Dinner Subjects
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Vanessa T Sommerfeld
Date Posted: 6th December 2007
Characters: Benar
Description: Benar is immersed in thought as he sketches in the dining hall
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 7, day 15 of Turn 4
Benar sat at his favorite table in the dining hall. It was a corner table that afforded a view of most of the hall. With his back to the wall, he had his pick of subjects to sketch. The mood in the hall was jovial as there had been a flight the previous day. He was currently drawing an interesting subject sitting by himself at a table to his diagonal left. He was trying not to be noticed as he glanced up every few breaths or so to take note of the details he was transferring to the paper. His efforts were in vain, though, as his subject was surrounded by bound hides and submersed in his reading. Benar's charcoal pencil worked feverishly to capture every nuance of the man's countenance as he focused on his books. He wondered if that was how he looked at the moment. How peaceful one was when completely engrossed in enjoyable work. He considered himself lucky to have found a craft which suited him. He actually hardly considered it work.
True, he did not always identify with his assigned illustrations as he did with his more inspired art, but he delighted in bringing every detail to light even if the subject matter was a bit boring. In fact, he had just finished an illustration for the Healer Hall that turned his stomach. But he found that when he focused on the illustration as a model to be copied precisely, he enjoyed the challenge. He thought about his father and the hours he had spent as a child watching him care for patients as a healer.
He knew even then that he was not for the Healer Craft. His father had been disappointed, but supportive of his chosen craft. That sentiment, in fact, defined his parents feelings about him.disappointed, but supportive. His heart warmed when he thought of his parents. They had wanted so much for him.Healer craft knots and a marriage to Muriana or some other suitable girl. He was sorry that in their view he had not achieved his full potential. He, himself, was very happy with his life. Anyway, he was grateful for their patience and love, although it seemed he would never have their understanding.
His pencil never slowed throughout his reverie and he began to put the finishing touches of shadow and light. The man looked up long enough to take a drink of klah and returned to his reading. Benar's heart skipped a beat. He would be rather embarrassed to explain why he was sketching someone without their knowledge. It was something he had always done.
Muriana had teased him about it endlessly when they were kids. How many drawings did he have of her and Kelsen growing up? He smiled as he remembered his wedding present to them.a collage of several of his favorite sketches of them together and as individuals. The bride and groom were both moved by the gift, but it was the least he could do for his two best friends. How many years had it been now? He couldn't recall. He would have to go for a visit soon, as he had still not met their youngest child. The familiar ache formed in his chest when he thought of his two best friends.
He only wished for their happiness, but he had never thought Muriana had been in love with Kelsen as she ought to have been. As long as Kelsen was happy, he supposed. But why had Muriana agreed not to marry Benar for mutual lack of romantic love and then turned around and married Kelsen? He couldn't believe he had missed signs of her feelings for Kelsen all those years. He had certainly never missed Kelsen's adoration of Muriana. He sighed. It was a subject he had turned over in his mind for years now and he knew there was no answer in it for him, so he pushed it out of his mind.
His subject began to gather his books to leave, so Benar quickly compared his drawing to the live version one last time to make note of any discrepancies. Satisfied with the result, he signed and dated the sketch.
He took a sip of klah and began to search the room for another interesting face to draw. Finding one, his pencil flew again.
Last updated on the December 8th 2007