No matter how traumatised Hemlock is... they are an asshole.

I would be too if my daughter was brutally tortured before slipping into shock and dying, and if I had to kill my own son so they wouldn't suffer the same fate.

No Excuse, however... she DOES deserve a chance at redemption and deserves some empathy and im sure that day will come. To deny her a chance of redemption would be exactly what she did to Yarrow...denied HIS chance of redemption (he had the trauma of seeing his whole crew genocided btw not just a few kids)... so despite me hating Hemlock to bloody tears, I dont want her dead... and neither does Rask or she would be right now. The point of this situation is to let go and look beyond the poison that is Wrath... those mountain lions do need whipped into shape for their cruel methods however...

You cannot redeem kiling. I mean. If she could . can those too who killed her kids? Just everyone stop talking about redemption. There are things tht cannot be redeemed. She just can change .

Yes, you can the fact you dont think so means anyone who has including people in wars cannot which is not thinking straight. These arent modern day humans either, tje only real crime Hemlocks committed is killing out of vengeance and spite which does in fact effect all life not just human and it DOES rot things to the core...this makes her a threat to herseld and others currenty.

That is my point. She will cause trouble. There is a difference between defence and senseless destructive hate . she is the later

However. About redemption. Tell me how those who killed her kids should redeem to her? You know a way? There is no redemption for killing. Just trying to change

Plenty of redemption to be had, its not about them killing her kids, its about how they tortured them which is something hunters just werent known to do...thats what broke her. But ya your first comments def the point of why shes a big issue atm. All lifes equal especially in this setting and things kill all the time, just how it is.its WHY you kill that would be the defining point for sure.

In that case: Yarrow was pinned ^^

Ya for sure dude Ive said before I dont approve of her actions. I didnt approve of Yarrows either and neither should have their chance taken from them BUT reality is one did but im not about to give up and lose another out of spite/revenge that shits poison my dude the same poison thats creeping through Hemlocks veins as we speak. This will even be covered later in a way by Oren (love that rabbit).

One could argue that she is acting in defense of the sanctuary. It's not completely senseless. There is an obvious precedent for her current behavior, justified or not.

Actually no, she's acting 100% out of vengeance and spite...you'll find out soon enough ...lets just say Oren would have handled it differently. She's fulfilling HER desires not the Hollows. Thats what Wrath and Spite does to you...rots you from within. So no, that argument cant be made in this case BUT she does try to use it as an excuse..."its ok im doing this because X"...its bs. BUT she is NOT irredeemable shes just broken, her and Yarrow are legit the same characters on two different coins, both unhinged, crazy, and making excuses why they do X... think HER trauma was bad? Yarrow saw his entire MASS of Marten family get absolutely genocided ...BY WOLVERINES... both Hemlock AND Yarrow deserved a chance to redeem themselves...one had that chance taken from them...but I dont want to take Hemlocks...

I get that you're invested, but replying to every single comment chain you mildly disagree with on multiple pages is really excessive. Please tone it down a bit, your perspective isn't the only correct one. (Not that I even disagree with this particular comment or anything, but damn man chill a bit lol)

Well. Ceriu said most of what I was to say. Saved me time ^^ Her doings will make things worse.

Eh things are already a shitstorm regardless lol

We will see. I can see her change her point of view only for now in a long long term. But I will not call it redemption arc. ^^

Lol careful or theyll get a tournament arc instead = O. Also who blocks someone trying to spark up conversation or drop actual facts 50% of the time (like what I just did...its not a view point its a fact). Dudes aboves like how dare you comment then blocks lmao, weeaaaak.

Who blocks over an argument has lost the argument XD

I know right lmao? but now ive got this comical tournament arc going on in my head...like fam what Hems doing? what I said? thats facts, me thinking she can be redeemed though (thats a viewpoint). /shrug.

Wow. at first he is saying no hard feelings, then he (NukaKV) blocks me too just when I was about to say I have no hard feelings at him and accept his point of view though I disagree XD I would say, someone just fd himself XD

I dunno man people who block in arguments or statements are weird they could just stop responding or agree to disagree /shrug (especially when they try to smack talk you then block you cant defend yourself, real pathetic). I dont block people unless they do something legit insanely terrible personally. I know you and I dont agree on everything lmfao. His assumptions of dominance are false too, only thing im asserting as 100% fact is the negative rotting effects of succumbing to wrath/vengeance which IS a fact to think otherwise means peeps havn't read a history book lmao. Most the time its about sparking debate or conversation but apparently hes anti social /shrug. Normally i'd only reply to something every few months but kinda got bombarded by pages lmao, its fun to look back at stuff i've seen and reply in similar manners to see how it unfolds, talking on patreon suuuucks.

