RP:Tattoos, Training, and Recruits

From HollowWiki

Summary: It starts as a tattooing session with Eirik, but then Oline shows up and everyone gets to talking. By the end Eirik has himself a training session with a giant and Meri is agreeing to tag along to their next warrior's guid expedition.

SoulsKin

Eirik found himself stepping through the threshold of the shop Soulskin, eyes intent on discovering Meri. As per usual, the Lycan is dressed for some imaginary game of war. A single armored sleeve works itís way up his right arm and weaves into a fur covered leather pauldron. A sleeveless, silver stitched black leather jerkin covers his torso, while matching pants give way to scuffed steel greaves and booted feet. Brann Forbruker, a runic longsword lies tied to his hip via means of a leather baldric. Most might find his attire odd, considering what he had come here for, but Eirik always thought it best to be prepared. It had taken the berserker a while to find this shop, and the words written upon the door only force him to pause for but a moment. Upon his scarred visage is a look of curiosity. ìMeri?î The lycans voice rough like rocks being crushed beneath a weighted boot. He wasnít even sure she was here.


Meri was thankfully found within the parlor today and within easy sight, she was up front sitting behind the front counter flipping thoughtfully through the pages of a book. It's not her sketchbook, possibly a calendar of appointments to come and details regarding said appointment, hard to say from a distance. The door opens, Eirik steps inside, and Meri's blue eyes lift to inspect the newest arrival before the door has a chance to fully close. By the time is clicks closed, a smile is pulling at red lips. "Eirik," comes the answer to the man calling her name. She motions for her him to come further into the shop via a wave of her tattooed hand. "Certainly you did not come here wanting a tattoo dressed like that, did you? I mean usually I do recommend to my clients that they were loose fitting clothing that allows for easy access." A brow is lifted as that smile shifts into an amused smirk. Blue eyes linger on Eirik and his armor pointedly. "It's not like you and I are planning on duking it out or anything." The teasing ceases, at least for the moment. "It's good to see you though. I hope that map didn't steer you astray. How are things?"


Eirik turns his head towards Meri as her presence becomes known. Silver orbs shift beneath his scarred visage to examine her features before a grin tugs at the corners of his mouth, revealing rows of ivory teeth. The fact that he had all of those sickeningly perfect teeth despite all of his fights are odd. Nevertheless, there they all were, beaming towards Meri. At the mention of his armor, arms spread wide as body tilts forward so that he may inspect his own attire. ìItís a long journey.î He states carrying that same gruff tone. ìNever know what you might come across. And besides, it plan to just remove it all anyway. I do hope you donít get shy at the sight of a little flesh.î Obviously he too was teasing her right back. With the motion to step forward, he does so eyes flicking to the book she was flipping through. ìHonestly, your map worked out great. Just had to find the docks and a ship. This place really is out of the way.î Eyes again move around the shop, taking one last view of the things presented within. ìI hope business is well,î he pauses for a moment before continuing on. ìSo I wanted to see if I could have a to ravens, in flight inked onto my chest,î right hand points to his collarbone line near each shoulder.


Meri made no effort to hide anything in that book, in fact it was left open on the counter as Meri stood up and moved to circle around from behind the counter to standing in front of it. Well more like leaning against it, tattooed arms folded loosely across her stomach. There were a few random names in that book, probably sailors or residents around the island and a couple of names in a 'to be scheduled' bit: Brennia and Oline. "I mean if you weren't like twenty times older than me, I'd probably say that I've seen more flesh in my day than you have." Once more Meri is smirking. "But I am not so sure. Anyway, yes. This place is out of the way, but so long as Lita keeps the doors open I will probably be working out of this place." It had crossed her mind to start her own parlor once, awhile ago. For the bulk of the conversation, Meri's blue eyes remain locked on Eirik's own silver ones but as the subject shifts to the design concept that he is wanting, they travel down to the chest area he is presently indicating at. "I guess that depends on the scarring. You don't want me to cover it. Long as there is room, I don't see why I don't do it?" Red lips are pressed together in thoughtful consideration. "So a pair of ravens. Do you want them both in flight in the same direction? Opposing directions? Do you have a preference on if they face to the left or to the right?"


