Gloves and Botanical Samples.

Away from the Test Bays furniture stood against the stone walls, sturdy gloves sat beside jars containing botanical samples. Before I started my sketch a young girl appeared next to me,

“The Overseer is going to kill you,” she whispered. Unnerved by the proclamation by new companion I stumbled over my reply before asking why?

“Are you a member of the Unicorn Faction?” She asked

“Err No,” I replied

“Oh, in that case you will probably be OK” she added before wandering off.

I breathed a sigh of relief, that was turning sinister to the point of needing a change of underwear.

I Didn't Understand People Until I Took One Apart.

A cold night gave way to a frosty morning as I wandered into the lab of the Overseer. Aside from the cool breeze pushing through the Test Bays all was still. The skeletons of test subjects lay on the mortuary slab and medical notes daubed the walls. I set about making my own notes and sketches to capture the scene.

Throne of the Undead

With trepidation I stepped into the ritual area of Al'Quafar, after a moment or two to gather my senses I strolled around to familiarise myself with the scene before me. A chamber beside the ritual circle housed a macabre throne flanked by giant skulls and chains it made an imposing sight and the scene for my first sketch of the gathering.

Wall of Chains

With my sketch of the throne complete I turned my attention to the walls of the chamber. Blood stains remained on the ancient stones and heavy chains and hooks stood in place of drapes.

A Chime of Bones.

In my past I worked as a merchant, many a shop had a simple chime formed of metal bells and pendants to alert the store keeper of new visitors. It appears those of Al'Quafar prefer a more organic approach.

A Sentinel of Stillness and Elegance.

It was something of a relief to find the adornments of Al'Quafar were not all composed of bone and torture. Close to the entrance of the ritual area was a bust of an unknown lady with a headdress, eternally still against the comings and goings of the area.

The Scarab.

My first sketch of the second full day of the gathering was in answer to a challenge by one of the young wolves who stopped to chat on the previous day. He pointed to the scarab beetle on the low walls of the ritual area and asked if I would attempt to sketch it. I agreed knowing full well it would test both composition and geometry. I also sketch purely in ink leaving no forgiveness for error. I was happy with the result, I hope my young challenger is too!