Aranée 16: A Pleasant Afternoon by NetWorthy
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
(BEST VIEWED FULL SIZE!)
"I-I'm at a disadvantage sir - you know my name but I do not know yours," she stammered, more thoroughly unsettled than she could remember.
He smiled, "Galen Terue - Galen, please. It seems nearly everyone in the Aeritan knows about you." She stood in stunned silence at that.
He invited her to sit awhile, explaining he was new to the region, and asked her about the Aeritan and the Disputed Lands. Comfortable with this idea, she found it quite easy to talk to him - he was a surprisingly good listener. She touched on a wide range of topics, including the lack of a regional ruler, the isolation of the towns and villages that dotted the road, and the endless stream of evil men who preyed on the people. Periodically nodding, he urged her to continue, at times asking for clarification. After a bit he stood up, "Time for a break." He offered her cool water from a babbling brook and a crisp apple from his pack. Only then did she notice the advancing shadows - they had been talking without interruption for nearly two hours!
After a moment she said, "You still have not answered my question: Why did you challenge the Greeners in Melius?" Looking at the ground and pursing his lips, he settled into a more comfortable position and looked into her eyes. Determined to maintain control, she suppressed the urge to squirm as butterflies jumped about inside her again.
"I am here at the behest of my Lord Jobil, to root out Greeners and anyone like them." Misinterpreting her uneasy expression, he hurried on, "Lord Jobil's lands lie to the west of here, adjacent to the Aeritan and the Disputed Lands. He has tired of them raiding his border towns with impunity. Since they do not live in his lands, and there is no ruler here..." He paused then shrugged. "He has decided to bring Jobil law into the Aeritan. Call me an 'itinerant sheriff.'"
Aranée was shocked. "This is - legal?" she said incredulously.
He chuckled dryly and said, "I only wish there were someone in this lawless land who could legitimately complain. But there is no law here - except me."
She considered this then looked at him again, "There are no others then?"
He smiled grimly and said, "Only me. Lord Jobil believes that any more will be perceived as an occupying force. He wants no one to think he is laying false claim to the Disputed Lands." Now Aranée listened as Galen spoke of Lord Jobil, his kingdom, his policies and Jobil lands.
Once again, he interrupted the discussion: "It is near twilight, it will be getting dark soon." Aranée looked about her with a start - another two hours had passed! Galen arose and began unfastening the pack and saddle from his horse. "This is a good place to camp, running water, plenty of firewood..." Looking down at her with a warm smile he said, "Aranée D'Mere, I would be honored if you would share my camp with me this evening." When her face betrayed suspicious thoughts, he smiled and added, "I did say 'camp' - only my camp, nothing more."
Her features relaxed into a relieved smile. But unnoticed midst the rustling butterflies, a small disappointed part of her sulked and pouted.
--- TO BE CONTINUED!
View the series in numbered sequence to get the entire story.
PLEASE leave a comment, it means SO much to me!
Image and story © 2008 Larry Hodge
Comments (32)
adrie
Fantastic scene work, great lighting and pose of your characters. Excellent done.
flaviok
Uma cena maravilhosa, assim como historia, excelente obra, aplausos (5)
leezace
Fantastic image and a wonderful beginning to a story. You have really caught her expression perfectly ;p 5+
JaneEden
You are a talented artist and writer, this is I agree a wonderful start to what will be an intriguing story I imagine. Excellent detail to your work, wishing you a Happy Christmas, hugs Jane xx
neelzonline
very well done
Kyronimos
Great story and illustration! The image is very well composed and fits perfect the described scene
ladyinblack
Wonderful story and great image! Looking forward to the next one :)
Cimaira
What a wonderful story and excellent image. I can't wait to hear more.
huismus
Great story and artwork! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
PhilW
A beautiful image to go with the developing story - great work on both! A very Merry Christmas to you, Larry!
magnus073
Larry this is like the perfect Christmas gift under my tree to see a new work from you and a story. Great work as the story really is great and helps bring the image to life so well. Merry Christmas my friend :)
brewgirlca
Great job on this story Larry and the picture is well-crafted. Hope things are going better for you and that some resolution will happen with your family. Hugs and thanks for all the gentle hints, nudges, pulls and pushes!
Minda
beautiful story and wonderful image larry the pose and lighting are great..
LBJ2
Wonderful illustration and story, Larry. You are a good writer ,i think. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, from Denmark.+5
Darkwish
Wonderful! Great pic!
2Loose2Trek
Excellent story and image ... well done indeed!!!
densa
wonderful scene
johnny_damnit
Very nice story and scene. I like the cat chasing the butterfly. Great work with the poses. Well done, Larry!
amirapsp
Wonderful Work...Hugs
redheadgrrl
Getting caught up with your story, Larry - and thanks for the great comment about my lastest pic. Hope to be on here a bit more from now on. crossing fingers You've done tons of great renders since I went on hiatus (well, I was working on my book, but you know what I mean...) and I've missed reading and looking. Great job, Larry!
irakika
Very nice forest scene & work!
Maff
Estupendos renders, felicidades y gracias por tu visita a mi galería.
OrphanedSoul
Very romantic scene, I really like all of the detail you have given this image!
ragouc
Good scene and pose.
schonee
Super scene! Hope you holiday was Great!!!! Happy new Year!!!
sylki
WOW!!! The story is really coming along! Hmmmmm I can see a little romance happening soon. Fabulous image and superb storytelling!
jandunne
This scene not only stands well on its own, but advances your narrative very nicely. Beautifully rendered and executed!
joaq
Very nice, the composition is excellent!
LMDesign
Excellent illustration to your story line! Wonderful work on poses and expressions :)
PSDuck
Ah, so the story developes! Y'know, Galen must be proud of his dagger: it is the brightest part of his emsemble! There could be a story behind the dagger...