Of course, that is kind of the point of this piece. It is a contemplation on the meaning of existence after what you live for passes away. In the case of Azir it is the meaning of existence after even the empire he strove heart and soul to create crumbles away. For Karthus it is the feeling of the very thing you gave your life up to do losing meaning. For Bard it is the questioning of purpose when you fail at doing the only thing you exist for.
Life can be a wonderful thing. However the longer it is the more pain that builds up, and the more sour existence becomes. I personally live my life to bring joy to those around me. I really don't care about much else. That being said I don't want to live too long or have others become too invested in my life because when i die I don't want to leave behind sorrow for others. I decided a long time ago what I want to do with my life and even longer ago I came to terms with my own death. I have no wish to exist any longer than I need to to bring joy to others. Eternal existence is the worst form of torture I can imagine. Honestly the concept of it actually sickens me.
I concepted this piece around those feelings and the pain that comes with life. Trust me, I know exactly how these characters feel, and it is not pleasant. Honestly part of the reason I hate this piece so much beyond the pain it was to make is because of what it depicts. Probably why I let it sit away for about a year before I was willing to handle it again.
As much as I joke around on the boards and feign ignorance of the pains of the world, I am contemplative at heart and this picture depicts how I felt for a big chunk of my life.
However! All that is in the past. We should contemplate upon things, but not get bogged down in them. If anything this should simply be taken as a warning against using too many frames in your artwork and to keep track of your files! At most it is a warning against dreaming without thought for the consequences. Nothing more than that. To think about what could be is to gain wisdom. To dwell on what could be is to succumb to despair.
So yes. I do understand how these characters feel. However one should not become enamored with said thoughts. One should look, taste, and move on to experience all sides of life. This was created before I learned that, back when all I could imagine as I lay waiting for sleep was the feeling of watching everything you know and loved wear away. Don't become caught up in the hidden thoughts that surround this piece. They aren't ones that a healthy mind should unduly mix with.
In fact just to clear all the darkness that surrounded me as I considered how to write this I am going to go find some NSFW Taric X Ezreal art to cheer me up! Cya!
