Velonyr Kaiser

Just a simple individual who likes stories

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 88 ✧✦✧

First sunset in someone's life.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Genuinely what can I say. Genuinely. What can I say.

It's so fucking beautiful.

Okay take it from the top.

The suspense of the light being absorbed is something that's always hit well, especially given the way you do it. The whispy white aether collecting in the vague silhouette of Vivi, everyone's worried and waiting.

Everyone is in suspense, everyone knows he may turn at any moment. Yet Alisaie remains certain Vivi will be okay, remains certain that nothing bad will happen. That determined look in a crowd of nervous gazes is just marvelous.

But that aside, I can't not mention the main bit.

"I hope she likes this..."

is such a simple line. But it's so good. We only get a vague notion for what's gone on in Vivi's past but it's clear he wants her to be happy even if he can't be there for it. For everything that's happened, everything he's carrying, he wants this for her.

Maybe he leaves because he doesn't wanna risk seeing her disappointment. Maybe he leaves because he knows this isn't His Lucky and so the act seems hollow in some way.

But that look on her face. Glowing eyes in the warm glow of the setting sun, an opening act to the sunless sea and the stars that light up the night. Nothing about that is hollow.

You have genuinly captured the emotion and weight of our role in the story better than I think the game did. We see people be grateful, celebrate, but I don't think that can match with just..... this. Given these are 2 very different mediums so its hard to really make a fair comparison.

But still. Out of everything here, those last few pages just actually fill me with nothing but awe and amazement.

Thank you so much for your work on this. Thank you so much.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 87 ✧✦✧

Any sufficiently advanced friendship is indistinguishable from magic.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

I swore id never be late again. I swore it. And yet here I am, beaten by the stresses of life and employment to where I wasn't able to review my favorite gay comic on fuckin PRIDE MONTH OF ALL THINGS.

My sins will never be forgiven. Bleh.

Anyway let's get right into it.

I'm surprised to see us suddenly move along into fighting the warden, I figured we'd have at least a bit proper with the viera tribe but we have spent a good bit of time here so I guess that makes sense. Lucky remains the Luckiest of us.

Something I just love is your ability to just say "Fuck it" and change up stuff. Alisaie being here is a fun mix up and it's lovely to see Feo Ul is still trying their best to make sure their darling sapling is okay.... how well that works given the situation is up for debate.

Also I find the boar she rode in on adorably scrungly. Like a weird feral alley cat one adopts.

This could be me reading a bit too much into things but something about Vivi's expressions hits me. The look of slight shock when Alisaie explains why she's here, the exhale into that big goofy smile. Given how Vivi has been lately I wonder how genuine it is, how much of it is just a mask put on so his friend doesn't worry?

Add to that the way Vivi acts when the wardens found. Facing away from her, along deep inhale and a march forward while he almost refuses to face her. I wonder if he can keep up that mask when faced with the weight of it all. The constant reassurance. "Im fine. I don't feel different. I can do this. I can do this." again and again. As the world fades away and it's just him and the lightwarden.

The mask falls and its just him, and the beast he needs to kill. Nothing else.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 86 ✧✦✧

Meanwhile, Exarch eats an apple.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

My reviews been late because I've been genuinely trying to convey what I feel from this, what emotions this brings in my chest and it's been a struggle to put into words but I think I've sort of an answer. Albeit a simple one for the time I took.

Yearning and it's conflict.

The Exarch has spent do long in his role, so long as the hooded figure that leads from a distance, that was so ready to fulfill this grand design of his.... that when he gets that first taste of humanity (miqotanity? idk) it's foreign, new, addicting almost and so so tempting. He has to remind himself these feelings are normal for people, normal to feel, normal to experience, normal to yearn.

I think his denial over this is because of 2 things.

1, he's so used to being away from his humanity that its the default. He's not a person, he can't be just a person. He has to lead the hope of those left in the first, the one sent from the source, the one who will bring the hero and save everyone from the next calamity. Not for glory, not for fame, not even so he can experience the peace to come after. In the ideal plan he has set, the heroes will win, the day will be saved, ans The Exarch won't see any of it. He's set himself not as a piece in this game but it's player, and so he feels shame, denial over the idea of being a piece now, of interacting with the others in a personal way. Of letting go of this century long plan, and just existing even for a moment. To him, he can't allow himself to be human.

