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Published: 2022-04-04 11:10:34 +0000 UTC; Views: 2635; Favourites: 20; Downloads: 0
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Description
This scene has probably been the one I’ve drawn the most times, it being one of the earliest scenes I’ve had within EG. Obviously it’s quite important and memorable since it’s the first time Glen and Isamu meet.
Below is links to both the full illustration and a separate focus on Glen. I’ve also added the written excerpt which the illustration depicts if you want to give it a read.
Full Illustration: First Meeting (Full Illustration)
Glen Focus: First Meeting (Glen Focus)
Chapter III Excerpt:
The dark pit surrounding Isamu began to open once more, dim light peeking through the murky blackness of his vision. The suffocating pressure that restricted his breathing to a faint rasp began to recede, once more allowing him to take deep breaths. The light that was once only a dim spark began to expand, filling his vision.
While his body was still chilled, a pleasant warmth began to seep into his bones and heart relieving him from the cold terror of death. Isamu’s stomach still ached but no longer cramped with a rabid hunger, and the beat of his heart took on a steadier rhythm; no longer toiling with each pulse.
With a jolt his mind sparked with recognition and remembrance of what happened—the ship…it had been attacked!
A flurry of memories flashed through his mind in rapid succession:
The terror-stricken face of his sister. The freezing waves of the sea about them crashing over the hull. The blood-soaked blades of the pirates that slaughtered unarmed, innocent passengers.
The masked figure. It’s twisted features burned in his vision even as his eyes remained closed.
Isamu’s anger rose within him, the deep protective instinct to keep his sister safe drowning out all else. His memories were a haze, as if they were not his own, the flashes continuing to appear before him:
How he and Haru had just managed to get into a life boat. The shock of the water and tearing wind engulfing them in the small vessel as the ropes snapped; plummeting them down into the icy torrent. The emptiness within him as he cradled Haru in his arms as they drifted in the empty expanse of the ocean.
The rapid emotions and memories that rushed Isamu within only a matter of moments overwhelmed him, made his heart pound, it almost felt as if might burst. In a sudden flash he became aware of the world around him. Isamu was no longer in the boat—and there was someone close…someone who was not his sister.
Rage and strength flooded his limbs, his eyes snapping open as a sharp gasp tore from his lips as he thrust his hand out the catch the arm of the foreigner next to him.
The sudden cry of the person surprised him, the dark, threatening expression contorting his face faltering as he met the eyes of the owner of the arm. They locked eyes for a long moment before Isamu came to his proper senses, his grip upon their wrist breaking as his initial shock subsided. His gaze was intent but fearful, his eyes flicking from the stranger’s face down to his lap.
“Who…are you?” Isamu asked in his mother tongue, his voice raspy and croaking from days of disuse, caution tainting his words.
The person seemed to be taken aback by his words, confusion flashing across their face for a moment before it was replaced with contemplation. Isamu groaned inwardly, judging by their appearance this person probably wasn’t a native to Hanihoku, he should have known they wouldn’t understand Nigo. His mind sluggish from being trapped within unconsciousness for so long he didn’t have time to process the context clues around him before speaking.
But the person surprised him when they responded in halting Nigo a few moments later; “My name is Glen. My father and I found you and a girl on the beach in boat four days ago. You have been asleep.”
Isamu perked up when they responded in one of the languages of his home, processing their words, his brow furrowing into a heavyset scowl. Then it hit him:
He and Haru must have washed up on some mainland coast in the boat they’d escaped in. A weak exhale skimmed past his chapped lips as Isamu attempted to relax back upon the mattress, his eyes fluttering in a fight to remain open.
The person who introduced themself as Glen slipped back into the chair and observed in him silence; Isamu able to feel their searching gaze on him.
“My…my sister…she is alright?” Isamu asked in Gael, his words halting and laced with a thick accent, he had not practiced the language in years, and it had been in even longer since he had reason to speak it.
Glen nodded, “Haru? Yea.” They replied, giving him an assuring smile. “She’s well. Poor lass hasna spoken much though, but she’s told us her name and that you’re her brother.”
“I…uuhh” Isamu began, attempting to sit up, “My name is Isamu.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Isamu.” Glen said, offering him a gentle smile.
Isamu nodded, “A pleasure to meet you too…ah…” He stammered, frowning, looking a little ashamed, his face flushing in embarrassment as he struggled to remember their name despite having heard it moments before.
“Glen.” They said, recognizing his struggle.
“Glen…?” He pronounced their name with care, his tone questioning as to query if he got it right.
They nodded, encouragement in their eyes. “Yea.”
A weak smile spread across his lips as he nodded in return. But the smile morphed into a grimace as a groan caught in his throat, the injury running across his back and shoulder suddenly spiking with pain.
“What’s wrong?” Glen asked concern flashing across their face.
A sharp exhale hissed through his teeth as Isamu glanced up, “Sorry. My…my shoulder.”
Glen’s brows met in a worried crease, “Cernu, the healer, will be here soon, and will change the bandages. He could probably give you something for the pain as well.” They said their eyes flicking around the room in nervous hesitation before they met Isamu’s tired face.
“Until then…can I get you anything? Food, water?”
Isamu hesitated for a moment, pondering their question. He worried that a request would burden them, but when he saw the intense look of concern on their face he relented.
“Maybe…water?”
“Och, yes—of course. Water, good choice.” They rambled, scurrying out of the room.
A flash of confusion but also fondness flickered within Isamu as he watched them leave; feeling conflicted by their eagerness to help him. He attempted to relax, frowning from the foreign discomfort he felt plaguing most of his body. To distract himself he let his gaze wander around the room, taking in his surroundings.
The room was simple but full of character: potted plants, canvases with both finished and unfinished paintings and trinkets were scattered upon shelves and in the various corners of the room. Not to mention the vast array of books strewn about, some in piles, while others filled the singular bookshelf by the window. The sizes and colors of the books ranging to every type imaginable. Some covers were worn to the bone while others appeared to be printed the day before. The sight of the room fascinated him, and Isamu wondered if this room belonged to Glen.
It didn’t take long for Glen to return with a cup of water in hand, a gentle smile adorning their lips, Isamu only just now noticing the small tusks that emerged from their bottom lip.
“Here you are.” They said, handing Isamu the cup.
“Thank you...” Isamu murmured, dipping his head in a small bow.
“You’re welcome... and please, let me know if there’s anything else you need or want.”
“Okay...” Isamu said, his voice small as he meekly nodded, beginning to nurse his cup of water. His gaze flicked back up to linger over the young person, finding that their kind eyes calmed some of the anxiety plaguing his heart.
-END-
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