Captain William Laurence (betwixtsea_nsky) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2018-03-01 10:00:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, niklaus mikaelson, william laurence |
Who: Laurence and Klaus
What: Laurence attends Klaus's art gallery opening
When: February 17th
Where: Soliel et Lune Galerie
Ratings/Warnings: Low/none
Status: Complete
When Laurence had first returned to the OC, he had heard of the opening of the Lune et Soleil Galerie, and he’d been determined to go. He had always been fond of parties of this sort, and with how often he was at sea, he didn’t often get to attend. But when the evening approached, it was hard to convince himself to go to the opening instead of seeing if Miss Hobbs was free. But, he reminded himself, his schoolboy infatuation with her was entirely inappropriate, he being a great deal her senior, and with a great deal of will, he had managed to bring himself to the gallery instead.
Unfortunately, looking at the art did nothing to take his mind off Miss Hobbs. He wondered if she would have been interested in such an event, and whether it was too late to ask for her to join him there. Annoyed at himself for this obsession with her, and needing the distraction of conversation, he looked around for someone to talk with. Most people already seemed to be engaged in conversation, but he did spot a man standing off by himself, and he approached him. “Good evening,” Laurence said. “This is quite the lovely opening, isn’t it?”
Niklaus was thoroughly enjoying his gallery opening. Not only was it a huge success, but he was also surrounded by glorious art. Just how Klaus loved to be. More so lately for some reason but he wasn’t complaining. He divided his time between observing his pieces and surveying the crowd that had attended. He was currently gazing over the crowd champagne glass in hand when a man approached him.
That famous Niklaus Mikaelson smirk appeared on his face. Clearly this man didn’t know who he was. Normally that would piss him off. But tonight? It would be a way to get information of how people really felt about the gallery. “It is,” Klaus agreed. “About time this place got a decent gallery.”
Laurence frowned thoughtfully. “I don’t know if I would say that,” he said after a moment. “There are a number of rather charming galleries in the county. I was lucky enough to visit a couple of them last year while I was in the area. Have you ever been to the Grand Central Art Center?”
Niklaus didn’t appreciate that response. His gallery was clearly the best. As for the Grand Central Art Center? It was mostly contemporary works. While there wasn’t anything wrong with that. Klaus’s gallery had all different styles. Works from the past and the present. “I have,” he replied with another sip of his drink. “It’s nice if you’re only interested in contemporary.”
Laurence thought over the man’s response for a moment. “Truthfully, I don’t know much of art. I’ve never quite had the time to put any real study into it. But while I was living here last year, I went to an exhibit there. War Wounds, by Trinh Mai. It used textiles such as fabrics and feathers, and it was all rather fascinating. Though I have to admit, I’ve always more fond of the more traditional techniques. I’ve always been drawn to the Romanticism movement myself.”
Though, now that he had brought up romance, even if indirectly, the thought of Miss Hobbs crossed his mind again and a very brief look of pain crossed his face. If only she were here now.
Niklaus also preferred more traditional techniques and classic pieces. However, he didn’t hate contemporary work. Hell he himself could be considered a contemporary artist. “Ah,” Klaus commented. “Emotions on a canvas.” He was fond of Romanticism himself. “Have you seen The Lady of Shalott?” he asked guiding Laurence in the direction of the painting.
Laurence followed Klaus toward the painting, pleased at the company. Once he was in front of it, he stared. The woman in it was truly lovely, though not nearly as lovely as Miss Hobbs had been. Abigail, as she had prefered to be called. Still, it made his heart yearn for her as he gazed up into the painting.
“It’s beautiful,” he said after a moment. “You seem to be quite knowledgeable. Do you work with art?”
“Yes,” Klaus replied. “This,” he made a sweeping motion with his hand gesturing from the painting to the rest of the gallery. “Is mine.”
Laurence’s eyes widened a fraction as he quickly ran over their conversation this far to make sure that he hadn’t said anything particularly offensive. It didn’t take him long to decide that he hadn’t, though, reviewing their conversation so far with the new knowledge, his companion came across as rather arrogant. It wasn’t a very flattering trait, though it was one that Laurence had had plenty of experience with.
“I see,” he said. “It’s no wonder you are so proud of it, then. I suppose that would make you Mr. Mikaelson, then. Forgive me for my rudeness in not introducing myself earlier. I’m William Laurence.”
“Niklaus Mikaelson,” he replied. But Laurence clearly already knew that by his statement. “Pleasure to meet you.” Klaus had no idea that Laurence was currently thinking Klaus was arrogant. Not that he would care. He was indeed a confident man, and he had a lot to be proud of. “Stop by anytime.”
“Of course. It’s been a pleasure to meet you,” Laurence said. Perhaps a bit of an overstatement, though it wasn’t untrue. “I will allow you to get back to your gallery opening.” Laurence would no doubt take time to go through the rest of the gallery, but the opening just wasn’t all that he had hoped it would be without Abigail there by his side.