AIM: Log with Helen (Sanctuary verse)
Nov. 8th, 2011 10:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
not_colourblind(6:17:26 PM) Mouse: Scene opens to Helen’s office. Will walks in.
Will: You wanted to see me?
Helen: Yes. What do you make of this?
She hands him an A4 sheet of paper. The camera shifts to show the contents.
Will: It’s you. Drawn in crayon.
Helen: Yes. But have you ever seen such detail?
Will hands the drawing back and sits down.
Will: Only from Edward. Is he using a different material now?
Helen: No. This was drawn by a small boy living close to Deadbridge. He draws and sells these for money, presumably for food.
Will: So why did you buy one?
Helen shrugs.
Helen: He was drawing a crowd. I was curious.
Will: And you think he’s an abnormal?
Will uses a disbelieving tone.
Helen: Come on Will, everyone is an abnormal to some extent. Edward’s abilities weren’t just limited to his drawings. Perhaps there’s something different about this boy. And if not, we can perhaps find him somewhere better to stay than Deadbridge.
Will sighs.
Will: Alright, I’ll get my stuff.
Scene changes to Deadbridge. It’s raining. Helen and Will are standing alone by an abandoned bus shelter.
Helen: He was right there. He’ll be around here somewhere. Look around.
-->This would be when Helen finds Villien in the log.
(6:41:31 PM) Mouse: Once the rain had started, the crowd Villien had drawn dispersed and he went looking for food and shelter. He found himself a little hole for free and bought himself a burger for a few dollars. He needed the rest for new materials. As he sheltered from the rain, he heard people walking around so he shrank back. He did not want to be found.
(6:46:07 PM) Ashley : Helen knew the boy couldn't have gone far, and despite the weather, she was not one to give in easily. Of course, she would find him in the most and least obvious place, and when she did, she approached slowly, keeping her hands in view. "Hello. I'd like to talk."
(6:47:40 PM) Mouse: Villien shrank back further. "I drew you your picture. Leave me alone." People never came back. Why had she come back? And she was blocking the only way out.
(6:49:17 PM) Ashley : She nodded, taking a small step back but otherwise remaining where she was. "Yes, you did. You're incredibly talented."
(6:51:05 PM) Mouse: "Thank you. But please, leave." He edged around, ready to run if she tried anything. He wasn't going back. He wasn't!
(6:53:20 PM) Ashley : "I don't mean to frighten you. Please, I only want to talk."
(6:55:01 PM) Mouse: He shook his head and ran, into the rain. Concentrating, his invisibility set in and he continued to run, knocking Will over as he did so. He'd have to find a different place to draw now.
(6:58:03 PM) Ashley : "That went well." It's half to herself as she starts after him. "I want to help you. If you'll let me."
(6:59:13 PM) Mouse: He stops around the corner and stays absolutely still. Surely she can't find what she can't see? And why is she so insistent? Who was she?
(7:03:41 PM) Ashley : Ever persistent, she slows, listening, realizing the futility of looking for what she can't see. "My name is Helen Magnus. I only want to help. You'll be safe with us."
(7:59:43 PM) Mouse: Safe. That sounded good. But she had to be lying. Safe wasn't possible. Maybe in his dreams. Maybe in his fantasies. Maybe in a different future where he hadn't lost his mother and his father wasn't a deranged lunatic.
Villien stayed still and silent, hoping they would go away.
(8:01:54 PM) Ashley: "I know what it's like to be alone. You can't always want that. Please, let me help you."
(8:04:02 PM) Mouse: She was right. He didn't want to be alone. But how could he trust someone he'd just met. He didn't trust his father and he'd known him for ten years! No, she may be right but he'd rather be alone than trust someone else who would let him down.
(8:07:16 PM) Ashley: She stills, listening carefully. He had the advantage; he could have used it, if he wanted to. "You don't have to come with me. I just want to talk."
(8:08:37 PM) Mouse: He paused. Talking didn't sound bad. Right? "...About what?" And as soon as he spoke, he moved. Even if he was going to respond, he refused to be tracked by it.
(8:10:50 PM) Ashley: She turned toward the voice, alert. "Your drawings. You have a gift. Perhaps your art isn't the extent of it?"
(8:12:32 PM) Mouse: "I just draw. I like drawing." Again he moved. She'd rather talk about his drawing than his invisibility? That was different.
(8:13:56 PM) Ashley: "You and I both know there's more to it than that. Otherwise, we wouldn't be talking this way."
(8:16:19 PM) Mouse: He nodded, finally stepping where she could see him. He was at the other end of the alley way, far enough that she couldn't hurt him but near enough to talk. "You're really clever. But I still don't trust you. So just stay there."
(8:19:37 PM) Ashley: It was a small success, but she still smiled. "Very well. I won't come any closer." She studied him a moment. "It's more than drawing, isn't it? Would you like to tell me about it?"
(8:20:59 PM) Mouse: He took something from his pocket and after a glance, looked back at Helen. "Can you catch?" And he threw the blue crayon in her direction. "Do you know what that is?"
(8:23:20 PM) Ashley: She nodded, catching it easily and studying it silently. "A crayon?"
(8:26:22 PM) Mouse: He sighed. "It's not just a crayon. It's brighter than anything I've ever seen before." He paused, not knowing how to explain this. "I see things. Things I was told weren't there. But they are. But no one else can see them. That's what helps me draw."
(8:28:48 PM) Ashley: "The colour" She tapped a finger against the crayon thoughtfully. "When you say you see things, what exactly are you seeing?"
(8:30:00 PM) Mouse: He frowned. That word was unfamiliar to him. "I'm sorry. I don't know how else to explain it." He took a step back, worried his answers, or lack of them, would make her come at him.
(8:33:37 PM) Ashley: "You've no need to apologize." She turned the crayon over in her hands, already trying to put together a puzzle she didn't have all of the pieces to yet. "You've no reason to fear me."
(8:34:23 PM) Mouse: "I have no reason to trust you either."
(8:37:49 PM) Ashley: "No, you don't, and I have nothing more to offer you than my word."
(8:38:58 PM) Mouse: "What exactly do you want from me? It's obviously more than a talk." He took another step back, but only to lean against the wall behind him and be slightly more sheltered from the rain.
(8:42:18 PM) Ashley: "I have a sanctuary, for others like yourself, with abilities they can't understand or share. I can offer you safety, shelter. More than that, I can offer you a chance to be a part of something. I can help you, but not without your consent."
(8:44:24 PM) Mouse: Villien thought about it for a very long time. Safety didn't exist but shelter would be nice. And understand would be too.
"If I go, can I leave too? If I wanted, I could leave?"
(8:48:01 PM) Ashley: She nodded, holding out the crayon without moving any closer. "Of course. You're not a prisoner."
(8:49:36 PM) Mouse: He shrugged. "Okay then. At least until the rain stops." He walked slowly towards her and took his crayon back with the least amount of physical connection. He didn't like touching people or being touched.
(8:51:18 PM) Ashley: "Thank you. Why don't we get out of this weather?" She turned back toward the van, trusting he would follow.
(8:52:32 PM) Mouse: He did follow until they got to the van, where Will was sheltering. Once he saw him, he stopped and refused to come any nearer. "You're not alone."
(8:54:59 PM) Ashley: "He won't hurt you. He's a friend. We only want to help."
