MSOC Lieutenant And Living Doll. Radiatorbait.

it wants this, it says to itself. it prefers it this way.

This was the biggest project I’ve ever worked on for a commission, but this was such a great group to work for and I had such a fun time doing it! I think the final product ended up being like, 100 layers??? Mostly for all of the awesome lighting and keeping all the characters separate, but I made it work. I’ve been wanting to try out even more comic cover style pieces so thank you guys so so so much for picking me to create this cover for you all and I hope you have a great campaign!

Raixa would rise first to prepare breakfast and tea. Rowena would be collected after the meal was ready and the apprentice dressed. Mistress Ji-Won would join the younger couple at the table.

Two meals, three cups of tea. Even though Rowena could not eat or drink yet, Raixa makes sure she's included.

Then chores. With Rowena on her hip or across her back, Raixa tends the garden, cleans the Home, forages for reagents, and more. A small plot is dedicated to the plants gifted by Lily Ward.

Though it was awkward at first, Raixa has grown into a sparkling conversationalist with Rowena's constant presence. Previously her days were spent mostly in solitude. Mistress Ji-Won often had errands that took her out of the Home. Into the woods or town or yet further. So the two were left alone. With nothing but each other's company, the Witches came to know each other well.

The evening meal. Then Study. Magical education with Mistress Ji-Won. And now, frequently, learning from Rowena. Including their own private study of Artistry and soul transference.

The candle burns low in Raixa's bedroom. Another night spent poring over dense Artistry texts with Rowena. Raixa's glad for the company, but something's been weighing on her all day. Something Rowena noticed during the daily chores.

Something Raixa's been hesitant to mention.

Raixa yawns and stretches. There's not much more she can do tonight, the letters are starting to blur together.

But before she blows out the candle, Raixa turns to Rowena. In her usual spot, propped up in a chair next to Raixa as she studies.

"Rowe, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Something you asked in our letters. I think it's time you knew how I came to be here."

The Witchblade had never imagined herself as the type to take l to this kind of simple life. Less dramatic than the knight life, not enough violence and spectacle. But it's been gradually growing on her. More conversation and the company of other witches more than make up for it.

There were tough days, heartache and nostalgia weighing on her, but there were no regrets. This is where she is supposed to be.

It's a night like any other, teaching Raixa and refreshing her own trapped mind on the kind of magic that covers her pummel to tip.

Even in low light the way it's easy to look back and forth and admire how those patterns diagramed in the texts artfully blend into different aesthetic design elements all over the sword.

"I was... I couldn't have been more than ten. It's hard to remember." She speaks mostly towards the floor. Even now, Raixa doesn't know how old she is. All those years spent in that lightless, timeless place with only the torture, training, and operations to mark the time.

"I was abducted. And I was taken into some underground facility somewhere. I don't know where. And I was trained and conditioned and Mesmerized into being a killer. I was their assassin and soldier. And I was really fucking good at it."

That slight glow and warmth that radiate from Rowena intensify just slightly. The best active listening a sword can manage.

Rowe gives the revelation some breathing room before replying.

"I expect you haven't told a great many people this Rai. Thank you for placing your trust in me."

Spending any time at all among witches and you'll hear about all sorts of tragic terrible pasts, but even among those who would risk their lives to grow in knowledge and power, this is really something else. To even point out how awful of a fate that is feels too insulting.

It's somehow relatable though.

A couple of weapons no longer in the hands we were designed by, huh?

But no. My path has always been my own choice.

"So, what happened? How long ago did you get free?"

Raixa stares blankly at Rowena. Looking past her, into the mists of time.

"Fifteen years ago and change. I just ran and ran and didn't look back. I had no idea where I was going or how far I could make it or even how to fend for myself. Eventually I collapsed in the forest. Mistress found me unconscious and took me in."

Raixa chokes on her words. She threatens to fall to pieces. The pain of remembrance is too great, even for this monolithic woman.

The constellation of scars on her hands and the burn mark on her neck tell the same story. Pain, agony, isolation, suffering. A story she'd rather keep hidden under her coat, the new life gifted to her by the first person to show her kindness.

That all that power could not hold back this pain points to a wound unfathomably deep.

"Thank goodness Mistress found you."

Its the safest thing she can think to say. Speaking any more risks overstepping. But something about that last detail carries significance.

"You still think about the others, I imagine."

Above and beyond the difficult story to recount, there's more. Survivor's guilt?

