What a charming treat this interlude turned out to be! Mercy is certainly developing into quite the complex little character, isn't she? A far cry from the generic tickle vixen, who either hates it or loves it, but somehow always ends up on the wrong end of somebody's feather with the same predictable, vanilla results. ("Stop! I can't take it!" or "Tickle me harder! I love it!" respectively.)
Thanks, Moonknight!
😀 A joy to hear from you! I'm always confident that you'll note any attempts at plot or character complexity; it's such a pleasure to be able to concoct twists and non-traditional elements, and be confident that they're appreciated! I hope to dodge fetish cliches with increasing frequency throughout this story; we're due for large bouts of unfettered consensual tickling, and while I don't intend to abandon bondage trappings entirely (one can always count on torment scenes to thrill), reliance on them will decrease in favor of willingly-entered scenarios. I hope also to find further excuses for unpremeditated single-panel incidents (such as the carrier pigeon's surprise goosing), just to keep things lively! Pound for pound, this comic boasts much less fetish content than most... I need every opportunity I can muster!
Mercy's defiant rebuttal to the vellications of her would-be tormentors was undeniably original and refreshing. I wonder how much of it was bluster and how much of it spoke to the level of tolerance a strong-willed woman in her shoes (or lack thereof) must by necessity build up? Perhaps her expression in panel 9.2 offers some clue. It is so finely crafted that even before I read the dialogue in the subsequent frames, I thought to myself, "She doesn't think much of their technique, does she? And while she's far too ticklish not to react at all (thankfully!), she's certainly not unduly impressed." It was quite the pay-off to find out that your masterful artistic technique had not led my instincts astray.
I'm most impressed (though not surprised!) that you stayed on top of the developing story elements, as the resolution was decidedly non-intuitive (to judge from past events, Mercy should have dissolved into a puddle of quivering fetish-bate!) This scene was meant to show Mercy's developing stamina... after bouts of uber-effective bogey torment, these renegade bozos offered little threat! And, of course, the lady likes to bluster! She won't pass up any chance to taunt the hapless (even baddies who've tied her to a tree), so you're right on that count too! It's a mix: a naturally ornery attitude, a touch of growing confidence, and a developing taste for special sensory stimulation... all combine for this exercise in smart-ass that almost backfired! I'm most pleased, too, that you singled out that particular panel on page 9, as I took special pains to have her seem nonchalant (one eyebrow arched and none of the traditional tearing)... well, as much so a one can be in such extreme circumstances! I applaud your attentiveness and acumen! Once again, it's made the effort at involved storytelling well worth the trouble!
And now Mercy and Angie have been separated? Egads! What ticklish calamities does this portend? And how binding does the young lady consider her word, especially when she can blip into Dreamtime at a moment's notice? I can't wait to find out! Bravo, old friend!
Mercy will have another Dreamtime interlude as soon as Chapter 12. I won't tip if this constitutes a compromise of her oath; let's just say that she's bound for plenty of interesting new experiences on both sides of the sleep-wall! And Angie's in for lots of thrilling adventure as well... the sort that appeals to a budding voluptuary most! More on this next time, as their separate courses become defined!
As always, my thanks for taking the trouble to write so lucidly, insightfully and copiously! I can't say it often enough... feedback of this quality makes the work involved a hundred-fold pleasure!
PS - Some very good news: Sparrow Hall is due for a lengthy scene in Chapter 12! This will be her first direct taste of tickling distress, and I plan that it should foreshadow your own cameo appearance (3 or so chapters from now). I have the details for this latter pretty well worked out now, and will PM you for your thoughts and official approval when the scene is imminent.
Low Roads I must say even if you put in only half the work that you do put in, The Low Roads chapters would still be one of the most compelling things on the forum.
First, let me say welcome to the TMF, TKForce! Congratulations, as well; your fine artistic contributions are most welcome! The anatomy in your drawings is excellent... Cyberina possesses a distinctive superheroine attractiveness that will likely make her a forum favorite in very short order! I haven't read "Cybernia the beginning" yet, but I certainly plan to!
Thanks so much for your very gratifying words! I'm most flattered that you find the story compelling... it's the best reaction I could hope to have! And while the labor involved is sometimes daunting, it's never a drag... the generous plaudits I've received always insure that!
Once again, many thanks and please keep up the great work!