(8:55:51 PM) Mouse: Villien just nodded and although he stayed as far from them as possible during the trip to the Sanctuary, he stayed closer to Helen than to Will.
(8:58:11 PM) Ashley: She was simply grateful she had managed to convince him to come back to the Sanctuary, her mind still racing with the possibilities his ability might hold. "I assume you have a name."
(8:59:02 PM) Mouse: He nodded. "Villien."
(9:01:34 PM) Ashley: "I'm glad you agreed to come with me, Villien. I hope you'll find a place with us."
(9:02:18 PM) Mouse: "I'm coming to stay out of the rain. Nothing more." Except the prospect of a decent meal.
(9:04:08 PM) Ashley: "Fair enough. Perhaps we'll change your mind."
(9:05:19 PM) Mouse: Villien just shrugged and waited for the van to stop. He couldn't say he wasn't curious about this Sanctuary.
(9:08:34 PM) Ashley: Curiosity was better than fear, and she was willing to take whatever she could get, for the moment. Once they'd stopped, she opened the door, motioning for him to follow. "This way."
(9:10:09 PM) Mouse: He followed slowly, looking around and making sure there was no threat he could see. "Where are we going first?"
(9:13:01 PM) Ashley: "We're going to find you dry clothes and a warm bed. After that, I'd be happy to show you around." She glanced back at him. "Eventually, I would like to give you a full exam, simply to make certain everything is in order. I wouldn't want to inadvertently cause you any harm."
(9:14:42 PM) Mouse: Dry clothes and warm bed sounded amazing after living on the streets but the exam confused him. "E-Exam? I don't know anything."
(9:19:45 PM) Ashley: "I apologize. I'm a doctor. I meant I would like to give you a complete physical, make certain you're in decent health and that there isn't anything else I should be aware of in treating you, if the need should arise."
(9:20:42 PM) Mouse: "No." He shook his head and lagged behind her further. "No. You're not touching me."
(9:23:39 PM) Ashley: "It's all right. I won't hurt you. But it will wait."
(9:24:42 PM) Mouse: "I told you. I'm leaving when it stops raining and until then, no one is touching me." He sneezed. Damn rain.
(9:28:54 PM) Ashley: She nodded, not commenting on the sneeze. "As you wish."
(9:30:46 PM) Mouse: "Thank you." He continued to follow her. How much further to these dry clothes and warm bed?
(9:33:20 PM) Ashley: Finally stopping, she opened a door, revealing an average sized room with a neatly made bed. "You're welcome to anything you might find in the closet. I suspect something will fit decently enough." She indicated a door on the far side of the room. "The bathroom is through there."
(9:34:58 PM) Mouse: "Thank you." He said and sneezed again. He noticed tissues by the bedside and used them to wipe away what looked like red snot before closing the door.
(9:56:44 PM) Ashley: She catches a flash of red on the tissue, filing it away as interesting before heading toward the kitchen. Hopefully, dry clothes and a warm meal would make him more willing to talk.
(9:58:22 PM) Mouse: Villien made sure to lock the door before stripping off his wet clothes and finding new ones. He even had a wash before climbing into the dry clothes. They were soft and new and somehow the perfect size. It felt brilliant to be warm and clean again. He moved to the window and watched the rain, glad he wasn't out there.
(10:00:49 PM) Ashley: She returned with a tray, courtesy of her faithful manservant, rapping lightly on the door.
(10:02:05 PM) Mouse: Villien unlocked and opened the door but closed it immediately after see said manservant. He made sure it was locked again and sat on the other side of the bed, suddenly scared again.
(10:04:58 PM) Ashley: "Let me." Taking the tray, she knocked again. "Villien, please. It's Helen. Open the door."
(10:06:09 PM) Mouse: Villien didn't answer. He was too scared. The beast had been huge and hairy and could have killed him. He sat there, invisible and scared.
(10:07:47 PM) Ashley: She had a key, but she would rather not resort to invading his privacy just yet. Dismissing her old friend with a slight nod, she tried again. "I'm alone. I promise. He didn't intend to frighten you."
(10:09:19 PM) Mouse: He heard a grunt but then footsteps so he slowly moved to the door. Still invisible, he opened it a crack to check he really was gone before opening the door fully to allow Helen to enter.
(10:12:12 PM) Ashley: Slipping into the room, she closed the door behind her, holding out the tray. "I thought you might like a hot meal."
(10:13:46 PM) Mouse: He nodded despite the fact she couldn't see him. "Thank you." Came a shaky voice by the bed and he took the tray, setting it down on the table by the window. Now ignoring Helen, he ate. It must have been a strange sight, watching the food disappear into nowhere.
(10:16:07 PM) Ashley: It was, but she had seen stranger things. "Perhaps I should have been more specific when I said I provide sanctuary to others such as yourself."
(10:17:29 PM) Mouse: He was finished in minutes, the plate almost clean enough to eat off again and he slowly became visible again, but still obviously shaken. "He was nothing like me."
(10:21:47 PM) Ashley: "He's more like you than you would believe, but no, his ability is different, his race. I offer refuge to those society cannot or will not understand. Those who are lost, and those who are hunted. I open my doors when many would turn their backs. None of the residents you may encounter within our halls are a threat to you."
(10:23:11 PM) Mouse: "Not a threat? He was huge!" Sorry Helen, he's been raised on stereotypes. "I am staying right here until the rain stops." Poor Villien is even more scared now.
(10:27:22 PM) Ashley: "He's harmless. Unless you've threatened those he's taken it upon himself to protect, you've nothing to be concerned about." She watched him quietly a moment. "You've never met another with similar abilities?"
(10:28:25 PM) Mouse: He turned away. "Never met anyone until I ran away."
(10:32:29 PM) Ashley: That gave her pause, but she nodded. "That's why you were alone. You didn't want to be found."
(10:33:16 PM) Mouse: He nodded. He didn't want to go back. Ever. "So...so how many more monsters do you have here?"
(10:35:27 PM) Ashley: "My patients aren't monsters. If you must, we prefer the term abnormals. And many live within these walls."
(10:36:10 PM) Mouse: "So is that what you think I am? Abnormal?" He looked up, confused and a little disgusted.
(10:38:01 PM) Ashley: She shook her head. "I don't know what you are, who you are, but I would like to learn."
(10:39:12 PM) Mouse: "And what would that entail?" Because if this pseudo-safety and good food was part of the deal, he might be okay with it.
(10:41:25 PM) Ashley: "As I've said, I simply want to talk, to learn more about you, your ability. And if you'll allow me, I would appreciate being able to give you that physical exam I mentioned."
(10:42:20 PM) Mouse: "And when you're done talking, what then? You dump me back where you found me?"
(10:44:00 PM) Ashley: "That isn't how we operate. Unless you give me reason to believe you are a danger to me, my team, or my other patients, you will be welcomed here for as long as you wish to stay."
(10:45:11 PM) Mouse: He frowned at her. It all sounded too good to be true. But it was better than being out there. So he nodded. "Just...keep your...friend, away from me."
(10:46:42 PM) Ashley: She inclined her head in agreement. "But do be aware, if you choose to stay, his presence is something you will have to grow accustomed to."
(10:47:56 PM) Mouse: He nodded again. "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it." He tried his best to smile, not really managing it, but the sentiment was there. "So...you mentioned a tour?"
