Сказания Меекханского пограничья. Восток – Запад

The contrasting settings add depth and tension, but I wonder if this structure was planned from the start or developed during writing. How did this duality influence the story's themes?

The characters’ complex motives kept me guessing, but it also made me question who was truly 'good' or 'bad.' Did this moral gray area resonate with others?

There were moments of intense adventure mixed with deep character reflections. I'm curious whether maintaining this balance was a conscious decision or evolved naturally.