I mean. He is fucking arguring about redemption and blocks over this ? XD

(Well. I like to argue with people who not agree, also to find out why they have a different point. But seems like this is dying down) XD


And about redemption. Every .. every law and agenda is talking about Symbolic redemption.And that is what I have been talking about all the time. But you cannot really redeem it.
(I have my reasons why I do Not believe in redemption

However. I do not say she cannot try to change. But to make it believable it would be a hard long term process.

I mean eh you and I clearly have different views on what can be redeemed and honestly even if something cant be it still achieves redemption for seeking it even though they know they may never find it its a poetic sense of climbing a mountain to abstain what you've done and still performing this trial despite knowing you cant reach the top. Bit tired but thats my final view on that matter really lol (its like Endeaver whom ik I mentioned to you before...hes climbing that mountain and admits that he doesn't think he can reach the top but breaks himself trying to reach it regardless).

That I do not deny. That you can do your best to change and redeem. I see it as different things in trying and being able to.
I will never laugh at people trying though

Right exactly, I actually respect the ones who think they CANT reach the peak but still try which is why I began to really like Endeaver in My Hero. Went from psycho douche to wtf happened to me realization and then spends the rest of his days trying to redeem himself but admits that he doesnt think he can especially towards his family.

I just think Hemlock will not walk up that mountain. Not much. She has been through too much for that

Weee shalllll seeeee

Unless she dies XD However. we will see ^^

Thats part of weeee shallll seeeee I can answer as far as this chapters concerned but am refraining lol XD honestly really nervous bout chpt 2... ughhh

Just to be crystal clear; there was no argument. I even said that I didn't necessarily disagree with his response. No interest in having a fight, so I decided to stop it dead in its tracks. It's not my obligation to humor people who try to dominate the discussion or pick fights with everyone in the room. Just a bit worn out at the two of you trying to assert yourselves on every page that your opinions are the only correct ones. No hard feelings, I promise. We're all going along on the same ride here, minus the people paying on Patreon who have seen the ending already.

...I should clarify, it's more Ceriu than you. I did reply to your comment after all. But again, seriously, no hard feelings.

Yup, she went through so much trauma pain and suffering beyond comprehension. I don't expect her to suddenly be all buddy buddy with a predator. Even if he saved her, you just don't forget those things that easily, if ever. Specially after another predator just left one of her own dead moments ago.

Spot on. It's obvious when other people don't know what dealing with trauma looks like and how it can affect things long term. Healing from trauma is a long process full of doubt, anger and relapses, and people don't leave their defensive shells easily.

oh man :(

Oh wow this is gorgeous

That rabbit really wants blood.

its odd isnt it, normally bunnys just want to multiply ;)

It seems they"re really good at multiplying.

She's just asking for it at this point

BITCH

His "assistance" though ...he totally didnt carry that whole fight and prove his superiority in every way hahaha XD...see I knew people would think he was weak because hes Timid and isnt vicious... false...Rask is actually quite capable but prefers not to resort to those measures at all costs...and ya shes a BITCH trust me I hate her too but to deny her redemption would be doing exactly what she did to Yarrow...which is deny him of HIS redemption... the Wrath has to stop somewhere or else it never ends.

Well, she just shows her true face. Wouldn´t suprise me that, if he turned around to leave, she would just stab him in the back.

Theres still good in her...and deserves a chance at redemption...but your not toooo far from the truth lmao... to be honest if he really wanted he could wreck her easily...but thats not really the point, he DOESNT want to. Because hes better than her and despite whats happened wants to help her see what she currently cannot.

It´s also amusing how she calls what he did "assistance" even tho Rask was the one who actively fought his own Father and wrestled him to the ground. She just stood there and watched for some time.