(10:52:53 PM) Ashley: "Of course. I'm sure you would appreciate having a better idea of what we do here."
(10:54:06 PM) Mouse: "Yeah. And you said there were more like me. But you don't know what I am." So many questions but the fear was overriding most of them. At least had control of his visibility. That was comforting.
(10:55:29 PM) Ashley: "I don't, but I've seen similar abilities. If not in this exact combination.
(10:56:57 PM) Mouse: That interested Villien but he said nothing. He'd wait for the next question or instruction for now. He was also trying to piece things together.
(10:59:08 PM) Ashley: Opening the door, she moves back into the hallway. "You can leave your tray outside the door. He'll collect it while we're gone."
(11:00:11 PM) Mouse: Villien did as he was told, closing the door first. "No one will go in there, right? My stuff is safe, yeah?" He was mostly sure of the answer but he had to be sure.
(11:02:51 PM) Ashley: "As long as you're staying, no one will enter without your permission."
(11:04:00 PM) Mouse: He nodded. That's what he thought she's say. "I'll stay as long as it benefits me." He wasn't one to lie but he wasn't going to anything without something in it for himself either. Not unless they gave him a personality transplant.
(11:06:17 PM) Ashley: She was used to that response, really, so she simply nodded, heading for the lift.
(11:07:18 PM) Mouse: Villien just followed. What else was there to say? But he did make sure to look at everything. So many interesting things to draw. Though he doubted he'd get any money for them here.
(11:43:42 PM) Ashley: She offered a faint smile as she entered the lift, she did enjoy seeing others' reactions to her Sanctuary. "You'll likely see others, like my manservant, who don't look like you or me. I assure you, you have nothing to fear from them."
(11:47:39 PM) Mouse: Villien nodded. "They really won't hurt me?" Having been homeschooled, he really has no idea about the world except the six weeks he's been on the streets.
(11:48:16 PM) Ashley: "They won't, I assure you."
(11:53:33 PM) Mouse: Another nod. He'd just have to wait and see.
(11:58:56 PM) Ashley: Stepping off the lift, she made her way into the main lab. "Those on this level are mostly contained for their own protection."
(12:01:24 AM) Mouse: Despite his previous fear, Villien almost ran to the mermaid. "It's so...bright. Like my crayon. It's beautiful." He was grinning too. Such a different side to him than before.
(12:02:44 AM) Ashley: She watched him with a smile. "If you place your hand to the glass, she'll speak to you."
(12:03:40 AM) Mouse: The boy almost jumped with excitement and placed his left hand on the glass.
(12:09:17 AM) Ashley: "Whether you think about what you wish to say or say it out loud, she'll answer. She enjoys company."
(12:11:43 AM) Mouse: "Wow..." He breathed, turning from the adult he seemed to be earlier, to the kid he really was. After a moment, he grinned wider, obviously having a brilliant conversation through thought. He seemed thoroughly more relaxed now, as if a mermaid could do what Helen could not.
(12:14:45 AM) Ashley: Her friend tended to have that effect, something she owed her own sanity to many times over. Helen was simply glad to see him relaxing, whatever the cause.
(12:15:52 AM) Mouse: After a few more minutes, Villien removed his hand used it to wave. "Bye!" He continued to grin. "Isn't she amazing?"
(12:16:25 AM) Ashley: "She is."
(12:17:15 AM) Mouse: "So what else is in here? Doubt anything could top that."
(12:19:16 AM) Ashley: "Likely not. Be cautious near the fire elemental. He can't hurt you, but his ability can be difficult to control. You're welcome to have a look around."
(12:20:51 AM) Mouse: "Fire? Wow." The mermaid had seriously calmed his nerves but how long that lasted was unknown. "This place is amazing." He continued to look around, no longer sticking close to Helen and waving when he passed Sally.
(12:22:37 AM) Ashley: "I certainly like to think so." She kept an eye on him, but stayed standing where she was, letting him explore.
(12:23:44 AM) Mouse: "So if these mon--Abnormals are locked up, does that mean there are some that aren't?" His eyes were wide and excited though fear still lingered.
(12:26:18 AM) Ashley: She nodded. "There are. And there are some that are locked up for our protection, but I assure you they are very secure. Those allowed to move as they please pose no threat."
(12:27:33 AM) Mouse: He nodded. "So...are you an Abnormal or do you just work with them?" It was a question he'd been dying to ask since he'd heard about her work.
(12:30:02 AM) Ashley: She tried to choose her words carefully. "I'm human, but I age very slowly."
(12:30:36 AM) Mouse: "So how old are you?"
(12:32:00 AM) Ashley: "I am 275 years old."
(12:33:03 AM) Mouse: "Whoa! So you were born in...1735?"
(12:33:39 AM) Ashley: "Not exactly." Maybe she was being slightly evasive on that one.
(12:34:14 AM) Mouse: "What does that mean? Either you were or you weren't. I may be ten years old, but I'm not stupid."
(12:37:53 AM) Ashley: "I was born in 1850."
(12:38:48 AM) Mouse: Villien did another calculation in his head. "But that would make you 161." (Assuming we're in 2011)
(12:40:37 AM) Ashley: "It would. However, through a series of occurrences I spent 113 years reliving the past and another year trying to dismantle a time dilation field."
(12:41:26 AM) Mouse: "Does that happen often around here?" Eyebrows raised, you know the face. Think Will Episode One.
(12:43:29 AM) Ashley: She released a short laugh. "No, thankfully."
(12:44:07 AM) Mouse: Villien exhaled a sigh of relief. "Good. I wouldn't want to be caught in that."
(12:45:39 AM) Ashley: No, he wouldn't. The 113 years spent in relative seclusion still weighed heavily on her. "I don't believe we'll encounter such an event again."
(12:46:48 AM) Mouse: "If it was anyone else, I doubt they'd survive." He glanced around again, smiling at Sally as she swam away. The happiness and excitement were ebbing away now.
(12:47:40 AM) Ashley: "It isn't likely. Which is why I'm glad it was me."
(12:48:33 AM) Mouse: He nodded, not really listening any more. The nerves were returning and he wanted to draw. Drawing kept him calm. "Can I go back to my room now?"
(12:52:14 AM) Ashley: "Of course." She gestured toward the lift. "Is there anything I can get you before you do?
(12:53:16 AM) Mouse: "Some more paper would be nice. I used up my last sheet before the rain started." He followed, quickly.
(12:54:41 AM) Ashley: "I believe that can be arranged. Do you have any particular preference?"
(12:55:13 AM) Mouse: "A4, plain white. Like the stuff I drew you on."
(12:56:41 AM) Ashley: "There should be some in storage. We can pick it up on the way back to your room."
(12:57:19 AM) Mouse: "Thank you." He smiled again and fidgeted a little as the lift arrived at the correct floor.
(1:03:18 AM) Ashley: "If you'd like to talk to her again, you're welcome to. You only ever have to find me." She had noticed the change in his nerves, and if the mermaid could help calm him, she was certain her old friend wouldn't mind.
(1:04:25 AM) Mouse: He just nodded. His mind was more fixed on the paper and drawing for the moment.
(1:24:19 AM) Ashley: She continued walking in silence, pausing to retrieve the paper, offering it to him with a smile.
