Fleur

Fleur: Wowzers! So this is a human castle, huh?
Euden: I'm glad you could make it, Fleur.
Fleur: Thanks for inviting me! I can't believe I get to do a residency in a place like this.
Luca: Yo, Fleur!
Fleur: Luca! Can you believe I'm here? 'Cause I sure can't!
Luca: You're gonna love it. We got sylvans, we got humans—we even got dragons! It's the perfect spot to take your art to the next level.
Fleur: Oh, I know. Since the moment I got here, my creative juices have been RAGING. Like a river, you know? Or a tiger!
Euden: Ha ha, I'm glad. Would you like a tour?
Fleur: Lead the way!

Euden: This is the kitchen.
Fleur: Groovy!

Luca: This is the courtyard.
Fleur: Crackerjack!

Euden: And this is going to be your room.
Fleur: Splendiferous!
Luca: You're, uh, really into this, huh?
Fleur: What do you mean? ...Am I being weird? Sorry, we just don't HAVE stuff like this in the forest. YOU know!
Luca: Heh, yeah, I know. This is all new to us sylvans.
Fleur: The environment is perfect... The people, inviting... I can't fail! I'm gonna pioneer a new style of art, right here—one that perfectly blends sylvan and human influences!
Luca: We're rootin' for ya, Fleur.
Euden: What is it you want to paint, exactly? Do you have something in mind?
Fleur: Course I do! It's...erm... A fusion of two cultures! And... Um... ...... Oh, gosh... I got nothing.
Luca: Yikes.
Euden: Do you have a rough idea, at least? A tone, or maybe a color palette?
Fleur: I... I did. But now that I'm really thinking about it...maybe I didn't, actually. My head is a total blank. And I guess my canvas is gonna stay that way too. Heh...
Luca: Give it some time; ya only just got here. Look around—take in the sights and sounds and junk. I'm sure ideas will start comin'.
Fleur: You're right. You're totally right!
Luca: Hey, I know—how bout I show ya some of the stuff human culture inspired me to make?
Fleur: Wait, you're an artist too?
Luca: Heh, I guess you could say that. Check this out!
Fleur: Uh... What am I looking at exactly?
Luca: This right here is my shocking syrup!
Fleur: Your what now?
Luca: Shocking syrup! It's made by mixing spour fruit juice and human sweetener. Adding it to food makes for some... interesting results. Heh heh!
Fleur: How so?
Luca: Ya wanna see? C'mon, let's head to the kitchen.
Euden: Er, Luca—
Luca: It's fiiiine, nobody's gonna get hurt! Besides, Sarrise isn't even—
Sarisse: You rang?
Luca: BWAH! Wh-what the heck are you doin' here?!
Sarisse: I heard Fleur was around, so I came to say hi. What are YOU up to, Luca? Fleur, steer clear of this guy. Also, hiiiiiiii!
Fleur: Hi! And, uh...why?
Sarisse: 'Cause all he does is prank people! Every sylvan knows spour fruit is too sour to eat. All his little syrup does is SLIGHTLY mask the sourness with some sweetener.
Euden: At first your food is sweet, but suddenly you're left with intense sourness.
Luca: Okay, so maybe it's a prank. I'm still using a human invention to make an inedible fruit actually useful for once! I dunno about you, but that sounds like cultural fusion to me.
Sarisse: See Fleur? It's just a prank.
Luca: What, no—c'mon, that's not the important part!
Fleur: That's... That's...FANTABULOUS, Luca!
Luca & Sarisse: Huh?
Fleur: You invented something so amazing Sarisse won't even let you USE it. That's like, the DEFINITION of fantabulous.
Luca: Are you outta your—I mean, yeah! Totally!
Fleur: You're so inspired... Please let me study under you, Master Luca!
Luca: M-master?! Hmmm... "Master"... It's got a pretty nice ring to it, actually. All righty, Fleur—I accept. Let me show ya some of my other pra—er, artistic fusions. Heh heh.
Sarisse: LUCA.
Luca: A-actually, I just remembered Ranzal wanted to show me his new, uh...muscles! Yeah, can't miss that! We can be master and pupil another time, yeah? Seeya!
Sarisse: There won't BE another time! Get BACK HEEEEERE!
Fleur: Wow... What an artist... Ranzal must be his muse.
Euden: Ha ha. Those two sure know how to welcome someone. I'm sure she'll be settled in no time. And then, who knows what she'll end up creating?

