If I was feeling cheeky, I could have stretched this over two days’ worth of visual diary. Lots of good fun work, getting back into the sketchbook to make some physical work. The ink loosens my hand and makes me happy.
I think I’ll probably upload my writing on here in full today, because I need you to know that every second I’m not illustrating, I’m writing, or sewing, or painting, or thinking. And I don’t want the fact that I find time to write ten thousand words in the middle of university crunch time to go underappreciated. Also, it’s good writing. But here, I include the relevant excerpt for this illustration.
Illustration drawn after notes on the scene and before full write-up of the scene.
“Wonderful.” Antonia had a newfound respect for Mitzi: the spells were gorgeous. “They’re unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. They almost taste different. But magic aside, then.” She leaned forward. “What else do they teach you in the Palace?”
“You ask too many questions.” Mitzi smiled, pleased at the opportunity to give too many answers. “Mostly diplomatic things. How to run a Kingdom. All very abstract. How and when to order executions. You’re in for it when I get back there.”
Antonia snorted.
“You wouldn’t order my execution, Mitzi. I doubt any prisoner has been treated better than you. A princess of prisoners, even. You’re in a spa, for god’s sake.”
Silence.
“Maybe just an ear then.”
“Oh, I cannot wait to be rid of you, you wretch.”
Mitzi’s ear cocked as Whackus’ voice sounded: be nice to her, Mitzi.
“And who asked you, all of a sudden?” She addressed the sword. “She’s taking me back to the castle! Let’s not forget the three weeks we spent getting AWAY from the castle.”
Whackus spoke again.
Take each day as it comes. I’ve been around for long enough to know that things can surprise you, or turn out in mysterious ways.
“Oh, so you’re a philosopher now? Let me meditate my way out of the forced marriage and get back to you.”
I like Antonia.
Mitzi sighed in despair and turned to Antonia, who was amused at Mitzi’s one-sided tangent. “Great. Now he’s on your side.”
Antonia smiled widely. “Now, Mr. Bonkus, don’t tell her everything I said.”
“And Mr Bonkus, don’t forget whose royal blood you’re obligated to serve, either.”
Both girls broke into giggles. It was time to dry up and get dressed.
SEASIDE ILLUSTRATION 