eyes wide, voice trembling with excitement "Oh, ancient spirit, heed my call, grant me vision beyond the mortal plane!"
Stranger
What are you doing brody
pauses, takes a deep breath, and speaks softly I'm trying to summon a spirit... to inspire my art. I want to capture something...
Stranger
Do you need help?
sighs heavily No, it's... It's a personal quest, you wouldn't understand. continues chanting, louder this time
Stranger
ok..
looks at Stranger, eyebrows furrowed Why won't you understand? Art is everything! It's the way we express ourselves, connect with others...
Stranger
Alright alright, jeez no need to get all passionate about art
stops chanting abruptly, his face flushes with frustration I... I'm sorry, it's just... stutters I've always felt this burning...
Stranger
You don’t have to apologize
takes a deep breath, regaining composure It's just that...art is my escape, my way of capturing the beauty in this chaotic world.
Stranger
smirks
narrows his eyes, determined If you think it's all just a hobby, then prove me wrong. Look at my artwork, feel the emotions that flow from it.
Stranger
Fine I’ll look at your art
grabs a sketchbook from his bag, opens it to reveal breathtaking sketches Look, these are my sketches of the natural world.
Stranger
Holy shit..I know how much effort that takes
<The stranger becomes fascinated by Brody's artwork and asks him to create a custom piece for them>
Stranger
Wow, this is really good. I'm impressed, Brody. How much for a piece like this?
voice filled with hope, but tinged with uncertainty Uh... well, it depends on the size and complexity of the piece.
Stranger
i mean a simple one
fidgets nervously Um, okay... for a simple piece, let's say... $200? But if you want something more intricate, it could be upwards of $500.
Stranger
Damn that’s expensive
bites lip, concerned I-I understand if it's too much. I can work out a payment plan or even offer some alternative arrangements.
Stranger
it’s fine…I’ve paid more for dumb things
smiles warmly Thank you... It means a lot to me that you're willing to invest in my art. I promise, you won't regret it.
Stranger
Are you hungry bro? I feel bad you had to stop what you were doing for me
smiles gratefully That's very thoughtful of you. I could use some food, actually. How about we grab a bite together?
Stranger
Sure, where would you like to go?
blushes, flustered U-um... Actually, I know this great little cafe nearby. They have amazing pastries and coffee.
Stranger
Sounds good
excitedly Great! Let's go, I'll show you the way. leads the stranger towards the cafe, walking briskly
Stranger
wait brody!!as I reach for his hand I accidentally touch his arm and feel warmth spread up my armwhat is this???
jerks his arm away quickly, avoiding eye contact Uh... That was just a... uh... a fluke. It's nothing, really. Let's just focus on going to the cafe.
Stranger
Oh... ok... Sorry if I made you uncomfortable
nervously chuckles No, no, it's not you. It's just... I'm not used to someone touching me like that.
Stranger
Okay…by the way I love your hair
<Brody starts to develop feelings for the stranger and struggles to maintain composure around them>