"He had advanced to Sandycove Point. It wouldn't be long before Sealladh na Mara would come into view. Did he want to go any further? Declan stopped for a moment to consider his options. Should he proceed and continue his walk, or was it better to turn around and head back to his home? The decision should have been easy, but lately nothing was easy anymore. Turning towards the waves beside him he simply rested. The pale moonlight dimly illuminated his surroundings and reflected on the on the surprisingly quiet sea. It was the low tide, the white beach was exposed and untouched apart from the footprints that he had left. It was lonely here, though to Declan it seemed blissfully serene. Normally, he would have taken comfort in such a sight, but today nothing could chase away his worries.
As he watched the receding waves he tried to clear his mind. However, he found it difficult to let go. Pieces of conversation were replaying in his mind and over and over again, as he wondered why and how he had ended up in his current situation. He was beyond the point of simple frustration. Resignation had long since set in. Fintan had been very specific in his instructions. Disobedience would not be tolerated. He knew there was little choice but to do as the older man said, yet he didn't have to like it. He picked up a sea shell and carefully examined it in the moonlight. "Once a life, now nothing of consequence," he thought, then let it drop again. His gaze lingered where the shell had impacted the sand. If Fintan continued with his mad plan they would all be shells.
He felt cold now. Pulling his frock coat tighter around his fragile frame, he decided it was best to head back. His worries hadn't dissipated, but his courage had. He couldn't go to Sealladh na Mara. Not today, not ever. He would have to learn to control the storm of emotions that was raging inside of him. He quickly glanced at the moon, as if it could offer some sort of affirmation. His cold, grey eyes were searching for something, but it was nowhere to be found. "So we just go on?" he asked eventually and he was almost startled when he heard his own voice. Exactly when had he started to sound so disheartened and brittle? Perhaps, it was better to remain silent. Speaking up for himself was bound to accomplish nothing."
~By
It was a lot of fun working on this painting. Thanks to everyone in the forums at gfx for helping! WIP can be seen here: [link]
Well you say it's for a novel writer and I can totally see this on a book cover. I reall like the skin on his face, especially the freckles or moles. Great hair too.
The light and the colours are fantastic!