Library Entry - Flame Sculptures
Kteaa Stories - Flame Art 1
Contacts - Kteaa Aoweh - Itinerant Engineer
Water Art
Scholar Voha was only a bit exasperated. Teaching Assistant Bohxta had all but dragged him from his studies. And now, instead of working on his research, he was being hustled toward the Gallery. Dean Gestha was not going to hear the last of this outrage.
As they crossed the Gallery grounds, Bohxta indicated the Dean of the Engineering Faculty and another, elegantly dressed, figure standing in front of a fountain. Water creatures, formed from the water in the fountain, danced and cavorted about. The Dean turned towards the approaching men, and stepped away from the mesmerized visitor.
"Chancellor." the Dean whispered. "Thank you for coming so quickly."
"As if I had any choice." Scholar Voha replied loudly. "Assistant Bohxta was most adamant that I come immediately. Really! What could be so important that I was dragged, all but bodily, away from my research?"
The Dean indicated the figure entranced with the fountain. A tall, very slim, Aslan female, in an intricately embroidered white robe. "I recall your envious remarks concerning Torpol Highport's new Flame Sculpture. I know you have been researching the maintenance of our fountains, and that you were looking into how we could repair, or even upgrade, some of our water sculptures. It seems that our art has attracted the attention of someone who could assist us. Not only that, but the artist that created Torpol's flame sculpture has now come to us. Chancellor, may I introduce you to Scholar Kteaa Aoweh, Artist, Engineer and a ‘Respected Scholar’ of the Darrian Confederation."
Kteaa broke away from her study of the fountain, turning toward the three gentlemen. "Chancellor." The word was uttered quietly, with odd tonalities. Kteaa's hands gestured in an mix of motion, and accompanied a deep bow. In words subtly like a song, "I greet a fellow admirer of knowledge, and I am honoured to meet the custodian of the wonders that are these fountains." Kteaa bright green eyes flashed, as she gestured widely towards the fountains around them.
Scholar Voha bowed in return, not as deeply. "Are you truly the creator of the flame sculpture on Torpol's Highport?" Scholar Voha was somewhat entranced by the soft gold fur and startlingly green eyes.
Kteaa gave a smile and slight bow. "I was commissioned by the Torpol Highport Art and Culture Committee to create something modest, but intricate.” Kteaa’s fingers fluttered as her hands flowed. “A space station has limitations unlike any I've had to consider before. I appreciated the challenge. I heard from the station administration that there were water sculptures on the Floating Palace of Drinax that had to be seen. So, I came."
Kteaa turned back towards the fountain. She paused and admired the dancing creatures. Her hands moved to follow the flowing figures in the fountain. "I am fascinated by the creativity in these fountains. I understand you don't have any current artists creating these. The Dean has suggested that only the maintenance manuals allow you to keep these examples working? Is that true?"
Scholar Voha frowned. "Regrettably, yes. We are lucky to find parts, now. There are people who can manipulate the fountains. Some of the features and subjects can be altered somewhat. But, despite our knowledge of the techniques and mechanics, we haven't spent much time expanding the knowledge past that."
Kteaa turned back to the Chancellor. Looking straight into his eyes, Kteaa's next words almost stopped Voha's heart. "I would like to try to expand my abilities and art into a new sculpture. Would you help me learn your techniques?"
Scholar Voha mutely nodded, attempting to breath.
Kteaa went on. "It would be in trade, of course. I am a trained instructor, and have had teaching positions. You have a university of renown here on the Floating Palace. I would be willing to teach gravitics and engineering to students, and at the same time, learn from your manuals how to manipulate water. Then, if I can grasp the fundamentals sufficiently, I will attempt to blend something together with fire and water. Perhaps a Sindalian dragon and some appropriate water creature?"
"Yes." Kteaa looked back at the fountain. "What do you think? Could we share knowledge?"
Scholar Voha mutely nodded, attempting to breath.