Oh I know i've made a comment on the "assitance" thing...shes jealous, angry that shes weak, and knows both Rask AND Yarrow are right...Yarrow in terms of no matter how much she wants to be she can NEVER be as strong as a Hunter... and Rask is also challenging her world and its beginning to fall apart...she just wants him to leave lol...but yes Rask's combat prowess far exceeds hers (he COULD kill her in an instant but doesn't want to because he still sees the good in her for lack of better words and he wants things to work out the best they can) and was much higher than I assumed people were gonna thin...because hes "timid and not vicious"... those are find traits to have...he doesnt need to overcompensate nor resort to vengeance or spite to get his way...just as his uncle said...thers the straight and narrow foolish path...and the one that twists and bends...

And what will she do if Rask doesn't? Obviously the ultimate answer is "I'll kill you," but like, will she attack him right now if he doesn't run, or is this just her making it clear that if Rask doesn't leave, she will get to him eventually?

It is kinda interesting that Hemlock is offering Rask a chance to run, considering that security is one of the reasons that Yarrow had to die. If Yarrow had got away, she's probably right, he would've been back, and maybe leading other Predators to the Stone Hollow. So...is Hemlock saying she trusts Rask not to be a security risk if he runs away, or is she trying to get him to run to confirm her assumption that he can't be trusted?

False Yarrow never knew where the hallow was... she killed him because she is full of wrath/vengeance/spite...she doesn't trust ANY predator but is basically saying so long as he NEVER shows up around here again he can leave...hes challenging HER WORLD right now.. she wants him gone and out of view because her world is starting to crumble away.

Hit the nail right on the head, I think. Hemlock doesn't "get" The Hollow in the same way we do. In her vision, Rask isn't a part of it. He can't be a part of it. And neither could Yarrow

Right right yesir nor does she have the same vision Oren has.

Well, Rask was just wandeing, he can keep wandering. Hemlock doesn't have that luxury

Though between your options, I'm going to choose A: not a risk

This is why things won't change, Hemlock is standing in the way and refuses the changes.

She knows mercy but she more often than not refuses to show it because it goes against what she truly wants, that's probably the end of all predators.

Rask has accepted change and is trying to help Hemlock see it. He's trying and that's why Stonehollow needs him.

yaaaa...thers a reason Rask was brought/drawn to Oren (Oren has very similar views as youll see soon enough)...he doesnt hold spite or wrath for predators or really anything for a reason and Sprigg followed that path too.

It was all thanks to his Uncle, the path Rask walks is crooked and there are many bends and turns, some good, some bad, all he can do is keep going forward.

His uncle was the trigger and spriggs death the spark it just kinda clicked in his head what he has to do, and yes all he can do now is push forward without succumbing to the same wrath/spite others fall to...Oren will help with this allot... assuming...nothing bad happens to him (which is my greatest deepest fear lol) the hollow needs them BOTH to work right now > >...

I wouldn't be surprised if Hemlock's wrath will have a hand in this. She's angry, damn angry and she has every right to be so, what she doesn't have is the right to hurt others outside of self defence, which she has. The only thing keeping predators off of Stone Hollow is Oren's ingenuity. Hemlock's kill all moto is only going to draw predators in to eliminate the threat she poses if she doesn't get herself killed that is.

It took a horrible event to shift her into this mindset, the only way out isn't words like Oren or Rask hope, it will be actions. The only action or event I can see doing this will likely lead to the attack on or death of Stone Hollow directly because of her actions, and that's only if she sees and accepts it as she has a habbit of blaming others to justify her actions. I can see her blaming Rask if he does run if the Hollow is attacked later because 'he knows too much' and 'should have killed him there and then.'

But then again, you can't logic someone out of a position they didn't logic themselves into in the first place.

You would be surprised at how powerful Charisma and words can be (history proves this)...Orens is especially powerful however that would require Hemlock to stick around and listen.

Charisma can only do so much and go so far when someone's mind is made up and is reinforced by past trama. That doesn't go away with kind or understanding words, with time it may change but the damage she's doing right now will likely outweigh Oren's influence over the entire Hollow.

Right now Hemlock is stoking the fires of fear which can win over Oren's charisma under the right circumstances. She's doing as he says now but what happens when she figures out how to make spears and no longer needs Oren who she sees as bringing in dangerous animals into the Hollow? Will she keep him in the lead or will fear compelle her to cease control and enforce an all out kill policy on any and all predators?

