Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 12, 2016 2:46:30 GMT
Despite how long he had been working with art, the freckled man never grew accustomed to people watching him at his work. The resulting discomfort had taught him to be quick which resulted in the sketchy nature but it served well enough to give the customers an idea of what they were getting. Currently, he was moderately aware of how Lasair watched him and his work but was thankful the other had not noticed his pause. He waited while the fiery haired individual studied the names to see where his eyes lingered most so when he declared that the flowing script was would he would prefer the human was not surprised.
The request for the order of names surprised him a touch but was not unusual. Every detail in a tattoo always had a reason or a story for being that way and he would respect that ough could not deny that he desperately wanted to know. "That is easy enough," Syd finally said then licked his lips as he made a gentle prod, "are these names of family?"
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 12, 2016 3:19:08 GMT
At the question, he felt some of the blood drain from his face. He mimicked Syd by slipping his lower lip into his mouth, biting it for a moment. It was unknown to him that the action was copied, but his mind was busy elsewhere. “Three of them were,” he said at last. Pausing again, he decided he might as well clarify which one was the odd man out. “Viktor. He wasn’t family. A good friend though.” Lasair wanted to say more. That he missed Vik, that he should have spent more time with the mechanic, that he should have done more with him. Not to mention that he treasured the memories he did have. The walks around, the visit to another island, those final moments at the lake.
And now he was sitting here, in Vik’s shop, with some other guy getting a tattoo to forever commemorate the man on his body. It was ironic, in a way, talking about him in his own house. But the ander shouldn’t dwell on it. He needed to focus on the picture, not the words.
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 12, 2016 3:37:32 GMT
"Oh," was all he could muster. The ill fated 'was' had been included in the explanation which led him to the conclusion these people were deceased. How recently, he had to wonder. With the war going on and the lost Battle of Castamere thousands of people had died meaning that this man could have lost them only some weeks ago. There was a fraction of a second where he wanted to blurt out a question of who was Viktor. Was it his cousin...? Was this man with his cousin in those last moments? No, there were many Victors but were they Viktor? The spelling was most common to the northern countries of the continent and not Lodan. He wanted to but he could not ask. However, these thoughts still nagged at him, and suddenly he felt compelled to want to be friends with this stranger--this mister Lupen--because if they had been friends then maybe he might eventually get closure for himself.
"I-It was not my place to ask. I am sorry," he whispered as his brows furrowed over the bridge of his nose. "When would you like me to begin the tattoo? Because of the size I-it will take a few sessions. I will need to make a stencil then do the lines on your body then fill it with color. Are you opposed to making multiple appointments with me?"
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 12, 2016 4:01:41 GMT
He readjusted himself in his seat, feeling the need to keep moving, no sitting still, small little actions of movement to keep himself sane. After finding a comfortable position, if only temporary, he raised a hand into the air and waved it. “Ask anything you want. If I don’t want to answer something, I won’t. But I certainly won’t get offended by mere curiosity.” That was a policy he had kept from the building, and it wasn’t going to change now. Questions were a way of life, they’d never be turned away.
As for the topic of sessions, he nodded his head lightly. “Yes, I expected it to be multiple sessions. A couple for the lines, a few for the colors, all that stuff. How would you recommend spacing out the sessions? Once a week, twice a week, some other time frame?” He had nothing but free time most days; coming back was not a problem.
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 12, 2016 4:17:18 GMT
Syd lowered his gaze and simply gave a nod to the man's claim that he had not intruded or that asking questions was alright. What a terrible mistake he had made by saying such things. However, for now he put the issue aside as their conversation drifted toward the sessions. "Honestly, the sessions depend on you. It is best to do it as soon as possible between all sessions. I mean, theoretically I can do it all in one day or throughout a month. What this all boils down to is how much you can pay and how many hours you can commit a day to the sessions. Some prefer to break it up because they do not have very much time or little money to commit fully."
Lifting his gaze once more, he studied Lasair with his gold speckled green eyes. "Was it Viktor Croswell...?" His curiosity had gotten the best of him. He had to know or else it would eat at him. The name was still plastered on the window since he had not had the heart to remove it and much of his cousin's belongings remained in the garage or upstairs. Perhaps if this was a friend of his he would allow the fiery haired man to take something with him for remembrance.