(1:25:43 AM) Mouse: He continued to smile nervously, holding onto the paper like a lifeline. He'd left the crayons in the room with his jacket so he hurried to get there and start drawing.
(1:27:07 AM) Ashley: They were close enough to his room, now, she allowed him to lead, in no particular hurry, herself.
(1:28:44 AM) Mouse: He opened the door and threw the paper onto the bed, scrambling in his sodden coat pockets for some well used crayons. They were almost worn down as well but he didn't either mind or care. Grabbing the paper and a chair, he sat at the table and started to draw. It was obvious what it was from the start. Sally.
(1:29:57 AM) Ashley: She watched him quietly from the doorway for a moment before finally nodding. "You'll find me, if you need anything?"
(1:31:59 AM) Mouse: He didn't answer, gone, into his own little world of drawings. The first picture was done within minutes and he started on the next, the fire elemental. The detail was amazing especially with the material he was using. He continued to draw everything he'd seen, including the big guy and Will. Sometimes more than one of each creature as well the hallways and anything else he could draw before he ran out of paper or crayons or both.
(1:36:40 AM) Ashley: She took his non-answer as a dismissal, but she was having difficulty dragging herself away from the doorway, admittedly rather captivated by his drawing.
(1:38:32 AM) Mouse: When Villien had run out of the paper, his crayons were done too. So he moved to get some more and saw Helen was still standing there. "I was going to get some more paper and crayons. Is that okay?" He also wanted to find something else to draw. He'd done everything new.
(1:43:57 AM) Ashley: She nodded. "Of course. Do you mind if I watch? Your skill is incredible.
(1:50:09 AM) Mouse: "Of course not. I've never been able to draw so much in my life!" He seemed much happier now he'd been drawing for...half an hour? And the room was littered with amazing art. He piled them up on the bed so he could reach the door and headed back to the storeroom. "Is there somewhere you haven't shown me that I could draw? I've done everything I've already seen."
(1:52:40 AM) Ashley: "There are many things I could show you, or you could find them for yourself. Do you have a preferred subject matter? People, items, places?"
(1:53:33 AM) Mouse: "Anything. Really, anything. I just love to draw." He grinned and closed the door to the room. "Just show me everything."
(2:01:29 AM) Ashley: "We'll take a walk." With no real destination in mind, she began to walk.
(2:02:43 AM) Mouse: After only a few minutes, Villien stopped, sat down on the floor and started to draw. He used up three pages before standing and continuing after Helen.
(2:06:18 AM) Ashley: She kept her pace slow, not at all minding the interruption.
(2:09:22 AM) Mouse: Villien kept stopping when he saw something he wanted to draw and once done, followed Helen to the next thing. It was amazing to just be able to draw whatever and whenever he wanted.
(2:17:49 AM) Ashley: She was content to let him draw, often stopping with him to watch him work, fascinated by how the drawings came together.
(2:19:58 AM) Mouse: They were usually a little slower than she'd seen with Edward and drawn differently two. The detail was there but the colours were the most important thing. So many and so bright. They were the focus of almost every drawing.
(2:23:55 AM) Ashley: She made a mental note to find him more colourful subjects realizing colour seemed to be what captured his attention most. The longer she watched him, the more convinced she was he should stay.
(2:30:45 AM) Mouse: It wasn't long before Villien had used up the pad of paper again and he grinned sheepishly. "You're going to run out of paper soon."
(2:34:21 AM) Ashley: "We can buy more."
(2:35:00 AM) Mouse: "I don't have much money. Just what I get off the street. But maybe if we sold these, we could get some."
(2:37:57 AM) Ashley: She smiled at the suggestion. "If you would like. I do try to provide what I can to our residents, but if you would rather try to earn the money yourself, you're more than welcome to."
(2:38:41 AM) Mouse: "Wait, you'd pay for my paper and crayons?" Again with the Will Episode One disbelieving face.
(2:42:25 AM) Ashley: "I would. I could hardly justify interfering with such a gift."
(2:44:11 AM) Mouse: Villien just grinned. If anything could have made him stay here, it was that. Drawing was his favourite thing in the world and he'd never been allowed to do it as much before now. If he didn't not like touching, he'd hug Helen right now. Instead, he spoke. "I think I might like it here."
(2:45:03 AM) Ashley: "I was hoping you would feel that way."
(2:45:47 AM) Mouse: "I never drawn so much in my life. I'm really enjoying it."
(2:46:25 AM) Ashley: "I'm very glad I could help."
(2:47:10 AM) Mouse: Villien grinned. "Thank you. No one's ever been this nice to me before."
(2:49:10 AM) Ashley: "Perhaps you simply haven't found the right people."
(2:50:36 AM) Mouse: "I think I have now."
(3:31:09 AM) Ashley: She smiles. "I hope you have. If you give them a chance, I believe you might be surprised at how much you have in common with some of the other residents."
(3:32:11 AM) Mouse: "Even that hairy big guy?"
(3:34:09 AM) Ashley: "Yes, even him. He can be an incredible friend, and an excellent source of advice."
(3:35:30 AM) Mouse: Villien just shrugged. He'd just have to see for himself one of these days. Especially if he was going to live here. So he decided to pluck up the courage and ask. "Do you think he would mind if I drew him?"
(3:37:58 AM) Ashley: She released a short laugh. "Not at all. I think he might even be flattered, though sometimes it's difficult to tell."
(3:39:56 AM) Mouse: Villien paused, trying to think of the best way to phrase this. "When I draw..." He stopped. "I said I see things. But I see..." He stopped again. "When I was drawing for money, people wanted me to draw what they saw. But that's not all I see." He looked away, knowing it didn't sense. "Never mind."
(3:40:59 AM) Ashley: "It's all right. Tell me, what do you see?"
(3:42:46 AM) Mouse: "When I look at you, I see...this." He pointed at her clothes etc. "But I also see..." He stopped and looked around for the correct colour crayon. "This." He showed her a pale light blue. "I see this when I look at you."
(3:44:39 AM) Ashley: "Blue?"
(3:44:50 AM) Mouse: "It has a name?"
(3:48:24 AM) Ashley: "It does." She smoothed a hand over her shirt, a deep purple. "Your crayon is blue, and this is purple." Pointing to a portion of a painting, she continued, "This is red."
(3:49:53 AM) Mouse: "Wow. I didn't know they had names!" He was sounding excited again. "So I see...blue...inside you." He said the colour carefully as if he might have it wrong. "I see something in everyone."
(3:50:38 AM) Ashley: That caught her attention. "Inside me?"
(3:51:29 AM) Mouse: "That's where the blue is. Inside." He bit his lip and took a step back thinking he'd done something wrong.
(3:53:38 AM) Ashley: "It's all right. This is new to me, as the names are new to you; I'm simply trying to understand." She studied him a moment, the possibilities running through her mind. "You're seeing more than what's on the surface?"
(3:55:27 AM) Mouse: He shrugged. "I don't know. I just see blue inside you." He thought for another example and looked down at his crayons. Picking up a grey one he spoke again. "Your friend from the van, had this inside him,"
(3:58:21 AM) Ashley: "Interesting." It was murmured, nearly to herself as she took a step closer. "And do some colours make you afraid?"
(3:59:04 AM) Mouse: He nodded. "Dark ones do."
Will: You wanted to see me?
