Private Finished Encounter Of Ice And Angels

Huilu was in fact not aware of how tightly she had grabbed Irso's attention, as she was focused on creating her miniature ice statue. Although it was very similar to the piece it was based on Huilu always created art within her best capabilities. By her standards creating haphazardly without thought was irresponsible and insulting both towards herself and what she created.

"Your form of art?"
Huilu asked, clearly fascinated now as she looked at Irso with a similar expression as he had had moments earlier, if not more subdued. And Huilu did not need to ask more questions, since Irso apparently was going to show her what exactly he was talking about. Huilu watched Irso's hand like he instructed her to do, very much excited to see this new form of art.

Huilu did not see Irso, or his hand, do anything special. When suddenly she heard a low growl, like that of a beast, and Huilu quickly turned her head to see...a kitten. A small cat on Irso's shoulder, that matched the shade of her hair. Huilu let out a small surprised laugh. Was this Irso's pet? Or perhaps...

Huilu's suspicion was answered, when Irso handed the sculpture for the now bipedal cat to hold, and made Huilu chuckle as well with his words.
"There must be now, since we are seeing such a sight unravel in front of our eyes. It could be a possible way to leave your mark in history, even."
Huilu laughed a bit again, and now paid more attention to the cat. So Irso could create other lifeforms. Could he create objects as well? Plants? Huilu had many questions, and it could be seen from the curiousity in her eyes, but for now she held back from asking them.
"I have not seen such a lively, lovely piece of art before."
Huilu said with a gentle smile, and on a whim she sent the cat a small wave, feeling slightly silly but oh well.

Huilu had probably spent too much time already speaking with just Irso. After all, she was one of the presenting artists. But Huilu was enjoying this discussion, even if she couldn't bring herself to ask all the questiond she wanted to. Huilu had not managed to form much friendships outside her family, taking care of the young ones under her roof and dealing with Ehr'Sha business and making art kept her busy. So having a meaningful chat with someone she didn't know beforehand was very refreshing.

Huilu was pleasantly surprised when the cat actually acknowledged her wave, it had been so motionless Huilu thought it had become a statue just like the one it was holding. She smiled and turned her head slightly to look at Irso, who was sharing his view on creation and art. It was all very fascinating to hear, although when he looked straight into her eyes and told Huilu she had a strong soul she was caught off guard. Huilu just stared at Irso for few moments, slightly shocked, until she blushed just slightly again and smiled, bit flustered by this praise.

"I had never planned for my art to have such a purpose, for it to materialize our exodus, as you say. Everything I make comes from me alone. Perhaps it is slightly selfish of me, to only think about my own emotions and experiences as I create these statues. But in the end I want what I create to be genuine and real, not anything I assume or think others feel. And I think my family would understand that."
Huilu was maybe straying from what Irso had said, but as she spoke she thought of new things and began thinking out loud more than actually answering. She realized that, and let out a small embarrassed chuckle.
"Forgive me for rambling like that. Your words are very meaningful for me, thank you. I must return the compliment, as your soul seems just as strong to me. You are a wise man, and this one seems very strong as well."
The last part Huilu directed to the cat, the sworn protector of the statue Huilu had given Irso, and she had a gentle smile on her face.

With his words Irso assumed, that Huilu had adapted to the life on the island well, and he was not wrong. But she also hadn't adapted as well as she had wanted. For centuries Huilu had spoken for freedom, had tried to make the community spread out and open its borders. But now that it actually happened, not thanks to her but her more powerful cousin, Huilu was...hesitant. The world was wonderful, and that was how she projected outside, but in reality she was also fearful, and she even loathed herself a bit for not having been able to do anything earlier.
But that was all something Huilu was most definitely not going to share with anyone, and definitely not with Irso. It was all hidden in her art, only visible to those who knew to look for it.
"We are thriving. The rules of society and decency do not differ much from our own, and the young ones are really gaining a lot of advantages from being exposed to the world. Although there are rather big differences in surprising places."

It was beginning to dawn to Huilu that Irso was perhaps much older than his outward appearance suggested. It was nothing new to Huilu, after all she was soon 400 years old but didn't look day over 26. But she had a feeling Irso's age couldn't be measured is centuries. Call it what you may, a hunch or instinct, but Huilu could tell Irso was probably much, much older than her. And yet she did not feel inferior, she merely felt glad to be able to share her thoughts, and for someone with no previous knowledge of her to understand her view, or at least try to. Yes, Irso truly was wise, perhaps even wiser than Huilu knew.

An example? Huilu? Those were words she had never heard anyone say, or had even considered. Huilu was certainly doing her best in living as she felt right, and she tried to support her family every opportunity she got. But that was all she could really do, it all felt natural to her. And still Huilu felt like she wasn't doing enough. Wasn't doing enough for Eein, for her chief, for her clan...
Perhaps it was arrogant to lean too much on words of praise from a stranger, but Huilu used them as something to lean on for just a moment. She had a lot of uncertainty, and it was nice to hear these things, even from someone she had only met tonight.

