Chapter Twenty-One: All Souls Welcome Party Part Two

Bodleian Library, Oxford, 2009

The All Souls Welcome Party was in full swing, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy as guests mingled, surrounded by the rich history of the library.

Lauren turned to Margaret and Cemre, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Do you two want to check out the art displays?" she asked, gesturing towards the various exhibits around the Bodleian Library.

Margaret nodded enthusiastically, her interest growing. "Absolutely! I heard they have some rare artwork on display," she replied, pulling Cemre along as they started towards the nearest exhibit, eager to explore the treasures hidden within the library's walls.

Lauren turned to Margaret and Cemre, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Which art exhibit should we see first?" she asked, gesturing towards the various displays around the Bodleian Library.

Margaret suggested, "Why don't we check the artwork from Milan first?" Her enthusiasm was infectious as she glanced at Cemre and Lauren, eager to get their thoughts.

Cemre nodded in agreement, intrigued by the idea. "That sounds like a great plan!" She replied.

Lauren smiled and added, "I've heard so much about that collection; I can't wait to see it!" With their decision made, the trio set off towards the Milan exhibit, anticipation buzzing in the air as they prepared to discover the artistic treasures waiting for them.

As they entered the Milan exhibit, the first artwork that greeted them was Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper."

Lauren exclaimed, "Wow, that looks magnificent!" Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the details of the masterpiece.

The others shared her excitement, captivated by the sheer brilliance of da Vinci's work. The trio stood in silence for a moment, absorbing the historical significance and the artistry before them.

Margaret smiled and replied, "Shall we continue?" The group nodded enthusiastically, eager to explore more of the artistic treasures waiting for them. They moved deeper into the exhibit, their hearts racing with anticipation for what they would discover next. Each piece of art held its story, and they were ready to immerse themselves in the world of creativity and inspiration.

As they approached The Marriage of the Virgin, the group paused once again, captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate details of the painting. The scene depicted a momentous occasion, filled with emotion and significance. Margaret pointed out the expressions on the faces of the figures, noting how they conveyed a sense of reverence and joy.

"Look at the way the artist captured the light," Lauren says, gesturing towards the radiant glow illuminating the couple. "It draws your eye right to them."

The others leaned in closer, their skepticism increasing. They admired the elaborate architecture in the background and the delicate garments worn by the figures, each stitch seemingly telling a story of its own.

"Can you imagine what it must have been like to witness such an event?" Says Cemre, envisioning the historical context of the painting.

Margaret nodded, appreciating the conversation that had sparked among them. "Art is a window into the past, allowing us to connect with moments that were important to the past."

"It helps us understand the emotions and experiences of those who came before us," Margaret continued, her eyes scanning the intricate details of the artwork. Cemre smiled, feeling a deeper appreciation for the stories captured within each brushstroke as they both stood immersed in the rich tapestry of history.

Lauren then says to Margaret and Cemre, "Shall we continue?"

The two friends nodded eagerly, ready to continue exploring the gallery, where more treasures awaited to reveal the stories of yesteryear.

As they moved to the next piece, a vibrant painting depicting a bustling market scene, Margaret remarked, "Can you imagine what life was like back then?"

Cemre nodded, lost in thought as he considered the lives of those captured in the artwork.

Lauren, always the curious one, leaned in closer to examine the details, pointing out the expressions on the faces of the people in the painting. "Look at the joy and excitement! It feels almost alive," she exclaimed.

Together, they wandered through the gallery, each admiring the artwork in their own way.

After twenty minutes, they finished looking at all of the Milan artwork, their minds filled with the stories and emotions that the pieces conveyed.

Cemre turned to Lauren, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I wonder how these artists captured such deep feelings," she mused.

Lauren smiled, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's like they transported us back in time, isn't it? Each brushstroke tells a story."

They continued their exploration, eager to discover more about the history and culture behind the art that surrounded them.

As they walked through the library, surrounded by vibrant colors and evocative pieces, Margaret turned to Lauren and Cemre. "So, which art exhibit should we look at next?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.

Cemre pondered for a moment, his gaze drifting over the various signs that labeled the exhibits. "How about the Turkish art exhibit? I've heard it challenges traditional perspectives and showcases some really innovative work."

Lauren nodded in agreement, her excitement palpable. "That sounds amazing! I love seeing how artists interpret the world today. It could be a powerful contrast to what we've just seen."

Margaret smiled at their enthusiasm. "Turkish art, it is! Let's dive into those new stories and emotions." With that, they set off toward the next exhibit, eager to immerse themselves in the new narratives waiting to be discovered.

On the other side of the room, a mystery person watched them from afar, their gaze lingering on the animated conversation between Lauren, Cemre, and Margaret. Hidden in the shadows, the figure leaned against the cool wall, a faint smile playing on their lips as they observed the three friends.

As the pair moved toward the next exhibit, the mystery person felt a pull of curiosity, wanting to know more about the stories and emotions that captivated the three women. They were intrigued by the vibrant energy that surrounded the art world, a realm filled with diverse perspectives. The observer silently wished to join them, to share in the appreciation of creativity that transcended boundaries.

With a final glance, the mystery person stepped back into the shadows, contemplating how he can approach the one woman that he wants to speak with.