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[open] The lion, the witch and the sketchpad

It is a mild day, something to be grateful for when you have to spend most of it sitting outside. Siobhan has found herself a nice little perch between the paws of a lion statue, her little paper cup standing next to her. There are a few coins in there but it's a slow day. She doesn't mind, things aren't too dire. She has fastened some of her drawings on the lion, he's a helpful sort so he doesn't mind. If people stop for long enough to throw her a glance she will give them a smile and offer to draw their portrait if they can part with some change.

It would probably seem like a more attractive offer if her sketchpad wasn't so beaten up and she herself wasn't swaddled in ratty clothing that seems about to swallow her up, but you have to work with what you have, eh?

Her mother would think it a shameful thing, of course, begging. Especially since Sio does have some money coming in from other places. Then again her mother doesn't have to eat like a horse just to keep herself from wasting away. No, Mother's slender grace is the result of very careful planning indeed. Appearances are very important after all. You have to play the game.

Siobhan isn't interested in any of that. She just wants to meet some new people and scrounge up enough money for a snack.

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"How about her?"

Lancelot flashes Siobhan a smile as another possible customer waves her off and carries on walking, gestures to Lily who is swishes her tail in greeting. Hello! Hello Siobhan! She remembers you! Where are your doughnuts today?

"If you're happy doing animals, that is. I can persuade her to sit still for a while with enough encouragement."

Of course Lancelot gets a smile in return. Hello there, she remembers you!

"I can draw anything."

She isn't boasting, simply stating a fact. Lily gets an excited smile too because such a good dog.

"Hello Lily-girl! Think you can sit pretty for a bit so I can draw you?"

Lily bounces on the spot, pleased by the tone of Siobhan's voice, tail waving faster up over her back. Yes! Yes she is a very good dog! Yes! Lancelot huffs at her, crouches down and puts a hand on her back until she sits finally -- turns to peer into his face and sniff at him now he's at her level. Hello Lancelot! Why are you down here? Never-mind! It is good that you are!

"Can you sit nicely for the lady?" he prompts, and Lily tilts her head questioningly. She is sitting? He is saying sit, but she is already sitting! What does this mean?

"I'll be quick."

Her hand is already moving to map out basic shapes, including Lancelot in the picture because who says she can't enjoy drawing both pretty puppies and pretty men?

"How've you two been?"

"Good, thank you! Gearing up to survive fireworks night. Someone isn't too keen on all the loud noises."

He looks up from Lily and grins at Siobhan, something a little knowing in it, even as Lily looks sideways and leans toward Lancelot to sniff at him. If he is going to be at her height, after all, she will make good use of it! Make sure she can properly investigate him, lick at his face a little. He wrinkles his nose but doesn't fend her off.

And something about that knowing look makes Siobhan's face go bright red even as she grins back at him, feeling oddly caught in the act even though she'd be stumped if someone were to ask her just what that act might be.

"Aye? What gear does it take to do that, then?"

"Toys, blankets, food -- mostly a lot of distractions, a good den to hide in and something to try and help cover the sound if it gets too loud and close. Things to black out the windows to hide the flashes."

Lancelot shrugs a little, ruffling at Lily's mane to try and distract her from licking. She tips her head back to encourage it, tail swishing enthusiastically, and stands up.

"Lily, sit, come on now," he chides, and she sits again. Why so much sitting? Why are they staying here? She will sit if he wishes, but why?

"I'm sorry girl," Siobhan says with a giggle. "She doesn't have to keep sitting, I've got the pose down."

Her eyes flick constantly between paper, dog and man, pen moving with the surety that comes from hours upon hours of practice.

"I know it's boring to stay in the same spot for too long, I don't like that either."

"You sure? I can keep her attention a little longer."

She fusses at him a moment longer, tail swishing excitedly, then Lancelot relents and lets her stand -- grins at her as she bounces on the spot and shakes her head -- fur ruffling and making her look like a lion with a huge mane.

"You did good!" he assures her, and holds out a hand palm up. She bounces and lifts one paw to rest in his and shake. Yes! Yes she is good at these games. She doesn't know why he likes them but she is good at them now! Does this mean she gets a treat?

"Aye, I'm sure most ladies don't much mind paying attention to you."

Which really isn't meant to be a flirty remark so much as it is a statement of fact, said as she adds some more stubble on her rendition of his very appealing jaw line.

He flushes at that, eyes flicking sideways to Siobhan then back down to Lily. He ruffles at her fur to distract himself, letting her invade his space and push herself up under his arm.

"I'm not so sure that is true, but you are kind to say so."

Even if Lancelot assumes it must simply be her teasing.

"That's not kindness, it's honesty. I should say that I'd be willing to bet what little money I have that a good few of any gender would gladly pay you attention, really."

She ads a few final touches and hands the quick, but still very good, sketch to Lancelot.

"Face it, handsome, you've the sort of face that makes people stop and take notice, not to mention that you're a sweetheart."