At this point I wouldn't put anything past her as she isn't willing to give change a chance seeing as she's tried to kill Rask several times and even seemed to enjoy the idea when she nearly drowned him in the lake earlier, nearly speared him when he was fighting Yarrow and will likely kill him if he stays even after he saved her and didn't immediately retaliate after she killed his father as she had.

Wont ruin anything but your right about her fears trumping Orens words but only with himself, he does in fact overwrite anything she says in the hollow fear or no fear and just about anyone is literally willing to walk on fire for him hahaha XD just waaaaait freakin love that rabbit.

Ugh meant *only with herself* bloody cant edit it now hahaha.

It won't help him much if he losses the majority. Those who don't or won't fall in line will be banished to the wolves if they don't leave with Oren if he's forced out.

Not wrong but trust meh Oren cant lose majority, Hemlock would be the first to get ousted. Orens like a beacon of salvation up in here lucky for him. Wouldnt stress about that part, also had to look back but Orens already shown peeps how to make spears they just dont get it/comprehend it (showed Rask too when Oren was testing him by getting him alone at the forge).

I know Oren won't lose the majority but Hemlock won't make it easy as she's likely to poison the well with fear.

Oh for sure my dude if her wrath or spite grows large enough she'd be capable of worse atrocities even killing/poisoning her own. Thats the facts about Wrath and Vengeance corrupts you and makes ya worse and worse. Shes not THAT far gone yet but boy is she on the edge.

By poisoning the well, I didn't mean it literally. I meant she'll start scaring creatures into her points. They're all rightfully scared of Rask as he is now, Oren was even concerned of flight risks, Hemlock getting into the other's ears wouldn't be too hard for her to take control when the populous is already scared by stoking their fears further.

oh ya boi I gotcha my mate. Oren was appropriately cautious and tested Rask by putting himself and basically only himself at risk (when he was talking to Rask in the forge not only was he not armed but completely within killing range...when Rask did nothing it probably confirmed it for him). Hemlock would probably get less than 40% of the pop honestly (most being her own "wardens" if you can call them that), Oren's silver tongue/charisma is insanely powerful you'll see by the end hahaha he IS the beacon of hope there is no other for any of them. But avoiding issues entirely would of course be recommended.

Hemlock, I love you to death but kicking Rask out into the cold cruel world won't bring Sprig back or bring change to the stone hollow.

Girl makes some dumb moves sadly.

Least she shows signs of redeemability and her dumb moves are because shes given into wrath and spite, shes probably broken and confused too especially since in her world Rask should be spitting vengeance and spite about right now and instead just wants her to see what he does. She hates him and wants him gone because she feels her world is cracking apart and like anyone it scares her. Hate her currently but i'd not deny her the chance to evolve because she can for sure my dude.

lol his "assistance" she says XD

Ppl will INSIST on hating on Hemlock, spout a bunch of morality that doesnt even apply to this world, literally as the CORPSE of Sprig, is lying lifeless, neck broken, cruelly and mercilessly snapped by Yarrow. Have hardly seen mention of any feeling of rage toward that death. Poor dude was the best hope that place had, imo. New blood, wary but willing to give this fragile experiment a shot. Died horribly and in fear. Poor bloke.

Im not glad Yarrow is dead, I dont hate Hemlock. im just... bitterly sad and frustrated about the whole state of things. I desperately wish there be a way to make life better for everyone. I hope they find one.

Yeah I have to admit people raging at Hemlock for killing Yarrow had me a bit 'what?' just for the fact Sprig's corpse is still warm.

Also yeah Hemlock making bad choices™ gets me too but I'm trying not to lose hope of her wising up eventually.

Thats fair bro, but Yarrow didnt deserve to have that chance taken from him, however nor does she...im more mad she acted out of vengeance and spite than anything despite Rask having things under control. Shes still got a light in her I just hope it doesnt fizzle out shes on a dangerous path right now.

Refuse to run Rask!!

Hemlock Blocks The Way... couldnt resist...

She hates that he’s right. Hemlock very quickly lost advantage against Yarrow.

Correct...especially in this setting prey types can NOT challenge a predator in their prime 1 v 1 not even freaking CLOSE stick or not stick lmao... shes living a dying dream thinking she can kill more of them before they wipe out all HER people...big mistake...Oren's the only real salvation for The Hallow and his views which Sprigg also shared ... are the right ones. The path of wrath and vengeance brings one thing, ruination nothing more. Right now he challenging her world...shes broken inside and she just wants him to LEAVE... to deny her redemption however would be the same thing she did to Yarrow...denied him of HIS redemption... for succumbing to his crazed hidden spite of most likely seeing all his family get genocided.

