Fanfiction based on the Stravaganza series by Mary Hoffman.
I don't own anything that belongs to Mary Hoffman.
The New Apprentice
The Boy in the Marble
The morning sunlight streamed into Giuditta Miele's studio, exposing the forms draped over in sheets. Jess jumped up, startled by the unusual bright weather. The plain and simple interior kept her from freaking out too much as she got up and walked through the figures. She was drawn to the only statue at the end of the room that was not covered in a sheet. The carving was of a beautiful girl, so graceful and exquisite that she could only exist in a dream like this. Her lines were definite but the person next to her was not so. As she reached out and put her hand against the cold marble, she could feel a heartbeat and the image of a slim young man with curly black hair, tied back in a ribbon at his neck. His eyes sparkled with joy at being with his sweetheart, her image mirrored in his.
Jess was so absorbed in the marble that she only noticed Giuditta's strong footsteps until she was only a few feet away. It was her plain rustic tunic, and none of those modern essentials, like make-up, or hairstraightners, that made Guiditta seem so down to earth, and obviously not from England. Yet her deep compassionate eyes showed more understanding than Jess did, which made her feel comfortable in this women's company. She also didn't seem to mind Jess touching her marble, almost grateful for it. If Jess hadn't become her apprentice it would have been hard to explain the sudden appearance of yet another bizarre looking model.
"Can you feel him?" Guidutta questionned.
"How- How did you know?" replied Jess, surprised.
Giuditta smiled, amused. "You can see him in your eyes. I am glad you could find him. It has taken me days of searching and I still cannot picture him in my mind." She came and put her hand on the marble next to Jess's. "It takes some talent to do that. You must be pretty special. I'm glad my fairy found the right person."
Jess's hand instantly went to her pocket, fingers curling round the figurine through the fabric. "She's your fairy?" asked Jess downheartened. Everytime she looked at it it reminded her of sweet uncomprimising beauty mixed in with peace and innocence. She was perfect; her curly tendrils looked like Jess's own and her wings could fly her away from any danger or trouble.
Giuditta softened at the apparent love the girl had for the figurine. "She's yours as long as you want to continue coming here. Let me explain to you about stravagating." Guiditta led her into the small kitchen and explained the process of stravagation over a mug of sweet tea. Jess opened to the idea quite quickly, adapting to the attitude and position she would take in this new world. Talia was the beautiful equivalent of Italy and Giglia the City of Flowers where perfumes and other dangerous cordials were brewed. Most importantly, her home was here in the sculptor's workshop; doing something she loved.
