#outlast2marta

"ChaseMates"

I finally finished this comic!!! It took me weeks, but it's finally done! You can't imagine how hard it was to make. I had some problems with the file; in short, at one point it was too heavy for my computer (and not only that, but I would like to discuss it further later on). But it was worth it! At first, I wanted to do something nonsensical and slapstick, but in the end I said to myself: why not make this comic a little mirror of the kind of relationship these characters have in my headcanon?

Outlast 2 fanfic "Tample Gate before"

First of all, thanks for the waiting. I had some problems with the story, which is why it took me so long. And secondly, like in the last chapter, don't be shy about letting me know if there are any mistakes. This time, I didn't use Google to translate, but a site recommended to me, which I hope provided a more accurate translation.

Thank you and enjoy!!!

It was pouring rain that day, which people in certain parts of Arizona would consider a rare occurrence, but not those who lived in Temple Gate. The reservation had many water resources to choose from, and rain was just one of them.

The rain on that particular day had been falling for hours and showed no sign of stopping, so the inhabitants preferred to stay sheltered in their homes or in the taverns, which only men were allowed to frequent.

Few habitants were outside at that moment, among them was a woman who was very different from everyone else: Marta. The tall, skeletal woman in dark clothes, her black hair mostly hidden by a cloth, moved like a ghost through the muddy streets marked by the wheels of carts.

Unlike many citizens who stayed holed up indoors, the woman loved to go out during the refreshing spring rains to run some of her errands and meet Knoth for a cup of tea. Now she was heading to the market where she knew she would find the meat she wanted for her stew and the strawberry seeds she had requested earlier. On the way, she met some people who greeted her warmly, and the judge returned their greeting without saying a word.

Once, as she was walking along, some careless children ended up bumping into her while chasing each other. She gave them such a stern look that they screamed and ran away. It was nothing new that Marta, with her unusual appearance and gloomy demeanor, frightened children. Over time, they had turned her into a kind of bogeyman to bring up in horror stories. The brats sometimes even had competitions to see who could get closest to her house. Whenever they were caught, the mortified parents punished their children and gave her something as an apology. This had often embarrassed her at first, but she soon got used to it.

Marta arrived early at her destination. The market was a series of stalls in the center of the square where bartering was the norm. Giant tarps covered all the stalls from the whims of the weather and connected them to each other, allowing shoppers to stay dry. The woman could already see how the square would look on the day of the festival, colorful, full of life, and lively. Of course, nothing was in place yet; not a single decoration had been hung.

She quickly spotted the stall she was interested in and approached it, slipping her tall figure between the few villagers who had come to exchange goods.

The girl, barely fifteen years old, greeted the woman nervously. Her father had instructed her on what to do if Marta showed up at that time. Although she had felt confident and determined at the time, the young girl felt a certain fear when faced with her. Since she was a child, she had heard stories about the judge of Tample Gate, how she was nothing more than a witch who had cast powerful spells on Papa Knoth to subjugate him and be elevated in his eyes. Obviously, these were all children's stories, although the girl admitted that the woman had a certain macabre charm. In any case, the teenager, recovering for a moment from her appearance, parroted the phrase her father had taught her the night before.

“Madam Judge, how nice to see you. If I'm not mistaken, you're here for the seeds, am I right?”

Marta stared at her with her icy eyes. “And for the chicken.”

“Of course!” The girl hurriedly took out two bags of seeds and then took a plump chicken from one of the hooks, which her father had specifically told her to give to the woman if she came in.

She wrapped it up and placed it next to the seeds, then turned back to look at her customer.

Marta took out a gray bag from her belt and pulled out a wooden comb. The judge placed it on the table.

The young woman did not believe she had ever seen such a detailed object in her life, except for the stone sculptures of the Madonna and the thousands of depictions of saints in the church. She covered her mouth with her hand in amazement. Where had the judge got such an object? Something like this could not have been made by human hands. This is what she was thinking while Marta, tired of waiting for the girl to stop talking, tapped her finger on the table. It was necessary to distract her attention from the comb.

“Have you accepted it?” said the judge curtly.

“Yes, yes, sorry...” she hurried to say.

After paying and hiding the things she had come for in her clothes, she walked between the stalls towards a house, that of her childhood friend Knoth. The girl breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her disappear from view.

The rain was still drumming down, and Sullivan, who had stayed indoors all morning writing his will, waited impatiently for his friend to arrive. For him, Tuesday was the best day of the week because Marta was coming to visit.