He can't leave. He need's to stay and help Hemlock begin her redemption.

Will be upset if he leaves.

There will be no redemption. She just can change but she cannot find redemption. If she could find redemption also the hunters could . You cannot redeem killing someone.

That's true. I didn't think about that.

There will be no redemption.

Thing is, you're not the author nor the artist. Teagan may very well have a 'redemption' arc planned out that we don't know of. And what happens in this story is entirely up to Teagan regardless of other peoples' opinions. Just throwing that out there.

Sighs. you do not get what I mean. right?
it is NOT about Hemlock changing. It is NOT about her trying to redeem herself.

No matter what story. no matter what reality. YOu CANNOT Redeem DEATH!! Unless you are a necromant.

the whole concept of redemption is nuts if you have killed someone. That is what I am saying.

And you didn't get what I meant. I'll break it down for you; your shit is getting REALLY old at this point. This isn't your story, this isn't your world. Quit saying what can and can't happen in it. I'm pretty certain that you don't know a goddamned thing about someone living with the fact that there's blood on their fucking hands, so you don't have the right to act all holier-than-thou or to say what can and can't be. Some people here just might have a better idea than others about how it feels to kill in the real world, much less in a fictional fantasy comic. That's all I'm saying about that.

Fictional or not the concept of a redemption arc is a strange concept, also in fiction.

And again : I am NOT saying it is wrong to try to redeem something.
I have the feeling you overread this.

oh and just to make it clear: I totally respect the artist. And I am more than surprised that Hamlock is not simply changing just because Rask saved her. Hemlocks motivation is more than believable to me and I just speak up for that a redemption arc is often too much forced and unbelievable. I expect the artist to have a long journey in store for her , if any. Not a simple : some Hunter saves her and she changes. And I am glad the artist is doing it this way.
You talk about me to consider how a person who served sees this. So. i am asking you: Would you simply suddenly change if you are in a battle and someone saves you from the other side? Suddenly change you point of view? Hemlocks motivation and actions are very much believable. And well. tell me someone who has served and seen battle suddenly jumps for redemption arc. We still have many SS officers today who give a shit about redemption . Redemption arc is something complicate and all I hope for that this storyy keeps being as good as it is for now.
You can laugh at me if you like.

She didn't say "Simon Says" Rask is under no obligation to do so.

Or "Hemlock says"

That is one way of saying "Thanks"... not the best one

You can empathize with someone who wants you dead, but you should always be ready to defend yourself. The hardest part about being better the person is not restraining yourself from defense. It's knowing when to show mercy.
Hemlock is not showing mercy. She's just giving Rask a headstart.

Correct sir but dont worry Rasks combat abilities are 10x better than hers even if hes not on guard...long as hes not starving ornsomething lmao. But yes he should be on guard more for sure.

The sad part is Hemlock is a child with a toy. What would be truly terrifying is anyone with some actual martial training. I'm a beginner HEMA student, but my instructor, who is a beanpole, could beat anyone regardless of their size. Technique and training is everything.

Predators can use weapons too my friend and this universe is kinda saying...idk how to say it...predators are MUCH more powerful than what they prey on, training or no youll die 1 v 1 thats the point and what Oren was warning people about...Hemlock IS trained lol...it didnt matter because Yarrow was a predator in his prime and was absolutely ballistically skilled (also remember a fight to the death is waaaay different than a sparring match)... he'd kill you hahaha BUT being more skilled means you can live longer maybe for help to arrive. Thats better than being untrained.(I was in some high level weapon training myself like years ago, good stuff I was stupid good and had great footwork with swords honestly, was mixed weapons martial arts).

Ingrate!

Run? yes run back to Oren, and declare the problem solved for now ... and keep an eye on Hemlock.

Well, it was nice knowing Hemlock.

Hello. My name is Oren? .. I run this place? Hemlock, you're banished. Rask? Come.

I'm not sure that would make Oren any better than Hemlock. She doesn't exactly have any place to go, as far as we know. The Hollow is the first and only haven of its kind so far.

