[open] The lion, the witch and the sketchpad

[growsowngoats]

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.

Comments

[broiling]

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."

[growsowngoats]

"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.

[broiling]

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?"

[growsowngoats]

"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.