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Language:
English
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Love Thy Sinner
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Published:
2024-10-13
Updated:
2024-10-13
Words:
57
Chapters:
1/2
Comments:
4
Kudos:
19
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2
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132

Candlelight and Feathers

Summary:

Don't let the wordcount fool you! This first chapter is a 20 page comic, so most of the words are in the images. The images do have descriptions embedded, hopefully to help with screen readers.

A graphic novel style short story created for the Vashwood Anthology, "Love Thy Sinner."

Nicholas D. Wolfwood cares diligently for the orphanage in which he was raised. He never aspired for more in life or to leave the place he called home, but when he meets a handsome and mysterious man with the means to change Nick's life, he follows. Based on the story of Eros and Psyche, ChaoticBuka and Sarcastic_Hats joined talents to bring this creative vision to life.

Notes:

For some reason, I couldn't add Sarcastic_Hats as a co-author, but I have them tagged in the gift. You can follow them on tumblr and twitter. https://www.tumblr.com/sarcastic-hats

Chapter 1: Part One

Chapter Text

Part One was published within the Love Thy Sinner VashWood Anthology.

The image description has the script details. If I missed a page, or there is a better way for me to help make this accessible, please reach out to me on social media. My handle is @chaoticbuka. The twitter is private, but I accept follow requests. 

 

Page 1 (Full Page) Caption: It began with a prayer. Imagery: Nick kneeling, hands clasped together in prayer. Caption: A prayer for the orphans and the orphanage they called home. A prayer for Ms. Melanie. A prayer for Livio. Imagery: Close up of Vash’s eye Caption: But never a prayer for himself. Imagery: From behind Nick, Vash is watching him pray

Page 2 (6 panels) Panel 1: Nick rises from his prayers Panel 2: Nick is unaware of how closely he is being watched Panel 3: Birds look on Panel 4: Close up Vash’s mouth. As if he’s literally biting his tongue Caption: He would not approve Panel 5: Nick, ever oblivious, looking at the birds from under a tree Panel 6: Close up on Vash’s brow and eye. A decision has been made Caption: And yet

Page 3 (5 panels) Panel 1: Nickrealises he is being watched. Vash smiles Panel 2: Vash: You have a kind spirit Panel 3: Nick, clearly upset: I didn’t realize someone was listening Panel 4: Vash trying to brush off his intrusion: I didn’t mean to listen in.. Panel 5: Vash looks away trying to explain: I was–

Page 6 (5 panels) Panel 1: Vash looks at Nick earnestly. Vash: "Forgive me if this sounds strange, but I would like to get to know you. May I come here and talk with you another time?" Panel 2: Nick is confused/caught off guard. Panel 3: Nick responds, a bit skeptical. Nick: "We're talking now, aren't we?" Panel 4: Vash laughs Panel 5: Vash smiles acknowledging Nick's point. Vash: "Well, yes, but as I said, I'm passing through. I have to be on my way, but I would like to return, if that's alright?"

Page 7 Panel 1: Vash and Nick are shown lounging and talking in various locations around the orphanage. Caption: Over the following days, Vash returned frequently to visit Nick at the orphanage. Their visits were the bright spot in Nick's routine as they spoke at length about Nick's life, hopes, and dreams. Panel 2: Nymphs peer from trees, rocks, and brooks, tittering at the rumors of Vash and Nick's unconventional friendship. Caption: Yet Vash was keenly aware of the curious eyes of nymphs and the erupting rumors of an unconventional friendship. Panel 3: Close-up of Vash, looking concerned and quiet as he and Nick eat together. Panel 4: Nick offers Vash a grape, trying to get his attention. Nick: "What's running through that spiky head of yours?" Panel 5: Vash blurts out his feelings for Nick, looking distressed. Vash: "I like you! It's dangerous and selfish, but I do. I'm a monster and there is no reason for you–"

Page 8 (7 panels) Panel 1: Nick cuts Vash off with a kiss, surprising him. Panel 2: Nick pulls back, smiling at Vash's stunned expression. Panel 3: Nick smiles broadly Nick: "Thank goodness. I was beginning to worry you didn't feel that way 'bout me." Panel 4: Nick continues, taking Vash's hand. Nick: "I know I'm below your station. You try to dress modestly, but it's obvious you're from one of the important families. But I'm willing to try, if you are." Panel 5: Vash, still recovering from the kiss, makes an impulsive offer. Vash: "Move in with me. I have a house. Nobody knows about it. We can live there without the judgment and the pressure." Panel 6: Nick is stunned by the sudden request Panel 7: Nick looks hesitant, thinking of his responsibilities. Nick: "I can't just leave Hopeland… you've seen how much help Ms. Melanie needs."