Is banishing even a thing yet?

Spot on my dude Oren wants to help her most likely...he held out hope and tested Rask and he would do the same for her im sure.

Hemlock is just now in the process of banishing Rask.

Replied to the wrong guy I think but ya banishing is a thing thats what saying gtfo is lol

Actually no now that I think on it Oren visited one similar to theirs and learned how to make metal...im sure there are Hunter ones as well which is prob why Oren wants to find a Unity type of solution rather than oppose a force that could trample you (like the dreaded mountain lions or gluttons).

We don't know about that other one other than "they make metal". It may have been single-species. Oren may have had pet or slave rights there for all we know

Said he ran from the one eyes wolf and kinda just bumped into them to be honest but thats true... albeit its probably more likely he just bumped into someone who ended up liking him and showing him crap lmao. Coulda sworn the quick little glimpse they showed had more than one type of critter in there but maybe not it HAS been a while sine I glanced at that one.

Ok, yeah you're right. Went and looked at it
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/35292681/
I seemed to recall only one species because of so many boars (and the fact that we haven't seen anything like them since), but I also remembered the distrustful look of the groundhogs. Though it looks like it started with groundhogs and then branched out

Yea my dude nice look see, its very curious...perhaps they hadn't achieved this level of cooperation just yet? Coulda just been starting out perhaps. Think the biggest sorta fear even Oren has about this ^ is he is aware that he is probably not the only one doing this type of thing BUT logic tells Hunters are fully capable perhaps more so of doing this same thing... worse part of fog of war is you dont actually know who's winning this tech race or what anyone else is doing...and the fact even other prey types may lash out at the hollow for selfish reason shouldnt be ignored either...not everyone gets along even if common interest could be had afterall. This is most likely why (that and to avoid OP hunters lol) Oren wanted to keep stealth mode on which is a solid tactic.

I have this suspicion that someone has been watching/listening to most of this ordeal.

Kind of interesting considering the parallels to how Sprig offered to let Rask run away, although for Sprig it was because he saw the mental conflict within Rask. As for Hemlock, she knows that Rask did everything correctly to the best of his abilities, but she still can't bring herself to completely trust him. And that's the thing with her.

I get tired hearing about how 'Hemlock is irredeemable' or how 'they're not doing it right.' Well dare I ask, what should Hemlock be doing then? Opening up peaceful dialogue with the very hunters that see her and her kind as nothing but a meal? Instead of trying to kill Yarrow, give him a big ol' hug and lead him right into the burrow? Should she do the same thing for the next hunter that shows up starving and looking for an opportunity to have a full stomach? Going to invite a carnivore in to have some carrots and cabbage?

Hemlock is a survivor, she doesn't need 'redemption'. She's a product of the world she lives in; a world that says her life means nothing. She didn't chose to be a rabbit, she didn't chose to be prey... but she chose to fight back. She chose to no longer play by the world's rules and make a statement; you will fear us.

In this world, prey are supposed to live their lives fearing predators... so Hemlock is setting out to break that rule. Will this end all the bloodshed? No... but will happy, feel good conversations? No. At best, that would result in the 'peaceful' slaughter of prey animals as predators maintain the current status-quo. What Hemlock is after is not 'peace for everyone', it's for prey animals to be feared and respected. If that means she has to become a monster to do so, she will. Morality is irrelevant when it comes to survival.

There is no real solution to the problem that exists, only the ability to try and make things better. From Hemlock's perspective as a prey animal, choosing to fight back and gain the means to meet predators on equal or even greater terms means their chances of survival increase dramatically. This is why she makes the choices she does. It's not because she's 'stupid' or 'evil' or 'uncaring'... it's the only way she sees things improving for her kind and the ones she loves. Are there better means that benefit both sides? Certainly... but that's not Hemlock's focus when prey animals constantly live in fear, unable and even unwilling to fight back.

I think what you said is well put, and I pretty much agree.

She is an cynical arse with reason and meets the world in the only way she knows how. Flawed perspective or not she is only doing the best she thinks she can right now.

Totaly agree with you.

Strongly agree, well said

There is a solution. Kill her before she drives all hunters to go nuts at the Forge because of her.


And she cannot redeem what she did. If she could then also could the hunters killing her cubs. Killing cannot be redeemed. She could just change her ways. but redeem. No.