Before allowing an answer, In the quietest that her echo-y spirit voice can manage;

"I do. 05, she was. She was always getting hurt. And. And. And they'd take her away. And! When she'd come back, she was. She was. She was different."

The tears flow in a waterfall now. Her chest is tight and she's lost in that time again. Back in her nightmares.

"They changed her. Her mind, her body. To make her stronger, more like me. I was the lucky one, I got out. But she needed help more than me."

Raixa looks at Rowena, present for the moment.

Did I pry too deeply and force this woman to relive her trauma? After she's been nothing but good to me?

But. If this was just beneath the surface all this time, it could just as easily be what she's needed, right?

"No one should have to live like that. It's been a long time. Maybe she's free now too. Maybe they all are."

Her voices coos gently from the seat besides Raixa, hoping words alone could express her feelings well enough.

There is something of Camile left inside her. The storybook hero's loathing of where the world is wrong and the need to set it right. But this isn't the kind of problem that can be faced down with a sword and some strong arms.

At least not yet.

She sobs wordlessly, her stamina spent. Taking comfort in Rowena's presence. Even with Mistress Ji-Won, Raixa doesn't show this much vulnerability.

Underneath all her strength and magic and will, she's still a scared girl, crying in the dark.

She continues to accompany Raixa through her fear, easing her gently back to the present.

"No harm will come to you, darling. Just breathe. I'm right here. I've got you."

Maybe I can learn your malice trick one day. I'd hit you with a feeling of being loved and safe so strong it'd knocks you on your ass.

"You've had a full day. Go, lay down. You can take me in bed with you if you like."

Usually she'd be leaning by the nightstand, but it only feels right tonight to stick close.

"Sorry if that's forward."

She hangs her coat on the back of the door, still holding Rowena in one hand. She's thankful for the dark. She doesn't have to see those wretched reminders of what she used to be.

Raixa doesn't give a second thought to Rowena's invitation. She huddles under the blankets with Rowena. The tears and sobbing have passed, but she's still fragile.

Exhausted, she falls asleep quickly in Rowena's embrace. She hopes, one day, she'll get to feel the Witchblade's arms around her.

A sword doesn't sleep of course. But it's sweet, getting to be so close. The raging Torrent is almost cute curled up holding her.

Raixa would rise first to prepare breakfast and tea. Rowena would be collected after the meal was ready and the apprentice dressed. Mistress Ji-Won would join the younger couple at the table.

Two meals, three cups of tea. Even though Rowena could not eat or drink yet, Raixa makes sure she's included.

Then chores. With Rowena on her hip or across her back, Raixa tends the garden, cleans the Home, forages for reagents, and more. A small plot is dedicated to the plants gifted by Lily Ward.

Though it was awkward at first, Raixa has grown into a sparkling conversationalist with Rowena's constant presence. Previously her days were spent mostly in solitude. Mistress Ji-Won often had errands that took her out of the Home. Into the woods or town or yet further. So the two were left alone. With nothing but each other's company, the Witches came to know each other well.

The evening meal. Then Study. Magical education with Mistress Ji-Won. And now, frequently, learning from Rowena. Including their own private study of Artistry and soul transference.

The candle burns low in Raixa's bedroom. Another night spent poring over dense Artistry texts with Rowena. Raixa's glad for the company, but something's been weighing on her all day. Something Rowena noticed during the daily chores.

Something Raixa's been hesitant to mention.

Raixa yawns and stretches. There's not much more she can do tonight, the letters are starting to blur together.

But before she blows out the candle, Raixa turns to Rowena. In her usual spot, propped up in a chair next to Raixa as she studies.

"Rowe, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Something you asked in our letters. I think it's time you knew how I came to be here."

The Witchblade had never imagined herself as the type to take l to this kind of simple life. Less dramatic than the knight life, not enough violence and spectacle. But it's been gradually growing on her. More conversation and the company of other witches more than make up for it.

There were tough days, heartache and nostalgia weighing on her, but there were no regrets. This is where she is supposed to be.

It's a night like any other, teaching Raixa and refreshing her own trapped mind on the kind of magic that covers her pummel to tip.

Even in low light the way it's easy to look back and forth and admire how those patterns diagramed in the texts artfully blend into different aesthetic design elements all over the sword.

"I was... I couldn't have been more than ten. It's hard to remember." She speaks mostly towards the floor. Even now, Raixa doesn't know how old she is. All those years spent in that lightless, timeless place with only the torture, training, and operations to mark the time.

