A master of any craft is well deserving of respect and proper compensation. It only made sense for one to be sought after... But you were no master.

"30 gold. As the deposit."

Dark shining lips shaped around the most beautiful words you could ever hear from above your seating on matted grass. Your canvas blocked out the sun. The grey world creaked to an easy stop. Even through fabrics, you forgot the prickling of grass against your ass.

Your jaw loose and barely contained in your shocked mouth. Just as you were to accept the deal, a twinge of disbelief settled down your brows. So much gold. You shouldn't be worth so much. You were nothing like your master.

With a weaker tone than you initially thought, you awkwardly gawked. "You want me to paint... for you?" Surely she must've mistook you for someone else but you were no old man.

Her beady eyes ceased any blinking. A blank narrow face. Staring down. "You're a student here, yes?"

Thinking better than to spout the truth, you slowly nodded. Right, a person who studies would be called a student in any case.

When approached by the shapely dressed lady, Ms Singh, what she lacked in stature she greatly exuded in class and controlled movements. The dull growing sky only made her entire navy-gown and angular hat striking. Flashes of enthusiasm struck your heart. At first, you were prepared for the possibility she came to ask you to pass on a message to your master. How fortunately mistaken you were.

"Final offer, 80 gold." She said, tone clipped as if there was displeasure in speaking longer.

Oh. For the love of gold has won. Your body burned up.

"Ye-Yes! Miss," the corners of your mouth curved, "you have yourself a deal!"

~~~~~~

The sun hadn't start to sink yet.

There was no time to waste when you rushed home, barely able to avoid tripping over your own dress hem. You only hoped your suitcase could hang on and not explode because there was so much to pack! Really, you took only a moment to gather your breath before spilling everything about today's incredible event to the book-carrying figure in the bedroom.

"A noblewoman wouldn't converse with people like us. Much less offer a deal." A suspicion filled voice crept behind you, petite footsteps making their way across old carpet to the only window in the room.

"Well she did to me~" You hummed, with an energized heart, your hands ramming clothes and paint-dried fabrics into the opened mouth of the suitcase. "Sylvie, should I pack the paint tubes or cut them now to squeeze out leftover paint?" You asked, blowing an escaped hair strand from your pinned-up away from your face.

"She could always be lying. . .Er- Cut the ends of the tubes."

"Thanks," you did as she instructed, groaning as you choke the flattened metallic paint-tubes, succeeding in saving some paint into a small lid-closing tin. You didn't know if Lady Singh would provide you with fresh paint. "No way- sister- the lady clearly walked and spoke with grace. Her eyes shone like snowdrops!" Having spent some time on campus, naturally you learnt to keep an eye in spotting nobility.

Sylvie's voice retained a strong pout, the heavy snap of a book closing in your direction. "I doubt you'll receive all the gold. . . How could you believe such an obvious trick."

You giggled, shameless in digging through your hidden side-pocket and retrieve enough coins to show her exactly why you had such high hopes and trust in Ms Singh. "Have a look here, Sylvie."

Zipped towards her, your golden outstretched palm, your sister's composure crumbled as her eyes bulged at the many big overlapping coins. You watched her stiff gaze land on each of the gold, counting, no doubt an equivalent of purchasing a bulk of every book series she desired. Unfortunately you didn't have much time to reveal the remaining coins snug in your pocket.

Retracting your gold coins, her honey-brown eyes trailed your hand that tucked the gold back into your pocket. You sighed in self-congratulatory, smiling hard with teeth-grinding excitement. "A carriage outside waits for me~"

Heaving your suitcase handle in one tight grip, an easel in the other while its wooden arm was tucked under your armpit, you felt determined. And right as you stepped one foot out the door–

"–Wait. Sienna."

She grabbed at the ruffles of your skirt- one gentle tug, making you look behind a shoulder, her sour face carrying a worrisome frown. "Write to me once you're settled. Uncle Charlie will think of the worst if he sees your side of the bed empty."

"I will~ And do miss me, I know how much I bless your ears every night." You winked and Sylvie's grip loosened, her facial sourness and worry rubbed off quick by disgust.

"Moving past this, it seems you're not the only one blessed. I've the fortune to enjoy a good night's sleep alone." Her hand hesitated before letting go of your ruffles. . .

The journey down the woodsy stairs was rough. Heavy. Once making it out of the building, the old carriage driver ushered you with your items inside of the spacious carriage. Knowing your book-worm of a sister watched you from the window up, you were about to stick out an arm to wave.

But you were too slow to say your goodbye as the carriage lurched forwards– the horses neighing and speeding off like in a hurry...

You hoped Sylvie told Uncle your farewell on your behalf.

~~~~~~

Unlike your slow pace when painting, the reddening sky swept away any brightness of baby-blues, the sun descended with its last gold rays spearing through rolling clouds. Without a single thought in your mind, how easily time passed by.

When you arrived at the large manor, eager to get off the jostling carriage without help, the first move you made was to step out. Smoothing down the back of your dress, your head still down, you heard gentle thuds from far infront.

. . .

Could it be Ms Singh?

Behold to your lifting gaze to the stranger, a sparkling sight above an ivory-silken gown caught your eye.

A chain of big-to-small pearly teardrops against dark shimmery skin, indefinitely worth more than any art you'll sell in this lifetime, rested atop a shallow cleavage, though you couldn't see from where the necklace hung. Only an empty neck mirroring your own.

"Step foot inside. You aren't waiting to be escorted, are you?" A breathy voice chuckled, deep and feminine, finding humour in your shock. It wasn't just the manor that forced your head to strain looking up. Because oh my.

What a tall beauty.

A height you hoped to grow your wealth into reaching one day... Though she wasn't as tall as your master.