[Coastline near Syliras] Day at the Beach [Open]

[Will]

Feeling awkward just standing there without offering anything to the conversation, Will turned his attention to the painting. Much of what he noticed seemed to align rather closely with Nan's thinking, though he was a bit more receptive in realizing the problem. "I suppose you an aspiring artist then?" He shifted his emphasis to the 'aspiring' in a manner subtle enough to avoid detection by minds like Nan's--for she seemed to have very literal interpretation of the world--while still satisfying he own dry humor. Because, in all honesty, the artwork wasn't very good. Better than he could accomplish, sure, but that was hardly a sign of a good artist. As Malz described her castle, Will watched Nan and noticed how her eyes widened at the mention of blood and magic scorches. The look, likely somewhere between surprise and disgust, betrayed some more of the strange girl's thought process; obviously she was more innocent and sheltered than Will had previously assessed. In recognition of this, Will allowed himself a brief smile and responded to Malz question. "I, much like Nan here, have had enough of that castle for the time being. Also, I'm not quite the kind of person for sitting around brunches and being painted."

[Malz]

The artist quickly pulled her not so lovely painting back and studied it a bit more. It's progress she told herself, progress. Never let people see your progress, let them see the things you did perfectly on a lucky chance. Sadly the 'perfect' paintings were very endangered. With a population of only one that survived in a dim studio owned by the artist. She never took it out with her and called it her "Sheltered Child." Art is a lot like your child, she felt, you love it and hate it at the same time. And then try and sell it... though that usually doesn't go very well.

"It's a work in progress." She didn't seem to be addressing either Nan or Will, but the painting itself. "Been painting for about a few months now, kind of teaching myself. I say, this painting would look much better with a coat of glaze." She added quickly, wondering briefly if Nan would compare it to glazed ham. "And, in my opinion art is much better raw. You could not only appreciate it, but use it as bait for wild animals. Win-win really. If you're ever going hunting I'd be happy to supply you with some raw artwork."

She was quite amused by the literality of their conversation. While speaking the artist only took brief glances up at the two. It was amazing how little eye contact she could keep with someone, but it was partly because you would assume it was impossible for her to see through such thick hair and not bother trying yourself. Malz did manage to vaguely see though and noticed the shock in the Nan's face from her description of the castle. Inspired by the woman's suggestion, without so much of a second thought, the artist opened and searched her old art case. The inside was a mess, containing pieces of paper torn from books she hadn't paid for, flowers and strange chunks of metal. If you were judging Malz off the state of the case, you would be more likely to assume she was a hoarder rather than a painter. Amongst the rubbage she took out a small jar of yellow paint with a sunflower painted on top of it, labeled quite clearly 'Do Not Injest - Poisonous' in bright red paint. "Want a taste?" She asked with a chuckle.

While the artist may joke though, she is still a very temperamental creature and the word aspiring always hit a soft spot. "I am an artist. I mean, in theory we all are, aren't we?" She tried hard to keep her sunny demeanor on. "Tsk Tsk, it's a waste Will, you have a nice face. I would know, I've painted many people from all over the world. I'm quite well traveled, you see." She really hoped he wouldn't notice her teeth, and the lies wriggling out from them. She worked with landscapes much more than faces, but faces of mountains could count as faces in a way. Before going back to the random assortments in her case, she added "By the by, I don't believe I've actually introduced myself through all this talk. The name is Malz, and no, I wasn't born with clothes on. Just my natural coloring I'm afraid."