"I was abducted. And I was taken into some underground facility somewhere. I don't know where. And I was trained and conditioned and Mesmerized into being a killer. I was their assassin and soldier. And I was really fucking good at it."

That slight glow and warmth that radiate from Rowena intensify just slightly. The best active listening a sword can manage.

Rowe gives the revelation some breathing room before replying.

"I expect you haven't told a great many people this Rai. Thank you for placing your trust in me."

Spending any time at all among witches and you'll hear about all sorts of tragic terrible pasts, but even among those who would risk their lives to grow in knowledge and power, this is really something else. To even point out how awful of a fate that is feels too insulting.

It's somehow relatable though.

A couple of weapons no longer in the hands we were designed by, huh?

But no. My path has always been my own choice.

"So, what happened? How long ago did you get free?"

Raixa stares blankly at Rowena. Looking past her, into the mists of time.

"Fifteen years ago and change. I just ran and ran and didn't look back. I had no idea where I was going or how far I could make it or even how to fend for myself. Eventually I collapsed in the forest. Mistress found me unconscious and took me in."

Raixa chokes on her words. She threatens to fall to pieces. The pain of remembrance is too great, even for this monolithic woman.

The constellation of scars on her hands and the burn mark on her neck tell the same story. Pain, agony, isolation, suffering. A story she'd rather keep hidden under her coat, the new life gifted to her by the first person to show her kindness.

That all that power could not hold back this pain points to a wound unfathomably deep.

"Thank goodness Mistress found you."

Its the safest thing she can think to say. Speaking any more risks overstepping. But something about that last detail carries significance.

"You still think about the others, I imagine."

Above and beyond the difficult story to recount, there's more. Survivor's guilt?

Before allowing an answer, In the quietest that her echo-y spirit voice can manage;

"I do. 05, she was. She was always getting hurt. And. And. And they'd take her away. And! When she'd come back, she was. She was. She was different."

The tears flow in a waterfall now. Her chest is tight and she's lost in that time again. Back in her nightmares.

"They changed her. Her mind, her body. To make her stronger, more like me. I was the lucky one, I got out. But she needed help more than me."

Raixa looks at Rowena, present for the moment.

Did I pry too deeply and force this woman to relive her trauma? After she's been nothing but good to me?

But. If this was just beneath the surface all this time, it could just as easily be what she's needed, right?

"No one should have to live like that. It's been a long time. Maybe she's free now too. Maybe they all are."

Her voices coos gently from the seat besides Raixa, hoping words alone could express her feelings well enough.

There is something of Camile left inside her. The storybook hero's loathing of where the world is wrong and the need to set it right. But this isn't the kind of problem that can be faced down with a sword and some strong arms.

At least not yet.

She sobs wordlessly, her stamina spent. Taking comfort in Rowena's presence. Even with Mistress Ji-Won, Raixa doesn't show this much vulnerability.

Underneath all her strength and magic and will, she's still a scared girl, crying in the dark.

She continues to accompany Raixa through her fear, easing her gently back to the present.

"No harm will come to you, darling. Just breathe. I'm right here. I've got you."

Maybe I can learn your malice trick one day. I'd hit you with a feeling of being loved and safe so strong it'd knocks you on your ass.

"You've had a full day. Go, lay down. You can take me in bed with you if you like."

Usually she'd be leaning by the nightstand, but it only feels right tonight to stick close.

"Sorry if that's forward."

She hangs her coat on the back of the door, still holding Rowena in one hand. She's thankful for the dark. She doesn't have to see those wretched reminders of what she used to be.

Raixa doesn't give a second thought to Rowena's invitation. She huddles under the blankets with Rowena. The tears and sobbing have passed, but she's still fragile.

Exhausted, she falls asleep quickly in Rowena's embrace. She hopes, one day, she'll get to feel the Witchblade's arms around her.

Raixa would rise first to prepare breakfast and tea. Rowena would be collected after the meal was ready and the apprentice dressed. Mistress Ji-Won would join the younger couple at the table.

Two meals, three cups of tea. Even though Rowena could not eat or drink yet, Raixa makes sure she's included.

Then chores. With Rowena on her hip or across her back, Raixa tends the garden, cleans the Home, forages for reagents, and more. A small plot is dedicated to the plants gifted by Lily Ward.

Though it was awkward at first, Raixa has grown into a sparkling conversationalist with Rowena's constant presence. Previously her days were spent mostly in solitude. Mistress Ji-Won often had errands that took her out of the Home. Into the woods or town or yet further. So the two were left alone. With nothing but each other's company, the Witches came to know each other well.