Helen: Yes. What do you make of this?
She hands him an A4 sheet of paper. The camera shifts to show the contents.
Will: It’s you. Drawn in crayon.
Helen: Yes. But have you ever seen such detail?
Will hands the drawing back and sits down.
Will: Only from Edward. Is he using a different material now?
Helen: No. This was drawn by a small boy living close to Deadbridge. He draws and sells these for money, presumably for food.
Will: So why did you buy one?
Helen shrugs.
Helen: He was drawing a crowd. I was curious.
Will: And you think he’s an abnormal?
Will uses a disbelieving tone.
Helen: Come on Will, everyone is an abnormal to some extent. Edward’s abilities weren’t just limited to his drawings. Perhaps there’s something different about this boy. And if not, we can perhaps find him somewhere better to stay than Deadbridge.
Will sighs.
Will: Alright, I’ll get my stuff.
Scene changes to Deadbridge. It’s raining. Helen and Will are standing alone by an abandoned bus shelter.
Helen: He was right there. He’ll be around here somewhere. Look around.
-->This would be when Helen finds Villien in the log.
(6:41:31 PM) Mouse: Once the rain had started, the crowd Villien had drawn dispersed and he went looking for food and shelter. He found himself a little hole for free and bought himself a burger for a few dollars. He needed the rest for new materials. As he sheltered from the rain, he heard people walking around so he shrank back. He did not want to be found.
(6:46:07 PM) Ashley : Helen knew the boy couldn't have gone far, and despite the weather, she was not one to give in easily. Of course, she would find him in the most and least obvious place, and when she did, she approached slowly, keeping her hands in view. "Hello. I'd like to talk."
(6:47:40 PM) Mouse: Villien shrank back further. "I drew you your picture. Leave me alone." People never came back. Why had she come back? And she was blocking the only way out.
(6:49:17 PM) Ashley : She nodded, taking a small step back but otherwise remaining where she was. "Yes, you did. You're incredibly talented."
(6:51:05 PM) Mouse: "Thank you. But please, leave." He edged around, ready to run if she tried anything. He wasn't going back. He wasn't!
(6:53:20 PM) Ashley : "I don't mean to frighten you. Please, I only want to talk."
(6:55:01 PM) Mouse: He shook his head and ran, into the rain. Concentrating, his invisibility set in and he continued to run, knocking Will over as he did so. He'd have to find a different place to draw now.
(6:58:03 PM) Ashley : "That went well." It's half to herself as she starts after him. "I want to help you. If you'll let me."
(6:59:13 PM) Mouse: He stops around the corner and stays absolutely still. Surely she can't find what she can't see? And why is she so insistent? Who was she?
(7:03:41 PM) Ashley : Ever persistent, she slows, listening, realizing the futility of looking for what she can't see. "My name is Helen Magnus. I only want to help. You'll be safe with us."
(7:59:43 PM) Mouse: Safe. That sounded good. But she had to be lying. Safe wasn't possible. Maybe in his dreams. Maybe in his fantasies. Maybe in a different future where he hadn't lost his mother and his father wasn't a deranged lunatic.
Villien stayed still and silent, hoping they would go away.
(8:01:54 PM) Ashley: "I know what it's like to be alone. You can't always want that. Please, let me help you."
(8:04:02 PM) Mouse: She was right. He didn't want to be alone. But how could he trust someone he'd just met. He didn't trust his father and he'd known him for ten years! No, she may be right but he'd rather be alone than trust someone else who would let him down.
(8:07:16 PM) Ashley: She stills, listening carefully. He had the advantage; he could have used it, if he wanted to. "You don't have to come with me. I just want to talk."
(8:08:37 PM) Mouse: He paused. Talking didn't sound bad. Right? "...About what?" And as soon as he spoke, he moved. Even if he was going to respond, he refused to be tracked by it.
(8:10:50 PM) Ashley: She turned toward the voice, alert. "Your drawings. You have a gift. Perhaps your art isn't the extent of it?"
(8:12:32 PM) Mouse: "I just draw. I like drawing." Again he moved. She'd rather talk about his drawing than his invisibility? That was different.
(8:13:56 PM) Ashley: "You and I both know there's more to it than that. Otherwise, we wouldn't be talking this way."
(8:16:19 PM) Mouse: He nodded, finally stepping where she could see him. He was at the other end of the alley way, far enough that she couldn't hurt him but near enough to talk. "You're really clever. But I still don't trust you. So just stay there."
(8:19:37 PM) Ashley: It was a small success, but she still smiled. "Very well. I won't come any closer." She studied him a moment. "It's more than drawing, isn't it? Would you like to tell me about it?"
(8:20:59 PM) Mouse: He took something from his pocket and after a glance, looked back at Helen. "Can you catch?" And he threw the blue crayon in her direction. "Do you know what that is?"
(8:23:20 PM) Ashley: She nodded, catching it easily and studying it silently. "A crayon?"
(8:26:22 PM) Mouse: He sighed. "It's not just a crayon. It's brighter than anything I've ever seen before." He paused, not knowing how to explain this. "I see things. Things I was told weren't there. But they are. But no one else can see them. That's what helps me draw."
(8:28:48 PM) Ashley: "The colour" She tapped a finger against the crayon thoughtfully. "When you say you see things, what exactly are you seeing?"
(8:30:00 PM) Mouse: He frowned. That word was unfamiliar to him. "I'm sorry. I don't know how else to explain it." He took a step back, worried his answers, or lack of them, would make her come at him.
(8:33:37 PM) Ashley: "You've no need to apologize." She turned the crayon over in her hands, already trying to put together a puzzle she didn't have all of the pieces to yet. "You've no reason to fear me."
(8:34:23 PM) Mouse: "I have no reason to trust you either."
(8:37:49 PM) Ashley: "No, you don't, and I have nothing more to offer you than my word."
(8:38:58 PM) Mouse: "What exactly do you want from me? It's obviously more than a talk." He took another step back, but only to lean against the wall behind him and be slightly more sheltered from the rain.
(8:42:18 PM) Ashley: "I have a sanctuary, for others like yourself, with abilities they can't understand or share. I can offer you safety, shelter. More than that, I can offer you a chance to be a part of something. I can help you, but not without your consent."
(8:44:24 PM) Mouse: Villien thought about it for a very long time. Safety didn't exist but shelter would be nice. And understand would be too.
"If I go, can I leave too? If I wanted, I could leave?"
(8:48:01 PM) Ashley: She nodded, holding out the crayon without moving any closer. "Of course. You're not a prisoner."
(8:49:36 PM) Mouse: He shrugged. "Okay then. At least until the rain stops." He walked slowly towards her and took his crayon back with the least amount of physical connection. He didn't like touching people or being touched.
(8:51:18 PM) Ashley: "Thank you. Why don't we get out of this weather?" She turned back toward the van, trusting he would follow.
(8:52:32 PM) Mouse: He did follow until they got to the van, where Will was sheltering. Once he saw him, he stopped and refused to come any nearer. "You're not alone."
(8:54:59 PM) Ashley: "He won't hurt you. He's a friend. We only want to help."
(8:55:51 PM) Mouse: Villien just nodded and although he stayed as far from them as possible during the trip to the Sanctuary, he stayed closer to Helen than to Will.