2, I think he also feels that shame and want for denial because of the fact that its Emet he can let his guard down with. How many times did The Exarch want to reveal his identity to Vivi, to throw off the hood with a dramatic flair and announce himself for his crush to see? To stop the act of Exarch and simply be G'raha Tia once more and give comfort, care and a proper connection to the man he went through so much effort to bring here? And yet, he's able to let down these emotions for his enemy. For the other player in this game. How could he not feel guilty over indulging in that? In engaging with the enemy in such a way. Emet gives him relief in a twisted way, and if it's the enemy who cares for how it could affect him? Who cares if this harms Emet? G'raha is looking for something to fulfill that void in his chest and Emet provides a way to do just that. Emet is essentially enabling G'raha's humanity and G'raha wants to give into that even if he doesn't wanna admit it.

And in the end, those temping fruits are so inviting. To tempting. He yearns for a taste, regardless of the mess it may leave. And when he finally does indulge and see's the mess it may make? He licks it up. Cleans it up. Cleans up the mess he makes of this. Will he be able to do that every time he indulges? We shall see.

Sloppy reviewing on my side aside, the art is fucking gorgeous and I love just the weight of emotions you can feel from the Exarch. Beautifully done, I can't wait for the next chapter.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 85 ✧✦✧

Like two peas in a pod.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

If you saw a reblog before this one, you did not. (I accidentally posted before finishing my review and had to restart T-T)

I know I said this in the webtoon comments but WICKED WHITE THATS HIS SISTER NO WONDER HE WAS SO THROWN OFF! Especially since were nit yet st the canonical explanation for that sort of thing. Yeesh don't blame him for the initial panic. Especially given that it seems like there are issues between Vivi and his sister. At the very least that's the vibe I got.

I initial read Feo Uls talk about not worrying about the elf back home as "Now you don't have to worry about whatever issues there are there and just vibe with the one here" though on a second read I think it was more a "Now there's one here and there! No need to miss her!" Regardless though it does make me more curious on what his relationship is with his sister. How is it being a sibling to a famous Warrior of Light? (My own WoL had a sibling but it's Ysayle so.....) Hopefully this is new info and I am not being silly and forgetting info that has been established, my memory is horrid lol.

Anyway, finding his sisters reflection is one thing but an almost exactly copy is like.... scary. Feo Ul you find the most marvelous and odd things for your dear sapling. I hope you enjoy your treats. (Ngl I kinda wasn't chocolate strawberries now damn)

Also let's not forget the address the Ardbert in the room, for 1, the fit is delicious on another look. Good lordy. But i also love how you draw Adberts face and head shape. He's a round head and friend shaped, and look away he does when Vici says he missed him is just sweet. Like he's been trying to play cheeky and coy with Vivi but that act of sincerity broke the act and I think that's lovely.

Great chapter as always, great story and art, can't wait for the next! Preview images got me curious and worried. Until next time! 🩵

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 84 ✧✦✧

Friendly fire.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Vivi once again creating a hard line between himself and others, this time it seems even more like he's forcing the line. Between the way he forced himself to think about his duty as a hero and the reaffirming of Lucky not being "Her." It's clear that whatever relief this little adventure might of brought, it also brought a heavy weight. I guess that happens when your staring at familiar face all day while pretending your not potentially on the verge of turning.

But then there's the tension, shot with an aetheric arrow by an all too happy spirit. Honestly Ardbert being an archer reminds me of John Final Fantasy in 1.0 who started out as an archer, neat call back.

I like to think Ardbert shot those arrows and was messing with Vivi because he saw the tension and worried look on him. A sort of "Ah ah ah, none of that now" and decided to just barrage him with arrows at an embarrassing moment to sort of shatter moment. Ardbert remains a bro through and through.

Given he also could of been doing it to be a little shit but that's good too lol.

ALSO GODS THE PARALLELS IN THE TAGS I DIDNT CLOCK IT ON MY FIRST READ BUT OMG ITS SO OBVIOUS NOW. FUCK THIS IS SO GOOD.

yay now I'm caught up and can properly eb excited for the next chapters! :3

I am sorry for the spam reblogs, debated doing this all in one big reblog but I wanted more posts to spread more engagement for this comic. It deserves it.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 83 ✧✦✧

Lucky's happy life formula: "not my problem" + consume elf grass (moderately) + be gay (a lot).

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

It's always the calm moments like these that make me enjoy character writing the most. It's grand to write a dramatic scene about someone saving the day and such, but to write about a simple talk in the grass shows just how in depth these characters can go.

They are not the roles for a story, but the actors behind them. And I love it.