The knock at his door made him jump, and without hesitation he got up from his chair and rushed to open it.

“Marta,” he said to the tall woman on his doorstep. “Please come in, I was expecting you.”

The fat man stepped aside to let her in.

“Sully, are you still working on your will?” She couldn't help but notice the work on the desk.

“Yes, I haven't been able to get anywhere all morning. I even tried meditating, listening to what the Lord wants to tell me, but nothing concrete has come of it. I even reviewed some previous chapters and am starting to think that I misinterpreted some things.”

Knoth was a very reserved man when it came to certain things, but he had always made an exception for Marta.

“Don't be discouraged, my friend, I'm sure you'll find a way to sort it out. You always manage to get through difficult situations, and in the end, the Lord always gives you an answer, even if it's symbolic.”

“I'm sure you're right. Have a seat, I'll make some tea.” Knoth pulled the chair away from the table, inviting her to sit down before turning on the stove.

Marta sat down.

“So, the usual errands?”

“Yes. I picked up some things for tonight's stew.”

“How's your grandson?”

“He could be better.”

“Is he still having those dreams?”

“Yes, unfortunately, but he never tells me about them. I hear him screaming at night and it breaks my heart. I go to see him even though it's awful to see him in that condition.” Marta kept her eyes fixed on the floor.

“I understand that it's difficult, my dear. You're a good person and you take such good care of your nephew even though months have passed and you see no improvement.”

“I wish God wouldn't punish him so harshly. He wasn't the only one who hurt people. I often find myself wishing I could share some of his suffering, have nightmares every night, and bear the same mark he has on his face.”

“Marta.” Knoth approached her and took her hands. “Your soul is noble, but the punishment he bears is something God has decided to give him, and He always has a plan for all of us, even if we cannot see it. I am sure that in the paradise that has been promised to us, he will find peace.”

“But Sully, he wasn't baptized...” A whistle pierced the air, ending the conversation, and Knoth immediately went to put out the fire.

“So, tell me what you bought to make the stew, dear?”

Marta fell silent for a moment at the change of subject.

“I already had the rest of the ingredients, I just needed the chicken, and I also bought some strawberry seeds again. This year I'll manage to grow at least one of those damn plants!”

“I'm sure you will.” Knoth smiled.

He poured her some tea and took two butter cookies from a box he kept for special occasions, and Marta's visit was definitely one of those.

“But enough about my problems, tell me about yourself. What's this about you commissioning a deer sculpture for the equinox celebration?” asked the woman, reaching for the plate of cookies.

“Oh, did they tell you?”

“Yes, Val has a big mouth, and Nick showed me the plans for the sculpture.”

“I see, so he's the carpenter who was given the project.”

“It seems so.”

It had stopped raining, Samantha had finished putting away the unsold goods and everything she had earned in a separate box. After that, she went to get her mule and hitched her father's old cart to it.

They usually went together, but unfortunately the man had a commitment to fulfill at his cousin's house, so she found herself alone that morning.

She didn't hate the market; in fact, she liked it, but recently she couldn't wait for the afternoon to come so she could go home. Because every time she could walk along a road that led to a farm and a small field, where a boy she had a crush on worked and lived.

She still didn't know how to approach him. She had always been told that boys should make the first move, but she was impatient. She wondered if he had noticed her and if he liked her. Not that they had spoken yet, even though every time they saw each other she could feel a passion rising in her chest and butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Could it be that the Lord was trying to tell her something? Maybe he was the love of her life, the one every woman hopes to meet.

Nevertheless, she was afraid of what her parents would think. He wasn't a bad boy; she had seen him several times in church and during ceremonies. He was certainly a member of the chosen people, he believed in God, and he worked like all men. But her parents had always warned her to be careful with boys and not to spend too much time with them.

She ordered the mule to turn, and finally reached the corner where the farm lay, and there she saw him. He was her age, with long hair, and wore green work clothes.

He raised his head when he heard the cart approaching.

She smiled and covered her face without taking her eyes off him. The boy greeted her and then something happened that she never would have believed would happen: he walked towards her.

“Hey.”

Surprised, Samantha returned his greeting.

“Sorry, I couldn't help but stare at you. I wanted to ask your name.”

The boy was as red in the face as she was.

“Samantha,” she replied with a gasp.

“Samantha.” He repeated it as if to memorize it. “I'm Stan.”

Her excitement at discovering the name of her crush grew even stronger. Her head was spinning and she felt dizzy. Neither Stan nor Samantha said anything else for at least a few minutes. In the distance, cows mooed and the clouds had cleared slightly, allowing one of the rays of sunset light to shine through.