So... killing cannot be redeemed and is bad but kill Hemlock for fighting back against the hunters that are killing them? You say 'she could just change her ways'.. but that literally means for her to stop fighting back against being hunted and killed. She doesn't have a choice. She chose to live life as a mother and had that taken away from her by hunters... so she wants to set out to ensure that doesn't happen to others and that they have a choice.

I never said she cannot fight back. I jsut find it stupid to say you can redeem yourself. You cannot redeem yourself to the ones you killed Oo
DO not talk about redemption. You can just redeem to those you harmed and you cannot redeem to killed ones.

I have no problem with her fighting back. I have no problem with her starting to see not all hutners are evil and mindless but I have a problem with redemption.
Or to say it hard: You think those mountain lions could get redemption for killing her kids? How so. How should they redeem to Hemlock. YOu maybe now get what I mean?

And to make it clear. by change her ways, I mean : She learns that there are crazy and lust driven hutners and then are there those like Rask, that hunt because there is no choice in their diet. She could change to see that there are maybe even hunters that could be on her side. If not then why are we talking about a redemption arc at all?
I mean. if we accept the fact there cannot be peace in a way who should she redeem to? She can only get redemption from the hunters, right?

Surely that means the opposing solution is to kill the hunters before they go nuts at the forge?

hehe. she needed help from Rask to save herself. Now I want her against a number of wolves. That would be an easy go for them.
I think the best way rather would be to stay out of sight and Hemlock for sure is doing the different thing

Like I've often said her big mistake was not waiting for reinforcements.

If she's smart it won't be a 1:1 ratio, she'll bring numbers and spears. That'll be a different fight entirely.

right now she would be dead as soon as Rask changes her mind. She just lives because he is on her side.

I do understand her motivation and all but seeing her motivation. I just cannot see her changing and have a redemption arc. Such arcs are just too forced often.

I must say I respect this writer and artist a lot for not making Hemlock suddenly change after he helped her. Her character is quite believable. No matter how much I do not like her mindset. ^^

Oh yeah a forced 'she becomes good' arc would be so out of tone it's not funny.

Her gradually changing her views and getting character development is what I would *like* to see. But it should come naturally.

many seem to wait for that. I hope the artist is making her change a bit slowly.
I admit. I want her to change but character development is something hard. Till now I find it really good how it is done here.

Very well put

Shes not irredeemable for sure but acting out of vengeance and spite is a poison. And it doesnt matter what she has honestly...prey types cannot challenge a predator to open conflict the point of Yarrow 100% overwhelming her was trying to show you this... Shes got light in her still, I hate her but she CAN evolve...something Oren was trying to help her do.

"Well dare I ask, what should Hemlock be doing then? Opening up peaceful dialogue with the very hunters that see her and her kind as nothing but a meal?"

Considering she was just saved by a marten who tried to talk down his dad from killing and is currently preaching pacifism, nothing is impossible.

She's not irredeemable, she's just a cowardly, insufferable crazy ass bitch right now. She's so used to seeing the world in red that she can't see any other color at this point. Rask is a living subversion to her expectations and she doesn't want to process it.

Cowardly?

She was still reaching for her spear even after being knocked on her ass. She was frightened yet she was still trying to fight Yarrow.

I dunno what your definition of cowardice is my guy but it's different from mine. A coward would've made cotton keep watch then gone for backup.

Remember the first few frames we see of her attempting to drown Rask with a grin while he was down in the water and defenseless?

Or just two pages ago where she killed his dad while he was subdued?

Oh and she's trying to play the badass card when she was ready to get ripped apart without his help.

Aaaaaaaaah

See, by that very same logic, every single hunter in existence, including Rask, is a coward.

Predators go for the weak, the sick and the old. They don't go for the healthy ones that can fight back and potentially injure them. I believe we've even seen Rask hunting down a prey not even half his size.

Rasks dad just went all out against an armed healthy person trying to kill them.

oh oh oh and she tried to kill rask while he had his back turned while he was distracted

she's a fucking lunatic bitch man.

... and?

Forgetting for a moment Sprig's still warm corpse.

This isn't the 1800s where you challenge another gentleman to a duel because he offended your sensibilities, upon which your BFFs set a time and place for you to shoot at eachother once each from such a distance that neither of you will hit a damn thing and thus uphold eachother's honour.