Lucky being a wandering soul feels, and I don't know how else to out this, right. The way she moves, speaks, even about a place she's spent so long in, feels like its genuine love she has for the place. Every step, every smile towards the flora, every breath, like an act of appreciation towards what she has. You've done a wonderful job showing her care for where she is. I also love that Lucky is almost exactly the kind of free Vivi wishes he could be. No drama, no worries, just enjoying the calm of the moment.

Tho ngl Lucky being here mainly due to a hot viera woman is based as fuck and I do not blame her. Good reason Lucky.

And speaking of love and romance, I love the nonchalant way Vivi describes the exarch, like a prize to he won and caught, one that's worth getting wet for. Let us just hope Vivi doesn't go deep and end up drowning for his catch.

Grand art, Grand characters, and a grand chapter.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 82 ✧✦✧

Please do not the bird.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

The shoebill will always be an unnerving little bugger and I'm glad you referenced it once.

Stick. Poke. Run.

A simple but lovely comedic chapter. Plus if nothing else, it's nice to see Vivi smiling what seems like a real smile in the end. A smile born of just genuine, silly fun. It's lovely. Mayhaps it's just a distraction, mayhaps it's him just living in the moment. But it's still nice to see.

On top of that a subtle but interesting nod to how Vivi and Emet are together. A brooding, eerie weirdo who stares at you, and then the curious light that messes with said weirdo. Like a cat messing with an older one, running off after being swatted at, and then coming back to mess with him again.

Subtle, but lovely. Absolutely grand.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 81 ✧✦✧

Tea break.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

I am too this day amazed by the dynamic you have with Emet and the Exarch. Genuinly fascinating.

Like on one hand, this is hilarious by all standards. Emet being picky about his chocolate and being just the little shite that he is is grand enough. (The white chocolate bit and that bit at the end always makes me chuckle)

But then there's the way The Exarch is seeing this. Trying to play the mind games, going over the plays to be made in this grand game. All while coming to the conclusion of "It's enough that he's wasting time on me, that's a win sweeter than this chocolate" While also questioning his own emotions on how he's getting this close to the enemy.

To the outsider, a funny interaction between two main characters in the story. To them, a chance to potentially get a read on the opponent and prepare a proper play against them. Magnificent.

Gonna break into my chocolate reserves now.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 80 ✧✦✧

Never ask a woman her salary, a man his age, and a wol his hobbies.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

2. Months. Im late on my reviews. Am I missed? probably not. But dammit I love this story and am upset at myself for faltering this far for so long. That ends now. Alright, lightning round. I got the reviews written, loaded, and ready to fire like a thundaga to the heart. No more stalling. No more late reviews. The Kaiser brand bullshittery restarts here.

So, my 2 month absence aside, let's get into the ever grand and ever desired reviews from a random twink.

(Again so sorry for the delay, may you throw me to the sin eaters for my transgressions)

I do love the way you not only did the cute chili versions of Vivi and Lucky, it's equal parts adorable and perfect, but also had a lovely way to show off their travel around the woods as you give out some damn nice world building. Like the layouts of the caves and thoughts behind them, the plants and how they thrive in such an environment, it's genuinly not something I've thought on before but I love the attention given to it. Not to mention the style of plants is downright gorgeous.

But if course we can't talk about this chapter without address the chocobo in the room.

Fuck. Just. Fuck man.

The mood drop is fucking real and I have felt it. The way Vivi's mood shifts is so violent, one moment thinking maybe this transition won't be so bad, maybe I'll be able to thrive here....

and then one question. One bad thought. And it's all down the drain.

I know that kinda spiral well, hell I can even relate to Vivi on a level with just trying to distract and destress from life and its horrors.

And the way you do the "Get it together" is so good. From the body motions of Vivi trying to force himself to stay composed to the constant, bugging reminder that shit isn't good and you need to fix it, that you need to hold it together. And the way the thought bubbles scatter around in a way that almost demands you look at it, making it so hard to ignore is downright brilliant.

and I love how Vivi comes to a "Fuck it" calm crashout type moment. And yet the look on his face seems so unsatisfying in the last panel. Like he wanted some reaction, some big thing to justify his emotions maybe? Or maybe.... he was expecting a certain reaction from Lucky. Maybe whoever Lucky reminds him of, would of reacted the way he wanted. Curious.

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 79 ✧✦✧

Disarming smile, but armed to the teeth!

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Hi Hi, sorry for lack of review and such. Been busy irl but still not much of an excuse on my part.

