Painted Faces
AE.AU
@ofscarss
The shop was a dingy little place. It sat in the centre of the crowded city, just off the side of the market streets, which meant it got very little light. It made it incredibly impractical for Ryou’s trade - so the dingy little shop was often crowded with candles - on every surface the wax pillars stood, dripping down onto his assortment of work benches, which were littered with the curled flecks of carved wood.
From the litter of dust and wood shavings stood the figures of ornate men and women - proudly standing at about 6 inches at their tallest, painted in an assortment of inks and paints.
The figurines were Ryou’s pride and joy - each one slaved over under the flickering candle light.
As it was in that moment, it was a particularly muggy night. The air was thick and hot and Ryou sat with his chin rested on his knee as he whittled away at his newest creation.
From beyond the hollow archway that was his window he could hear the usual city night life... that was until a cry broke through.
Ryou jumped and cautiously placed his tools on the bench, curiously peering out of his window. He could see a shift in the crowds, and heard the same voice again.
“Thief! He’s escaped!”
