On the paper, the Deep Blue Church stood beneath a layer of gloomy clouds, shrouded in fierce winds and thin mist. Silver and blood-red lightning intertwined overhead, lending the scene a sinister, terrifying air.
Looking closely, one could make out what seemed to be a distorted human face in the dark clouds, gazing down at the church and the faithful it sheltered.
"Your painting..."
"If you like it, I can give it to you."
Only then did he realize that the man was an acquaintance: the Mandated Punisher with a thick beard whom he had met before.
"Captain Nicolo?"
"You know me?" A flicker of confusion crossed Nicolo's eyes.
Bansy Harbor wasn't very large, but as an important port for travel to and from the Rorsted Archipelago, it had a great deal of transient traffic. Anyone who knew him and was aware of his part-time position as a police captain had either been involved in a supernatural case and crossed paths with him, or was an acquaintance. But this young painter before him was neither.
After thinking it over carefully, he still couldn't remember ever meeting the other man.
Cyril smiled and offered a casual explanation:
"We met just a couple of days ago, because of a wanted criminal you were chasing. You had your officers take me to the police station, and Captain Elland later bailed me out."
"Elland?" Nicolo murmured. A few blurry images flashed through his mind, and then he smiled at Cyril as understanding dawned.
"So it was you. Sorry, my mind's been a little muddled lately. I didn't recognize you at first."
After a pause, he turned his attention back to the painting.
"Your painting... looks pretty good. It just feels a little oppressive."
"Are you a believer in the Storm? Why paint the church