First off. Lucky with the blinky. Lucky with the glocko. Homegirl has a gun. And i think that's hilarious. I'm always a fan of the whole "The more wack a power system, the funnier it is when someone brings out a firearm." And i think that applies here.

I also love the oh so scandalous scene of Lucky showing off that she's got a mini arsenal just on her casually. Never caught lacking oh my. She's so proud and excited to show off, thinking Vivi has got some extra hidden stuff but nah. The boys just dressed up for dressing up sake, tho honestly I do that to so I don't even blame him.

The disappointment on her and embarrassment on him is lovely. Of course let's not over look the brief yet haunting "respect me for my usefulness" comment that just hits Vivi in the gut with a "yeah I feel that" mood.

This very well could of been just a case of the style but I love the way the Scions are drawn in that scene. Rough Sketches, lacking detail and facing away from Vivi. It shows the level of disconnect Vivi feels from them. It also makes me think about how some people can't bring themselves to look themselves in the eye, a further disconnect that helps push Vivi's idea of just how far apart they really are.

I always love the way you write Vivi. It just feels.... real. Like he's got so much inner turmoil and emotion and yet he never let's it out unless he feels totally safe and even then, rarely. It's painful, it's not easy, it's real. And I think that's another reason why I love even the smaller scale chapters like this. Every little bit we see of him is important. The good, the bad, the ugly and beautiful. It makes me honestly jealous someone could write so good lol.

Can't wait for the next chapter, i hope you enjoy your break and had a happy new year! I can't wait for what's to come!

p.s. been loving the ARR playthrough on twitter, been really interesting hearing your perspective and opinion!

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 78 ✧✦✧

But, merciless, time's ever marching on.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon

Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Okay I'm just gonna say this off the bat, the shot of Emet's neck did things to me that I didn't know I could feel so thanks for that, by the stars and sins.

Now getting into the chapter itself, I love just how out of it The Exarch seems. His mind wandering, barely even registering Emet's usual antics. The closer to the end we get, the less time he has with his Hero, and yet the Hero would rather show off more of his soul to the enemy. It stings. And yet he accepts it. He thinks he deserves it. I know that kinda line of thinking well and God does it suck. And while I can't perfectly understand how The Exarch is feeling, I can get that sort of just.... haze that your going through. When you lock in on the reality of a situation, focus only on the facts and what's to come and what you have to do.

I love how we only really get one good look at The Exarchs face and it's when he's reminded of Vivi, and immediately after the hood goes up and we just don't get a good look at him. I understand he keeps the hood up for appearances when around the crystarium, but it also feels as though he does it to try and separate himself from the life he's made for himself. Maybe another case of him trying to hard separate himself.

All of that coming to the outline of himself in the final panel, the cut away line and the pure white of the paper where he would be. Even his own shadow, a crumpled piece of paper torn away from the pages of the story. It's unnerving. I love it. It shows how he views his role here. Follow the instructions, do what's necessary, and when the next step is to cut him away, he's already ready for it.

Beautiful chapter, love it. Can't wait for the next one. The preview images in the bottom are very a scary mix of cute and whimsical and then concerning. Can't wait for it, thank you! 🩵

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 77 ✧✦✧

Lucky and Sasha.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon

Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Aight that first panel is haunting as hell, oh my goodness. Glad to see i was sort of on the money with the inspiration even if it was a subconscious inspiration lol.

I love how we see Vivi try to shut away the thoughts, the panels and time it takes him to essentially reconfirm "I'm not that here, she doesn't know, don't let it show, she did nothing wrong." only to then get whatever mental jumpscare that came with seeing that familiar face. Very curious on where that leads.

Also the name bit, I always thought it was interesting how the Nights Blessed hide even their names from the cursed light and while the Scions aren't main stays there for long, I do wish we got to see them giving themselves names and such. It could be a nice bit of character and such.

Which does make me curious why Vivi adopted the name Sasha. It's a rather normal name and is so far removed from his own that it makes me wonder where he got it. Could very well be a case of it was just the first name to come to mind.... but if I'm gonna put on a bit of a tin foil hat and theorize.... Im gonna guess that Sasha is the name he associates with that face. Whoever Lucky reminds him of, might be his Sasha.

I'm also very curious as to why Feo Ul brought them towards Vivi. Maybe they senses Lucky was the kinda person to help? Maybe they had a sense for whatever connection Vivi may have to this person's face? Not sure, the fae are tricky and odd and live for the moment after all.

