Release

I finally decided to paint Koriandre digitally. I haven't done any art since before I left for Jamaica. I thought I would be out of practice, but not too shabby. This is a scene from a fanfic called: 'Carol of the Bells.' You can read it here: [link]

Here's the scene: Garfield left her in silence. Only the crackle of the fire filled the emptiness that surrounded her. She expected pain. She expected a gaping hole in her chest slowly ripping open as the knowledge of his absence set in. But it never came. Instead, a warm fluttering feeling settled in her heart. It felt like a bird, light and vivid. She touched her chest in wonder.
"Richarde?" She whispered. The fluttering intensified and warmth spread throughout her body. "Is that you? Can you hear me?" The feeling responded to her and she couldn't help but be happy. "Oh Richarde, you are not gone after all!" She sang. Realization dawned on her. She breathed in his last breath, so along with it was his vapor. He was inside of her, she carried his spirit.
"I can feel you. I want you here, in my heart." She whispered. "Is it selfish to keep you here?"
Her heart palpitated deeply.
"Why did this happen?"
"Because it is planned." A deep voice spoke.
Kori spun around to come face to face with a man she had never seen before. He looked very familiar though. His red hair was bright like hers and his solid emerald eyes stared into her. She knew him...somehow. "Who are you?"
"You do not know?"
"Are you from my life before I came here?"
"Yes."
"I have no memory of back then."
He nodded. "That makes sense. I am your brother, Ryandre."
"I have a brother?"
"Quite a few really, and sisters."
"Do I also have a mother and father?"
"You have a Father who is great and powerful." He said vaguely.
"Where am I from? Surely not from France, for I have never seen any others like me."
"You are neither of France, nor of anyplace near." He reached out. "Take my hand and remember."
...
"Is this the end then? Have I failed in my job to protect and care for him?"
"No dear sister, you cared for him well. There is no end, only rebirth." He pointed to her chest. "You must let him go."
"But-..."
"He cannot stay there. You will always carry a part of him with you, but his spirit must be free. He will be alright."
She dejectedly released him. His spirit sat in her hands in the form of a bird. A robin, the sign of spring, rebirth. He flew around her and then took off into the night sky through the window.
Lonely tears made their way down her cheeks.
"You have done the right thing, my sister. I love you and will see you soon." With that, he disappeared.
She turned her eyes to heaven. "My Lord, I wait for you."
Across town, a bell in the graveyard rang.