Eirik raises his brows at her comment of opening her own shop. Hell she might get more business out in Cenril or Kelay, but working all the way out here is her choice. Any further thoughts on such a thing die out in favor of the discussion of design. ìIíd like to have them flying toward each other,î both hands raise pointing towards the other, indicating the direction of flight he wished them to face. ìWell the only way we will find out if I have the room, is for you to have a look.î Brows raise yet again, before hands move to just unabashedly remove armor, jerkin, and under shirt. Each item is folded, and placed neatly on the counter she had been standing near. As frame shifts she might notice the entire breadth of scars covering his back; the whole scene looked gruesome and he definitely didnít have room. However as he turns to face her, his chest seemed to be free from such marks. His stomach had a couple indications of old stab wounds, but thatís about it. ìSo?î he states waiting for her to finish her inspection.


Meri's inspection is a casual one for Eirik had clearly at least been kind to the artist and exercised common sense in his selection of his tattoo. "Yeah, I mean if you went with a back piece we might have some problems but this is going to be a walk in the park." Normally Meri might whip out the sketchbook and start drawing at least a rough concept for said client but Eirik was already bare chested in an out of the way parlor. The sketches were more for the client than for Meri herself, "Well, unless you want me to sit here and draw out every detail of this design we're talking about? Then hit the chair." Meri jerks toward one of the two tattooing chairs that are further into the shop, neither of which are sectioned off from the rest of the shop. "You're stuff should be fine right there. I don't think anyone is just going to walk in and steal your gear, but if you want to stash it elsewhere....Wherever floats your boat, Eirik." The artist herself moves away from the counter, as if she really didn't expect Eirik to turn down this list of demands he's just been presented with, but just in case she tacks on as more of an after thought, "But if you want to see it drawn first, I'll do that for you."


Eirik finally let out that loud belly filled chuckle. The Northman wasnít worried in the slightest about his gear and at the long list of things she had explained eyes flick to the two chairs. ìI donít need a drawing.î She must have been used to a more worried clientele, his own thoughts not like theirs. Besides if it got messed up somehow, he had a healer who would just help him peel off the skin; Eirik is no stranger to pain. ìI trust your experience. You wouldnít have a shop otherwise.î As for the indicated chairs, Eirik puts booted feet to the floor carrying his near six foot frame to the indicated place of rest. The Lycan letís out a sigh as rear end meets the chair and he relaxes. Silver orbs flick to Meri before she gets started. ìAh, we forgot to discuss price.î He wouldnít add anything further, but he was curious on her quote for the work she was about to perform.


Meri wouldn't start right in with the tattoo. Eirik would still get some idea of what he is getting before Meri would actually start any permanent work with the needle. While Eirik is getting settled, Meri is gathering the various supplies that she'll need to work, placing them on a small cart that is wheeled closer to Eirik. What Meri would start with is some temporary brown ink and a thin brush, "Ah, I didn't forget actually." As Meri does not often forget matters of money. "You're just beating me to the punch. A pair of ravens, on the chest, that's black only. Two hundred? But the rule is you're not allowed to be getting yourself shanked there and ruining my art." This is punctuated with a wink because, that's right, Meri wasn't serious with this request. She knew it was not a reasonable one. Armed with ink and brush, Meri hovers over Eirik, starting on his left side. "This part will be nothing more than a tickle. Just keep relaxing. Why ravens?" That warning given, the brush is dipped into ink and then Meri paints the outline of the discussed tattoo right onto Eirik's chest. Starting with a raven on the right side, along the collarbone, with wings that are fully extended in a smooth line. The design on the left side would be flying toward the raven on the right but it would not fully mirror that bird. It's wings are angled upwards, as if it was mid-beat and trying to accelerate toward the first raven. Oline would be greeted with a semi-distracted smile the moment she's observed but both Eirik and Meri were within sight.


Eirik moved silver eyes to watch Meri gather those supplies and wheel them near him. Mind now curious over what everything was, though he does not broach the subject. Distractions and all. If Oline had walked into the parlor, Eirik would turn his gaze to her for only a moment, but as Meri had asked him to be still, eyes settle on the ceiling. Two hundred, is all huh? As the brush made contact, there is a slight tickle, but the berserker makes no movement, and continues his steady breathing. ìWhere I come from Ravens are considered the guides of the afterlife. Carriers of our souls and the ones who judge if your soul is too heavy to meet your ancestors. If you cannot be carried you are doomed to wander alone for eternity.î His choice had been that of something he had personally believed despite its irrelevance here in this place. Eirik intended to stay true to his past, his people. More importantly he wished to carry on the beliefs of his tribe, the Rognvald; the people he had been banished from.


