ohh...i really loved this!! what a delight to read! normally i'm wary of this type of faux historical setting, but the language here is very evocative, while still remaining accessible! it focuses so nicely on all of the sensory details of what lys is experiencing, with some effortlessly complex expressions. a couple of my favorites are: "A faint sense of relief made granular by wariness washes over you." and "The faint flutter of leaves in a breeze too light to sway their branches." SO much imbuing of movement/emotion into whatever is being described, but subtle and fresh!
the idea of an expressly forbidden journey even for the CHANCE of saving a knight's radiant one- is just classic incredible Knight Stuff. all the light-as-florian's-gaze/touch comparisons are great. ahhh i love knights.....
the bit where lys just kind of cooly notices that cecily is treating them like a tool instead of a person was really good too. and the way the prioress keeps provoking them... i laughed a lot when, at first lys tries to fib to florian about the mission, and she's just like, i know you would not "entertain the folly of an empty whim," so just tell me what's up already!! and then the prioress essentially does the same thing... poor lys. can't get away with anything 😂 i love how quick they are to give up the ruse
lys's particular demeanor is a really enjoyable lens to experience things through, in general. a great balance of bold and reserved. i also really appreciate that the artwork feels so gender-neutral. it's a great style.. DANG i gotta stop writing before i fill up your whole comment section!! but please know that i am very excited to experience the full version, whensoever it might release!!!