Solo To Sketch a Thief

[Uopa]

The Seventy-Seventh Day of the Spring Season, Five Hundred and Thirteen Years After the Valterrian

[Uopa]

Stained glass. How hard can it be? Uopa pondered as she cleared her workspace to make room for several slices of parchment, a quill, and a pot filled with a pleasant green ink. It's just bringing together flat pieces of glass in a simple, yet lovely pattern. Honestly, it has to be easier than blowing the temperamental material. Right? Brushing her hand over the rough-edged paper, in an effort to smooth it out, she spent several chimes just looking at the blank surface. Then, as a moment of inspiration struck, the quill was dipped in the pot and...and...no. The moment was gone. There was nothing there. Nothing at all. "Shyke." Standing, the Inarta went to the window, threw open the shutters, and gazed out upon the terraced gardens that surrounded her studio on three sides. There had to be something out there, among all the beautiful blooms, that she could capture in glass. Something simple, yet elegant. Something bold...yet...yes! "There you are," she whispered before dashing back to her table to snatch up a piece of parchment and a stick of charcoal. Leaving the confines of her workspace behind, she swiftly proceeded along the path that would bring her to a small, burbling, lily-laden pond. It was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Okay, now to get down to business. Finding the flattest piece of slate, Uopa knelt next to it, laid out her paper, and began to sketch the hardy blooms. They were exactly what she was looking for. The shapes were perfect for the design she had in mind. It would be a round window with a ring of stone-colored pieces around the outside, a lovely blue on the inside, and dozens of white lilies with green pads floating about the open space. Now this is what crafting is all about. Inspiration from nature! What more could I ask for? Honestly. What more? she inwardly exclaimed as her hand moved across the paper, making tight, blockish strokes as it went. This is going to be a masterpiece! My first attempt, and already I'm feeling great about the potential end product!