RP:Nildran-rose Tribute Tattoo pt. 1
Summary: Xiembantointh wants to commission an artist to create a tattoo in a memorial of his late wife and things get a little hairy at SoulsKin.
SoulsKin
There is a faded message painted across this shop's front door which reads, abandon all Hope. It may be just cryptic enough to pique your curiosity... Two glass display cases dominate the center of the room, filled with trinkets and jewels from around the world. In the back corner, beneath the stairs that lead to a second floor, there is a bookshelf with a comfy armchair next to it. A low work table lines the entirety of the western wall, a couple of chairs and a bench sitting in front of it. There is a curtained partition, for those that might wish to have their ink work or body modifications done in privacy. The work table is usually littered with bottles of ink in various colors and sketches of viable tattoo designs. Feel free to chat up the artists who might be working if you're interested in having some work done.
Xiembantointh wanders in after pacing the front of the establishment. He is between work projects and had been visiting his daughter in the higher society part of Rynvale, Elimdor, but every time he has walked past the tattoo establishment, he had paused to ponder something before moving along. Today he decided he needed to just do the thing after his recent depressive episode, but it is only a yearly thing that cannot be helped. Unfortunately, when he cut his hair and beard -this- time there was a lot more silver in store for him than he remembered, but doesn't plan on changing it back to brown. He IS old, why fight it? Xiem's azure gaze lingers on the details of the charming establishment with a joyous grin on his face and his well worn work boots softly thud as he lingers further in. A clear of his throat before his warm and crackly like a campfire of a timbre inquires, "hello?" He smooths the plain gray short sleeve tee shirt and shoves his hands within the denim slacks back pockets while he kindly tests with, "anyone here?"
The shop is empty more often than it's not these days. But that suits her just fine. The local tourists that come through keep her busy with mermaids and anchors, butterflies and roses, enough to make her cringe a little with each new one. The glass display case at the center of the room is littered with an array of new temporary tattoos and stickers, projects started and then distracted from. The work table farther in is scattered with colored charcoals and pages of half finished sketches. Lita nudges a door open at the back of the room, a box stuffed full of herbs and flowers and vials of inks in her hands. She's looking over her shoulder as she enters the shop floor, yelling down the back stairs, "Stuff your opinion, runner!" She's classy that way. The hollow echo of laughter filters up after her and she's smiling softly as she turns back around, pausing a beat as she finally notices the newcomer. Right. Dressed in a little black sundress, her arms and shoulders bare, a few smears of color striped across her left arm. She pads barefoot across the floor to set the box on the display case, tucking stray raven curls behind her ears as she regards the stranger. "Sorry. So hard to find good help these days. What can I do yah for?" She's already assuming he's a tourist passing through and needing directions.
Xiembantointh had meandered toward the glass display case to admire the work there just when he heard someone shuffling about and then a door opening. He sets eyes on a woman with her arms full and doesn't even hesitate as his long legs close the distance in a few strides in order to help the woman, "please. Allow me," he excuses while taking the box from the lady and following wherever she instructs him to set it down. Gently, he places the box on the display case and his contagious smile full of joy returns as he holds a hand out for a shake, "no worries, I understand. My name is Xiembantointh, I go by Xiem though," there is a shrug from his broad shoulders before rubbing the back of his neck with his other hand. "Right," he starts, "I'll get right to it. Have you ever tattooed a dragon in their human form and if so, does the ink remain through the shifting back and forth?" Then he wonders in the back of his mind if whatever he gets tattooed would also show up in his dragon form, just stretched out and disfigured looking. That would not be ideal.
Lita manages a thanks as the stranger takes the overflowing box and sets it on the worktable. Even if the help was unnecessary, it's a charming thing. She must have made a bit of a surprised face at the introduction of his name 'cause thankfully he offers the nickname instead. She was horrible with names on a good day, let alone ones with twelve syllables. She takes his hand and offers her own in return, "Lita." And thankfully again, straight to business. Guess she was wrong about the tourist assumption. "Yes." She answers gleefull. Though Mythayus' tattoo had been so many years ago. "Though in truth, he didn't spend much time in his dragon form, from what I remember. Though I've ink'd plenty more lycans and no problems with their changes. I don't know if the process is anything similar," her knowledge of dragon lore is pretty limited. "I don't think there'd be much a problem." He looked outwardly older than the usual sort that wandered in but from what she did know of dragons, that likely didn't mean much. "What are you lookin' to get?"
Lita offers a wink to Mahri as she catches the woman's entrance. She'd been expecting to see her around after their last few conversations. She's fine to let her browse a bit but she side-steps towards the display case to scoop a handful of half-finished projects (some temporary tattoos and stickers) from the display case and into the box on the worktable, before turning her attentions back to Xiem.