Page 9 (6 panels) Panel 1: Vash takes Nick's hand, understanding his dilemma. Vash: "Always thinking of others. Of course. I won't ask you to abandon this place when it has such a tremendous need." Panel 2: Nick looks relieved at Vash's understanding. Panel 3: Vash: "Give me time to think of a solution. I do want to be with you." Nick: "I do want to be with you too." Panel 4: The next day, Nick arrives at the orphanage to find Ms. Melanie excited amidst a throng of workmen hauling materials. Ms. Melanie: "Nicholas! Can you believe it? An anonymous patron has funded repairs for the whole building!" Panel 5: Ms. Melanie grasps Nick's hands, overjoyed. Ms. Melanie: "New beds, updated kitchen–even talk of rooms added for more staff! Oh, Nicholas, all our prayers finally answered!" Panel 6: Nick looks around, stunned and confused. Nick: "Did this patron leave a message?"

Page 10 (5-6 panels) Panel 1: Ms. Melanie shakes her head, still ecstatic. Ms. Melanie: "Nothing. It's providence at work! And you! Oh Nicholas, you can finally feel free to leave and make a life for yourself. You have a blank ticket, my boy." Panel 2: Nick walks slowly from the bustling scene, deep in thought. Caption: Nick could hardly respond before Ms. Melanie was called away to answer questions and direct the workmen. Panel 3: As Nick turns a quiet corner, Vash appears, grinning. Vash: "Well? Will this do? Now you needn't choose between myself and this place." Panel 4: Vash's expression turns tender as he looks at Nick. Vash: "Though I intend to be tremendously selfish with your time." Panel 5: Transition from orphanage to Vash’s estate

Page 11 (4 panels) Panel 1: Nick and Vash in the midst of sweeping marble columns and intricate mosaic floors. Vash is beaming and Nick is in awe. Caption: Nick took in the magnificence of Vash's villa with wonder. Never had he imagined such luxury existed, let alone to be living amidst it. Panel 2: Vash squeezes Nick's shoulder affectionately. Vash: "I'll give you a tour of the grounds later. For now, rest and make yourself at home." Panel 3: Scene of Vash introducing Nick to a couple of servants Caption: Vash introduces the attending servants then departs swiftly, citing important business. The staff treat Nick politely, quickly providing his paltry requests. Panel 4: Nick explores the resplendent halls and gardens alone, feeling adrift. Ghost like images of the children from the orphanage to emphasize how unfamiliar such quiet is to him Caption: And yet...as the first day wore on, an unfamiliar loneliness descended on him.

Page 12 (5 panels) Panel 1: The sun sets and darkness seeps over the land as Nick looks small and lonely Caption: As the sun drifts below the horizon and darkness seeps over the land, Nick wonders if he'll be dining alone. Panel 2: A servant leads Nick to a dark room. Servant: "This is where you will spend the night." Panel 3: Nick looks crestfallen Panel 4: From behind Nick, we see the back of his head as the servant gently shakes her head Nick: May I have a candle? Panel 5: Nick looks confused. Vash’s silhouette becomes noticeable to reader, but Nick has not noticed.

Page 13 (5 panels) Panel 1: Vash's voice soothes Nick from the darkness. Speech bubble coming from the shadows Vash: "Did you miss me?" Panel 2: Nick tries to look through the dark to see Vash, but can only make out traces of his silhouette. Nick: "Why the sudden mystery, Blondie?" Panel 3: Vash’s silhouette takes on an apologetic stature. Nick is clearly pouting. Vash: "Forgive me. My recent expenditures brought some attention to me. I know I'm being incredibly selfish–" Panel 4: Nick steps into Vash's arms and holds his face in the dark. Nick: "It's fine. I should have expected some sort of cost for your generosity. We're together now, that's all that matters." Panel 5: They kiss passionately in the dark room.