(8:58:11 PM) Ashley: She was simply grateful she had managed to convince him to come back to the Sanctuary, her mind still racing with the possibilities his ability might hold. "I assume you have a name."
(8:59:02 PM) Mouse: He nodded. "Villien."
(9:01:34 PM) Ashley: "I'm glad you agreed to come with me, Villien. I hope you'll find a place with us."
(9:02:18 PM) Mouse: "I'm coming to stay out of the rain. Nothing more." Except the prospect of a decent meal.
(9:04:08 PM) Ashley: "Fair enough. Perhaps we'll change your mind."
(9:05:19 PM) Mouse: Villien just shrugged and waited for the van to stop. He couldn't say he wasn't curious about this Sanctuary.
(9:08:34 PM) Ashley: Curiosity was better than fear, and she was willing to take whatever she could get, for the moment. Once they'd stopped, she opened the door, motioning for him to follow. "This way."
(9:10:09 PM) Mouse: He followed slowly, looking around and making sure there was no threat he could see. "Where are we going first?"
(9:13:01 PM) Ashley: "We're going to find you dry clothes and a warm bed. After that, I'd be happy to show you around." She glanced back at him. "Eventually, I would like to give you a full exam, simply to make certain everything is in order. I wouldn't want to inadvertently cause you any harm."
(9:14:42 PM) Mouse: Dry clothes and warm bed sounded amazing after living on the streets but the exam confused him. "E-Exam? I don't know anything."
(9:19:45 PM) Ashley: "I apologize. I'm a doctor. I meant I would like to give you a complete physical, make certain you're in decent health and that there isn't anything else I should be aware of in treating you, if the need should arise."
(9:20:42 PM) Mouse: "No." He shook his head and lagged behind her further. "No. You're not touching me."
(9:23:39 PM) Ashley: "It's all right. I won't hurt you. But it will wait."
(9:24:42 PM) Mouse: "I told you. I'm leaving when it stops raining and until then, no one is touching me." He sneezed. Damn rain.
(9:28:54 PM) Ashley: She nodded, not commenting on the sneeze. "As you wish."
(9:30:46 PM) Mouse: "Thank you." He continued to follow her. How much further to these dry clothes and warm bed?
(9:33:20 PM) Ashley: Finally stopping, she opened a door, revealing an average sized room with a neatly made bed. "You're welcome to anything you might find in the closet. I suspect something will fit decently enough." She indicated a door on the far side of the room. "The bathroom is through there."
(9:34:58 PM) Mouse: "Thank you." He said and sneezed again. He noticed tissues by the bedside and used them to wipe away what looked like red snot before closing the door.
(9:56:44 PM) Ashley: She catches a flash of red on the tissue, filing it away as interesting before heading toward the kitchen. Hopefully, dry clothes and a warm meal would make him more willing to talk.
(9:58:22 PM) Mouse: Villien made sure to lock the door before stripping off his wet clothes and finding new ones. He even had a wash before climbing into the dry clothes. They were soft and new and somehow the perfect size. It felt brilliant to be warm and clean again. He moved to the window and watched the rain, glad he wasn't out there.
(10:00:49 PM) Ashley: She returned with a tray, courtesy of her faithful manservant, rapping lightly on the door.
(10:02:05 PM) Mouse: Villien unlocked and opened the door but closed it immediately after see said manservant. He made sure it was locked again and sat on the other side of the bed, suddenly scared again.
(10:04:58 PM) Ashley: "Let me." Taking the tray, she knocked again. "Villien, please. It's Helen. Open the door."
(10:06:09 PM) Mouse: Villien didn't answer. He was too scared. The beast had been huge and hairy and could have killed him. He sat there, invisible and scared.
(10:07:47 PM) Ashley: She had a key, but she would rather not resort to invading his privacy just yet. Dismissing her old friend with a slight nod, she tried again. "I'm alone. I promise. He didn't intend to frighten you."
(10:09:19 PM) Mouse: He heard a grunt but then footsteps so he slowly moved to the door. Still invisible, he opened it a crack to check he really was gone before opening the door fully to allow Helen to enter.
(10:12:12 PM) Ashley: Slipping into the room, she closed the door behind her, holding out the tray. "I thought you might like a hot meal."
(10:13:46 PM) Mouse: He nodded despite the fact she couldn't see him. "Thank you." Came a shaky voice by the bed and he took the tray, setting it down on the table by the window. Now ignoring Helen, he ate. It must have been a strange sight, watching the food disappear into nowhere.
(10:16:07 PM) Ashley: It was, but she had seen stranger things. "Perhaps I should have been more specific when I said I provide sanctuary to others such as yourself."
(10:17:29 PM) Mouse: He was finished in minutes, the plate almost clean enough to eat off again and he slowly became visible again, but still obviously shaken. "He was nothing like me."
(10:21:47 PM) Ashley: "He's more like you than you would believe, but no, his ability is different, his race. I offer refuge to those society cannot or will not understand. Those who are lost, and those who are hunted. I open my doors when many would turn their backs. None of the residents you may encounter within our halls are a threat to you."
(10:23:11 PM) Mouse: "Not a threat? He was huge!" Sorry Helen, he's been raised on stereotypes. "I am staying right here until the rain stops." Poor Villien is even more scared now.
(10:27:22 PM) Ashley: "He's harmless. Unless you've threatened those he's taken it upon himself to protect, you've nothing to be concerned about." She watched him quietly a moment. "You've never met another with similar abilities?"
(10:28:25 PM) Mouse: He turned away. "Never met anyone until I ran away."
(10:32:29 PM) Ashley: That gave her pause, but she nodded. "That's why you were alone. You didn't want to be found."
(10:33:16 PM) Mouse: He nodded. He didn't want to go back. Ever. "So...so how many more monsters do you have here?"
(10:35:27 PM) Ashley: "My patients aren't monsters. If you must, we prefer the term abnormals. And many live within these walls."
(10:36:10 PM) Mouse: "So is that what you think I am? Abnormal?" He looked up, confused and a little disgusted.
(10:38:01 PM) Ashley: She shook her head. "I don't know what you are, who you are, but I would like to learn."
(10:39:12 PM) Mouse: "And what would that entail?" Because if this pseudo-safety and good food was part of the deal, he might be okay with it.
(10:41:25 PM) Ashley: "As I've said, I simply want to talk, to learn more about you, your ability. And if you'll allow me, I would appreciate being able to give you that physical exam I mentioned."
(10:42:20 PM) Mouse: "And when you're done talking, what then? You dump me back where you found me?"
(10:44:00 PM) Ashley: "That isn't how we operate. Unless you give me reason to believe you are a danger to me, my team, or my other patients, you will be welcomed here for as long as you wish to stay."
(10:45:11 PM) Mouse: He frowned at her. It all sounded too good to be true. But it was better than being out there. So he nodded. "Just...keep your...friend, away from me."
(10:46:42 PM) Ashley: She inclined her head in agreement. "But do be aware, if you choose to stay, his presence is something you will have to grow accustomed to."
(10:47:56 PM) Mouse: He nodded again. "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it." He tried his best to smile, not really managing it, but the sentiment was there. "So...you mentioned a tour?"
(10:52:53 PM) Ashley: "Of course. I'm sure you would appreciate having a better idea of what we do here."