Mahri had been planning on visiting Lita and her shop for some time now so here she is, walking through the door to find the artist already talking to a prospective new client. She'll offer Lita a nod once she's noticed and a quick glance to the stranger before wandering off to look at the trinkets and jewels then snoop through the tattoo designs
Xiembantointh is used to the ways people shape their faces when they first read or hear his name and it is of no bother to him at all. He had given her a respectful handshake with some firmness and she will find he has a few interesting rings decorating his fingers. Nothing gaudy or menacing, but it is a remainder of his nomad type style now that he is without his long hair and a long beard to match. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lita," he genuinely offers and is delighted to hear she has previously tattooed a dragon. Xiem doesn't know who this 'he' might be, but he doesn't press the issue and merely nods a couple of times as she recounts the story. There is an awkward pause as he considers her question and what it means, but if he wants to get it right, shouldn't she know the story? It is unusual that he openly shares about his late wife with a stranger so soon, "I would like to have something that honors my late wife." It is just then that another woman enters the shop and he offers a warm grin her way as well before returning to the conversation at hand with Lita, "would you like to assist her first?"
Loravelle wonders if she's barging in and being disruptive. She hopes not. Just in case when she does step into Lita's shop, she predictably keeps quiet as a mouse but not hidden in a dark corner like one. Those display cases are full of neat things that she wants to take a look at, with hands folded behind her back so she won't accidentally make the glass all dirty. Leo is probably on his way in too unless he's chickened out from their bet.
Lita softens some when Xiem mentions wanting to get a tattoo that honors his late wife. Maybe it was because she too had gotten a tattoo to honor her late wife. "I think that's beautiful." The touristy stuff might be what helps keep the lights on but the personal pieces are the ones she lives for. When he mentions 'her', Lita glances again at Mahri with a smile. "She's actually on the books to get some work done." She glances across the worktable- it's a little bit of a disorganized disaster at the moment. She shuffles through a few pages of abstract colors before finding a couple of sketchbooks and setting them in front of him. "You're welcomed to stick around for a bit. I have a couple pages of sketches here, you can see if the work's something you might like and if you want, after, we can sit down and talk about getting a piece made up for you." Because art, like all great things, took time. And if he didn't like her work, she wouldn't be offended by that either. Better to know before it was permanent.
Xiembantointh notices another lady enter the establishment and he also gives her a warm smile of greeting before turning his attention back to Lita. There is a nod of understanding on her scheduled work and his smile spreads in confidence that he has come to the right place if she is so busy! "Of course, Lita," he accepts the sketch books and glances over to the sofa he had spotted earlier. "I'll just be over there… thank you," it seems to be touching to him that she has taken such an interest already and he politely excuses himself around Mahri and Loravelle in order to reach the sitting area. Once he eases down and gets comfortable, he starts carefully flipping through Lita's sketchbook.
Mahri isn't in a hurry at all. In fact, she has no idea what she even wants to get done. It's a reliefe when Mouse walks in and she heads towards the woman to drag her through the shop with her with a hurried, "I need your help. I don't know what I want." Plus, then Lita can consult with her new client and Lora can help with ideas in the mean time.
Leoxander would be reminded of that whole ‘when it rains, it pours’ phrase. It just so happened to be on that particular day that impromptu plans carried them across the channel and back to Rynvale that the shop that was their destination was busy. At least, in the sense that there were other clients with the same idea. As tempting as it was to keep heading down the road and disgrace the terms of a lost bet, the rogue entered the shop a few minutes after Loravelle did, dressed in the usual simple blacks only one blade visible on a steel buckled belt while a few others remained concealed. “Looks like we nearly missed the party.” He managed to keep his tone neutral despite the invisible wall of the dragon’s scent that hit him the moment he crossed the threshold, steely gaze fixing upon the other male in the room as he took a seat to browse the books.
Loravelle has come a long way because she doesn't make some sort of startled, mouse-like noise when she's dragged further into the shop by Mahri. Quite the opposite, if you ignore the little jump of surprise. She's hurrying along to keep up with Mah, eager to help. “What are your options?” Hearing that Leo entered too finally, she peeks over her shoulder at the pirate and has to suppress a smile because she knew what he was going to get.
Lita gathers the temporary tattoos she'd stowed away earlier and makes her way over to Loravelle. She spreads them out on the display case for the girls to peruse. "Here, I made this for Meri's little but I thought you might like to pick one for your first tattoo." Sort of. There's about a dozen, an assortment of animals and flowers and a couple of more artsy celestial bodies. She'd been toying with what did and didn't work on the transfer sheets. She'd made a lot more but these had been the ones that came out the best. She lifts her gaze at the pirate's entrance and lifts a finger of warning to point at Leo. "You, play nice." Half request, half warning. Kyori had already put a nice hole in the floor she'd had to patch, she wasn't scrubbing blood off the walls again too.
Mahri huffs out a breath at Lora's question but doesn't miss that press of lips to hide a smile when Leo walks in shortly after. Mahri quirks a brow in question before she's looking at the pieces Lita sets on the case for Lora to look at. They were, for herself, way too feminine.
Lita did mention that they were for Meri's kid. If she made some for Mahri, there would have to be snarling teeth and they'd probably be painted in the blood of her enemies. Or something.
