The Young Are Usually Wounded

[viggoslayer]

I sit on my stool looking at the canvas, the tip of my paintbrush between my teeth, examining the colors. I've moved over by the large window allowing the moon light to stream across the splay of color I've been working on these past few days. Deciding on softer shadows, I take my brush and continue my work, singing absently, pausing every so often

Comments

[st4v]

He almost caught me again. I frown and go back to reading. This book is supposed to be a classic. It's been enjoyable enough so far but drags a bit every now and then. Like now, Frodo is at Rivendell, elves are kind of boring. I think of what I would be like if I was an elf, pointy ears and a know it all. Though the being one with nature thing would be cool

[viggoslayer]

I hum, "Hmm, yes. A storm will soon be upon us. Mother Nature has a voice all her own."

He was watching me again. I sense he wants to see the painting. It had started out with just brush to canvas then I allowed it to take me where it saw fit.

The colors represent how I see Stav, the inner anguish yet longing to belong. So much conflict inside him, so much confusion.

The moon is covered and I have lost my light so with a sigh I put my brush down and look at him, "Come see, please. I would like to know what you see."

[st4v]

He wants me to look at it! I am about to jump out of my seat in excitement but then catch myself. I fake annoyance, sighing big and thumping my book down in my lap. "If it'll keep you quiet

[viggoslayer]

I laugh out loud, "Then it is a success."

I scrutinize the picture, "Has more depth under the moon light, but..."

Leaving the conversation I gather my brushes and paint, "Well perhaps I need to clean these." I leave him to ponder the painting, but before leaving the room I casually tell him, "Take it if you want, my quarters are full of them."

Once in the restroom I wash my brushes wondering if he will take it. My hands are spotted with colors but I'm not ready to wash away today's work. I head back to the library.

[st4v]

I look at the painting then at his back as he walks out. I can have it

[viggoslayer]

As I enter the library I see he is gone - as is the painting. I smile and head over to the easel and gather the rest of my things. The flash of lightening drawing my attention and I look out at the storm building and marvel at it. So much power and beauty, breath taking yet deadly

[st4v]

I hear the knock on the door and open my eyes as I look toward it. I pull myself back into a sitting position on the windowsill. My hair all wet from the rain down one side sticks to my face and the other side falls softly against the other cheek, dry. I think of Jekyl and Hyde, or maybe Two Face. Good and evil.

I smile and hop down off the sill and head to the door. Probably David come to see how I am liking the book. It's then I remember I left it in the library. Crap. I don't want him to think that I don't take care of my stuff or worse what if someone takes it.

I open the door but instead of David it's Viggo and as I look down I see he is holding my book. I stop in my tracks. "Oh, it's you..."

[viggoslayer]

Perhaps he was expecting some one. "I do not wish to disturb," I hold his book out to him, "but you left this and I know it means much to you."

I can see he has the painting and I am filled with a sense of pride, he likes it. I do not look at the painting not wanting him to feel any shame for enjoying it, not that he should, but he does not trust and I do not want to ruin what familiarity we have.

I smile softly as I notice his hair, only half wet. He has been sitting on his sill watching the display of nature. My eyes follow the lined of his hair, the color darkened by it's dampness.

A memory takes hold of me, my voice soft, lost in an emotion I felt so very long ago after losing my mate, "In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun."

[st4v]

The way he looks at me has me feeling a bit self conscious. My hand which I was reaching out to take a hold of my book with falls back and I frown as I reach up to fiddle with the end of my hair. My fingers twirling the wet strands.

Then he says what he says and looks strange while he says it. I feel a little uneasy though caught by the words I kind of stare at him at first then I reach back out quickly and snatch my book from his hand.

[viggoslayer]

I dip my head slightly in gesture of forgiveness for my departure of the moment. There are moments one can not control where the mind takes them. I will think more on this later, but for now...

"I will be venturing into the woods tomorrow, a photography venture. After a storm there is so much life there, so many colors and textures exposed. I had planned on staying a few nights, but without my companion it is not as productive. If you are interested, I believe you would have a keen eye for it, you are welcome to join me. I leave pre-dawn, I will depart from the side gate if you wish to go. I will pack an extra camera."

With that I nod my head and turn towards my own quarters.

[st4v]

I poke my head out the door and watch him walk away as I grumble after him. "Like I would want to be out in the woods alone with a weirdo on drugs." Half my mind is thinking exactly what I am saying but the other half is thinking about that painting and a camera and what he said the woods would look like after the storm.

I turn my head the other way and David is standing there. Gives me quite a shock and I jump a little. He looks at me firmly.

That's not an offer you will be turning down is it Stavko.

I start to scowl at him but he gives me the look so I roll my eyes and agree with him. I have learned it's best not to go against what he says. He hovers near the door as I move back into my room.

I suggest you pack your bag nowI grab a bag and start to shove things into it giving him a sideways glance every now and then as he suggests something I maybe should pack, which I then do. Finally I am finished and I hold it up not saying anything but my stance is very much saying silently. Happy, it's done

[viggoslayer]

I am happy to see he is joining me. I see David at the door and know he has insisted Stav accompany me. He is very much an older brother, protector to our young one. It pleases me he approves of this trip.

Stav looks annoyed, but I have a feeling underneath he is pleased. His fear veils his thirst.

I smile softly and hold a bag out to him, "Your equipment. We will hike for a few hours looking for a place to make camp. If something catches your eye, we will stop. Do not let the normal conventions of this world sway you in what you find worthy of print. Green moss may repel some, but to the artists eye it is a canvass."

My gear already on my back I shift into form and take off.

[st4v]

I look at the bag and watch him take form and head off. I don't know why but I though we would be going by car, like normal people. It's not like we are hunting or anything

[viggoslayer]

I move quickly next to him and take the camera from his hand, "See," I set the camera up for the lighting and the closeness, "this will enhance the subject, focus on her," I show him the correct fitting and exposure mark then hand him back the camera, "whatever a subject brings out in you is very personal and not to be judged. This camera is for you, no one need to see the film but you."

I move away from him and let him feel free and unobserved.

[st4v]

I feel my face burn as he explains and shows me but I watch him closely and listen carefully so I know what to do next time

[viggoslayer]

I look around at the trees and how the slight breeze blows the leaves as he takes his photo. It is important to feel completely at ease when crafting an art.

It is the sound of the shutter that lets me know it is time to continue. I give him a moment in case he wishes to take more, but I hear the rustle of the bag as he puts the camera away.

Turning I do not let my eyes linger on his angular body. He is thin yet the muscle tone is long and lean. He would be most intriguing to photo. I nod at him, shift and make my way to the sound of water off in the distance.