The evening meal. Then Study. Magical education with Mistress Ji-Won. And now, frequently, learning from Rowena. Including their own private study of Artistry and soul transference.

The candle burns low in Raixa's bedroom. Another night spent poring over dense Artistry texts with Rowena. Raixa's glad for the company, but something's been weighing on her all day. Something Rowena noticed during the daily chores.

Something Raixa's been hesitant to mention.

Raixa yawns and stretches. There's not much more she can do tonight, the letters are starting to blur together.

But before she blows out the candle, Raixa turns to Rowena. In her usual spot, propped up in a chair next to Raixa as she studies.

"Rowe, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Something you asked in our letters. I think it's time you knew how I came to be here."

The Witchblade had never imagined herself as the type to take l to this kind of simple life. Less dramatic than the knight life, not enough violence and spectacle. But it's been gradually growing on her. More conversation and the company of other witches more than make up for it.

There were tough days, heartache and nostalgia weighing on her, but there were no regrets. This is where she is supposed to be.

It's a night like any other, teaching Raixa and refreshing her own trapped mind on the kind of magic that covers her pummel to tip.

Even in low light the way it's easy to look back and forth and admire how those patterns diagramed in the texts artfully blend into different aesthetic design elements all over the sword.

"I was... I couldn't have been more than ten. It's hard to remember." She speaks mostly towards the floor. Even now, Raixa doesn't know how old she is. All those years spent in that lightless, timeless place with only the torture, training, and operations to mark the time.

"I was abducted. And I was taken into some underground facility somewhere. I don't know where. And I was trained and conditioned and Mesmerized into being a killer. I was their assassin and soldier. And I was really fucking good at it."

That slight glow and warmth that radiate from Rowena intensify just slightly. The best active listening a sword can manage.

Rowe gives the revelation some breathing room before replying.

"I expect you haven't told a great many people this Rai. Thank you for placing your trust in me."

Spending any time at all among witches and you'll hear about all sorts of tragic terrible pasts, but even among those who would risk their lives to grow in knowledge and power, this is really something else. To even point out how awful of a fate that is feels too insulting.

It's somehow relatable though.

A couple of weapons no longer in the hands we were designed by, huh?

But no. My path has always been my own choice.

"So, what happened? How long ago did you get free?"

Raixa stares blankly at Rowena. Looking past her, into the mists of time.

"Fifteen years ago and change. I just ran and ran and didn't look back. I had no idea where I was going or how far I could make it or even how to fend for myself. Eventually I collapsed in the forest. Mistress found me unconscious and took me in."

Raixa chokes on her words. She threatens to fall to pieces. The pain of remembrance is too great, even for this monolithic woman.

The constellation of scars on her hands and the burn mark on her neck tell the same story. Pain, agony, isolation, suffering. A story she'd rather keep hidden under her coat, the new life gifted to her by the first person to show her kindness.

That all that power could not hold back this pain points to a wound unfathomably deep.

"Thank goodness Mistress found you."

Its the safest thing she can think to say. Speaking any more risks overstepping. But something about that last detail carries significance.

"You still think about the others, I imagine."

Above and beyond the difficult story to recount, there's more. Survivor's guilt?

Before allowing an answer, In the quietest that her echo-y spirit voice can manage;

"I do. 05, she was. She was always getting hurt. And. And. And they'd take her away. And! When she'd come back, she was. She was. She was different."

The tears flow in a waterfall now. Her chest is tight and she's lost in that time again. Back in her nightmares.

"They changed her. Her mind, her body. To make her stronger, more like me. I was the lucky one, I got out. But she needed help more than me."

Raixa looks at Rowena, present for the moment.

Did I pry too deeply and force this woman to relive her trauma? After she's been nothing but good to me?

But. If this was just beneath the surface all this time, it could just as easily be what she's needed, right?

"No one should have to live like that. It's been a long time. Maybe she's free now too. Maybe they all are."

Her voices coos gently from the seat besides Raixa, hoping words alone could express her feelings well enough.

There is something of Camile left inside her. The storybook hero's loathing of where the world is wrong and the need to set it right. But this isn't the kind of problem that can be faced down with a sword and some strong arms.

At least not yet.

She sobs wordlessly, her stamina spent. Taking comfort in Rowena's presence. Even with Mistress Ji-Won, Raixa doesn't show this much vulnerability.

Underneath all her strength and magic and will, she's still a scared girl, crying in the dark.