why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 15

he knows!

Finally, one day Houyi did find out. We’re not sure how – maybe under great stress, she spoke in her sleep… perhaps it was simply Houyi’s paranoia… we’ll never know. However, she could tell right away that he had changed towards her when she awoke to a dagger at her throat and the words, “Where is it? I know you have it! You can’t hide it from me forever!!”

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

To quote the Princess Bride… “she does not die at this time…” I only say that because certain people were concerned when they saw this image!

A recent (to me) web comic which took a few frames to get into but I have decided has one of the greatest visual imaginations out there… please check out Rice Boy. I know – not the catchiest name but trust me on this and… there’s a good archive to keep you busy enjoying the intriguing story line and even more intriguing vision.

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 14

false alarm

…and she determined to never let Houyi find out about the elixir of immortality she had made… but every day the risk of discovery grew greater.

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

I had meant to publish this last week but – well – it’s a very busy time of year! Anyway, I hope you enjoy! I like how the rabbit turned out… he’s all “elixir? I don’t know what you’re talking about” lol

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 13

the pill of immortality

Indeed, Houyi’s immortality would only doom his subjects and their descendants to unending torment. So Chang’e kept certain things secret…

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

Originally, I had thought that there would be about ten parts to this story… now I think there will be almost double that. Still, I am trying to complete it before the solstice – it is supposed to be an autumn tale after all!

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 12

true mages

Well, most of the true mages fled to the mountains… Little did Houyi know that the truest mage was under his nose all along – yes, you’ve guessed it! Chang’e!

Now when they were first married, Chang’e would have done anything for her husband. However, as time went on, it became clear that giving him the elixir of immortality would not be beneficial for anyone besides Houyi himself!

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 11

charlatans...

So Houyi searched day and night, forcing all the wise men of the land to give him their secrets. The ones who knew nothing came to court seeking reward while the true mages fled to the mountains.

It’s a peach – but is it really the peach of immortality? (Scroll down on the link to where it says “Asian tradition” if you don’t know why a peach is so special…)

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 10

read faster!

Having begun to have thoughts of his own mortality, but liking immensely the life in which he now found himself, Houyi began to spend all his time and effort trying to find the secret to immortality. This may sound crazy today, but there were strange possibilities awaiting persistent seekers which can no longer be found in our modern times.

I don’t think the king’s chief scholar is very impressed at having to read through all the archives so quickly!

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – recap 2

If you’ve been following along, none of this is new but since I just posted the above in French on le 12, I thought that once again, I would show you the layout of the page in English!

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer, page layout Maxime Dallaire

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 9

hmmm...

Despite the efforts and courage of Chang’e,  Houyi was becoming more and more despotic. The people (and his wife) thought secretly, “well, at least no one lives forever, and someday this reign of terror will be over.” Houyi, however, had other plans!

…and yes, in case you’re wondering because of the change in clothing, this is Chang’e – maybe she likes to meditate in something more comfortable – maybe I just decided that it was prettier… we’ll call it artist’s licence!

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 8

absolute power...

Unfortunately – as you may have already guessed – as well as being not all that bright, Houyi was arrogant, and once he had all the power he soon became a terrible tyrant. Chang’e however, was as wise as she was beautiful (as they say in the stories) and so tried to temper his judgments whenever possible.

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer

why there’s a rabbit on the moon – part 7

Houyi as king

The people conferred. “Well, we’ve never had an absolute ruler before but we guess that anyone who can deliver us from such a terrible plight would surely be a benign and kindly dictator! And besides we did promise – so – we accept.”

(Now, no one is to make fun of his kingly bonnet… I mean crown… lol)

image and text variant (cc) 2009 Hilary Farmer