Meri has sometimes been told that she should price her tattoos higher, but at the same time Meri didn't want to make them so unaffordable that it reduced the number of clients she had. If it covered the cost of materials and left her with extra for herself afterward, then it seemed like a fair price to her. What Meri is painting upon Eirik's chest is not meant to be the most detailed design, feathers are missing, shading is lacking, but a mirror is soon plucked off that cart of supplies and given to Eirik so that he can inspect both size and layout for himself before Meri begins the final product. Other items on said cart include more ink, black, various needles, some bandages, rags, etc. Nothing alarming. "It has always struck me as interesting, the contrasting perceptions ravens have surrounding them. Sometimes they are revered as guides, like you have explained, and in so many other instances they are considered ill omens or heralds of death." While waiting for Eirik's verdict on the details so far, Meri's fingers rake through her hair, gathering it up so that she can tie her blonde strands loosely up into a bun, pinning it into place with a pen. "Any changes you want made before we seal this deal?"


Eirik does indeed snatched up the mirror to inspect itís positioning, size and how they would fit together. That smile once again tugged at his scarred features, she had done fine. The northman had gathered that what was painted on, is only a sort of rough guide for her to follow, not the final product. ìRavens are a sign of death as well,î Eyes flick to her as she pulls those blonde strands into a bun. ìBut we do not consider death an Iíll omen. Merely the start of something new.î The mirror would finally be handed back to Meri when her hands are free. ìItís perfect,î he adds giving her a full smile. Little did she know, the northman planned on giving her more coin than what she had asked for. As thanks for her work, the map and the adventure. Itís t he had taken his time getting here, but wouldnít sate anything on it. ìIím ready when you are,î his words fall silent while waiting.


Oline was here, though not so giant-like and... at least in Eirik's case... perhaps not as easily recognizable. Heavily pierced and adorned with various bone-hewn pieces of jewelry, the normally towering girl stood a mere 5'1" at present and was busying herself reading through a leatherbound tome bearing no title. She'd come to see about perhaps getting that 'trial' tattoo done, though clearly Meri was busy with Eirik for the moment and... she actually had some business with him as well. Maybe. She'd have to wait and see on that.


Meri wasn't normally inclined to just invite people she knows watch tattooing sessions, but in this case since all three people are familiar with one another...Meri calls out to the not-so-giant-giantess. "Grab a stool, you're welcome to come watch." Which is the very same thing that Meri was doing right now, pulling a tall stool right up along side the point where Eirik is sitting, after collecting that mirror from him and returning it back to said rolling cart. "Right," is all she says to Eirik as needle and ink are both plucked from the cart next, the woman setting straight to work without warning. After she's already started, "Usually there is this spiel about how this will hurt and blah blah blah but I'm just going to spare you that, you're no stranger to pain. All I need you to do is breath naturally, yeah?" It would be the outlines of the ravens that Meri would start first, right side then she would shift over to the left. This process would not be a quick one, as talented as the artist is. There was only so fast that anyone could work. "Eirik, you remember Oline, right?" These questions come even if Oline does not heed Meri's request to pull up a stool. "From that party? And I think you two like to fight bugs together?"


Eirik found that grin spreading over his scarred visage at her normal explanation of ensuing pain. Meri was right yet again and as that needle would pentatrate skin brow furrows for but the briefest of moments. Chest rises and falls as it had always done. Though as she spoke of Oline he had to fight the urge to turn and face her. ìI remember oline,î the giantess who wasnít a giant at the moment would receive some kind of greeting even if he couldnít face her. ìYou are more then welcome to join.î Honestly Eirik didnít care if she was a complete stranger. He isnít one to be shy, despite his current shirtless state which revealed far too many scars born of battle. Of course Oline was able to discuss whatever she wished with the Berserker, he was totally open for conversation. Again brow furrows at the needle but no abrupt movement is made.


Oline did as she was told, although it still felt a bit strange to... you know... actually sit in normal-sized furniture. She'd been spending a lot of time at a much lower perspective lately, and though she'd easily gotten the hang of moving around and even brawling at this size... the act of relaxation was not something she'd been afforded a great deal of time to be practicing of late. Eirik would be noted with a polite bow of her head, her freshly-cut black hair bouncing lightly against her shoulders and neck with the effort. "Ah r'membuh. Thengs godda... lil crazeh... 'fore Ah rilla godda chance t'say ennytheng tho." Then, of course, there was the bug hunt. The not-particularly-large-giantess wouldn't bring it up again, except for to confirm it was a thing. "Mhm. Warryuh's Gild."


