Arcana (Hermes)/Side Tale 1

(Esper Union: Corridor)
Arcana hums quietly to himself as he practices sketching in the corner of a corridor, somewhere in the great Union building.

 Arcana: That’s not a bad angle. But something’s missing…
(ARCANA: Union Ops Chief, Good at Painting & Forgery)

 Arcana: Who’s that standing there… Drew?

 Drew: Oh…
(DREW: Union Ops Chief)

 Arcana: Drew, what’s going on? What’s up?

 Drew: Mr Arcana! Nothing of great import. A minor matter.

 Arcana: You can tell me. I take it that photograph you’re looking at is bothering you?

 Drew: How perceptive of you. I carelessly spilled ink on it and, as you can see, the image has blurred.
Arcana respectfully takes the ink-stained photograph from Drew for a closer look.

 Arcana: It’s pretty bad, but I do know an excellent photography studio in Gyrate that I think should be able to restore it.

 Drew: I appreciate that, but I’ve already tried.

 Drew: It’s a very old photograph without any digital backups. I’m afraid it might not be possible to restore it.
Drew’s pained expression triggers of flash of inspiration in Arcana.

 Arcana: Can I ask what the photograph was of, originally?

 Drew: …

 Arcana: If it’s not too personal, that is?

 Drew: It’s not, but… I’m unsure of how to put it into words exactly.

 Drew: It’s a photo of my… graduation ceremony.

 Arcana: Your graduation? That’s very important, then.

 Drew: The ceremony itself was not of particular significance, but I was rather fond of the photograph as it featured Laura… my young master.

 Arcana: I see.

 Drew: Well, I appreciate your time. I’d better be getting on with my affairs.

 Arcana: Oh, you’re not going, are you? I think I can help.
Drew bids Arcana farewell and turns around.

 Arcana: Drew, wait!

 Drew: Is there anything else I can help you with?

 Arcana: Would you mind describing some details of the scene in the photo?

 Drew: Not at all, but I struggle to comprehend your meaning?

 Arcana: Well, as you can see, I’ve been practicing drawing and sketching. I’ve been desperately in need of inspiration.
Following Arcana’s prompting, Drew describes the scene in the graduation ceremony photo in exhaustive detail.

 Arcana: Ah… now could you describe your facial expression in front of the camera that day?

 Drew: Nothing unusual. Quite commensurate with my current expression, let’s say.

 Arcana: Got it.

 Drew: I trust all this information will be helpful to your sketching?

 Arcana: Of course.
Arcana nods, and then departs with his drawing tools.

 Drew: I’m surprised Mr Arcana could ever lack inspiration.
(Several days later)
(Esper Union: Lobby)

 Arcana: Drew, there you are.

 Drew: How can I help you today, Mr Arcana?

 Arcana: Here.

 Drew: Is that my graduation photo?

 Arcana: A very careful sketch, to be precise. I did my best to recreate the scene as photo-realistically as I could based on your description.

 Arcana: Of course, it’s not a perfect restoration.

 Drew: I must admit, I’m awe-struck at your success - and kind effort…

 Arcana: It’s yours. Consider it a token of thanks for inspiring me.
Drew’s ears begin to wiggle excitedly as he gazes upon the restored graduation photo.

 Drew: And this is me?

 Arcana: Mm. As you can tell, I added a few artistic flourishes.

 Arcana: How can someone not smile at their own graduation?

 Drew: To be honest, I’m at a loss as to how to thank you.

 Arcana: Your satisfaction is all the thanks I need. After all, it’s a great opportunity for me to practice.

 Drew: Thank you! I will take better care of this one than the last one.

 Arcana: Don’t mention it. But do let me know if you have any other photographs that you’d like to see restored.
Arcana feels rather pleased to see Drew finally smile. Then he notices the time.

 Arcana: Uh oh, I’m late! I hope Mona won’t be too cross with me.

 Arcana: Sorry Drew, duty calls.
Drew neatly and carefully inserts the photo into his breast pocket as Arcana dashes out of sight.