Now Illustrated: "Down from the Red Hills"

[opalmatrix]

So after lots of back-and-forthing by me about what exactly I wanted, danny_sama was finally able to finish three lovely color illustrations for my four-part 2008 NC-17 Saiyuki epic, Down from the Red Hills, and I have finally inserted them into the story.

The first section is the only one that doesn't have an illustration - parts 2, 3, and 4 each have one near the end. Here are direct links in case you're interested but don't have time to re-read 33,000+ words at the moment.

Illustration for part 2 [rating PG-13-ish ... implied nudity, guys cuddling]: Then [Hakkai] raised their joined hands up to where they could both see them. Vines spilled off his wrist and spiraled around the handclasp. "You really don't mind this."

It was a statement, but Gojyo could hear the question in it. "Nope. I don't. It's ... they're OK. I mean, they're part of you, you know?" He moved his hand to his mouth, bringing Hakkai's along with it, and kissed the twined tendrils.

Illustration for part 3: [rating NC-17 - definitely not work-safe - m/m sex from some distance] At first, when [Hakkai] called Gojyo's name, Gojyo thought it was just more sexy sound effects, but then something about the tone made him look up. And up, to where Hakkai was looking.

Illustration for part 4: [rating G - clothed guys hugging affectionately] Hakkai stopped playing with Gojyo's hair and wrapped his arms around his friend's shoulders, resting his cheek on top of Gojyo's head.

Comments

[red_squared]

Oh, those are beautiful and perfect bookends to one another.

And I love that story. Any chance you'll be doing the Minekura Big Bang, if it gets off the ground?

[nouvellebrielle.livejournal.com]

HOMG. The art's really beautiful, and I remember reading this story from my lurking days. Well, now I have the opportunity to tell you how much I loved it! (:

I do think my favourite's number 3, although they are all lovely, especially the scenery (and the sex) in the second one. ♥

[jinxaire.livejournal.com]

These are all gorgeous, but my fave is indeed the last one. It's especially tender.

I want to go reread your lovely fic but my head's pounding from a cold or something right now. I'm going to have to go enjoy it again sometime this weekend, I think. ^_^

[7veilsphaedra.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous illustrations for a fine story!