"We could not have continued down the same path we had walked for so long. Our chief saw that, and thanks to her strength and determination our community was able to reach this point and thrive. It is noble of you to see my role in that grand plan, to say it has such a meaning."
In truth, art had never been something Huilu had wished to get recognition over, and she still didn't. It wasn't something she needed. But...to get it still felt nice. Art was one of the lesser forms of culture among their community, after all. So people rarely gave it praise.

Irso nearly said someone else's name instead of Huilu's, and though this made her curious she let it go as she focused on what Irso was saying. And something in his words stuck out to her.
"Excellence is indeed a good goal to strive for, but I must admit that as an artist I see beauty in imperfection, that those pushing themselves to excellence do not allow themselves. Excellence should not be mistaken for perfection, because in my opinion perfection is an illusion. Imperfection is not a burden, but a gift, that gives us what makes life beautiful and worth living. You might disagree, but that is yet another beautiful piece of imperfection that mortals and immortals carry, minds that do not align and feelings that clash. And that is where the heritage to all the history and cultures come from, small pieces of imperfection that people saw beauty in."
Was she rambling again? Yes. But this time Huilu didn't really care. Her mind liked to drift, and she felt like it was okay to express her opinions and thoughts to Irso. Because he seemed like an objective person, who would let himself view her point of view with as little prejudice as he could.

"It's a beautiful thing to say, that children are art. In so many ways that is true, they are a canvas that is painted on by the people around them, by life and by themselves. In fact that is true with every individual. This night is yet another brushstroke on our self-portraits."
This thought made Huilu chuckle, and also Irso scratching the cat was partly a reason for it. Huilu did wonder how Irso thought of these creations of his. Were they objects to him? Living beings? Or art, as he had insinuated. Yet another question Huilu wanted to voice, but would not bring herself to do it.

As the topic drifted to children, and whether Huilu had any, she couldn't help but feel slightly melancholy. She was already in an age, where most female dragons of Akt'Anir already had had their first child, most probably even second if they so wished. And although maternal instincts varied a lot with each individual Huilu very much had them, strongly. But she also didn't have time to have children, had not allowed herself to. Her circumstances had been ones where she couldn't bring herself to settle down. And now she was much too busy, and still hesitant.
As for Irso's question, Huilu had to think of a proper answer before speaking.
"I like to say I have. I am raising a son of a member of my clan, who unfortunately passed away not too long ago. I am not his mother, but I think of him as my son, in a way, and I care for him as deeply."
But Huilu knew it wasn't the same as holding a child in your arms, who you knew was your creation. As Irso had said, Huilu would think of her child as her greatest masterpiece. The thought was bittersweet, and made Huilu's heart ache.
"And may I return the question to you? Do you have any children?"

Huilu's suspicions of how deep Irso's true nature ran was confirmed, when the man admitted that he had created his own species. This astounded Huilu, and she let it show on her face, as she listened intently to Irso's explanation.
"It's a thought beyond what I can imagine, being the father of a new species entirely. You must've been proud to see their achievements, or so I assume. I cannot say I do not think it is a slight shame they do not know of their parentage and origins, but it is information you have the right to keep from them."
Huilu did not doubt for a moment, that that species wasn't Irso's children. He was right, he had created them and it was only natural Irso considered himself their father. If Huilu could create new species she imagined she would've considered herself their mother as well.
"Being a parent and caring and loving like a parent extends far beyond matters of blood and genes, It is the emotions and bonds that define such things. In a way I imagine myself as a second mother to my cousins, and younger members of my community. I care for them greatly in a way only family can."

Huilu could see and relate to the slight embarrassment Irso felt, as he explained about his wish to perhaps find love and have a child. Yes, Huilu truly could relate. She could not even imagine having a child with someone she didn't have a deep connection to, someone she could keep by her side as a companion and a partner, not a mere lover. Perhaps Huilu was being idealistic, but she believed in true love.
"I hope it is an adventure we'll both be able to embark on, both a partner and children would be a blessing I would welcome. I must admit my view on such things might be slightly unrealistic, but such is the soul of an artist. Can you blame me for wishing for a thing such as soulmate?"
Now it was Huilu's turn to let out an embarrassed chuckle, and she touched her hand to her cheek slightly as she looked at her statue. She could see the hope of what she was talking about in it, perhaps she was the only one who could see it. It was a subtle wish, one that Huilu silently carried at the back of her mind.
"But I must say, if I judge from this conversation, the woman who will accept and love you will certainly be a wonderful individual."
Huilu added with a gentle smile on her face, Irso seemed like a person who could choose a good person to love.