For the record, I don't really think it would be bad if he HAD helped her out of pity and she appreciated it...but were that the case, it wouldn't be Tai-ra. I just can't see her as wanting pity...and anyway, stories like that have been done a million times. I really wanted Nareth to be a different sort of character. Generally in a story like this, you'd get one of two types; the really really bad guy who would put the shoe on the other foot, see the error of his ways and come out smelling like roses in the end, or the really really good guy who fights the good fight against oppression. I always kinda wondered where the normal people were in all this, the people who were basically good, but not prone to rock the boat. That was the inspiration for Nareth. He's not helping her because he feels sorry for the poor put-upon slave, he doesn't even think of her as such, he's helping her because she tripped, and looked like she could use a hand.
It's really the turning point, though don't think it's done yet, we've got a few pages left of this to go. XD
I've had this page in my head for so long, it doesn't really look the way I imagined. The important part was Nareth's expression. He couldn't look like he felt sorry for her, but he also couldn't look like he didn't care. It was the crux of selling this whole thing...I hope it works okay.
In other news I'M HOLDING A CONTEST! thanks to a very generous sponsor who donated the prizes. Go see what it's all about!
yup, i am totally convinced by the angry tai-ra glance directed at the ground as she accepts a helping hand... also, nareth's eyes say Benign! without being Super-Sweet Sentimental Yuck.
You did a great job getting this across! Excellent. I think if he tried to do it because of pity for the put upon slave, he'd risk coming across as a hypocrite since he isn't turning them free and loose.
