Submitted: 19 January 2000

Baresh's Portrait

by Basselope

After nearly falling down while making his way through the crowd around the newly unveiled portrait of Baresh, Basselope smiles and mumbles a hasty introduction. A smile and a large tankard of a mysterious, pungent-smelling brew seem to relax the tense fellow. After bolting the drink down with a nervous grin, he proceeds with his own (well informed?) commentary.

The Paladin begins, "Just a congratulations, and a few of my own thoughts for you, Baresh. Earlier today, I took a chance to examine the new portrait of you." He pauses for a bit and seems to recall that his pack needs adjusting, and then looks up to return to his story, "Wonderful portrait, I must say, though it was somewhat of a shock for me. Sitting in the back, only watching and listening, I never had a good, close look at you."

Overcoming his initial nervousness, due to a combination of Baresh's hospitality and the strange brew in his belly, Basselope begins to speak more rapidly, "Naturally, the picture I painted in my own mind differs sharply from the painted version. Understand, this is not a criticism of either your lovely face nor the artist's work, but I had grown accustomed to my own idea of of how you look. Perhaps it was poor lighting, or my own poor vision, but I have formed many ideas of how things 'should' look, including you."

Basselope scratches distractedly at his mustache and continues, though at a more relaxed pace, "My difficulty is not so much with the revision of how I 'see' you, Baresh, but suppose this were to occur more frequently? Some of the tireless, wandering citizens of our cities always appear exactly as you think they appear - seemingly as if by magic. This now sounds like an idyllic notion. Soon, I fear, my other conceptions of how these lands appear will be changed." Giving a tired sigh, he moves towards a conclusion to his long story, "If I would prefer these notions to remain as they were, I suppose I could simply turn away from the painting. I simply like Elanthia as it is, in my own mind. Perhaps that is why many love these lands as I do, because they appear as each so chooses. That is, in part, why I made the long journey from my old home. But that is another story, and I have spoken far more than I intended."

After carefully setting a tall stack of coins on the surface of the bar, the again-uncomfortable patron hurries out. As he attempts to avoid the glances of others in the tavern, the clatter of his armor only worries him more. Finally out of the sight of others, he exhales deeply and strides happily towards his next destination.

Respond with your opinion, portraits are going to become far more widespread, of course. It isn't just Baresh.