Fleur: Hmm...
Luca: What's up, Fleur? You look like somethin's bothering you.
Fleur: I'm still wracking my brains about the art I want to make. I've been living in this castle for a while now, but I'm just not getting any ideas. How am I supposed to go about making something that combines human and sylvan culture? It sounded simple in my head...
Luca: Hmm... Well, I'm no art buff— But maybe you could start by collaborating with a bunch'a different people?
Fleur: Huh?
Luca: Like, say...RANZAL! Give the girl a hand!
Ranzal: Wha?! *cough* *wheeze* Don't surprise a guy when he's eatin'! Whaddya want from me, anyway?
Fleur: Let's make art together!
Ranzal: Huh? You sure ya got the right guy?
Luca: She's tryin' to work out how to make art that mixes in human culture, but she's hit a bit of creative block. So, you know...two heads, yeah? You guys can just riff off each other, draw up some stuff—you'll be golden.
Fleur: I'd really appreciate your help.
Ranzal: Well hell, I ain't got anywhere else to be. Why not? Let's get to it, girlie.
Fleur: All right!
Luca: Do me proud, pupil!
Ranzal: You sure ya don't want someone else fer this?
Fleur: Yep! You're human, and that's all that matters. So, what is art to you?
Ranzal: Ya know, I've never really thought about that. But there's really only one answer, yeah?
Fleur: Sure! So what is it?
Ranzal: MUSCLES!
Fleur: ...Muscles?
Ranzal: No—"MUSCLES!" Ya gotta yell it!
Fleur: I'm sorry, I just... I don't understand how muscles can be art.
Ranzal: How can they NOT be?! Here, I'll break it down for ya. Artists take their work real serious, yeah? Well, so do I! Wouldn't be much of a merc if I couldn't swing my weapon or wrestle a bear. I need muscles for all that. MUSCLES! Big and bulgy and tighter than shrunken undies.
Fleur: Ah, I see! You worked at it, and honed your craft, so I guess that kinda does make it art, huh? Hmm... So if I use your muscles for a painting, would that make it fusion art?
Ranzal: What, ya want me to model for ya? Finally, someone with EYES! Sure girlie, count me in.
Fleur: Great! But first I need a favor.
Ranzal: She tells me to wait in the courtyard and then just up and vanishes... Guess she's plannin' to paint me outside? I should think up some awesome poses...

Fleur: Sorry for the wait, Ranzal! 

Ranzal: Huh? What's that ya got there?
Fleur: I needed to gather materials. See? I got a bucket, some paints, and a biiiiig piece of paper.
Ranzal: Whoa. Didn't realize we were goin' so big.
Fleur: Well, the paper's GOT to be big! How else are you gonna dive onto it?
Ranzal: Sure, I getcha. Gotta be big if I'm gonna... Wait, I'm doin' WHAT?!
Fleur: Your muscles are art, right? Then if we want to use them to make NEW art, we gotta use them directly!
Ranzal: I'm a model, not yer damn paintbrush! Can't ya just sketch me or whatnot? Here, tell me this don't hit ya right in yer artsy soul! *flex* *flex*
Fleur: No way! That's totally derivative. I want to make something NEW— something that won't just shake up the art world, but the WHOLE world!
Ranzal: Ugh... How's a guy supposed to turn down talk like that?
Fleur: Come on! Cover yourself in paint and dive onto this paper. Chop chop!
Ranzal: Only way I'M seein' chops anytime soon is if I get this over with... Fine! This body IS art, so whatever it creates is gonna be prettier than pizza. Here I GOOOOO!

Cleo: Is all the paint finally out of your clothes, Ranzal?
Ranzal: Not even close...
Cleo: Perhaps now you will think twice before using paint to bathe— fully clothed, no less.
Ranzal: I'm an artist, dammit! Me'n Fleur really pushed our boundaries today, yeah?
Fleur: We did manage to make some new art... But... *sniff* My clothes got caught in the splashback...
Cleo: *sigh* Yes, you both made quite a mess. But clothes can be cleaned; bring them to me once you have changed.
Fleur & Ranzal: Yes, ma'am...
Fleur: I'll try to cause less damage with my art next time...
Ranzal: I should look for more modelin' gigs...

Fleur: Do a collab with me, Elisanne!
Elisanne: Pardon? You want ME?
Fleur: Yeah! I'm working with everyone in the castle, and you're next. I'm still in an experimental period, but I'm getting closer to creating a brand new style.
Elisanne: I see. Well, I'm flattered to be asked, and certainly willing to help. But I'm far from an expert in the field, so I doubt I would be of much practical use.
Fleur: Oh, I see... Still, there has to be SOME way we can work together.
Elisanne: Would you perhaps be interested in a book of human art? I have one you're more than welcome to borrow.
Fleur: Ooo, tell me more!
Elisanne: It is a collection of religious art; the goddess herself, mythological symbols, interpreted scripture. Thinking on it more, you have likely never seen such things before. It may prove quite illuminating.
Fleur: Oh man, I'd LOVE to borrow it. You're like...MY goddess! Ha ha!
Elisanne: Y-yes, well... Where was that book...
Fleur: Wow... You've got so many!
Elisanne: A Palaydn must be well-read—though my passion for literature emerged well before I took up the lance. Do you enjoy reading, Fleur?
Fleur: Eh, not really. It takes time away from painting.
Elisanne: I suppose it does. Ah—here we are.
Fleur: Wow, this is GORGEOUS.
Elisanne: If I can be of any more help, please let me know.
Fleur: Will do! This book should keep me busy for now though. I wanna read it cover to cover.
Elisanne: I can only imagine what you will create once you've done so.
Fleur: Heh heh, I'll come show you as soon as I'm done!

