That evening I was only invited to a session once. I was yawning when I pushed open the doors to the street. The sun had barely risen over Peninsuria and I blinked sharply under its rays. It was time to return to my home.

I had a satisfying schedule. I left my night shift at 6 a.m., then slept until 11 a.m. My afternoon was reserved for my art. I was on my way to the city park. It had been designed at the creation of the First Empire. I had learned he was a copy of a famous Earthen park. We called ours the Imperial Park. A statue of the Emperor was erected there. This was a joke, because every time a new empire was born, the previous statue was destroyed and replaced by the statue of the new ruler.

I didn't come to this park to stroll, but to draw.

I looked at the ring on my finger. It was worn out but I couldn't afford a new one.

I traced the air with my fingertips and a colored haze erupted from it. Painting was an ancient art that few used. Only the most famous artists had the opportunity to touch oil paints, and paint a canvas. My colors were virtual and froze in the void. I gave passers-by the impression of dancing to silent music.

When I finished, I had painted a vibrant waterfall. The water seemed real and animated. If I got closer I might hear the sound of water crashing against the rocks below.

There weren't a lot of people stopping, sometimes I had an order. I took a payment card and scanned it with my ring. The work was then transferred virtually to the client.

But that didn't happen often. So I was surprised to hear a cold voice.

"Do you take orders? "

I was about to leave the park and I looked up quickly at the question.

My heart skipped a beat. A man of insolent beauty stood in front of me.

His hair fell down the slopes of her neck to rest on her shoulders. Shiny lips... he had certainly moistened them not long before. He had piercing green eyes which might have scared others, but only made me smile. He was tall. But that was not surprising in Peninsuria. I admired his figure without shame. My night shift had long taken all shyness from me. In addition my creativity was exhilarated by this magnificent specimen. I met his gaze again. He looked away first.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Yes I take orders. What can I help you with ? "

"I would like you to draw the Black Plains with a couple lying on the ground for me. "

The Black Plains was an area where it was dark all year round. The plants had adapted and a large plain had formed. The black plains were popular with couples who took the opportunity to watch the stars. But they also enjoyed another reputation. Couples freely indulged in their desire in the dark.

So I didn't hesitate to ask him that question.

“A heterosexual or homosexual couple? Do you want them naked or dressed. Would you like the faces to be visible or just the bodies? "

He seemed to think for a moment

A finger on the lips. I wanted to force him to lower it.

When he started biting his lip, it irritated me even more.

"Stop biting your lips. "I said in a firm voice.

He jumped and I instantly regretted what I had done. Why did I do it? I thought panicked.

He stopped biting his lip but looked at me more closely.

" A man and a woman. They must be naked and frolic, the woman astride her lover. I want their faces to be filled with passion and the colors to make their body vibrate so much that it feels like she's riding it lasciviously. I let you decide their features. When will you be done? "

“10,000 Terrons, a month, pay half in advance. I will contact you when it's finished. "

I expected my attitude, the delay or the price to scare him away. What was wrong with me ? An order like this was usually worth 5,000 Terrons.

But instead of leaving, he took his card out of his pocket and presented it to me. Quickly I scanned it. When the transaction was completed, we exchanged our virtual business cards. Only his first name was written on it: Desmond.

"Alright, I'll get back to you in a month. "

He nodded, but seemed to hesitate.

“I won't bite my lip again. "

I smile in spite of myself.

He looked at me for a moment as if he was expecting something from me.

"Goodbye" I say

He silently disappeared into the crowd.

What had just happened? Did I really give orders to a stranger?

I shook my head at the thought.

I was spending too much time in the dungeon.