Returned to this IF after a little over two years, and I'm honestly amazed all over again.
Star-struck.
Bamboozled.
The characters feel layered and real, the conflicts cut deep, and every replay brings out a new piece of info that I, like, missed the first few times. INCREDIBLE writing.
SPOILERS below:
I might ramble A BIT here, but the writing struck such a nerve with me in the BEST way possible. Salyra made me absolutely furious, BUT that's exactly what makes her so well written. Everyone in this story feels layered and human, which is one of the biggest reasons I adore this IF. Salyra, though, is the kind of complex that leaves me torn between admiration and frustration </3
She acts in ways she ACTUALLY BELIEVES are in our character's best interest. She's trying, she's made mistakes, and she thinks she's protecting us. But then she goes through our character's belongings, excusing it with, "I want to know who you've become" and that LITERALLY boils my blood. I like to think of myself as forgiving, but if I put myself in my character's shoes, that kind of intrusion is something I genuinely can't excuse.
imo, it's so heartbreaking. The tenderness she shows toward Rana makes it clear she wants to be the kind of mother she never really was to our character. She's trying to do better, and that complexity makes her all the more fascinating. From my perspective, I can almost sympathize with her. But again, from my character's point of view, no matter how much they try to be understanding, it still leaves a bitter taste because Rana represents everything they should have had.
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ANYWAYS, I love a bit of angst, which is probably why my character leans toward a more apprehensive relationship with her mother. And again... LOVE the writing. I can't wait for the full game to be released! Please remember to take regular water breaks too!!