Cross [The Embrace of Time]

I saw the reply link on how the sword was 'fixed', and it still doesn't look right. I mean the pose suggests the character is slashing, but the sword says it's being handed over or simply shown to someone. I can't imagine it being a parry. Either way I get the feeling the intention is to show the flat of the sword for looks, but after one has handled and swung one around, this positioning makes no sense, and it's awkward to look at and painful to imagine holding it in such a way.

I myself have trouble with weaponry in my art, I understand how tricky it can be, especially since wielding a sword isn't always as graceful looking as you want it to look.

Other than awkward sword, the piece is wonderful and marvelous and I love the darker tone in your version better in the edited one, although the shadow and light certainly added to the action.