Role

Chapter 24

Layers of paint decorate this slate grey canvas, though most of the paints used
tend towards the darker side of the color spectrum. Held in a sterling silver
frame, the work of art celebrates shades of shadow and light that are less
favored. Centered in the canvas is the face of a drow woman with silver hair
that cascades past her shoulders. A single length of her hair is braided with a
golden chain that snakes in and out of the plait. The chain disappears towards
the bottom of the canvas, hidden along with the rest of the details beneath her
collarbone.

A ray of light shines from the upper-right corner of the canvas, casting a glow
that illuminates the right half of her face. Shadows curve down from her nose
to rest atop her pink lips. The light reflects from her violet irises,
reminiscent of an amethyst that sparkles from the depths of geode cluster. In
contrast to the right side of the painting, the left half of her face is left
to the shadows. A bruise mars her cheekbone, though it is yellow and purple -
already halfway through the healing process. Individual strands of hair have
been replaced by large strokes of bright white tempered with grey. A single
tear wells in the corner of her eye, waiting to trail down her cheek.

Her face lacks a notable expression, favoring plain neutrality with the
faintest hint of optimism visible in the corners of her lips.

A single word has been written beneath the drow's neck in a deep crimson. The
letters blur and drip, giving the effect of blood across her otherwise unmarred
skin:

"Absolution"