Not sure, just making guesses for now while the pieces fall into place and this story unfolds. Very curious and very excited to see where it goes. Thank you for the lovely chapter and I can't wait for the next one! ♥️

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 76 ✧✦✧

The fae don't meddle with mortal affairs… unless it's fun for them.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Something I love is the difference between internal and external Vivi, it sort of helps to bring this idea of the Vivi we see is just a persona, a mask developed to be what the people want, a mask he tires of wearing. Meanwhile internally he's overly analyzing everything with Emet. He's trying to think on every little meaning that could be behind his actions, his words, everything. And to me it feels less like the standard "Oh what could that evil ascian be plotting?" and more personal like "Why is he looking at me like that." and I love that. And we get the harsh cut between the internal and external Vivi with the shift from that rather elegant way of thinking to that drawn out "Aaaaannoying" that drips with the sort of sarcastic and cheeky flair that I picture with Vivis voice when speaking like that.

I've praised the style in which you give the faes magic before and imma do it again, right out of a story book. No lines to bind it, like splots of paint and color in the world itself that dance and spark around in a beautiful display even if it's just a small spark. And what does this spark with Feo Ul's colors do? Catch the attention of someone else and brings them to Vivi. Feo Ul always has Vivi's best intentions at heart so why bring them? For what purpose?

Regardless, their greeting wasn't ideal. That wave of crushing despair, the weight of that title. "Warrior of Light" heard a hundred times and with every time it's said the weight gets heavier. Clawing hands demanding help, attention, aid, all from one man. It's a horrible feeling. One of the job quests has a line in regards to the role of Warrior of Light. "Serve... Save... Slave... Slay..." the line is meant to show the weight the title has. How your not seen as a person but a solution, how they will never bleed for you but ask for all your blood, how the world will be on your shoulders and what you want matters little.

I imagine that's sort of how Vivi feels, expecting to hear that Gods awful title again, expecting to be asked for another favor, and so much more. The title is a horrible burden for one person to carry. And I love how you show the genuine dread Vivi has when the title even pops into his head. It's horrifying and amazing. I love it.

Thank you for the great chapter, I can't wait for the next one. I love it. I know it's late but Happy Halloween. I hope things get better for you. You deserve only good. 💜

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 75 ✧✦✧

Behold the power of the acorn of eld.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

A smaller chapter but still beautiful nonetheless. The soft blues creating a moment of tranquility, like a painting stuck in time, can't help but make me think of the sea for some reason I wonder why that is hmmmmm

But the shot of Vivi saying "A stage" is breath taking and is in high consideration for my wallpaper now. The dark trees with the light peeking through them invokes the idea of a myriad of eyes staring down at Vivi with Emet resting in the middle. It's absolutely amazing and I don't know how else to say it. It's eerie, but calm, comforting. I love it. If I was an all powerful sorcerer of eld I'd probably nap there too.

I love the way the body motions of Vivi help paint the vibe of this cheeky not so little twink gremlin rolling up ready to be a nuisance to the napping ascian lol.

And then he lands a shot and we get to see the acorn of eld mentioned in the title, which is just fucking perfect. The victory clench Vivi does, the angery look at Emet is just perfect meme material and then the drop of the big nut is genuinly so fucking funny to me.

Overall it's a great chapter, stunning scenes and wonderful show of character thriugh body movement, both Vivi, in how he walks with a sort casual aimlessness and how he does his little low hop which reminds me of how i act when my cats are being silly, And Emet in his casual napping followed by immediate retaliation at being awoken, which adds a lovely bit of comedy to an emotionally heavy series.

Grand show, I can't wait for the next one.

P.S. I'm sorry I was so late on this. Irl life had been busy and stressing me out and I wanted to cover this when I'm in my best mental state and give it the proper review and respect it deserves. I saw your post and I just want you to know that even if it's not much, I genuinly look forward to every single update. I've recommended this to my friends, even the ones who don't plan ffxiv, and I do my best to try and retweet, repost, everything. Your an amazing artist and writer and I love every aspect of your work. I'm sorry your hurting. I know my words can only mean so much. But I hope it gets better. Take care of yourself, you deserve to be happy. 💜

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 74 ✧✦✧

King's favorite.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | tapas | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Another Friday, another chapter of Fragments let's fuckin goooooooo

I've always loved the scene of the Nights Blessed and the funeral ritual they preform. Away from the blinding light in this quiet, dark little hideaway from it all. And even if it's not quite the main focus of the scene, I still love how you portrayed it. The art is genuinly stunning, the blacks and blues lighting up the background and the dulled color of the gems in the water. It carries the weight of the scene very well. I also love Feo Ull being as caring and willing to fight as they are, you manage to really show the kinda relationship they and Vivi have well and honestly it makes me wish there was more done in the actual game with it. Also the idea of Vivi being a reaper is very neat sounding. The job does come with some fairly dashing outfits and I'm sure Vivi could rock them well.