“Listen, I wanted to ask you if you'd like to go out sometime?” Stan finally said, breaking the silence.

“I'd love to.”

“Great, so how about Friday in the second cornfield?”

“I'll be there!”

After saying goodbye to Stan, the girl started the cart again and drove it onto the muddy road.

When she returned home, Samantha was over the moon. She parked the mule in the stable, humming, and unloaded the contents of the wheelbarrow with the help of her father, who had already been back for half an hour.

“You're in a great mood today. Did you trade something at the market?”

Samantha began a long list of things, pretending to be happy for that reason.

“Yes, I got two pairs of ribs from Phill Perrigam in exchange for the Belgian, a sack of carrots from Mrs. Barb in exchange for a set of cutlery and plates, and a comb from...”

She stopped when she mentioned the item the judge had given her that afternoon. Her father looked at her, puzzled by his daughter's change of mood.

“Did the judge come today?” he asked.

The girl nodded. “I gave her the chicken you told me about and the strawberry seeds she asked for.”

“Ah, good, did you do as I told you?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“What did he give you in exchange?”

“A comb.” Anna rummaged in her pocket, where she had put the comb for fear that it might break in the bag with the rest of the exchanges, and showed it to her father. His reaction to the object was similar to the one he had had that morning.

“It's wonderful,” he said. “Even though you didn't bring back much today, I have to say that all in all, it wasn't bad. I'll put these things in the refrigerator.”

The man took the bag containing the food and returned the comb to his daughter. “Why don't you keep it?”

“I thought you'd be angry that I gave away the goods for a comb.”

“Don't be silly, it was the judge who gave you this beautiful heirloom, and besides, you needed a new comb, if I'm not mistaken.”

Her father went back into the house, and she stayed outside for a while longer, turning the object over in her hands. She didn't know why, but the image of the tall woman had returned to her mind, and for some reason she felt the same fear and awe she had felt that afternoon when she had stood before her. But then the image of her love, to whom she had finally spoken, and their date drove the witch from her mind.

She went back inside, this time with a different kind of fear when she saw her father setting the table and her mother cutting the bread. A question arose in her mind:

what do I do now?

Outlast 2 characters in Hazbin Hotel! 🏨✝️

This weekend i watch the new Hazbin Hotel episodes and i though: what if the Outlast 2 gang enjoy the party? I seriously doubt that Charlie can redeem this guys but what ever.

Design's xplanations

Nick: he is a grizzly bear a form that can be connect to the fact that he have a strong, ferocious and lonely nature (the last thing Is more my headcanon) i loved to gave him big arms like Blitz or Husk, i remember that in game his arms are pretty longs too.

Laird: with this one the things got a little more complicate to explain. Its basically a flea demone couse i want give a connection with the plague and he is also always on Nick shoulders soo... his face is a mask used by the doctors of the plague in the medieval age. His body Is white covered with some red spot like the syphilis. I give him some aspects of the imp kind couse he take orders from Knoth. The cross on his cest symbolizes his old religion and a arrow point down for indicate is death.

Val: she is a fox girl couse of a passages of Knoth where, i think if i remember correctly, he said he meet the Devil in a form of a fox. I give her fire like elements as tail and wings. I also give her a crown like the one who wear in the game. The x on her clothes are a symbol of her old scars and wounds. Always speak about wounds, her reversed cross It's what remain of the the fatale blow of Marta's exe who was supposed to being in the game.

Marta: for her i was inspired by the siren couse of her costant singing. She have more fishing apperances in her demon form. Her cest is transparent and you can see her ribs, a reference to the fact that she was considered the death itself in her cult. Some of her parts like arms, legs and hair are feathered. (like crows)

Outlast 2 fanfic "Tample Gate Before"

disclaimer: I apologize in advance if there are some grammatical errors, English is not my language and I helped myself with Google translate. So if there are any mistakes, you are completely free to tell me! Thank you!!! ♥♥♥

It was a week before the spring equinox. By morning everyone had been busy with their work. Val was truly elate; at school he had shown to the children how to make paper decoration and in no time angels, flowers and animals had taken shape. When the bel rang and everyone rush out he was left alone to tidy up the classroom. He was amazed at how much of a mess the kids could make when they were given the freedom to use glue, scissors and painbrushers. But he didn’t complain; it wasn’t often that they where allowed to use the paper for drawing instead of doing their assignments. Meanwhile he was thinking about where he would hang their decorations, Sullivan knoth entered, the two crocesses bouching on his cest as the fat man awkardly made his way toward the young man.