This is creeping into the bronze age, there is no written law, there is no rules of warfare, there are no international courts of justice.

You do not seek out a fair fight, only idiots do that. If the Hunters only engaged the healthy and the strong they would die, Wolves have a 14% success rate for hunts when they're as pragmatic as they can possibly be about it.

Equally if Hemlock politely challenged every hunter she encountered to a civil contest of martial might? She and a good many others would more than likely be dead already. Instead she aims to kill them before they even know she's there. Because that is the smart thing to do.

Edit: Hell, smarter still would've been waiting for reinforcements so her and six other Rabbits with spears can gang up on Yarrow.

"... and?"

and that's it

i am very aware of the pred/dom conflict in this comic. I think her actions stretch far outside the necessities of survival to the point of actively hindering everyone around her. Her actions are controlled more so from emotions than instinct or rational thought, and they often veer toward extremely negative directions. Rask is attempting to challenge and change this, and I root for that.

This event of being saved by a predator should be a life changer but she's defaulting back to her old ways. It's a sad turn of events.

You can feel how you want about this character but I don't think she's supposed to be 100% sympathetic. She is a clear obstacle in this story.

I absolutely cannot disagree that she's set up as an antagonist right now.

REALLY LOVING THE STORY!

I cant wait to see what happens next~! :D

She's acting more and more like the predators she hates. Hows the old saying go? "He who hunts monsters should beware they don't become that which they hunt."

"He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee." -- Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil

it's beginning to get really hard to feel any sympathy for this character, hope she comes around eventually

Run. Run away, Simba. And never return.

Cue Oren arriving just in time to hear that little bit of dialogue. Should be an interesting conversation.

lol "assistance"? HE did all the main work! HE fought against his own father while she injured Rask by try to stab him from behind. He saved her pity life and wrestled his father down. And in the moment he was defeated SHE murdered his father in front of Rask. Even it she has the right to kill him as vengeance for the 2 kills he did, she aint did it better than the preds who killed her family. Rask could follow his dad but he decided to change his mind for the group of prey, for Hemlock and all what she do is beeing a dumb bunny that is blinded by her own trauma who uses the death of her family to spread the blood of others. In that moment she lead thw group to knock out the badgers teeth for her own joy, she became the same who killed her entire family. She is a psycho. And the only reason she is part of thos group is, that she has no fear to attack. But she still dont know how to attack - all was pure luck. And she doesnt like Rask for 2 reasons. He is a pred and he is better than her. Always blinded by hate and range. She didnt saw that he carries a message at the first time and now dont see who he is fighting for.

She really is a dumb and scared bunny.

I dont like her. not because she has no mercy for anything, but because she is blinded by her rage of blood.

again. Anyone still beleives in her getting a redemption arc? XD

Only  blackteagan knows for sure

Well. I say nothing against her trying to see things difference and see there are hunters like Rask and cruel bastards.
I just cannot cope with the word Redemption. Since killing can't be redeemed .

Assistance?? He saved your hide, rabbit! He could have killed you after you slaughtered his father, but he chose to try and reason with you. 😠 I hope Oren shows up soon and intervenes - Rask doesn’t deserve to be run off.

This caused a very sudden and real desire to slap someone, regardless of tragic backstory and fresh massacre. Could've told Rask to leave without putting it the most unwarrantedly arrogant way possible. o.x Yeesh.

I'm not patreon so I don't know the future, BUT.
I'm going to bet that Oren will appear in 3...2...1...

Really solid writing Teagan :) The wide range of feelings/discussions on this thread alone are proof to this! Cant wait to see what happens next. And beautiful art and expressions as usual.

Sooo Hemlock tried to kill Rask WHILE Rask was trying to protect Hemlock and others. Rask saves Hemlock's A$$, possibly twice. Hemlock kills his father, whom Rask was talking down at worst, at best being actively vicious. And then offers "mercy" like that? Ungrateful doesn't even come close. Crazy doesn't even come close.
At this point, ignoring right and wrong, I'd leave that thing to the wolves. There's no way you can work with someone that broken and vicious.

She's going to show him mercy by not killing him in cold blood? How kind of her . . . . Seriously, how fucking awful of her.

after what I just saw if it was just sparing and no killing, he would absolutely win.
just saying.

Hemlock is such an asshole.