Page 14 (3 panels/split page?) Panel 1: Montage/Scene of Nick exploring the villa and grounds alone during the day. Caption: The days fell into routine - Nick explored the villa and grounds alone. Panel 2: Scene of Nick and Vash together in the dark Caption: At dusk, Vash would appear as if conjured from thin air, soothing Nick’s insecurities with affection and conversation until the early morning hours. Panel 3: Nick reaches for Vash in the morning, but only finds empty sheets. Caption: Nick cherished their nights together, yet the days apart wore on him. He could not understand why they were only allowed to meet in the dark.

Page 15 ( panels) Panel 1: Nick staring up at the ceiling looking determined. Caption: Vash was clearly hiding something from Nick. And while Nick couldn’t understand why, he knew it had something to do with the scars decorating his lover’s body. Panel 2 (or possibly images of flashbacks on either side of Nick as he lays looking up): Flashback to Nick’s hands sliding over raised/scarred flesh. Add a second image of a flinching hand with a speech bubble: Does it hurt? Panel 3: Close up on Nick’s face. He is deep in thought and frowning Caption: Did he think Nick was so vain that he wouldn’t love him if he saw the extent of his injuries? Panel 4: Nick sits up. Decision made. Caption: Nick was determined to see Vash in his entirety and confront this insecurity head on. Panel 5: Close up of Nick’s hands on a match box Panel 6: Close up of Nick’s hand’s tucking away a candle

 

Page 16 (5 panels) Panel 1: Very similar to previous scenes of Nick and Vash reuniting in the dark, but Nick is not smiling. He is oddly neutral Panel 2: Vash brushes back a lock of hair from Nick’s face Vash: Are you alright? You seem on edge tonight… Panel 3: Nick lowers his eyes. Sound effect of pounding heart beats Nick: Of course Panel 4: They kiss Panel 5: Closeup of Nick touching the candle under the mattress, checking on it

Page 17 (7 panels) Panel 1: Nick lies rigid in Vash’s arms. Only sound effects of Vash’s breathing and Nick’s heart beat Panel 2: Close up on Nick’s eyes presumably watching Vash Panel 3: Nick slides out from under Vash’s arm. Vash only mutters in his sleep, but doesn’t wake. Panel 4: Close up of hands grabbing the matchbox and candle Panel 5: match strike close up. Nick’s eyes close up Panel 6: Vash remains asleep. Only slightly illuminated. Panel 7: close up of the candle flame

Page 18 (Full page image) Imagery: Nick casts the light of the candle of Vash and is stunned to see his God form. Kinstugi like scars across Vash. Nick is so enraptured by Vash that he doesn’t realize wax is pooling

Page 19 (6 panels) Panel 1: Close up of the wax dropped on to Vash’s cheek Panel 2: Vash gasps awake. Eyes wide and horror filled Panel 3: close up of his hand touching his cheek where the wax fell. Tears forming in his eyes Vash: What have you done? Why? Panel 4: Nick falling to his knees. The candle dropped and extinguished. Nick: I-I– forgive me! Panel 5: Vash sobbing Vash: I asked for one thing! One thing! Why? Why?! Panel 6: Nick reaching, clinging to the sheets of fabric draping over Vash Nick: I d-don’t know! I’m sorry! Please– I just needed– Vash: He’ll know. I can’t possibly convince him now

Page 20 ( 6 panels) Panel 1: Vash is moving to leave. Nick looks confused. Panel 2: Wings begin to unfurl from seemingly nowhere Nick: “Wait! Don’t go!” Panel 3: Vash is crying. His wings are fully out as he stands near the balcony Vash: I must Panel 4: Nick moves to grab him–misses Panel 5: Vash flying across the sky as the sun begins to rise Panel 6: Close up on Nick’s grief struck face as he watches Vash leave