#earthrunes

Spritzing along, she is struggling to get the exact shape she wants. "oh come on.." It looks like she's trying for something , it's not meant to be a red hand, more nature oriented, it's kind of looking like a prongy bush

"oh damn it, that doesn't look like it at all"

"Whatcha going for?"

The girl YIPES then blushes, "What you.w.hy ..sneaking up..." Embarrassed then, "you're not going to call the cops or something?"

"Cops? No way. I tag, too - though if this area is claimed, then not here."

"Art should be open for anyone, it's not claimed for tagging but.." Nervous look, "Sometimes the Haney brothers come through"

"They do those weak little scribbles around the corner?"

"Nope," She laughs a bit, "That's Flip. He's...he's harmless. Better with music than art. You know? The Haney's are ..well, they call themselves a neighborhood watch, but what htey really want is an excuse to harrass people"

"Well, I don't see anyone right now. I can keep an eye while you work..."

"Doesn't matter" She sighs "I can't do that stupid Canadian leaf"

"Ah!"

"You gotta lay in guide lines - symmetry can be tough without them..."

"Oh, I thought you outlined after?" Confusion

"No, see - if you are going to freehand, instead of stencil? You have to draft a bit... like... you ever use cardboard for an edge?"

"Oh, no, but I've seen folks do that," SHe says

"wait, you paint? " SHe says "Let's see" Offering the can

"Well..." She takes the can. "Mind if I show you what I mean?"

"Missouri IS the Show me state" She crosses her arms in challenge

She laughs - it's even musical to mortal ears. "Sure. Okay." She unslings her backpack and rummages - the handiest piece of cardboard is the back cover of her sketchbook.

"You sure you want to ruin your sketchbook?"

"Well, I should be able to protect the important stuff..."

"Okay..." Dubious

"Okay, so - here, you drop a center line...." She demonstrates - a center line, then rays - using the spine of the book to steady and guide her hand.

"See? Those are the points, so you can connect them with a swoop..."

"Oh I get it," she says impressed, "i'm thinking of going to Canada one day. You know hitchhike if I have to."

"That could be cool. Why Canada? Your turn. Point to point." She offers back the can.

"I don't know, just... well, sounds nicer than what we've got now. My great grandfather was this hero in WWII, you know? He married this Canadian nurse. All my life I've heard how great America is, but then ... you turn on the news, and " shrug "I don't like the country I'll be inheriting"

"Sides, no way I'll be able to afford college here"

"Man, I know it. I was lucky, got a scholarship. Before that, I was... well... scraping by. Hustling ain't easy."

"You don't look like the hustle type" She says eying the art work done

"There a type?"

"I'm doing better now. Got two housemates, makes it easier. But my folks kicked me out a few years back... not the easiest way to launch, yeah?"

"Shit. I feel you, my family has troubles, but they haven't kicked me out, at least not yet."

"Good. World might be a screwed up place, but there's stuff worth holding on to."

"you sound like my big sister" A snort

"Maybe your sister is right." She shrugs. "It can be overwhelming, sometimes - too much that's bad, too much that's ugly, or hurtful, or hateful..."

"That's why you have to find what's good. It's why I paint."

"Huh" A thoughtful look, "You...don't suck."

"Gee, thanks." An easy smile.

"You're welcome... thanks for showing me how to do a leaf. You ...come out here often?" A wince as she realizes that sounds lame.

"Well... if nobody's claimed that wall..."

"Oh sure, go for it"

"Then yeah, I'm gonna be back."

the girl smiles, then a voice, female, older than the girl, but not that old still cause out "Juliet Briarrose Marlin, you better show up in 10 seconds or so help me ..."

"Big sis?"

Juliet Briarrose (Oh cruel parents) Marlin winces "Yeah. Sorry, I got to go. See you around." She calls back, "Keep your bra on, Willow!!"

"Yeah - seeya!"

Juliet Briarrose Marlin takes her can, tucks it away, and heads off, cringing as her sister yells further "FIVE seconds..." //The thirteen year old picks up the pace and is gone.

Sparrow isn't sure, but, that girl might be a potential dreamer yet.

Dreamer or not, Sparrow resolves to be back soon. She has some old nozzles that she can probably spare... cardboard... feet turn back to the hold, but her head is in the clouds, planning.