Production notes

Every story starts as a cast and a setting. Those are drawn once, then used as reference for every picture in the story, so the characters stay themselves from beginning to end.

The cast

Model sheet for Eldon — **Eldon** the senior wizard

human with a long silver beard and deep green robes embroidered with golden runes, holding an ancient wooden staff topped with a glowing crystal

Sounds deep and calm.

Model sheet for Mira — **Mira** an apprentice wizard

young woman with short curly black hair and round spectacles, wearing a vibrant blue cloak with silver stars, carrying a leather-bound spellbook

Sounds clear and eager.

Model sheet for Thorn — **Thorn** a mysterious forest wizard

tall elf with pale skin and sharp features, dressed in a dark brown cloak covered in leaves and twigs, with a twisted wooden staff entwined with vines

Sounds soft and whispery.

The setting

Background painting of An ancient castle shrouded in mist and shadow forms a mysterious backdrop. — **An ancient castle shrouded in mist and shadow forms a mysterious backdrop.**

A sprawling ancient stone castle perched atop a misty hill, with towering jagged battlements and narrow towers; dimly lit by flickering torches casting long shadows; creeping ivy and gnarled trees encroach upon the weathered walls; the dusk sky blends deep purples and smoky greys, lending an eerie, mysterious atmosphere.

deep purple smoky grey stone grey flickering amber

The plan

In the mist-wrapped hall of Eldenkeep, Eldon collapses, whispering of a shadowy betrayal, just as Mira arrives.

tense and urgent long shot Eldon, Mira
Mira seeks out Thorn in the castle's overgrown tower, suspecting his arcane influence over the sinister events.

suspicious and determined medium shot Mira, Thorn
Thorn cryptically warns Mira of deeper enchantments entwining the castle, urging careful allegiance.

ominous and cryptic close-up Mira, Thorn
Mira returns to Eldon's side to find the senior wizard's senses locked in an arcane struggle, the source still unknown.

tense and frantic medium shot Eldon, Mira
As mist thickens and the castle seems to breathe a dark warning, Mira confronts the shadow within herself, leaving her next move uncertain.

introspective and unresolved wide establishing shot Mira

How it was made

Pictures drawn: 10
Words written: 1756
Generation steps: 18
Time to make: 5 min

Drawn in watercolour. Written in English at level C1, for adult readers.

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