Got the sitting sprite set up, and I finally decided to put in a non-scrolling background that isn't a big grey blob. I think the base color outlines the sprite shading nicely, at least. I'm thinking that the background is going to shift in later scenes and have the moon slowly pan into frame. This isn't a technical feat, but I really like how your sprite will turn to face whatever your speaking to, and then maintain that direction when the conversation ends.
Slow day, but a good day, I think.