(10:54:06 PM) Mouse: "Yeah. And you said there were more like me. But you don't know what I am." So many questions but the fear was overriding most of them. At least had control of his visibility. That was comforting.
(10:55:29 PM) Ashley: "I don't, but I've seen similar abilities. If not in this exact combination.
(10:56:57 PM) Mouse: That interested Villien but he said nothing. He'd wait for the next question or instruction for now. He was also trying to piece things together.
(10:59:08 PM) Ashley: Opening the door, she moves back into the hallway. "You can leave your tray outside the door. He'll collect it while we're gone."
(11:00:11 PM) Mouse: Villien did as he was told, closing the door first. "No one will go in there, right? My stuff is safe, yeah?" He was mostly sure of the answer but he had to be sure.
(11:02:51 PM) Ashley: "As long as you're staying, no one will enter without your permission."
(11:04:00 PM) Mouse: He nodded. That's what he thought she's say. "I'll stay as long as it benefits me." He wasn't one to lie but he wasn't going to anything without something in it for himself either. Not unless they gave him a personality transplant.
(11:06:17 PM) Ashley: She was used to that response, really, so she simply nodded, heading for the lift.
(11:07:18 PM) Mouse: Villien just followed. What else was there to say? But he did make sure to look at everything. So many interesting things to draw. Though he doubted he'd get any money for them here.
(11:43:42 PM) Ashley: She offered a faint smile as she entered the lift, she did enjoy seeing others' reactions to her Sanctuary. "You'll likely see others, like my manservant, who don't look like you or me. I assure you, you have nothing to fear from them."
(11:47:39 PM) Mouse: Villien nodded. "They really won't hurt me?" Having been homeschooled, he really has no idea about the world except the six weeks he's been on the streets.
(11:48:16 PM) Ashley: "They won't, I assure you."
(11:53:33 PM) Mouse: Another nod. He'd just have to wait and see.
(11:58:56 PM) Ashley: Stepping off the lift, she made her way into the main lab. "Those on this level are mostly contained for their own protection."
(12:01:24 AM) Mouse: Despite his previous fear, Villien almost ran to the mermaid. "It's so...bright. Like my crayon. It's beautiful." He was grinning too. Such a different side to him than before.
(12:02:44 AM) Ashley: She watched him with a smile. "If you place your hand to the glass, she'll speak to you."
(12:03:40 AM) Mouse: The boy almost jumped with excitement and placed his left hand on the glass.
(12:09:17 AM) Ashley: "Whether you think about what you wish to say or say it out loud, she'll answer. She enjoys company."
(12:11:43 AM) Mouse: "Wow..." He breathed, turning from the adult he seemed to be earlier, to the kid he really was. After a moment, he grinned wider, obviously having a brilliant conversation through thought. He seemed thoroughly more relaxed now, as if a mermaid could do what Helen could not.
(12:14:45 AM) Ashley: Her friend tended to have that effect, something she owed her own sanity to many times over. Helen was simply glad to see him relaxing, whatever the cause.
(12:15:52 AM) Mouse: After a few more minutes, Villien removed his hand used it to wave. "Bye!" He continued to grin. "Isn't she amazing?"
(12:16:25 AM) Ashley: "She is."
(12:17:15 AM) Mouse: "So what else is in here? Doubt anything could top that."
(12:19:16 AM) Ashley: "Likely not. Be cautious near the fire elemental. He can't hurt you, but his ability can be difficult to control. You're welcome to have a look around."
(12:20:51 AM) Mouse: "Fire? Wow." The mermaid had seriously calmed his nerves but how long that lasted was unknown. "This place is amazing." He continued to look around, no longer sticking close to Helen and waving when he passed Sally.
(12:22:37 AM) Ashley: "I certainly like to think so." She kept an eye on him, but stayed standing where she was, letting him explore.
(12:23:44 AM) Mouse: "So if these mon--Abnormals are locked up, does that mean there are some that aren't?" His eyes were wide and excited though fear still lingered.
(12:26:18 AM) Ashley: She nodded. "There are. And there are some that are locked up for our protection, but I assure you they are very secure. Those allowed to move as they please pose no threat."
(12:27:33 AM) Mouse: He nodded. "So...are you an Abnormal or do you just work with them?" It was a question he'd been dying to ask since he'd heard about her work.
(12:30:02 AM) Ashley: She tried to choose her words carefully. "I'm human, but I age very slowly."
(12:30:36 AM) Mouse: "So how old are you?"
(12:32:00 AM) Ashley: "I am 275 years old."
(12:33:03 AM) Mouse: "Whoa! So you were born in...1735?"
(12:33:39 AM) Ashley: "Not exactly." Maybe she was being slightly evasive on that one.
(12:34:14 AM) Mouse: "What does that mean? Either you were or you weren't. I may be ten years old, but I'm not stupid."
(12:37:53 AM) Ashley: "I was born in 1850."
(12:38:48 AM) Mouse: Villien did another calculation in his head. "But that would make you 161." (Assuming we're in 2011)
(12:40:37 AM) Ashley: "It would. However, through a series of occurrences I spent 113 years reliving the past and another year trying to dismantle a time dilation field."
(12:41:26 AM) Mouse: "Does that happen often around here?" Eyebrows raised, you know the face. Think Will Episode One.
(12:43:29 AM) Ashley: She released a short laugh. "No, thankfully."
(12:44:07 AM) Mouse: Villien exhaled a sigh of relief. "Good. I wouldn't want to be caught in that."
(12:45:39 AM) Ashley: No, he wouldn't. The 113 years spent in relative seclusion still weighed heavily on her. "I don't believe we'll encounter such an event again."
(12:46:48 AM) Mouse: "If it was anyone else, I doubt they'd survive." He glanced around again, smiling at Sally as she swam away. The happiness and excitement were ebbing away now.
(12:47:40 AM) Ashley: "It isn't likely. Which is why I'm glad it was me."
(12:48:33 AM) Mouse: He nodded, not really listening any more. The nerves were returning and he wanted to draw. Drawing kept him calm. "Can I go back to my room now?"
(12:52:14 AM) Ashley: "Of course." She gestured toward the lift. "Is there anything I can get you before you do?
(12:53:16 AM) Mouse: "Some more paper would be nice. I used up my last sheet before the rain started." He followed, quickly.
(12:54:41 AM) Ashley: "I believe that can be arranged. Do you have any particular preference?"
(12:55:13 AM) Mouse: "A4, plain white. Like the stuff I drew you on."
(12:56:41 AM) Ashley: "There should be some in storage. We can pick it up on the way back to your room."
(12:57:19 AM) Mouse: "Thank you." He smiled again and fidgeted a little as the lift arrived at the correct floor.
(1:03:18 AM) Ashley: "If you'd like to talk to her again, you're welcome to. You only ever have to find me." She had noticed the change in his nerves, and if the mermaid could help calm him, she was certain her old friend wouldn't mind.
(1:04:25 AM) Mouse: He just nodded. His mind was more fixed on the paper and drawing for the moment.
(1:24:19 AM) Ashley: She continued walking in silence, pausing to retrieve the paper, offering it to him with a smile.
(1:25:43 AM) Mouse: He continued to smile nervously, holding onto the paper like a lifeline. He'd left the crayons in the room with his jacket so he hurried to get there and start drawing.
(1:27:07 AM) Ashley: They were close enough to his room, now, she allowed him to lead, in no particular hurry, herself.
