I was immediately in love with the sketch when i drew this way back an somehow was in fear of coloring it in. YOu know this feeling when you deeply wish not to ruin it and then do? thats what i wanted to avoid.
Minaho is the owner of the sword (since he is the chu-baq). Originally, it cant be used by anyone except him, but he found a loophole to lent it to Lilly, who lost her family cruelly due to vampires and now vowed to hunt every single one of them down. She has to pay a heavy (blood) price to be able to use it. So she is the caged bird (as far as the concept of this piece goes). SHe believes it was her freedom to choose the cage (saying yes to Minahos proposal) and believes that is her freedom. A little warped. That is why the feathers and the blood are mostly on her side. Minaho - slightly amused - watches her struggle.