Siobhan thinks everyone is beautiful, but she can still tell when someone is likely to make a lot of other people go "hot damn".

Edited 2015-11-15 01:49 (UTC)

Lancelot keeps his eyes lowered uncomfortably at that, focusing on Lily until he senses Siobhan moving and looks up. His eyes light up at the sketch and he grins at her, takes it to study it -- one hand gently restraining Lily from 'helping' with this.

"This is incredible! You're really very kind. Here --"

And he hands it back to her a moment so he can dig for his wallet, tugs out a twenty pound note to hold out to her with a smile.

"Here, and thank you again. Are you self taught, or...?"

Or did she learn from someone, attend art school? He wouldn't have pegged her as the type for art school, but sometimes appearances can be deceiving.

Well, now it's Siobhan's turn to flush, and she does so with considerably less grace than Lance since she turns a brilliant shade of red all the way from her hairline down on her neck as she accepts the twenty.

She's not even that embarrassed or flustered, really, her body just seems to have an aversion to any kind of subtlety.

"I'm glad you like it. I just taught myself, it was always easier than trying to get the hang of words."

"Well, then you taught yourself very well -- and I'm happy to have a piece of your work. But you should sign it! So that when you become a famous and terribly rich artist I can say I have an original copy of a piece of yours."

He quirks an eyebrow, holds it back out to her questioningly with a smile. Well?

"So long as you don't ask me to write anything else. My spelling's shite."

She takes the paper back and jots down her name, obviously not used to writing even if her artistic talent at least gives the letters a shape that is pleasing to the eye.

"Promise," he assures her, and takes it back with a smile -- carefully begins to roll up the picture to keep it safe. "How have you been? Planning on staying here a little longer, then?"

He pads closer with Lily, who sticks close to his heels -- shifts to take a seat on the statue's pedestal near where Siobhan had been sitting.

"Or does that depend on how many pictures you sell?"

Her expression brightens when she realises that he wants to stick around and talk for a bit, it gets so dull sitting around all on your own.

"Aye, I'm staying. I've found a cheap room and a jeweler willing to sort of have me as an apprentice which is good since I needed a workshop. Besides, I like it here."

"A jeweller? You make jewellery too?"

He supposes they're both creative forms of expression, he shouldn't be surprised, but Lancelot is always impressed when people can do these sort of things.

"What sort do you make? Forgive me if that is bold, it is only -- well, I have no such talent myself. I suppose it is interesting to learn from those who do."

"Aye, from time to time, when I have the means."

Which in all honesty isn't nearly as often as she'd like but that's how things are sometimes.

Most times, really, but she's learned to make the most of what she does have because what use is there to be sad about things when there are so many reasons to smile?

"What kind? Just for ladies or should I start commissioning pieces from you too?"

His lips quirk in idle amusement -- he doesn't really wear much in the way of jewellery, in truth, but who knows. He might start. He already has a little charm on Lily's collar, after all, that he bought at the harvest festival. Lily shoves her face into Lancelot's lap as he talks, and he ruffles at her ears fondly -- quietly shushing her every so often to try and calm her enthusiasm. Which is, of course, trick. Dogs have a lot of enthusiasm, and no desire to calm it.

"If you want something all you have to do is ask. Mostly I make amulets."

She has discovered that there really is no need to be particularly secretive about what she is and what she does, most people don't believe her anyway.

"No, no you shouldn't give things away for free. That won't keep your fridge stocked and your home warm, will it? What sort of amulets! Here, this is the only sort I own --"

Gently shoving Lily he turns her to face Siobhan a little, turning her collar so the small amulet hanging off it is visible. It's only a small one, a protection amulet to try and keep Lily from injuring herself or stumbling into doggy trouble, but it's real enough.

"I bought it during a harvest festival," he says, and flicks a small smile. He hopes it's enough to let Siobhan know that if her amulets carry real witch magic, well, it's safe enough to talk to him -- and if not? It's just an amulet he bought at a festival.

Siobhan comes down from her perch to crouch by Lily and gently touch the talisman. It's pretty good, but she'd be willing to wager that she could make something better.

"I always seem to manage."

Sometimes only barely, but managing is managing as far as she's concerned.

"I could make a better one for her."

"You think so? I'm sure she'd appreciate the helping hand."

Lily thrashes her tail in agreement, even if she isn't sure what she's agreeing with, and noses at Siobhan playfully. Such a serious face! Yet why? She should be playing! Playing is always the best thing to do! Perhaps she isn't sure how? Lily could help with that! She's very good at playing.

"She has a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm, anything that keeps her out of trouble is worthwhile I think."

Usually Zuko kept his head down as he walked, it drew less attention to his scar thus less attention to him in general and no awkward questions or even awkwarder pity. But for some reason he looked up and saw Siobhan and slowed his walk. Words from a stranger echoed in his mind 'give your money to someone that actually needs it. There are plenty of homeless around, yeah?'. He stopped, looked at her pictures then took out a fiver from his pocket and put it in her paper cup.