«Good morning, Val.» Sullivan’s attention quikly shifted from the thin blond boy to the desk occupied by the small mountain of clippings.

«I see the kids have been busy making decorations this year.» He observed.

«Yea they can’t wait the next weak.» Val leaned across the table and picked up a cutout that looked a bit like a green bird.

«It wasn’t easy though. Some of them argued obout the collors. By the way, they’re all gone now. Could you put them on the list?»

«Oh Val, you know today isn’t the day for discuss the list, but i’ll keep that in mind when i’ll write it. Now i wanted to talk to you obout something.»

«What?»

«See i wanted to give you a commission; you should find someone good with wood to ask for a deer statue for me.»

«A what? A deer?»

«It’s an allegory. The deer, in turn is like a lord of the woods, and its antlers fall off and grow back, just as fields perish in winter and flourish again in spring.»

«Mmmhh mmmhh.» Val nodded, trying to follow him. He’d always thought Knoth find too many things sacred. There wasn’t a thing he didn’t attach some significance to God, but he had to admit, he was always been fascinated by this side of him.

«I understand, but then why ask me? Can’t you do it yourself?»

«Yes, but as you know, im very busy. I have others matters concerning the faithfull and_»

«I get it.» Val cut him off. «I’ll take care of it.»

«Thank you so much. it’s nice to know i can count on you when i need it. Here, this sheet of paper has the dimensions and the others details.»

After which he headed for the entrance, opening the door to find Laird byron standing before him.

«Morning Laird.» Sallivan greated the short man.

«Good morning Papa, i’m here to see Val.» He smiled.

Val approached, appering next to Knoth.

«Ehi Laird.» The teacher smiled at him.

«Remember your commision, Val. Actualy, Laird, you don’t happen to have any plans now, do you?»

Knoth asked to his subjected.

«Actually no. If i can help with anything, you know that i’m always available.»

«Great than accompany Val. He’ll explain to you on the way. Oh, its always so nice to know i can count on my deacons.»

With that said, he walked down to the avenue and disappeared among the buildings and people.

It was already eleven o’clock, and Val and Laird were walk on a path along the mountain a alf an hour away from the city. The sun was rising almost set at noon. Only the pine trees and the shade of a few rocks helped them better endure the fatigue and the neat, witch would become increasingly intense as the moths passed.

Douring the journey they talked for fill the time that separeted them from their goal.

«So that’s why Papa want’s a deer sculpture?»

«Exactly this are the estructions he gave me.» Val show them to Laird.

«But rather.» Val said tried to change the subject. «How come address Sullivan with such reverence? You’re like one of the first people he’s ever recruited, and you’ve been friends for over ten years now.»

The short man gave him an amused look before giving him back the paper.

«Same old story. You already know the answer, Val. Knoth is the God’s chosen prophet. Even though we are friends it’s only right to recognized as such and treated with respect.»

«You can treat him with respect even without be formal, old man.»

Laird was tired of talking but especially of climbing the mountain, they had climbing it for over a quarter of an hour.

He began to slow down. It wasn’t easy walking with prosthetics legs for so long time. At that moment he envied the man next to him for being a normal person and having legs. He was immediately ashame of his disgusting though and looked away from him.

At one point Val looked back to him and realazing that his friend had fallen behind on the path. The teacher than stopped and asked him if everything was okay.

Laird endend up reaching him.

«I’m fine. It’s just that the sun and this mountain have tired me out.»

The young man was well aware of his friend’s problem. «We can stop here for a second.»

«Papa seemed eager to get that deer, we can’t disappoint him.»

«Look, it’s not a race Laird. And stopping for ten minutes won’t kill us or speed up the statue’s costruction. With your problem it’s normal that...» Val stopped himself from sayng anything else; he know that was a sensitive topic for his friend.

«I know what you’r going to say, Val.» Laird touched his hand. «It’s ok. I won’t be offended. I shouldn’t have come. I should have know i’d be a burden to you.»

«Don’t be tragic old man.» Val laughed, squeezing his hand then added. «But i think, yes, now that you mention it, the prospet of carrying you like a princess to the carpentry isn’t so appealing.»

«ha ha that’s funny, go to hell Val.»

Val smiled, looked like he was having a blast.

