Heightening Observations

 So in this update I am trying to return to the previous Character Sketch I had put together for Mabon, the main character in the book draft I have been working on (well actually not working on but hope to return to working on). The exercise is essentially to flesh out the character with additional detail.

As I initially read over the sketch I was wondering what sort of things to add. Initially I was drawn to adding details around his surroundings to try and make use of Mabon's senses and awareness of his environment, though I think that would be missing the point. I suppose it might add into his thought processes and how he thinks about the world. But It would be a lot of detail around things that weren't him and I'm not sure that would really be adding too much to the character sketch. 

I am sure I will be adding in some of that detail but I also want to flesh out a little of his description, but I also worry about a density of introduction leaves little to be discovered along the way. I want to keep a balance of what is useful for the reader to have to make the character sufficiently real, while also making sure that what I include is actually relevant to what is happening.

This is also the first post on this blog that I'm not retconning in and instead am actually writing. So at this point I don't know what will be ending up in the sketch. This is also possibly telling of my writing style. A stream of consciousness with some editing on the way rather than heavily reworking and redrafting. It's a skill I am sure I will have to work on over time. 

So here we go:

Mabon’s long fingers worked expertly from muscle memory as he braided his blond hair along the side of his head over the ear. The movements were graceful and precise, but repetitive. This worked both to calm his nerves and focus his resolve. Looking into his own green eyes reflected back at him he recited the plan back to himself; smoky voice barely above a whisper. Needing little concentration he pulled the wrist guards onto his forearms, checking once again that his blades and bolts where stocked securely in the assorted sheathes about his person. Once under his coat they would all be undetectable, even against his slender frame. A different person might have smiled wryly to themselves at the analogous notion, ensuring the tools of his trade were as hidden as he always tried to be. However this time of preparation was almost meditative for Mabon, centring himself through the same process and pattern he’d carried out multiple times. The leather of his black boots was supple and moulded easily to his feet from repeated wear as he slid them on. Mabon laced them securely, pulling the knots tight. Standing he looked once more around the dormitory room of the Rookery he shared with some of the other recruits. It was simple, spartan. A few pallet beds and hammocks, along with some trunks for belongings. This life was all he'd known having been raised here since before he could remember, and the simplicity was home. He let a contemplative breath leave his mouth before sliding soundlessly out the door; it was some time before he’d be near the library but being in the safety of his silent movements was now second nature.

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