Arteline

IV

Arteline, seeing Easley's decision, added her own. "Actually," she said, turning to Alloy, "I'd like to give my painting to you."

Alloy looked surprised, not expecting such an offer. "Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes," Arteline confirmed. "I want you to have it."

Alloy was overwhelmed by her gesture. "Thank you, Arteline," he said sincerely, a hint of emotion in his voice. "I'll make sure it's displayed where everyone can see it."

As Easley saw Arteline give away her painting, a twinge of jealousy stirred within him once again. It wasn't a bitter or angry feeling, rather a subtle pull on his heartstrings. But before he could dwell on it too much, he decided to do something.

"Wait," he spoke up, stepping forward. "I'll give you my painting instead."

Alloy looked at Easley, surprised by this development. Arteline turned to him, her eyes wide. She hadn't expected Easley to give up his painting, but there he was, doing just that.

Alloy seemed genuinely touched. "Are you sure, Easley?" he asked, looking at him. "You don't have to do that."

Easley nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm sure," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I want you to accept this."

He held out the canvas, offering it to Alloy.

Alloy gently took the canvas, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said sincerely, his voice slightly gruff.

Arteline watched the exchange, a hint of surprise in her eyes. She didn't know why Easley had decided to give his painting instead of hers, but she was touched by his gesture.

"I'll make sure this painting is seen by everyone," Alloy promised, his grip tightening slightly on the canvas. "It's a beautiful piece."

He looked from the painting to Easley, then to Arteline, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, but he didn't inquire further.

The three of them stood there in silence for a moment, the air thick with the weight of the moment. Then, Alloy cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

"Well," he said, his voice slightly gruff again, "I should get back to work. But once again, thank you both."

Easley and Arteline bid farewell to Alloy, watching as he walked away, clutching the canvas. Once the blacksmith was out of earshot, Arteline turned to Easley, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"Why did you give up your painting?" she asked, her voice soft.

Easley shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I just felt like it," he said, looking away.

But the truth was, he was struggling with his feelings again. Seeing her give away her painting to Alloy had stirred up those same old feelings, and he had acted on impulse.

Arteline looked at him closely, her eyes searching his face for answers. She had a feeling that there was more to it than he was letting on, but she didn't press the issue.

"Okay," she simply said. "As long as you're fine with it."

After saying goodbye to Alloy and grabbing their belongings, Easley and Arteline said goodbye to the village and headed towards the next one.

They walked in silence for a while, the only sounds were the chirping of birds and the crunch of the gravel beneath their feet.

Arteline glanced at Easley from time to time, her mind mulling over his unexpected gesture. She knew there was something behind his decision, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.