#jumilla

Milla would literally rather kill herself than disappoint jude.

2019 Bodegas El Nido "Clio"

Going big with this big boy wine from Jumilla, Spain. Plum, dark cherry compote, cedar, mixed raspberry and blueberry jam, and a hint of ash on the nose. Dark cherry jam, plums, sugarplums, cinnamon, and chocolate raspberry cordial on the palate. Very soft on the palate - almost Merlot-like.

3/5 bones

$$$

Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon

15.5% abv

(sing song)

Jude and Mi-lla!

I agree that the end of Xillia was rushed, and that’s a real shame, especially for the Elympios plotline, but I don’t think Jude and Milla’s relationship was really hurt by that?

Because from my perspective, most of the development of their relationship happens through the first three arcs, and what’s left in the last arc is the culmination of all that, the quiet acknowledgement of each other’s feelings and acceptance that they’ll soon have to go their own way. There’s nothing left to develop by that point.

I’d also argue that Jude’s side isn’t necessarily more “complete” than Milla’s. Did it get more attention? Maybe, who knows. It does seem like a lot more goes on on Jude’s side during the big split after the Zenethra, and tbh it’s true that there are more boss fights and the like, but Milla’s side of her reincarnation are no less important, especially if you bother to explore all that can be explored in the spirit realm - it may not be as dramatic and action-packed as Jude’s side, but it’s a goldmine of worldbuilding. There’s important things to be gained from both segments, and none is truly complete without the other.

And aside from those segments, Milla’s side is littered with little scenes providing insight, development and worldbuilding all throughout the game. It’s obvious a lot of care has been given to her side of the game as well. Maybe not in an obvious flashy way, but it’s there if you pay attention.

The camera thing, I think I remember those posts, but I’ve always found them kinda ridiculous, because those very scenes often showed the camera focus on Milla’s perspective as well. Most scenes alternate perspectives–Milla’s, Jude’s, third person… And that’s true on both sides.

Now why do I consider Jude the supporting protagonist for most of the game, and how does the game position it? Well, think for a second. The last arc aside, it was always Milla who drove the plot. The party went where she decided to go, did what she decided to do, and while Jude or other party members often provided suggestions, ultimately it was her quest, her decisions, and it was always framed that way, no matter the side. That was the big thing about Milla: how she inspired others, how they wanted to follow her and support her. Even when she became incapacitated and Jude wanted to take her to his dad, ultimately it was her decision whether to proceed (of course in her circumstances it was the best solution, but she could have refused, and there’s nothing Jude could have done about it aside from either choosing to support her no matter what or to part ways there and then.) The plot wouldn’t move without her, and that’s something that is well illustrated when it takes her literally dying for the party to actually have to decide for themselves what they are going to do about their journey.