«So.» he said, looking around in search of something. «If we are going get there, you’re going to need help.» his attention flickered to one of the many trees; some sticks were stacked under it. Val went to the pine tree and began rummanging underneath until he found a suitable stick for his friend.

«Take your stick, your grace. » Val handed him the stick.

«Thak you, what would i do without you my great friend?» the diacon bowed to the young man.

Val snapped at Laird with a nervous laugh. «Please don’t start talking like this to me too.»

After an hour’s of walk, they reached the large red hut near the river witch was used as the city carpentry. The two deacons entered in the grassless field that surrounding the building, filed with tools and planks.

A large number of the carpenters were ghatered in a corner of the field, sitting on a pile of plants and trunks. They were eating their lunch; dried meat and boiled potatoes. When they noticed the presence of the deacons, they welcome them and offered them food, witch Val did not refuse.

«We thank you for your hospitality, Rupert. We have come here from the city to deliver an order on behalf The New Ezekiele.”

The workers pricked up their ears. «We’d love to take on your commision, but unfortunately we are a bit behind on some things.» said the foreman of the carpentry; a bald man with a goatee beard.

«Realy? What kind of thing? Can’t you postpone it?» Laird asked.

Val watched them the whole time in silent while eating, leating his colleague explain everything.

«Unfortunately, that’s not possible; all the workers are already busy… But wait!»

Rupert lit up. «I might have the right man you are looking for. His name is Nick Trambley. I didn’t see him busy with anything at the moment.»

«Perfect, is this Nick Trambley among your boys over here?» Everyone shook their heads, some blurted out something or smiled. Their boss turned and look at them over, then he goes back to Laird. «No, sir. He never eat with us. He prefers to isolate himself. He’s not a particularly talkative guy, and he dosn’t like being around people. He’s been working with us for about a few months now and even at work he’s never been very sociable.»

«Idiot.» Sombody whispered in the group behind him, interrupting Rupert.

«Perdon, what did you say?» Laird asked angrily. Val quickly wiped his mouth with a nappkin and glanced at his friend; he looked worry.

«Nothing sir… i wasn’t talking about you...» The boy who had spoken had stepped forward, a young man with long black hair covered by a hat. «I mean Nick. He’s an idiot, everyone here know that.» The boy looked around as if he wanted to find support by his coworkes, but no one come forward.

He stoppet abruptly, stuk by the look that his boss give to him. Rupert than spoke. «Excuse the boy, your grace. What i was about to say is that Trambley is, troublesome. His mind is wrecked and his hearing is not the best. But he know how to work with wood and i’ev got a letter from Papa Knoth himself where he asked me to take him on here to the carpentry.»

«Papa told you to hire him?» Rupert nodded. «I understand.»

«so where we can find him? I’d like to speak with him in person.»

«Sure, he usually goes behing that hill.» Rupert pointed a finger to the hill teeming with pine trees next to them.

«Just take that path and when you see him, you will know that is him. Trust me.»

«Thanks Rupert.» Laird turned to his friend. «So Val, shall we leave them alone?»

His friend was stuck up in a conversation with some of the mans nearby him. He looked up to Laird and answered to him. «You know what? Why don’t you go? Maybe i’ll will wait here, i need to chat with this kids. Here give him this when you’ll find him.» The joung man passed him the sheet of paper with the instructions for the sculpture.

Laird recognized some of the boys sitting there; they hed been not a long time ago, some of the students that Val had taught when he was in his mid-twenties. He know Val very well and he know how much big is his affection for his students even if they are grow older. Maybe he fell a little eritate but it wasn’t a big deal after all. He totaly can complete their duty alone. So without his company he began the trek up the hill alone.

A short time later the man was already on the other side of the hill, but he still dosn’t see enyone. Around him were only trees and reeds reflected in a small body of water too small for being called lake and too large for being called a pond. The croaking of the frogs and the buzzing of insects grew louder as Laird approached the water. He didn’t remember that area being marked on the Tample Gate land map.

In fact it seem to be a very quiet place, he spotted a small dock and approched it; it looked quiete old. Other than that there was nothing man-made. Laird kept checking the surroundings for anyone but he saw or heard for no one. Impatiantly, he learned against the trunk of a tree and placed his walking stick next to him.

He pondered how to find the man, maybe he could just call him, but if what Rupert has said was true, than there was a chance that he wouldn’t hear him. Just as he was thinking, he heard a noise coming from behing his back. A little nervous he turned around. He could hardly believe who was in front of him. He was simply the the larger and tallest human behing he had never seen and he know Marta.

