LLL wrote: ↑Wed Oct 26, 2022 5:07 am
I think by now a short explanation is needed. At this point, while producing the story (a week or six ago) I had a different view than JD about how to proceed. I, admirer of his work that I am, can never get enough of his torture scenes, and thus wanted to make it a classical grand tour of all sorts of medieval torture frolicking: branding irons, thumbscrews, strappado, spiked chairs... JD was growing fed up with the story and with torture scenes in particular (a passing moment of weakness, nothing to worry about). So we agreed to call it a day after the horse scene, and move to the conclusion of the story. However, having mentioned the rack in the text and having shown it in the pillory pics, ominously lurking in the background, I felt that a rack scene was mandatory. JD however was quite adamant (I - and I guess everyone here - still hope in the future he will make scene(s) with Merida on the rack). So I decided to surprise him with this indirect torture, recycling a few old works of him. I hope JD approves, and maybe will be delighted to see how his old works till get great public appraisal.
I should also add that story-wise he was right. The story I wrote, in the end, benefited from less torture debauchery and feels more balanced.
All artists have creative differences I'm sure, but that hasn't affected the quality of this story imo. Personally, I see nothing wrong with revisiting a previous JD image, especially a great rack scene like this one.
I was surprised to see that Merida had a comfortable bench in her cell. A bit of a luxury I would think, considering her situation and all. You guys going soft in your old age, or what?
Slave Rule #1- No matter how bad the pain is, it can always get worse
LLL wrote: ↑Wed Oct 26, 2022 5:07 am
I think by now a short explanation is needed. At this point, while producing the story (a week or six ago) I had a different view than JD about how to proceed. I, admirer of his work that I am, can never get enough of his torture scenes, and thus wanted to make it a classical grand tour of all sorts of medieval torture frolicking: branding irons, thumbscrews, strappado, spiked chairs... JD was growing fed up with the story and with torture scenes in particular (a passing moment of weakness, nothing to worry about). So we agreed to call it a day after the horse scene, and move to the conclusion of the story. However, having mentioned the rack in the text and having shown it in the pillory pics, ominously lurking in the background, I felt that a rack scene was mandatory. JD however was quite adamant (I - and I guess everyone here - still hope in the future he will make scene(s) with Merida on the rack). So I decided to surprise him with this indirect torture, recycling a few old works of him. I hope JD approves, and maybe will be delighted to see how his old works till get great public appraisal.
I should also add that story-wise he was right. The story I wrote, in the end, benefited from less torture debauchery and feels more balanced.
All artists have creative differences I'm sure, but that hasn't affected the quality of this story imo. Personally, I see nothing wrong with revisiting a previous JD image, especially a great rack scene like this one.
I was surprised to see that Merida had a comfortable bench in her cell. A bit of a luxury I would think, considering her situation and all. You guys going soft in your old age, or what?
An hour or two later Merida received some bread and water, and a chance to meet a confessor. She took the food, but refused a confession, claiming she already had confessed more than enough. She was then lead to the square, still stark naked. I’ll never wear clothes again, was a thought that suddenly struck her.
Having climbed the stairs, just before entering the square, Gareth and the baron met her. “It is usual” said the baron “to strangle the condemned to burn at the stake in the cover of the smoke. But for you we arranged the haystack so that you will definitely have time to feel your feet and then your legs being consumed by the fire before the smoke will kill you. In a few minutes you’ll wish you were back in the torture room”.
LLL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 27, 2022 11:02 amLight my pyre (I)
An hour or two later Merida received some bread and water, and a chance to meet a confessor. She took the food, but refused a confession, claiming she already had confessed more than enough. She was then lead to the square, still stark naked. I’ll never wear clothes again, was a thought that suddenly struck her.
Having climbed the stairs, just before entering the square, Gareth and the baron met her. “It is usual” said the baron “to strangle the condemned to burn at the stake in the cover of the smoke. But for you we arranged the haystack so that you will definitely have time to feel your feet and then your legs being consumed by the fire before the smoke will kill you. In a few minutes you’ll wish you were back in the torture room”.
I know many people have a 'thing' for bats, but to me it always seems to be a terrible waste of good female torture meat.
But I don't want rain on anyone's parade, so carry on.
Slave Rule #1- No matter how bad the pain is, it can always get worse
LLL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 27, 2022 11:02 amLight my pyre (I)
An hour or two later Merida received some bread and water, and a chance to meet a confessor. She took the food, but refused a confession, claiming she already had confessed more than enough. She was then lead to the square, still stark naked. I’ll never wear clothes again, was a thought that suddenly struck her.
Having climbed the stairs, just before entering the square, Gareth and the baron met her. “It is usual” said the baron “to strangle the condemned to burn at the stake in the cover of the smoke. But for you we arranged the haystack so that you will definitely have time to feel your feet and then your legs being consumed by the fire before the smoke will kill you. In a few minutes you’ll wish you were back in the torture room”.
I know many people have a 'thing' for bats, but to me it always seems to be a terrible waste of good female torture meat.
But I don't want rain on anyone's parade, so carry on.
wulf wrote: ↑Thu Oct 27, 2022 3:21 pm
I know many people have a 'thing' for bats, but to me it always seems to be a terrible waste of good female torture meat.
LLL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 27, 2022 11:02 amLight my pyre (I)
An hour or two later Merida received some bread and water, and a chance to meet a confessor. She took the food, but refused a confession, claiming she already had confessed more than enough. She was then lead to the square, still stark naked. I’ll never wear clothes again, was a thought that suddenly struck her.
Having climbed the stairs, just before entering the square, Gareth and the baron met her. “It is usual” said the baron “to strangle the condemned to burn at the stake in the cover of the smoke. But for you we arranged the haystack so that you will definitely have time to feel your feet and then your legs being consumed by the fire before the smoke will kill you. In a few minutes you’ll wish you were back in the torture room”.
I know many people have a 'thing' for bats, but to me it always seems to be a terrible waste of good female torture meat.
But I don't want rain on anyone's parade, so carry on.
Have faith
Ok.
Slave Rule #1- No matter how bad the pain is, it can always get worse
Merida did not deign him of an answer. She was taken to the stake, among a crowd that was strangely silent, not at all as hostile as she would have expected them to be towards a confessed witch. Maybe, she realized, they have heard about the torture inflicted upon innocent Emily. Maybe the baron is not exactly popular. But she also realized there was no hope of an uprising. A few hundred common people were no match for the scores of soldiers at the baron’s orders.
She was then tightly secured to the stake. Gareth advanced with a burning torch, teasingly held it before her face, and then started slowly lowering it to the haystack. Merida silently recommended her soul to those above, the Christian god or the Pagan ones she wasn’t sure…
