Another Blurred Memory

CAPTIONS AS TEXT

– Iris von Everec was awoken from her sleep by Olgierd coming into their chamber at last. “Wha–what time is it?” Her husband replied, “It’s late. Sleep.”

– “Up all night in your study again, I see….” Olgierd nodded, poking absentmindedly at the fire. “Time for bed. I’m exhausted.”

– “I shan’t fall asleep now! It’s out of the question! Come, I shall finish your portrait.” Olgierd followed his wife with heavy feet.

– Iris painted, correcting his posture and expression every now and then as the hours passed. But something was off. The portrait was grim; the light in his eyes missing.

– “Smile a bit wider.” Olgierd obediently asked, “Like this?” but Iris grimaced at the results. “You were meant to smile, not bear your teeth.”

– "No, still wrong! Smile like you did when Papa agreed we could marry. Please?” she sweetly implored.

– But Olgierd, try as he might, could not dig deep enough to find that old joy. It had been tainted. HE had become…hollow. “You’re useless. I can tell something’s bothering you.”

– To avoid the subject he stammered, “I–I’ve a bit of work I should see to.” Iris tsked. “Again? Olgierd…we agreed not to keep any secrets from one another. We promised!”

– “Forgive me…. I don’t wish to discuss this.” And, once again, Olgierd left Iris alone, to wonder what was wrong.

CC CREDITS

– Iris’ nightshirt 

– Iris’ baby hair by @mimilkybaby (I needed something to distract from the godawful job I did on her scalp U_U)

MY THOUGHTS

I have been taking the dialogue lines (in italics) entirely from the video game.