Meri could work and talk but Meri for the most part fell quiet and let her concentration focus on her task at hand, perhaps to give the Oline and Eirik to chummy up just a little bit? They were in the same guild after all, Meri had that much knowledge. Still, the artist couldn't help but chime in with the rating of the party they were all three at, one that Eirik is already no stranger to so these words are mostly geared toward Oline herself. "Worst party ever." The tattoo was being formed slowly, with brief pauses so that Meri could wipe up the excess black ink that was not taken to skin so she does not lose her way in her outline. One outline done, the other nearly complete, shading would follow and again Meri would not really warn Eirik about the pain, but the detail work to come would feel even more pleasant than the outlining. Small talk from the artist, as she has learned during her employment that there was such a thing as too quiet, even from a working artist,"This warriors guild seems to be all the rage these days."


Eirik flicked those silver eyes to Meri as she worked, though he responds to Oline first. ìThere was a whole infestation of those cockroaches wasnít there?î Eirik had trouble deciphering her words, clearly not used to her inflection of the common tongue. Though in reality, the things they faced werenít cockroaches, but disgusting bugs of many different types. The northman was glad that slaying the queen had brought about the end of the whole army of critters. He hoped the next time would be the same. ìThat party was something else right?î Heíd flick his eye to Oline and then back to Meri. Eyes narrow and jaw clenched briefly, gods that spot he had chosen is more sensitive then he had thought. ìYou should join up Meri, come slay bugs, and tattoo our achievements.î The berserker nearly laughed but held such things back. If she had indeed signed up, she would have the ability to learn combat, whether she new weapons already or not.


Oline chortled pleasantly and watched Meri work. It was... fascinating. She'd imagined what it would be like to get it done during her discussions with Meri on previous meetings, but this was the first time she'd ever seen it in action. Eirik, for his part, seemed mostly unfazed. Oline wondered if she would be able to put on such a stoic countenance when it was her turn to go. "Ah've bin t'worse..." Oline casually mentioned, her befreckled cheeks reddening somewhat. She left out the part where she'd been brainwashed by an illusionist assassin's musical spell and used to murder a couple dozen of the guests in a berserk rage. "Bugga's allovuh th'pless... buh we squash't em good. Y'shooda seen this guy 'ere, tho! Nevvuh seen noffin' lahk it afore." She was, of course, referring to Eirik. The man had torn through the bugs like a beast possessed, and yet... he hadn't harmed harmed those who fought alongside him. "Ah tol'er she shud join... or allease tag along fer th'rahd! En't evven thotta 'avin'er tattoo our vic'trees, tho! Thazza good ahdeeyuh."


Meri kept her eyes pinned on Eirik's chest, only occasionally looking up to observe Eirik and Oline, an ear is kept on the conversation though. Eirik clenches his jaw and Meri can't help but smirk, but credit is given because she has literally had women weeping and squealing as Meri worked because of the pain. There is one moment, right when Eirik nearly laughed, that the northman gets a hard glare from the artist because he better not! And he does not so all is right within Meri's world. Finishing touches of the two ravens are applied, Meri chiming into the conversation just a bit more now that her attention is not quite as consumed. The artist nods to confirm Oline's statements, Oline indeed has been working on convincing Meri to join. In one hand, Meri is definitely intrigued by the prospect but she has never been one to commit to anything rashly, "Yeah. She was telling me that I should tag along to the next shindig that you guys have. I told her she should clear it with whomever, because I don't want her getting into any trouble...but that if I was allowed to then, you know. Why not? Business is bound to hit a slow point here soon and I'll need something to keep me entertained." A final clean up is given of Eirk's chest using a fresh rag and then a bandage is applied over each raven. It's not an elaborate bandaging job as there is no real need for it to last more than a few hours, but there would be slight spotting and most clients wanted their clothing spared blood stains.