Xiembantointh glances up from the sketchbooks when Leoxander walks in and he receives the same warm smile of greeting from the old looking dragon wearing a human face before going back to looking through Lita's artwork. He doesn't suspect Leoxander is a lycan and would have no issue if he found out the guy is. "Oh," he hums in admiration as he has found some interesting work.
Svard enters steadily. A hint of mild surprise touches hardened, austere features, and the glacial cut of his stare makes a measured across all those assembled. He is a tall man by common standards, with broad shoulders, wearing the modest dressings of his profession. A woolen gambeson belted at the waist. Simple slacks. A worn, black-iron hammer hanging from a loop at his right hip. It's a body comprised of slabs of corded muscle, brutish and strong, and everywhere betraying hints of ink veiled beneath his attire. Dark runes peeking from wrists, and neck. Slashes and shapes of ebon along the ridge of his left cheek, over his brow, and down his squared jaw. Still, for those that consider him openly, he'd offer a measured smile. The furies were quiet today. Pleased, as they were, by the fire. He makes his way towards Lita, though, and the smile begins to die along the way. The woolen-wrapped bundle in his gnarled hands, blackened by soot, coming up to lay upon the counter.
Loravelle has her attention split, but Mahri's tattoo comes first even if she's excited to look at all of the temporary tattoos Lita spreads out. The flowers particularly have her attention as anything floral tended to draw her in right away. One of those temporary tattoos just so happens to be a drawing of a rabbit, so to silently answer Mahri's silent question, she taps it with her finger and shoots another glance at the pirate. He's getting a rabbit somewhere. “I won a bet...”
Leoxander raised his hands in a defensive gesture, the brand on his left palm covered in the black wrappings that hinted at a glimpse at the Blackguard emblem of crossed daggers. “I’m a’ways nice, Ace.” And apparently a hell of a liar, too. No kind smile was returned Xiembantointh’s way but there was at least a lack of aggression in the stare that lingered in the graying man’s direction. Rather than peruse the display cases, he made himself at home in the vampire’s parlor and began searching for those hiding places she might keep some alcohol around, inspecting some of her possessions and supplies as he did. He couldn’t help the low chuff of breath that came in result of Lita offering Loravelle a ‘stick on’ print made for Meri’s cub.
Mahri looks up when the door opens again and silver-grey eyes widen slightly at the corners at the stranger walking in. She will push one of the pretty flower pieces towards Lora all the while tracking the new comer's movements from the corner of her eye, "What do you think of this one. For you, not me." Mahri glances at the rabbit, Lora and then Leo. "Perfect"
Leoxander might be opening a random bottle to sniff at when the door swinging open yet again drew the lycanthrope’s focus Svard’s way. Somewhat protective of his unorthodox pack, he paused to watch the large man approach Lita, searching her way for some recognition in her eyes.
Nortengaal finds himself doubly surprised this evening. First, to have wandered across this absolutely delightful place of art-making, and secondly to find it quite well populated with people he actually knew. These people are however occupied in various ways, and he’ll lowkey greet them in turn as he makes his way around the increasingly full space to check out the art on display, muttering to himself. “Hmm. Maybe its about time i think about getting me some ink.”
Lita quirks a brow at Lora when she taps the rabbit and motions towards the pirate. "Oh?" She has questions but there's a smile of amusement on her features even without them. "Done." She slides the rabbit piece sideways from the others, setting aside for now. As Lora's attention is stolen again by Mahri, Lita lifts her gaze to find Svard finally. How long had it been now since she'd commissioned that dagger? For a moment she's distracted by the pirate pawing through random drawers in the shop, but unfortunately he wouldn't find any booze upstairs. Cal kept the good stuff below. "It's done?" She asks, turning her attention back on the blacksmith. There's an eagerness in her voice, even as she already knows the answer to the question but she doesn't move to unwrap the bundle he's laid out. The ashes she'd given him for the piece had been the last she'd had of her hound and if it hadn't worked, for whatever reason, well then she might let Leo cause some trouble in the shop after all.
Loravelle was used to crowds if that crowd was her gaggle of sisters, nieces and nephews, innumerable cousins and uncles and aunts and – you get it. But she likes to think that between Mahri, Lita, Leo, and the others that she met through Leo were like some kind of found family, so she isn't as on edge as she might be at the realization that there are strangers in their midst. Mahri's distraction of one of those floral temporary tattoos is a helpful blessing, too. She can look at it and not let her anxious nerves get the better of her. “It's pretty...” Every single floral temporary tattoo she looked at atop that case was pretty, really. She busies herself with arranging them the way she might arrange flowers in a vase and envisions what they might look like permanently somewhere on her.
Xiembantointh felt the establishment suddenly crowded and after considering the art presented to him, he did find a few that interested him… Although, now does not seem the time to consult and he simply stands back up and places the sketchbooks where Lita had lifted them from before making his way towards her to politely excuse himself, "pardon me." He smiles apologetically to those around her, "I'll be back, Lita." With that he waves a goodbye to her and exits to the shop.