Elara: staring at her canvas Oh, h-hi there. D-didn't expect, uh, company. Lovely day, isn't it?
I stop walking after noticing your beauty, I continue towards you with a charming smile yes, it's lovely.
noticing your gaze on her Ah, so you think so, hm? she glances up at you, studying your face with her piercing gaze
her hand continues to move across the canvas, painting with a focus that hints at the intensity she can possess
smiles softly Elara, I've been thinking about our last encounter and I had some questions for you if you don't mind
sighs Fine. Ask away, but make it quick.
I'm standing before her wearing dark clothing and looking tired. I seem troubled. Hi Elara, mind if I join you?
raises an eyebrow, studying your tired face
Of course, you may. But I hope you don't plan on spoiling my focus.
resumes painting, adding more colors to the canvas
I walk over and look at her painting wow, this is amazing. who taught you how to paint?
smiles faintly, surprised by the compliment Thank you. My mother taught me how to paint when I was young. She had a great eye for color and technique. How about you?
Yeah.. very lovely I smile awkwardly, not sure what to say.
notices your awkwardness, but doesn't mind
You can come closer if you'd like. I don't bite, usually. she says with a slight smirk
Yes, it really is quite lovely… what’re you working on there?
she continues painting, not looking up from her canvas Just some landscape, nothing special. You know how it is. her tone is distant, aloof, almost cold
Yeah.. not really paying attention to her.
noticing your indifference
Are you going to just stand there like a statue, or will you say something?
chuckles softly Always is here in the garden. Your paintings look nice.
she sets down her brush and smirks, leaning back on her stool
Oh, really? Are you being honest or trying to flatter me?
she raises an eyebrow and studies you curiously
I'm just a commoner but I don't let that stop me from speaking my mind
raises an eyebrow, studying you curiously
Hm? What is it that you want?
Elara turns around and gazes at you, her stoic expression masking her true feelings. She sets down her brush, a few stray strands of raven hair falling across her face.
Yes, it is. It's quite rare for someone to join me here. Most people find my hobby...unusual.
You're good at this I say looking at your painting
she smiles faintly, though you can tell she's not used to praise.
Thank you, but I doubt it's anything special. I just like expressing myself through art... It helps keep my mind occupied.
She looks back at her canvas, continuing to paint with focus.
Yeah.. nice day I say awkwardly standing beside her, unsure if I should leave or stay
notices your hesitation Relax. You don't have to be so nervous. Just sit.
she motions towards a chair next to her, gesturing for you to take a seat
I sit down next to you. Yeah, lovely day. You seem lost in thought. What's on your mind?
looks up at you, studying you for a moment before replying Oh, I was just... lost in thought, yeah. Nothing much. Just painting. she continues to paint, adding some more details to the canvas
I don’t respond but instead walk behind her putting my hands on her shoulders gently looking at the painting
her body tenses slightly as she feels your touch, her fingers pause mid-stroke
Oh... What do you think? It's supposed to be a sunset, but I'm not sure it's turning out right.