, because I hand out nicknames and hugs whether you want them or not. ^_^

Keeper of the Library and the Gateway to Haven

Nem: "It's the sort of face you just know is getting ready to poke you with something sharp."
BS: "...then insist you eat a brownie."
__________________
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this and all is mended...
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.

[karama9]

That's probably part of it too. Those two need to have a sleepover or something.

Hate is probably much too strong a word, but I was thinking Willow resented Nanashi for what happened with Tristram. She doesn't know he 'survived', after all. She certainly seemed to be colder than ever afterwards.

AS for jealousy... Nan would probably have trouble acknowledging that, even to herself. As a warrior with a solid code of honour, she would probably see it as a childish emotion. Not coming to terms with it would likely cause her to cling to other reasons to feel put out as a way to hide her true feelings under surface ones. "I'm not jealous, I just wish she'd listen to me! She's being blind!"

Like I said, I really feel for her at this point.

All this rambling to say, you summed it up incredibly well!

[Allicat]

You do raise an interesting point though, Nan seems a little petulant here. It could be that she genuinely sees reason to be wary and so will make sure her troops are ready to fight at a moment's notice, but she's going about it all the wrong way. She needs to get Willow on side so she can get Earthsong's ear back and make sure everyone is safe. Of course, there may be no time for that. Or Nan could be too proud. I think the latter plays a big part in it!
_________________
He who does not eat cheese will go mad. ~ French proverb.

Keeper of the fallen leaves. 'Cos they're still pretty.

[YatesOfYore]

I can't participate in the discussion without ending said discussion ('tis the fate of all creators with forums I suppose), but I very much enjoy reading it!

Thanks for being awesome, forum members!
_________________
Keeper of Nanashi's Vambraces and the Amethyst Trees.

PS: Don't panic! I changed my username - I'm not an impostor!

[Asa]

Do you chortle to yourself listening to us theorize? ^_^ I'd really enjoy that.
_________________
Self-styled Forum Grandmother, because I hand out nicknames and hugs whether you want them or not. ^_^

Keeper of the Library and the Gateway to Haven

Nem: "It's the sort of face you just know is getting ready to poke you with something sharp."
BS: "...then insist you eat a brownie."
__________________
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this and all is mended...
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.

[YatesOfYore]

I generally smirk/smile to myself. I rarely vocalize anything while reading... making all of my "lol"s filthy, filthy lies.
_________________
Keeper of Nanashi's Vambraces and the Amethyst Trees.

PS: Don't panic! I changed my username - I'm not an impostor!

[Anonymous]

Honestly I can't really sympathize with Nanashi at this point, she seems to be acting like an only child who suddenly has a baby and the house and hates all the attention its getting. But she's never been a character I exactly liked so I'm probably being biased (I did like poogle stick Nanashi). She just seems too controlling and dominating and can't stand ANYTHING not going her way. She comes across as more jealous and bitter then anything D: its sad because she seemed so mature and now shes being the most immature.

XD I'm an old time lurker btw but the new pages finally prompted me to post

[Nem]

It's difficult to say how childish Nanashi is being without a greater insight into the overall situation. Being a, 'Why do you think that?' sort of person, they both come off as not really saying anything of consequence to me.

Just sort of want to grab them by the shoulders and go

"Be specific."

=p
_________________
Never forget,
We stroll along the roof of hell
Gazing at flowers.
- Issa

[Asa]

I spent last evening rereading volumes one and two, and I think we're doing Nan a disservice by calling her immature. She started off the arc being kind to Willow, and she's spent the whole arc trying to protect her. It's only when Willow began flouting Nanashi and causing unneeded problems that Nan's attitude soured. Nanashi's Head of Security, and Willow is a huge security breach, and now a liability as well. Willow is being immature, and Nan could be controlling her reaction better, but Nanashi is coming from a place of concern for Earthsong, not childish foot-stomping. The problem is that Earthsong is no longer listening to Nanshi's concerns, and Willow is undermining her authority without knowing what she's doing (or perhaps even knowingly, but unaware of the consequences).

So I do sympathize with Nanashi, more than I do with Willow. I agree with her concerns, but she could definitely do a better job expressing them.
_________________
Self-styled Forum Grandmother, because I hand out nicknames and hugs whether you want them or not. ^_^

Keeper of the Library and the Gateway to Haven

Nem: "It's the sort of face you just know is getting ready to poke you with something sharp."
BS: "...then insist you eat a brownie."
__________________
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this and all is mended...
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.

[Maeniel]

Taking a brief break after working lots and lots of overtime to find that the page updated early!!

I tend to agree with Asa. Nanashi isn't vocalizing her concerns appropriately, but I definitely don't think that she's jealous. I see her as being frustrated more than anything. It's kind of like when your best friend is pretty level-headed, then starts doing stupid things for a guy she just met. (Only it's not a guy, it's Willow.) Then Nanashi has to hang out with the reason Earthsong is being kind of dumb? I totally get why she's acting the way she is.

Nanashi is a general, and she's definitely got a soft side - we've seen that. But everyone is distracted and not taking the precautions they'd normally take - I'd think less of Nanashi if she didn't try to get everyone back on track. Willow just doesn't understand where Nanashi's coming from, and I think Nanashi is forgetting to explain what's normal and expected.
_________________
Keeper of Zaebos' and Jormand's powers.

[Nem]

June 3rd

Wow, I wasn't expecting Nanashi's punchline to show up quite so soon.
_________________
Never forget,
We stroll along the roof of hell
Gazing at flowers.
- Issa

[Allicat]

It's crunch time! I'm so excited for this altercation.

I LOVE the reboot designs! Especially Felucca, bizarrely enough. She looks like mischief incarnate here, and her mammary glands have always bugged my biologist's brain. I will say that you've removed a load of people's keeperships, but I forgive you It was so fun reading through your reasons for changing the looks and I agree with almost all of them, especially the practical considerations (colour scheme, battle readiness etc.)
_________________
He who does not eat cheese will go mad. ~ French proverb.

Keeper of the fallen leaves. 'Cos they're still pretty.

[Asa]

YES! I'm very happy with the changes and the explanations, that sort of background knowledge is what I live for when I read world-building work like this. And I remember when you were doing the redux that you put forth a green/brown color scheme for Fel, so I really wasn't surprised there. One of the things I've really noticed over the years is how hippy your women have gotten - I guess that comes from trying to be more 'realistic', but it's a definite change. Hmm... love the reasoning, and the insight it's given us into all the characters. I mean, really! Metal pierced into her scalp? Does that mean they're born bald?

^_^

Re: page. Also yay! Great timing. I just want to shake Nan and Willow and say, "Wake up! You're in the middle of war, people! Not the time for petty grievances!"

Does this make the abandoned village neutral ground? Is Spinster going to pop up and say, "Now children, no fighting, remember?"

I expect Willow to cower and Nanashi to snap - I bet she lets all her frustration out on Skogul.
_________________
Self-styled Forum Grandmother, because I hand out nicknames and hugs whether you want them or not. ^_^

Keeper of the Library and the Gateway to Haven

Nem: "It's the sort of face you just know is getting ready to poke you with something sharp."
BS: "...then insist you eat a brownie."
__________________
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this and all is mended...
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.