Then, the fun talk with Than, again I absolutely love the relationship these two have. The way they crack jokes and talk to eachother really does help to show off how they feel about one another. Another thing I really like is how you use the speech bubbles to dictate tone and emotion. Vivi's "Don't Care." being in that rough speech bubble helps to deliver the bluntness of his response as he cuts off Thancreds words really shows his headspace too I think. Their relationship really does shine through moments like these and I love it.

My absolute favorite panel of the chapter tho has to be that shot of Vivi's eyes lighting up as he says "Why him...." like it just makes my heart feel tight as I see it. The show off his downward eyes dark, almost as if the life has been sucked from them, to the way he looks up and his eyes light up. Thancred's little jabs trying to find out why him sparking an actual genuine question in Vivi like he himself doesn't even know. It has me so excited for how this will go forward in Vivi's feelings.

Another lovely chapter and I can't wait for more, thank you thank you so much 💜

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 72 ✧✦✧

Red-handed.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | tapas | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

Another chapter and another day im left kicking my feet on my bed in absolute delight.

Ya know i was so ready and expecting a cute thing of the Exarch to take his clothes and wash them. Ya know, something small to try and help his hero. What i was not expecting for him to take the deep inhale of that shirt oh my stars and sins what a little freak. I love it. Also him taking the shirt with him. What things shall happen with said shirt? Will he wash it after said things? Who knows. I'm sure Vivi has an idea lol.

But in dirty ideas aside, it's very common for one to gain comfort from familiar or comforting smells, hell it's one of our senses most tied to memories. So I wonder how many memories come flooding back to the exarch when he gets a deep inhale like that. How many memories would he get wrapping himself in Vivi's blanket?

And when he looks at those memories does he wish he acted differently? Does he wish he was more bold, wish he was more open on his feelings? Does he wish he grabbed his hand just once? Does he wish he sang infront of Vivi? Does taking in that scent bring him back to before he had the weight of Exarch on his shoulders?

A myriad of questions and wonders, all caught up in the memories of "What if". Given, these sorts of memories and questions could be asked any time and not just when wrapped up in the scent of your crush lol. Absolutely lovely chapter, thank you so much 💜

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 71 ✧✦✧

Where light won't reach.

New reader? episode list on tumblr | fragments.gay | tapas | webtoon Read 4 more episodes: patreon | kofi

[vel-kaiser]

1, Congrats on the site! It looks absolutely lovely and I love the sparkly trail that follows the cursor. Very cute.

2, God what a beautiful chapter. The way Vivi is so disconnected as they essentially go on auto pilot through it all even when talking with close companions. He seems so stiff and tense when in the Greatwoods. Almost refusing to interact with the outside world and falling inside himself.

The slight stutter in his voice when talking to Feo Ul is also very telling, though it very well could because of being suddenly accosted by a worried, caring Pixie lol. At the very least I'm glad he can still call on them and I'm glad Feo is still as concerned and caring for their Sapling as ever.

Something I also love is the blend of colors you use whenever the fae come into play. Like a hazy dream, beautiful and hard to describe. But always a sight to behold.

And then we get to Vivis room. Dark. Isolated. And yet here's the one place that it feels like he's safe enough to just breathe. His demeanor changes, acting relaxed enough to swear and take a long needed drink at the very least. Followed by the silence that hangs in the air when calling out for Ardbert. Like trying to call a friend and just waiting for them to pick up the phone... and yet there's no response.

Something else I like, and this very well could just be your style, with Vivi I noticed the backgrounds are rough like a water color painting. With the Exarch we could make out the details of the Room even when they aren't the focus. And yet with Vivi, especially in his room, the background details seem vague and fuzzy. Out of focus. Perhaps a reflection of how Vivi is feeling right now or his state of mind. This very well could be me overlooking into a gorgeous art style but regardless that's how I like to view it.

And then that line at the end. ""When all falls down around you, Rise up." But what if I'm the one falling..." A haunting response and question to the Crystarium's motto and telling of the sheer weight of his emotions and thoughts. It hits my heart hard and I love it.

Another grand chapter and I can't wait for the next one. Thank you so much.