Fleur: Elisanne! Can I borrow another book?
Elisanne: Of course. What would you like to study next?
Fleur: I was actually hoping this next one could be a story book.
Elisanne: Oh? Why is that?
Fleur: Up to now, I've only been painting things you see in the forest—trees, flowers, that kind of stuff. I never thought of turning a story into a painting—so I wanna try it! I thought I could maybe paint something from a story YOU like.
Elisanne: That sounds like a splendid idea. I look forward to seeing what you produce.
Fleur: I'll do my best!
Euden: Do you have a moment, Elly? I'd like to discuss some new strategies.
Elisanne: Of course, Your Highness. I'll be back soon, Fleur—but please help yourself to any books that catch your interest. Perhaps one of them will spark your next masterpiece.
Fleur: Oh boy, I sure hope so! Elisanne is super nice. I'm so glad we got to collaborate! Oh. But which books does she like? Dang, I really should have asked before she left. Hmm... "A Paladyn's Primer"? This might work! I mean, she's a Paladyn—this MUST be one of her favs. Let's see... "The Paladyn Creed: A Paladyn must, at the behest of divine providence, ply their seraphic blade to adjudge all malignity and animus that bide..." ...... I don't get this at all. She must have something simpler... Hm? What's this book in the corner? ...... What IS this? Who says "I'm gonna make you mine, baby girl"—and to a PRINCESS? People aren't property! ...Gah! Now he's stealing her away from the prince?! This... This is kidnapping! Stop it! They were going to be married in the morning! GIVE HER BACK! Was he mad 'cause he wasn't invited? I guess I understand that... Wait, no! Stealing people is bad! This book is making me MAD. ...I wonder what's on the next page...

Elisanne: Did you find anything interesting, Fleur?
Fleur: T-they... They...
Elisanne: Are you all right? You look flushed.
Fleur: They...k-kissed...
Elisanne: What are you... Wait. Surely that isn't— It IS! How did you find that novel? I made a point of hiding it away.
Fleur: On the lips... ON THE LIPS!
Elisanne: I-it's all right Fleur. The book can't hurt you anymore. Your poor young mind... Goddess, I should have chosen some books for her... Fleur, stay with me!
Fleur: Human stories are so intense...

Fleur: I'm finished, Luca! FINISHED!
Luca: Easy, Fleur, calm down! What's wrong?
Fleur: I'm a FAILURE! A big fat failure...*sob*
Luca: A-all right, here—have an apple and take a breather.
Fleur: *crunch* Mmm...
Luca: Heh. Good, right? Now tell me what's gotcha all worked up.
Fleur: Well... I've just been struggling a lot recently, you know? Like, I still don't know how to make the art I wanna make.
Luca: Yeah, that sounds rough. But wait—what about the stuff you made with Ranzal and Elisanne? That didn't help at all?
Fleur: I mean, it was FUN, but it's not really the new and exciting art I've been shooting for, you know? My collab with Ranzal was probably my most dynamic work yet, but... I didn't actually do all that much. He literally just pressed his body on a big sheet of paper. Like a meat stamp.
Luca: HA! *ahem* I see what you mean. What about Elisanne? She seems like she'd be easier to work with.
Fleur: We spent a lot of time together, but... I never ended up making anything. The PLAN was to paint a picture of something from one of her favorite books. But when she saw me reading it, she grabbed it out of my hands. Said I was too young, or something.
Luca: The heck were you reading?! *ahem* Okay, so it didn't go great with either of 'em. You're still adjusting to life outside the forest; ya can't expect to hit your stride right away.
Fleur: But I studied humans so hard! I've done collaborations before, too. I just...can't seem to find what I'm looking for. So I'm finished. An artist who can't make art is more useless than a fork in soup. I'M WORSE THAN A FORK, LUCA! *sob*
Luca: Oh jeez—Fleur, it's okay! You're way better than a fork! Try to calm down, all right?
Fleur: HOW?! I can't even IMAGINE what I want to make. I'm a total fraud! I'm just so lost...
Luca: It sounds like you need an idol— someone whose work you can look at for inspiration and stuff. But I guess you're also trying to make something totally new, so... Wait a second! It's no wonder you can't picture what you're working towards, Fleur.
Fleur: *sniff* What do you mean?
Luca: Well, as far as sylvans go, I'm pretty knowledgeable about human stuff. But I've never even HEARD of art that combines sylvan and human elements. You're trying to make something that doesn't exist yet—so of course you can't picture it clearly.
Fleur: Huh... So I'm NOT a failure?
Luca: Heck no! You left the forest to blaze new trails in the art world, yeah? That doesn't happen overnight.
Fleur: You're... You're totally right! Gosh, I feel so silly. Ha ha!
Luca: You just gotta relax and do your thing. Make what you feel like making, and eventually you'll end up with exactly what you're lookin' for. Whatever you end up with will be worth the wait.
Fleur: Hee hee! Thanks Luca. You're way nicer than the folks back home.
Luca: Huh? Whaddya mean?
Fleur: Everyone in my village only ever criticized my work. They never encouraged me. I thought to myself, "Well, that's just how it is being an artist." Misunderstood and ridiculed by all, you know? But now I'm realizing that it's a really nice thing to have someone to encourage you.
Luca: Sounds like you've been needin' a hype man! Your art's amazing, Fleur—and nothin' anybody says is gonna change my mind! So grab your paints, your brushes, your...whatever else you need— and get out there and have fun.
Fleur: YEAH! I'm done sulking about not having a clear vision. I'm just gonna keep painting and painting until I do!
Luca: Heh, sounds like you finally get it. You're nowhere near finished, Fleur. You're barely off the starting blocks! Get out there and put your soul on the canvas.
Fleur: Look out, art world—here comes Fleur!

