Mairibeta Bathirae (Painting)

A young woman stands straight and tall in this picture, facing the viewer. She wears a simple dress of shepherd's girl’s dress of blue, with a white apron on it, with a little bonnet and a shepherd crook. Frizzy red hair escapes the bonnet, and her eyes a vibrant green. Across her chest is a satchel with the faded symbol of Illmatur upon it. Her expression is one of unease and anxiety, but not panic, as if something weights upon her mind. There is a deep sorrow in her eyes, and her image would appear nothing but sweet and innocent, save that between her slightly parted lips fangs can be seen, marking her as a vampire.

Behind her is a beautiful pastoral scene, save that in the brightness of the sun which shines down there can be made out the image of a wolf, curled around to devour it’s own tail.

At the feet of the shepherdess sit two creatures. On the right side is a goat, sitting straight and tall, a little collar around its neck, weird goat eyes peering outwards to the viewer. On her left side is a wolf, large, black menacing, with two bright, malevolent red eyes, sitting, and also gazing outwards to the viewer. The two balance each other perfectly, save that the woman’s free hand rests on the back of the goat’s head.

Despite the menacing nature of the picture in theory, the choice of light and detail make it feel gentle, almost tender. There’s a strangely sorrowful or nostalgic feeling to it. At the bottom it is signed with a faint A.S.