Oh Darling, Don’t You Ever Grow Up.

[Thread for Sage Aylin ]

Lady Luciana Aetos stood in the grand sitting room, the sunlight streaming through the tall windows casting a soft glow across the intricate patterns of the velvet drapes and the polished wood floor. Her gaze fell upon her daughter, Lisette, who was sitting on the cushioned bench in the center of the room, looking slightly fidgety.

"Lisette, my dear," Lady Luciana began with a gentle smile. "I know you're nervous, but remember, this portrait is a celebration of your youth and beauty. You'll look back on it fondly in the years to come."

Lisette nodded, her hands smoothing the skirt of her ivory gown. The delicate lace of the dress was embroidered with lilac thread, catching the light with every movement. Her long, chestnut hair had been carefully brushed and pinned back with an elegant hairpiece adorned with pearls and small golden leaves—a family heirloom passed down through generations of the Aetos line.

Lady Luciana walked over and adjusted a stray lock of Lisette's hair, tucking it gently behind her ear. "You must sit still, darling. The artist will need you to be as steady as a statue while she captures your likeness."

"I'll try, Mother," Lisette replied, her voice soft but tinged with a hint of impatience. "But it seems like such a long time to stay in one place."

Luciana chuckled lightly, remembering her own portrait sessions from her youth. "It does take some time, but the result is always worth it. Just think of the stories this portrait will tell future generations. They will look upon it and know the grace and strength you embody."

The door to the sitting room was knocked upon and Luciana looked up as a maid announced that Sage Aylin had arrived, stepping aside to allow the woman into the room.

Sage awoke to the warmth of sunbeams kissing across her cheeks. She had stayed up late last night, sprawled out on the rooftop in her nightgown. It's a wonder she's never been caught before. Perhaps the distraction of duty was to her benefit, when at the end of a long and hard-worn day, the common people would prefer to spend their time in the brothel, the local inn, or relaxing in their homes. And yet despite all her comforts, Sage couldn't help feeling a deep ache within her heart, a desire unfulfilled by just her art. Although the warmth was pleasing and she needed to rouse from her bed, Sage grunted and rolled over in protest. The soft, downy quilt hugged her with a weight of comfort and security. How could she leave? 

The sunbeams stretched further, leaving a shiver in their wake. Sage finally slid from her covers, taking careful measures to fluff her quilt and pillows, before having a deep and long morning stretch. Sage had commissions today - and she had to be ready. She was to present herself to the High Nobles and their daughter, and craft a royal portraiture of her likeness. Sage enjoyed children - she found their fascination and zest for life magical in comparison to hardened and stiff adults (like herself, though she would never admit it) Though, they were often wiggly and could only settle for short periods of time. 

Sage sauntered to the washroom, where a warm bath was awaiting her, thanks to the preparation from her Father's assistant. Ever the observant one was he, knowing that she had awoken later than usual this morning. The bath was anointed with oil and milk, swirling with sweetness and calm, held together by a vibrant, copper tub. Sage took no hesitation to climb in, releasing a long breath as she settled. All of her tensions were soothed and she soon found herself in a dream trance between relaxation and euphoria. As much as she longed to stay, duties called and she must answer. Sage took a deep breath, then submerged her head underwater. 

She wore her finest silk dress for the occasion, the summer was warm and took no prisoners. The fabric hugged her frame gently, accentuating her  shoulders and the curve of her hip, with a slit at the top of the thigh to allow a soft breeze to keep her cool. Sage's waves were tied back in her half-up half-down look, held together with a fine silken ribbon. She hurried downstairs to find Father's squire had already packed her essentials and prepared breakfast. Sage's mouth watered at the sight. A few rashes of bacon, cooked to a crisp just how she liked it. An egg, boiled halfway, so that the ooze of the yolk would flow like a river onto her bread. There was a small helping of seasonal fruit, and a spoonful of butter. "You've outdone yourself," Sage laughed in between bites. How fortunate of a life she had, guilt tugged at her heart as she yearned for something more, something deeper. 

Sage hefted her paint and brushes over her shoulder - today she would carry them. She left her two smaller canvases to Father's squire. She needn't overburden herself, it was unladylike and she preferred the help. They made their way in silence, though Sage hummed music in her head. Meeting Nobles was both exciting and terrifying - she was never sure of what to say, and preferred to showcase her personality through her work. She hoped to impress them both today. 

Father's assistant had notified the staff of their arrival, they exchanged small pleasantries and she was led to her new workspace. Sage lingered to admire the craftsmanship etched into the walls, the small details that made any dwelling feeling alive. Art was alive and present in many forms, though not many took those small moments to notice and appreciate them.  Sage greeted Luciana and her daughter, Lisette with a warm smile. "Lady Luciana" Sage regarded her with respect. "Thank you for having me today." Father's squire set up her workspace for her, ever the diligent young man. He acknowledged the Nobles with a bow, muttering a shy "M'ladies" before disappearing down the hallway to wait  for Sage. 


Sage sat comfortably across from Lisette, her deft and practiced hands making small adjustments to her canvas, ensuring appropriate distance and angle for her subject. Her goal was to mirror Lisette's youth and delicacy, but also showcase the confidence and strength of her bloodline. She leaned forward, clasping her hands gently in her lap. "Are you ready to begin?" Sage asked, eyes twinkling. 

