Remembrance of Things Past

So, I've had this piece done for several weeks now, and I can honestly say I've never been prouder of a piece of art that I have drawn. (the only thing I dislike is the feet..but feet always have and will always suck to high hell) Keeping in mind that this is a scan of an inked over printout of a scan of the original sketch, both the original sketch and the original inked version look much better, and I almost wish that I'd kept the grey background. Suffice to say I didn't, this copy has been adjusted in brightness and contrast on photoshop so that the lines look purer and the background as straight white as I could get it. Now, time for a little backstory...

The character featured here began as an old roleplay character some several years ago, but she has grown into one of my best and most favorite characters. Drawing her was the most natural and wonderful thing I'd ever attempted in my sketchbook. By the point in her story where this scene becomes relevant, she has become a queen by abdication of a throne held by one of her eldest friends. Said friend, the closest person to her and the only one she had ever been able to trust, has recently died, leaving behind nothing but the ring she now ponders and stares at. A tradition among their circle of friends, the ring is inscribed with his name, a title, and (traditionally, upon death) dates of birth and death. However, she did not think she could do this. He would always be the man who never died, for her, even if his death haunted her to the end of time. Funnily enough...the thought makes her smile.