In the middle of the savannah lives a tribe of hyaenids, men half hyena, and what some humans of the Seasonal Continent call gnolls. A small cub, victim of constant mistreatment, sleeps amidst nightmares and lives without desire. Until he meets the...
"Well, I thought about what you said, about how art takes things from reality. It seemed more real to me to draw the ones I care about."
"That's the gnome that was next to you in the dungeon, right? I heard he escaped. Was it you?"
Fleas didn't answer. He focused on the brush, which seemed to magically blend the different colors into one.
"I understand, don't worry, I won't say anything. I like the look on the gnome's face, it looks grateful but also a little sad. You paint much better than you draw. I'll be leaving soon," Fleas put the brush aside and looked at him in surprise. "I don't like the ambience of this city. Have you ever felt that tense peace you breathe just before the worst storm? That's what I feel now. Tell me, Fleas, don't you want to come with me to Mírrim?"
Fleas shook his head.
"If it is true that my tribe is heading that way, I would prefer to stay. I know it is risky, that they might kill me or the humans, but I want to know what will happen. When the war is over, if I survive, I will go to Mírrim and learn what I lack."
"What you lack is practice, my son. And you need not worry, I intend to travel light."
Fleas opened his eyes wide.
"You mean...?"
"Exactly, keep everything. My brushes, paints and canvases. I'm noble, I can get more. But you'll have to figure out how to transport it. Being an artist means carrying a big bag."
Fleas did as he always did, approached and hugged the kindness of his interlocutor. Just before leaving, Bekwin gave him some final advice about color, composition, background, and so on. But the most valuable advice was: "Stay alive, no matter what. A brush needs a hand to wield it."
Fleas was left alone, abstracted on the canvas. Pli, the unruly gnome, seemed to look right through it. He wondered how he was. Had he managed to escape?
Dannke slammed the door and stared at him angrily. Fleas was startled.
"What have you done? You have no idea what you have provoked, you fool!"
For a moment, Fleas regretted not running away with Bekwin.
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