He immediately reched the face of the man; it was covered by white bandages which only revealed a single, expressionless, blue aye staring to him. Laird almost didn’t know what to say, he was incredulous and after a moment he forced himself to look at the newcomer, who was simply standing there like nothing.

«Nick Trambley...?»

Laird ask trying to make his voice as firm and strong as possible. The guy didn’t say a thing just nodded.

«Ok, i’m Laird Byron, one of the Sullivan Knoth deacons. I was sent here to order a commission on his behalf.» After his initial shock, Laird regained his composur and returned to his usual self.

«They told me you’re a good at woodworking, is that true?» He asked.

He didn’t get a verbal response, but the man confirmed that with a gesture. Laird wait for a second, he decide that he didn’t feel so comfortable to continue a conversation.

«Ok than… i’ll let you the instructions. You have to be finisched for the next Wednesday, ok? I know it’s a little late for a commission like this but_»

Before he could finish and hand him the instructions a bell suddenly rang. The giant turned and slowly walk away. Laird was stunning.

«Ehi where are you going?»

The deacon followed him up to a tree. Nick ad his back to him, sitting on a fallen log and pulling something out out of his pocket. Laird was irritated but also curious, he approached him.

«What are you doing?»

No answer. The deacon decided to also set down on the log.

«It’s true what they say, you’re not very talkative, are you?»

He looked at what he had in his hands; a knife and a piece of wood.

«Are you going to do something with them?»

Nick stopped staring straight ahead and looked at the short man, Laird feared he’d say something wrong so he apologize. After that he remained silent, listening to the sounds of the insects and the frogs. The deacon looked to the treetops; the shadow cast by the pine tree they where stay under was large enough to cover both the two mans. Than the sound of something moving in the tall grass cought his attention. It was right in front of them and it didn’t take him so long to figure out what had caused it. A rabbit had come forward, making its way through the blades of grass.

At that moment, Nick began to slowly carve the wood in silent. The rabbit seemed attracted to something, lying on the ground near a cut log. Looking closer, Laird can noticed that there were fennel stalks all around the base.

He watched the animal eating for a while, then the man next to him. Nick seemed intent.

A few minutes later, the carpenter had finished his work. He stared at it for a while before handing it to Laird. He looked at the little wooden rabbit in amazement. It looked exactly like the real thing,

sitting with its left paw raised and its ears perked up. Laird found it adorable even thought the situation was strange.

«…This…is very beautiful.» He looked back at the giant, who in the meanwhile had already stood up.

«…Wait! Before you go, I have to give you this!»

He stood up as well. Nick turned to him. «Here.» Laird handed him the piece of paper. The carpenter took it.

«I hope you do it well for our prophet.» After that, the two mans parted ways.

When Laird reached the camp Val was there waiting for him at the start of the path.

«It took you a eternity.» He waved his hand near his mouth, he was bored.

«Did you found him?»

«Yes.»

Then Val, too, saw the giant slowly approaching the start of the path and couldn't help but stare in disbelief.

«Wow, this one is really big, maybe even bigger than Marta.»

The two deacons simply stood aside as they watched the man head toward the cabin where his colleagues had already returned. Then Laird remembered that he still had the statuine.

«Hey, wait, I still have your rabbit…!” But it was already late, maybe he hadn't heard him.

«Is that a rabbit?»

Laird told Val what had happened on the way home, the young man paying attention until the last word.

«What a strange guy, that Trambley. Maybe we could ask Knoth about him. If I'm not mistaken, he was the one who recommended him to Rupert. What's your impression of him?»

«I couldn't tell you, but he's good carpenter. He's the right man for the job we assigned him.»

«I’m sure.» The teacher was turning the figurine over in his hands. «It's a really nice piece of work. You're going to keep it, right?»

«I guess so, as long as Nick doesn't want it back.»

«I'd keep it. Maybe he'd make me one or two. I'd use them as decorations for my flower pots. They'd be so cute!»

They had begun their descent toward the city when they heard a noise.

«What's that?» Val asked.

«I think it's my stomach. It's true that I skipped lunch while someone here, whose name I won't mention, was stuffing himself as if that were the last meal on earth.»

«Ehi, you could have eaten it too, but you were so stubborn.” Val patted him on the shoulder and smiled. «Come on, let’s go to my home. I have some roast beef and potatoes left over from the last night.”

«Wow, you sure are known for being a great cook, Val.»

«Oh my friend, they were about to hire me at one of those beautiful Michelin-starred restaurants in Los Angeles.»