"Nice drawings. You've got talent."

"Thank you!"

She gave him a brilliant smile, genuinely pleased that he seemed to enjoy her work.

"Would you like me to draw you?"

She noticed his scar of course, but she had plenty of those of her own, though none as bad as his. Undoubtedly there was a sad story behind it, but she saw no reason why that should make her treat him any differently than she would anyone else, unless he wanted that.

Zuko had to pause for more than a second to think on his answer. She'd have to scrutinize him and that was uncomfortable. But at the same time it seemed rude to compliment her and then refuse her service. After a moment he nodded his head that, yes, he would like his picture drawn. He shifted a few times until he was in a pose that he felt would be interesting and not terribly uncomfortable to hold. He wondered briefly how long it would take and hoped he didn't just sign up for a thirty minute live action pose.

"Is this good?"

"It's fine, but you don't have to if it makes you uncomfortable. Not everyone likes to model."

And even without being an empath she could figure out that he was feeling a tad awkward about this whole thing.

Still, her hand was already moving, creating basic outlines. She enjoyed drawing, it was so much easier to express herself that way than with words.

Annie was a kind-hearted woman. She was raised to be accepting of everyone, so long as they weren't a vampire, or trying to hurt her. Her family had been well-off enough, too, that they'd been able to give to charity quite often. Sure, on the island, there had hardly been 500 people, but when they had the opportunity, they always had.

Moving to London, Annie and her Grandmother hadn't changed this much at all. Today, walking through Trafalger Square, she caught sight of a young woman sitting between the paws of a lion who looked quite in need of a few coins. Normally, Annie would just pass her a few pounds. But from the way the drawings were pasted up, she had to believe the young woman was selling something.

So she wasn't begging. Which had to imply some sort of pride, something Annie could appreciate. Could understand. The problem was starting the conversation. That wasn't exactly her cup of tea. So, Annie approached her from the side, looking closer at the portraits. Finally, after a few minutes, she decides to comment. "Wow, you're, ah, uhm, really good."

Well, actually she had just sort of noticed that people were more prone to giving if they got something in return. Seemed to be human nature. Besides, it kept her from getting bored, because she didn't really have the attention span to just sit around in the same spot and hope that people would give her money. Being too proud to ask for help when you needed it had never made much sense to Siobhan, perhaps because she always sort of knew when people did anyway even if they were trying to not say anything about it.

She gave Annie an big smile, happy as always to have someone appreciate her work.

"Aye well, y'get that way when you fill all your schoolbooks with doodles instead of doing your homework."

Annie, on the other hand, happened to be far, far too proud to ask for help, even when it became painfully clear that she did need it. One of her many flaws.

Annie offers a small chuckle, shoving her hands into the pockets of her trousers. "Oh- well, I can imagine." Maybe if she'd gone that route. But Annie had paid staunch attention in classes, instead of doodling. "You're really- wait, I already said that. Sorry." She ducked her head, letting her long hair act as a shield.

"Nothing wrong with a kindness paid twice."

Siobhan could relate, she wasn't the best with words herself. They'd never seemed to want to cooperate with her, she was always so distracted by everything else that she could pick up from people that sometimes it was almost hard to hear what they were saying, not to mention the struggle it had been to read and write.

"Want me to draw you?"

"That's a good way to look at it." She says encouragingly. It really was, and sounded like some sort of proverb.

Annie glanced over her shoulder for a moment again. "Oh, sure! If you don't mind- I can certainly pay." And she would.

"I don't mind at all, people are some of the most interesting things to draw, and I get some company."

She gestured a little with her pen and smiled.

"Just stand and sit as you'd like to be drawn."

"great!" she beamed at the other woman, and took a seat across from her. after a few moments, she pushed her hair behind her ears and turned to look at Siohban.

"how much?"

"Whatever you think it's worth."

Or nothing at all, Siobhan would be fine with that too.

She pouts. "That's not fair! Uhm, how about this? I could take you to lunch after?" Food was more important than money... right? Plus, free lunch.

"That sounds fantastic!"

Food was absolutely more important than money, all day, every day!

"Oh, good." Annie smiles again, then returns to her pose.

"Uhm, you can, ah, whenever you're ready."

"Oh, I've already started."

Siobhan returns Annie's smile while she works.

"You've a lovely face."

"Oh- oh, no, thank you." She's blushing, ducking her head again, before muttering "sorry", and returning to her previous pose.

"What part of Ireland are you from?"

That gets a laugh.

"No part at all. I'm from Scotland."

She doesn't seem to take any offence to the mistake.

"Oh!" Annie blushes furiously and actually face palms. "I'm sorry- sometimes I can't even hear the differences." She makes a vague gesture towards her ears. "Even to an Irish girl."

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[open] The lion, the witch and the sketchpad

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