(1:28:44 AM) Mouse: He opened the door and threw the paper onto the bed, scrambling in his sodden coat pockets for some well used crayons. They were almost worn down as well but he didn't either mind or care. Grabbing the paper and a chair, he sat at the table and started to draw. It was obvious what it was from the start. Sally.
(1:29:57 AM) Ashley: She watched him quietly from the doorway for a moment before finally nodding. "You'll find me, if you need anything?"
(1:31:59 AM) Mouse: He didn't answer, gone, into his own little world of drawings. The first picture was done within minutes and he started on the next, the fire elemental. The detail was amazing especially with the material he was using. He continued to draw everything he'd seen, including the big guy and Will. Sometimes more than one of each creature as well the hallways and anything else he could draw before he ran out of paper or crayons or both.
(1:36:40 AM) Ashley: She took his non-answer as a dismissal, but she was having difficulty dragging herself away from the doorway, admittedly rather captivated by his drawing.
(1:38:32 AM) Mouse: When Villien had run out of the paper, his crayons were done too. So he moved to get some more and saw Helen was still standing there. "I was going to get some more paper and crayons. Is that okay?" He also wanted to find something else to draw. He'd done everything new.
(1:43:57 AM) Ashley: She nodded. "Of course. Do you mind if I watch? Your skill is incredible.
(1:50:09 AM) Mouse: "Of course not. I've never been able to draw so much in my life!" He seemed much happier now he'd been drawing for...half an hour? And the room was littered with amazing art. He piled them up on the bed so he could reach the door and headed back to the storeroom. "Is there somewhere you haven't shown me that I could draw? I've done everything I've already seen."
(1:52:40 AM) Ashley: "There are many things I could show you, or you could find them for yourself. Do you have a preferred subject matter? People, items, places?"
(1:53:33 AM) Mouse: "Anything. Really, anything. I just love to draw." He grinned and closed the door to the room. "Just show me everything."
(2:01:29 AM) Ashley: "We'll take a walk." With no real destination in mind, she began to walk.
(2:02:43 AM) Mouse: After only a few minutes, Villien stopped, sat down on the floor and started to draw. He used up three pages before standing and continuing after Helen.
(2:06:18 AM) Ashley: She kept her pace slow, not at all minding the interruption.
(2:09:22 AM) Mouse: Villien kept stopping when he saw something he wanted to draw and once done, followed Helen to the next thing. It was amazing to just be able to draw whatever and whenever he wanted.
(2:17:49 AM) Ashley: She was content to let him draw, often stopping with him to watch him work, fascinated by how the drawings came together.
(2:19:58 AM) Mouse: They were usually a little slower than she'd seen with Edward and drawn differently two. The detail was there but the colours were the most important thing. So many and so bright. They were the focus of almost every drawing.
(2:23:55 AM) Ashley: She made a mental note to find him more colourful subjects realizing colour seemed to be what captured his attention most. The longer she watched him, the more convinced she was he should stay.
(2:30:45 AM) Mouse: It wasn't long before Villien had used up the pad of paper again and he grinned sheepishly. "You're going to run out of paper soon."
(2:34:21 AM) Ashley: "We can buy more."
(2:35:00 AM) Mouse: "I don't have much money. Just what I get off the street. But maybe if we sold these, we could get some."
(2:37:57 AM) Ashley: She smiled at the suggestion. "If you would like. I do try to provide what I can to our residents, but if you would rather try to earn the money yourself, you're more than welcome to."
(2:38:41 AM) Mouse: "Wait, you'd pay for my paper and crayons?" Again with the Will Episode One disbelieving face.
(2:42:25 AM) Ashley: "I would. I could hardly justify interfering with such a gift."
(2:44:11 AM) Mouse: Villien just grinned. If anything could have made him stay here, it was that. Drawing was his favourite thing in the world and he'd never been allowed to do it as much before now. If he didn't not like touching, he'd hug Helen right now. Instead, he spoke. "I think I might like it here."
(2:45:03 AM) Ashley: "I was hoping you would feel that way."
(2:45:47 AM) Mouse: "I never drawn so much in my life. I'm really enjoying it."
(2:46:25 AM) Ashley: "I'm very glad I could help."
(2:47:10 AM) Mouse: Villien grinned. "Thank you. No one's ever been this nice to me before."
(2:49:10 AM) Ashley: "Perhaps you simply haven't found the right people."
(2:50:36 AM) Mouse: "I think I have now."
(3:31:09 AM) Ashley: She smiles. "I hope you have. If you give them a chance, I believe you might be surprised at how much you have in common with some of the other residents."
(3:32:11 AM) Mouse: "Even that hairy big guy?"
(3:34:09 AM) Ashley: "Yes, even him. He can be an incredible friend, and an excellent source of advice."
(3:35:30 AM) Mouse: Villien just shrugged. He'd just have to see for himself one of these days. Especially if he was going to live here. So he decided to pluck up the courage and ask. "Do you think he would mind if I drew him?"
(3:37:58 AM) Ashley: She released a short laugh. "Not at all. I think he might even be flattered, though sometimes it's difficult to tell."
(3:39:56 AM) Mouse: Villien paused, trying to think of the best way to phrase this. "When I draw..." He stopped. "I said I see things. But I see..." He stopped again. "When I was drawing for money, people wanted me to draw what they saw. But that's not all I see." He looked away, knowing it didn't sense. "Never mind."
(3:40:59 AM) Ashley: "It's all right. Tell me, what do you see?"
(3:42:46 AM) Mouse: "When I look at you, I see...this." He pointed at her clothes etc. "But I also see..." He stopped and looked around for the correct colour crayon. "This." He showed her a pale light blue. "I see this when I look at you."
(3:44:39 AM) Ashley: "Blue?"
(3:44:50 AM) Mouse: "It has a name?"
(3:48:24 AM) Ashley: "It does." She smoothed a hand over her shirt, a deep purple. "Your crayon is blue, and this is purple." Pointing to a portion of a painting, she continued, "This is red."
(3:49:53 AM) Mouse: "Wow. I didn't know they had names!" He was sounding excited again. "So I see...blue...inside you." He said the colour carefully as if he might have it wrong. "I see something in everyone."
(3:50:38 AM) Ashley: That caught her attention. "Inside me?"
(3:51:29 AM) Mouse: "That's where the blue is. Inside." He bit his lip and took a step back thinking he'd done something wrong.
(3:53:38 AM) Ashley: "It's all right. This is new to me, as the names are new to you; I'm simply trying to understand." She studied him a moment, the possibilities running through her mind. "You're seeing more than what's on the surface?"
(3:55:27 AM) Mouse: He shrugged. "I don't know. I just see blue inside you." He thought for another example and looked down at his crayons. Picking up a grey one he spoke again. "Your friend from the van, had this inside him,"
(3:58:21 AM) Ashley: "Interesting." It was murmured, nearly to herself as she took a step closer. "And do some colours make you afraid?"
(3:59:04 AM) Mouse: He nodded. "Dark ones do."
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
Sorry for the delay. Life ate me. Again.
Date: 2011-11-09 01:25 am (UTC)I get it. RL > RP ~
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Date: 2011-11-10 11:01 am (UTC)Villien smiled, turning back down the hallway for something else to draw.
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