Thank you so much for taking the time to write!! I'm glad the art spoke to you and has the intended effect :]
your assumption of the slow fall being intended for other puzzles is correct! I do also get a bit frustrated w it while playing, and the entire moveset is definitelynot as polished as I would've liked - the consequencesof gamejamming i guess haha - but amazing feedback I'm bringing w me for future projects!!
The interplay between the sword and girl forms r also something I might wanna reimagine - I'll definitely take your suggestion into account :] The shrine idea is very interesting.
You did beat it! Thank you for playing all the way through <3