ANDEN
CHASING THE SUN
Emptiness. That's how Anden felt. A growing emptiness. His heart might be nothing more than a souvenir at this point, but he felt it ache. Not knowing the fate of Eloise Marie would gnaw at him. Another empty glass. Another empty day. Then he wasn't alone. Anden had never met the man who pulled up a seat beside him. Wine, the drink of an educated man, Anden thought. He had seen many travelers in his time, and few ever ordered wine. Eloise used to joke that it was a freeing drink. Whoever he was he seemed open. Cheerful even. Anden struggled to see why people could be so optimistic when they lived in a town that appeared on the brink of crumbling upon itself.
A sketch? Anden stared at the man for a moment, taking in everything. He seemed normal enough. Though for Caido, he wasn't sure how much weight that carried. Anden's eyes wandered to the sketchbook. Maybe at some point he had seen his sister, but Anden couldn't come out-right and ask. That wouldn't go over well, he thought.
"I'd like that." Anden offered a smile of his own - a rare sight since he arrived. "But only if I can see your other sketches when you're finished." It was a fair trade Anden thought. There was nothing sketchy about wanting to admire the mans past work, but for Anden it was a chance to find some peace of mind.
Anden took another drink. "How does this work? Do I need to pose for you, or?" Anden had never really met an artist before. They were usually hidden away in the kingdom living a lavish life. Very rarely would they venture out to the outskirts of the kingdom, let alone pay any attention to Anden - they were far more interested in Eloise. "My name's Anden." He offered.
