In order to obtain the rare blues and violets I have traveled away from the posh palace of Ireem. Across the burning sands I have traveled, to a massive city to the north, Irahs. The streets are lined with vendors selling there wears. Everything from fine silks, fresh meats, and human lives are on display... ready to be taken by the person with the most coin in their purse. I am here to by herbs that can be ground into paints. I will buy a massive amount of Isatis tinctoria... the leaves can be used to make blue dye. Price, yet worth the cost. I shall spend an entire month's allowance. But in the end, it shall be worth it...
Here... I have already started to forget the troubles I once had. Maybe... I can also forget that I am a twenty three year old unmarried maiden... one who has no plans to marry or settle down. Now that I am on the path of an artist I can continue on my original plans... Once I learn enough from the court and from her highness... I shall return to the seas... I know those plans are a long ways off. Maybe -- even a few years or so away...
Until then, I focus on simply painting the beauty that surrounds me. I do hope Princess Lexie and Princess Page have time to sit for a painting. How lovely they both look in the style of gown made popular by the sultana herself... the ones with the trains that so elegantly glide along the cool marble flooring...
There comes a time in life... when we must all move on to new stations in life. And today... I have officially move on. The Sultana has accepted me into the court as a lady! I am no longer a concubine. No longer will I have to worry about Patience picking on Amosa for her attire... or worry about our now "former" Valide every time she randomly decided to take leave without giving prior warning...
Now, I am finally free to work on my sketches. I have already completed a rather charming work for the Sultana. I have another one I wish to finish for her. I hope to present it as a thank you gift for accepting me into the court.
I am not sure what to think about the harem now... I suppose they will be fine. Spending their days worrying over training and dress. Maybe I was not really cut out for such a life? After all... I only joined to help Seren. And now, she has plenty of help... so I am not needed, regardless of what she says.
And now.... I move into the brave new world of a court artist. I cannot help but feel a bit worried. Unlike most ladies, I have no plans of getting married. I wish to fill my life with art... so in time, I can forget about everything that occurred in the harem. Right now... I don't want to feel anything. I wish to feel... numb. I shall focus on another painting, because... I am not sad enough to try to drown my current feelings with wine.