Eirik is amused by Olines recount of their adventure. Surely it wasnít like that, really? He had to recall the whole journey himself, and Khittis betrayal. What the hell was that all about, he thought to himself? He did remember shifting and tearing through waves of enemies, claws and all without any form of armor or weapons. The beast always prefer to stick to those natural claws which developed every shift. The truth is that Eirik was much older than he had looked. Being a berserker by nature had given his mind a lot of control over his curse. While shifted he could direct that rage at specific targets and fight through any form of pain being pushed upon him. Part of his gift. Though learning such a thing had been problematic at first. Friends and foes often found themselves as targets to his herb induced psychosis. As Meris work came to a conclusion eyes shift to that clean rag she had used to clean up her work. Itís true that his threshold is higher than most, most notably because of what he is. ìIf you are interested in coming, Iíll chat with Lionel. Let him know youíre interested in seeing what we are all about.î After the bandages are placed over the new ink, the lycan sits up fully, attention settling on Oline. ìIíve had many years to practice and focus my rage. Overtime Iíve become able to focus it and induce it even further.î Eirik would finally stand if Meri had allowed it. ìThat gray colored skin I wear to war? An herbal remedy to numb pain and madden the mind. I could teach you over time if itís something youíre interested in.î A hand moves to pull coin free and pay Meri for her hard work. ìThank you. Iím giving you a little more because I appreciate the adventure.î


Oline was a bit caught off-guard by the offer. She'd been tempted to ask the man how he did it, and... either by coincidence or perhaps some common mental wavelength upon which the many members of the Warrior's Guild operate... he'd offered without her ever having to bring it up. "Ah wu'un mahnd tha'..." she replied, still a bit flustered in the cheek. "When Ah git rilla pissed, evruhtheng jus... kinna goes red... n'then black. Ah've bin tryin'ta lern t'control whennit 'appens... n'focus it on th'enemy... buddit en't rilla bin geddin me nopless." She sighed. "Ah en't want no repeatin've Cenril." Then her steely gaze shifted over to Meri, where it lingered curiously waiting to judge her response. "Orrite! Now there en't no ascyoos fer yeh nawt t'go ullong widduss!"


Meri would definitely let Eirik up and the coin to pay for it is accepted and without fussing over it being well over the quoted amount. It is rude to complain in that fashion. "Well thank you, Eirik. It's much appreciated. I hope you enjoy the tattoo." The coin is taken but it is not counted for Meri stands as well, adding the coinage to the collection of things on the rolling cart and wheeling it away so that she can begin the process of cleaning and sterilizing all of the equipment just used. This process is involved, probably involves boiling water and various solutions. Even the chair that Eirik was occupying would be wiped down at some point, probably after he left. In short, Meri pays her due diligence in making sure this shop does not end up with a reputation of being unclean. The conversation between Eirik and Oline earns a bit of a lofted brow, her gaze shifting between the both of them as they speak of their experiences. Curious. Cenril repeat? Hm. As both Eirik and Oline seem alright with the idea of Meri joining some warrior's guild expedition, Meri smiles a touch. "Alright, well I can't tell the both of you no. Peer pressure. You two win. If you guys keep me in the loop with the details, I'll show up. Hopefully I'll hold my own alright and won't prove to be an embarrassment to you two warriors." A smirk is displayed across red lips, who knows if she's joking with this one or not.


Eirik grinned, Oline was right. Meri no longer had an excuse to decline the offer. Besides itís not unusual for a person not of the Warriors guild to tag along. Often, such things became their right of passage for entering. Eirik himself helped defeat six armed assailants and saved Lionel for his entry and that was by sheer random chance. ìWith training the black will go away, but the red will always stay. Youíll just learn to recognize friends.î Olines comment about Cenril is ignored, he had no clue about what she had meant. Attention shifts to Meri and her words, while he moves to collect his clothing and armor. Suddenly Oline might see the massive network of scarring across his back. It covered most of it entirely and is evidence of the attack that turned him into a lycan as a child. The clothing and armor is donned again. ìWell, meet up at the snow less training yard in Frostmaw next Saturday.î Now she had been informed, he would of course send a letter with further details, but would leave it at that. ìI thank you again and Iím sure you wonít be an embarrassment,î he winks at Meri. ìAnd oline? Iíll see you at the training grounds when youíre ready to start.î Without further word, Eirik shifts on foot and heads out of the shop.


Meri was going! But as further indication that she was conceding on this point, Meri taps a finger to her skull as indication that she'd put that date to memory. The tattoo artist even gives up on the joke at her own expense, "Yeah, I won't be a lost cause or anything. I'll be there. Dressed appropriately. I'll see you then." Meri wasn't going to gawk at Eirik as he finds his way back into both clothing and armor, though she can't help but stare for at least a few moments at the scarred back. Ideally this is done when Eirik isn't paying attention anyway. Oline gains Meri's attention once more, staring at the giantess as if trying to determine if she'd be staying or going. Not that Meri would mind either way, a tattoo was owed but the two women ran into each other plenty. It would be completed.