Athnal had apathy in his eyes. They were empty, similar to those of blind people. He considered it as an illness. His body was weak and since childhood he used to many sickness appearing to him. He never talked about one shocking event, which brought him to the edge of death. This mysterious event also started terrible avalanche of health troubles. Often lying in his bed in fever, alone, he started to talk to himself. First it appeared like he was listening to his thoughts more often than common folk, but soon his parents realized it was something more. And indeed, his thoughts lived their own lives, soon forcing Athnal to do what they demand. That’s why sometimes people around him get impression he needs to think longer what to say. Thoughts were more and more intolerable with every passing day. After years they had full control of Athnal’s life. Since then he started to call them Voices and follow their will. Imagine someone telling you what to do, while your body is practically decaying. You need a doctor, but there is nobody to help you.
Now Voices pushed Athnal to open his workshop. He planned it for some time but King’s will hastened his decision. He wanted to explore the world of death, to be close to it. He knew the Grim One is coming for him. Usually only popping up for a tea cup or sitting in the corner of his room reading some scrolls. But deep in his soul he knew about some mysterious bond between him, Voices and the Death itself. He knew that one day he will leave with her. Before this day, he wanted to be close to the others. Dying people, mourning families, rainy mornings at graveyard. And for his straight mind there was no better way to fulfill this desire than carve a coffin. He decided to do other things that carpenter can do as well. Athnal bought a cottage close to his and made it over into carpenter’s workshop. It was filled with scent of fresh wood. Dark and moist interior served as his atelier and outside he kept examples of his work. Wondering sticks, figures, furniture and, first of all- coffins. All made with great taste and deep inspiration. Every piece of his handwork carried a sign of his original style. Heavy and overwhelming, you wouldn’t like to get it as a wedding gift.
On the front of the workshop he hanged a signboard:
(Nice ladies were always luring customers)
And small note:
Athnal's Coffins and Carpentering
Opened monday-friday: 8 am - 4 pm
For special orders contact me personally or via mail