🍓strawberry fields forever🍓

Author's note: Well, I didn't exactly plan to take a nearly four-month break, but it happened. It was harder for me to get back into the groove of things than I expected, but I'm still excited for the future despite the hurdles. I think the hype everyone had for the conclusion of this scene ended up psyching me out a little, and I got caught up in the expectations. I hope this end result isn't underwhelming, but I'm ready to move on. We're not quite done with this night yet, but we will finally be moving out of the gallery.

Also, I've made a few small visual changes that are probably not extremely noticeable to anyone but me. I changed my defaults, gave everyone minor skin detail refreshes, and tweaked my Reshade preset a bit. I'm also trying out a 2:1 aspect ratio from now on because I've been using it for other things lately and it just tickles my brain.

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Ulrike: [one long-winded gnome monologue later] What can I say? The little guys just speak to me.

Helena: [gestures toward tattoo, amused] I can see that.

Ulrike: And other people seem to like them too. You saw it yourself. The paintings sell. I got a call yesterday from a stationery company in Nordhaven that wants to turn them into greeting cards.

Helena: Wow. I’m happy for you, Faust, but kitschy commercial art doesn’t really seem like your style.

Ulrike: I’m aware how silly it is, on a certain level. It’s not my life’s passion. But it’s nice to be able to pay the bills with my art while I’m figuring that out. Besides, I’m not a sellout until I’ve signed the contract. Anyway, Zhao, how’s your search for purpose shaking out?

Helena: [laughs faintly] I’m probably more confused now than ever.

Ulrike: Well, at least you’re making new friends, seeing new places, clearing out every designer boutique in town with your mysterious benefactor’s platinum card.

Helena: I told you, I’m not-

Ulrike: Hey, no judgment. I say you should bleed that fucker dry, maybe go for a beach vacation. You are looking a little pale.

Helena: Ulrike!

Ulrike: Okay, I get it. You don’t want to spill any secrets. Have you been doing any writing? Still snapping photos of everything in sight?

Helena: I haven’t really had much time for- [gasps abruptly]

Lilith: Helena! There you are. And if it isn’t the woman of the hour. Your name is on everyone’s lips, Ms. Faust. In fact, from what I overhear, you’ve been keeping several people waiting.

Ulrike: [dubiously] Who the hell are you?

Helena: Oh, this is my, uh…

Lilith: Date.

Ulrike: [to Helena] I see, your friend. Are you sure you’re okay?

Lilith: Of course! Why wouldn’t she be?

Helena: [nods mutely]

Ulrike: Well, I’ve got my own date waiting around here somewhere — not to mention a few more paintings to sell.

Lilith: The gnomes, right? They’re charming enough, I suppose. Cute. Quaint. If you like that sort of thing.

Ulrike: Plenty of people do.

-

Lilith: [whispering] I can see the appeal. Her blood smells divine.

Helena: [crossly, under breath] Lilith, my ex-girlfriend is not on the menu.

Lilith: What a shame. She and that mousy little butch she’s with would make an excellent double entree.

Helena: What are you even doing here? Caleb and I thought-

Lilith: You’d try and pull a fast one on me?

Helena: There’s not always an ulterior motive. We’re friends, and we didn’t think this would be your scene.

Lilith: Well, you weren’t wrong about that. I’ve been here ten minutes, and the air of pretension is stifling. Caleb, fetch our coats! We’re leaving.

Vlad: Lilith! I thought I sensed your presence. You simply must take in the beauty of Veronica’s paintings before-

Lilith: Not now, Vladislaus!

Gunther: Hello? Earth to Ulrike? I still need that quote from you for the Art Review.

Ulrike: Not now, Gunther!