Fleur: Paintiiiiing, paintiiiiing ♪ Painting is so fuuuun ♪ Hmmm... What color should I use next? The original's blending is pretty subtle...
Euden: Hey, Fleur. Have you made any breakthroughs?
Fleur: Nope, not at all. I've basically made zero progress! Hee hee!
Euden: You sound surprisingly happy about that.
Fleur: Well duh! I don't have time to be getting down. If I don't know what I'm actually aiming for, all I can do is put paint to canvas and see what happens. Art doesn't make itself, you know? Especially the groundbreaking stuff.
Euden: You have a point there. What are you painting at the moment?
Fleur: The goddess Ilia.
Euden: Oh? What inspired that?
Fleur: I figured I'd try copying something from one of the books Elisanne let me borrow. If I wanna incorporate human styles into my art, I need to study them closely. So I'm going back to basics—it's great!
Euden: Hmm, I see. Sylvans probably don't paint too much church imagery. That's a good idea, Fleur. I admire your dedication.
Fleur: Hee hee, thanks! It's not going super well, though.
Euden: Really? It looks pretty great to me.
Fleur: I tried my best to paint it just like a human would. But I dunno... It's not quite right. The original is super cool and stylish and ELEGANT—mine looks all kiddy!
Euden: Oh? Let me get a better look.
Fleur: If you have any feedback, just give it to me straight! I can take it.
Euden: ......
Fleur: ......
Euden: Well, you're right that it doesn't have the same feel as the original. Yours is different...but in a good way. It's got a real energy to it.
Fleur: You really think so?!
Euden: Yeah. The original is beautiful, but I really like your take on it. The colors are vivid, but the way they're blended is soft and relaxed. This Ilia makes me think of a goddess of flowers.
Fleur: Hmm... I do paint flowers pretty often, but this was meant to be Ilia...
Euden: I think the work you've done to date is coming out in this piece too.
Fleur: What do you mean?
Euden: You might not have realized it, but you've developed a signature style. So when you try to paint something traditionally human, you can't help but refract it through that style. I've seen a lot of images of Ilia, but never one like this.
Fleur: Does that mean...I created something totally new?
Euden: I'd say so, Fleur. Seems to me this is exactly the fusion you were going for, don't you think?
Fleur: I... I did it?! I finally found what I was looking for.
Euden: I think you may have found it a while ago, actually. Why don't you look over the rest of the paintings you've done since coming here?
Fleur: Hmm... Oh, look! I used human paints to make this one. And here, I tried to paint a human town like I was painting leaves. This one was supposed to be a copy of a human painting, but I messed up. I guess there's something sylvan about each of them... But do you think they count as fusions?
Euden: I do. Each one combines elements of sylvan and human culture in different ways. And as long as you keep painting, I think you'll find infinite potential for your fusions.
Fleur: Infinite fusion potential... That sounds so cool! I guess I really did it after all. Hee hee! No time to celebrate though—I have to keep pushing! I've come a long way, but I know I can go way further.
Euden: I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Fleur: OH! Is that... Yes! Inspiration strikes!
Euden: Did you think up your next painting?
Fleur: Yeah: YOU!
Euden: M-me?
Fleur: That's right—I wanna paint a picture of the prince that let me live and learn at his castle. So let's collaborate!
Euden: Ha ha, I'd love to.