uncomfortably. Say something. He glanced aimlessly around the sanctuary, spotting a surly Lord fiddling with his bloody bandages. “How’s Caesar holding up?”
“You mean his hand?” Leila wrinkled her nose. “Ghastly. I’m afraid he won’t be stroking his wood for some time, the poor thing.”
Tobias laughed. “You’re bad.”
Footsteps echoed off the walls. Antaeus, Drake, and Kaleo returned from their time with The Savior, eyeing Tobias and Leila as they passed.
“Pleasant evening, Artist.” Kaleo winked at Leila. “Healer girl.”
Stitches lined Kaleo’s chest, and fresh bandages wrapped Antaeus’s foot. Tobias turned to Leila, cocking his head their way. “I take it you had no part in that?”
She scowled at the Beasts as they strutted off. “I most certainly did not.”
“Good. Then they’ll heal slowly and poorly.”
Her scowl quickly faded, and she pointed to the easel. “Are you drawing a picture?”
“I’m trying to.”
“Am I distracting you?”
“No no, of course not,” he stammered. “I’m just having some trouble, is all.”
“Trouble?” Her eyes lit up. “Can I take a look?”
Nodding, Tobias tossed his apple core into the labyrinth and stepped aside, giving Leila ample view of the easel. She stared at the canvas, her gaze large and bright—and then she froze, eyeing the blank sheet with an equally vacant look.
“Oh, I don’t know, Tobias, I think this picture is quite emotive. It really expresses the vast emptiness of the heart in peril, the bleak void that is the human experience, or perhaps the blankness of the unknown.”
“Is that right? Well then, it appears my job is done.”
“Why haven’t you drawn something?”
“I just…” He sighed. “I can’t think of anything.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing. My mind is a bleak void, as you would put it.” He frowned at the canvas. “I haven’t created anything in two years. I’m afraid I’ve lost it.”
“Oh, shut up. You haven’t lost it.”
“How would you know?”
“I just know. I’m very intuitive, and I know lots of things.” She folded her arms. “You just need some inspiration. Or a muse. Or a good kick in the ass to get you going.”
“I need help,” Tobias said. “Maybe a drink. But mostly help.”
“Well, I haven’t done anything artistic since I was a child, which means I’m more than qualified to give you some unsolicited advice on the matter, yes?”
“Consider it solicited. I welcome your pearls of wisdom.”
“All right then.” Leila went quiet, thinking. “Art is emotion—the visual representation of our deepest thoughts and desires. It should come from within—a place of truth and authenticity, yes?”
Tobias smiled. “Spoken like a real artist.”
“Is that so? Then I’ll keep going.” She leaned in to the canvas, getting a good look at the nothingness. “I think you just need to tap into your emotions. Good ones, preferably, since this is for Cosima and all.” She spun toward him. “Dig deep. Find that spark to light your creativity. Tell me, what did you feel when you met Her?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh. Well, that won’t do. What if you cleared your head? Allowed yourself a moment of meditation? Perhaps it’ll unlock the confines of that brain of yours.”
“Yes, because our current conditions are ideal for meditation.”
Leila’s eyes brightened. “I have an idea. It’s an exercise—helps you center yourself, reminds you of your instincts. I’m sure we can use it to rouse some inspiration.” She circled around him. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
Tobias laughed as she ducked behind him. “All right.”
Leila stood on her toes, resting her hands on his back for support and peering over his shoulder. “God, you’re tall.”
“I’m actually not that tall, you’re just quite short—”
“Quiet, you. We’re focusing.” She slid her hands to his arms, holding them gently. “Relax yourself.”
“I am relaxed.”
“No you’re not.”
“How would you know if I’m not relaxed?”
“Your muscles, they’re tense.”
“Perhaps that’s just how my muscles are.”
Leila sighed. “Just do as I say.”
“You know, it’s that exact tone that’ll make a man far from relaxed—”
“Tobias.”
“I’m only joking.” He shook himself, letting his body go loose. “Better?”
“Better.” She lowered her voice. “Now close your eyes.”
Tobias did as he was told, sending his world to darkness.
“Are your eyes closed?” Leila asked.
“Of course they’re closed. Can’t you see that they’re closed?”
“I was looking at the canvas.”
“Well, they’re closed.”
“All right then.” She exhaled. “Take a deep breath. Still your mind. Focus on nothing but the sound of my voice.” She tightened her hold on his arms. “Right now, we’re stimulating your guiding light. We’re inviting your inspiration to reveal itself. To come to you. Now tell me, what do you see?”
Tobias went quiet, while Leila balanced on her toes, waiting. Time passed slowly, the tunnel disappearing