Lady Luciana Aetos inclined her head gracefully as Sage greeted them, her expression warm yet dignified. “We are pleased to have you with us, Lady Sage. Your reputation precedes you, and we are eager to see the artistry you will bring to this portrait.” She stepped aside, allowing Sage a clear view of Lisette, who was seated on the cushioned bench.

Luciana observed as Sage set up her workspace, admiring the artist’s quiet focus and precision. There was something reassuring in the way Sage handled her materials, and Luciana found herself relaxing, confident that her daughter’s portrait was in capable hands. “Lisette is very excited about this. She’s been telling me all morning how she wishes to look just like the princesses in her storybooks.”

She chuckled softly, her eyes filled with a mother’s fondness. “But, of course, I told her that what’s most important is that the portrait captures who she truly is—a young girl full of spirit and grace.”

Lisette’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and nerves as Sage sat across from her. She tried her best to sit as still as her mother had instructed, though it was clear that the energy bubbling inside her was a challenge to contain. “I’m ready, Miss Sage!” Lisette chirped, her voice high and clear, but then quickly caught herself and added more softly, “I’ll be still, I promise.”

As Sage adjusted her canvas and prepared to begin, Lisette’s gaze flickered to her mother for reassurance. Luciana gave her an encouraging nod, which seemed to settle Lisette’s fidgeting—if only for a moment.

Lisette’s small hands rested in her lap, and she looked up at Sage with wide, expectant eyes. “Will it take a long time?” she asked curiously, the question slipping out before she could stop herself. “Mama says it’s worth it, but I’m just wondering… What’s it like to paint a picture? Do you imagine it in your head first?”

Lady Luciana, standing nearby, smiled indulgently. “Lisette, remember to be patient with Lady Sage. Creating something beautiful takes time and care.” She looked at Sage, her expression apologetic but understanding, as if to say, Children can be so inquisitive, can’t they?

Sage's cheeks warmed as she was greeted and complimented. She had spent most of her life honing her craft - starting with maps and eventually growing into painting with color and curiosity of what could be, instead of what already was. As an artist she often was harsh with herself and her work, constantly driving herself towards improvement. It wasn't often she noticed the fruits of her labor. She bowed her head in thanks. "Your kind words honor me, Lady Luciana." She gazed upwards, the corners of her lips turned up into a slight smile. "I fear that I may spend the rest of my mortal life honing my craft, but I am happy I chose it." She touched her hand to her heart. To be acknowledged was to be understood, and to be understood was to be seen. Sage would dedicate as much of herself to the child's portrait as she could. She could see herself in the child, the zest for life and excitement over things that others may consider small. 

"You know, Miss Lisette, they may just craft stories in your honor. The Princess of Joy!" Sage giggled after Lisette blurted her readiness to begin. She considered a moment before responding once more to the younglings question, "Great works can take time, yes, but we can have as many breaks as you need." Sage assured her as she brushed her own locks behind her ear, gently grasping her cherry wood color pallette. "I often see things in my head before put to canvas" she continued gently, "sometimes they are more grand in my imagination, but that is the point of art is it not? Perhaps you will find yourself feeling the same," words flowed from her freely, as if she was speaking to herself in the past. Sage smiled to herself as she mixed a variety of different paints, her palette flush with rich chocolates, white, grays, mahogany, and gold. 

Sage caught the glance of Lisette's mother and returned her look with care, as if to say not to worry. If anything, Sage had the patience of a saint. One could spend hours perfecting such a small part of their craft, and she had grown used to taking her time. Although she had brought lunch a simple fruits and dried meat with bread and butter, just in case. Sage paused, taking a moment to ensure that she had completed preparations. Canvas positioned, colors swatches completed, hair tamed (as much as it could be), different brushes selected, and seated comfortably. The next step was to find her mental space that allowed her to ebb and flow with the inspirations from beyond the veil, so she steadied her breath and relaxed her shoulders. 

Luciana watched Sage with quiet admiration as she spoke, sensing the depth of the artist’s dedication. There was something almost poetic about the way Sage viewed her craft, and Luciana felt a surge of gratitude that someone with such passion would be immortalizing her daughter’s likeness. “The Princess of Joy,” Luciana repeated with a soft laugh, her eyes flickering to Lisette, who seemed delighted by the title. “It suits her well, doesn’t it?”

She walked closer to Sage, her hands folded lightly in front of her as she continued, her voice warm and thoughtful. “I imagine that your work, much like life itself, is never truly finished. There is always more to discover, more to create, more to perfect. That is the beauty of it, isn’t it? That constant pursuit of something just beyond reach.” She paused, watching as Sage mixed her paints with practiced ease. “You honor your craft, Lady Sage, by never settling for less than what you feel is right.”

Luciana’s gaze softened as she looked down at Lisette, who was still clutching her beloved Bunny. “And you have already made quite an impression on my daughter. She is not always so easily calmed, but your presence seems to soothe her.”

She reached out and gently adjusted the hem of Lisette’s gown, smoothing it over the child’s lap. “We are fortunate to have you with us today, Lady Sage. I hope you will take as much time as you need to capture Lisette’s spirit. It is not every day that one can pause and see themselves reflected through the eyes of an artist. That is a gift not only to my daughter but to our family.”

Luciana’s gaze lingered on the canvas, her mind drifting for a moment to her own portrait that hung in the hall. She knew all too well the weight such paintings carried over time. They became more than just images—they became history, a way for future generations to understand who they were and where they came from.