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 12, 2016 4:58:17 GMT
Before he could explain what he had in mind for the sessions, a different question came to his ears. The name, it carried pain with it. A pain that translated to a weight on his shoulders, a weight that only seemed to become heavier with each day. His eyes closed for a moment, and when they opened, they found themselves stuck to the floor,
“Yes. This was his shop.” It was the only answer he could manage. The only thing that formed out of his dry throat. His mind swallowed him up with the memories, but only for a moment. The tattoo was the rope to pull him out of the hole. He forced his tongue to form more words. “As for the sessions, um, would three be alright? Starting as soon as you have the free space.”
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 12, 2016 6:40:09 GMT
The confirmation sent a mix of emotions through the artist as he sat there staring at Lasair. He didn't move and clutched the edges of his sketchbook tighter while water filmed over his eyes. "Well," he began as he tried to keep his composure. With a small nod, he bowed his head to hide his face while pretending to study his sketch. "Three sessions is perfect," he finished though a touch strained then with a slow inhale, he leaned forward to set the book on the table and stood.
"If you would excuse me for a moment I will be back with tea," he whispered and made his way toward the kitchen upstairs while being sure to walk slowly so as to not alarm his guest. He would not cry. He could not. It was highly unprofessional. When he returned some minutes later he seemed to have composed himself and in his hands he held a tray with a pot, two cups, some sugar, and milk. "I thought that you might need something to drink while we discussed any further plans...?" He paused as he set the tray down then ran his hands down the front of his pants to smooth his clothe. "I, uhm, I-I still have all of his belongings here. You, uhm, if you would like you may go through them and take whatever you would like. I think he would want that."
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 12, 2016 23:39:10 GMT
Lasair glanced upwards when Syd didn’t answer right away and in that brief moment, he noticed the emotional reaction coming from the other. Watery eyes, an upset look on his face, and then the excuse to leave the room. Did he know Viktor personally? The ander would have to ask. In the mean time, he simply folded his hands in his lap and kept his eyes downwards, studying the various things on the table.
The return with tea surprised him a little, but it was a nice gesture. Not wanting to be rude, Lasair poured himself a small cup and then stirred some sugar into it before adding a splash of milk. Taking a sip from it, he felt surprise come to his face when Syd offered away Vik’s belongings. “I was never good with technology, so taking one of his machines would be an odd choice for me,” he answered slowly. “Did you, um, know Viktor?” he asked next, feeling the pain associated with that name. But he couldn’t resist asking. Especially after the way this person had reacted just a moment before.
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 13, 2016 1:43:47 GMT
The various books on the table might have come as a surprise to the Ander seated alone. There were many catalogs involving various sciences and a few others that focused primarily on fashion or art and tattoos. Among the books were more sciences and sketchbooks filled with various art from previous tattoos he had completed before moving to Lodan.
When Syd returned with tea he sat and watched the other prepare his tea then did his own. He strayed from sugar completely and only used milk in his drink before setting the cup aside to cool. Mister Lupen was not good with technology? Viktor had mentioned how although Lodan was more technologically advanced that a significant portion of the population still did not use it. Maybe this man was one of them? An odd choice not to participate in the advancements of technology but could he truly blame them? There was something wonderful about traditional methods and nature. "Quite alright. Viktor had many things. I will show you up stairs. Clothing, his instruments, books, old art," his voice trailed upon the question of knowing Viktor and he nodded while glancing down at his hands. "I did," he replied softly then gave Lasair a soft smile. "Would you like to go up stairs...?"
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 13, 2016 2:56:31 GMT
The sketch books caught his interest, he wanted to open them but fought back the urge. The tea helped him forget about it. His eyes followed Syd’s hands as he made his own cup of tea. Only milk added, no sugar. A unique taste, but not an unusual one. The ander took one more sip from his tea before setting it down. “I’d like to go upstairs,” he decided, taking a shallow breath before standing up. A part of him said that he should stay away, that he shouldn’t do this, but the part of him that was drinking up the pain told him to do it. So much had happened already, and if Viktor’s stuff was still here, then he should look through it, maybe even pick up a book for his collection.
But there was another question eating at him, more than one actually. But the first one he wanted to ask would hopefully divert attention away from the pain that the lost Viktor had caused. “Did you do your tattoos yourself?” He had seen them when the other had reached for his tea, just a glimpse, but then again, most tattoo artists had tattoos themselves, so it wasn’t that surprising. Lasair would have liked to see them in full, but not wasn’t the moment for that.
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 13, 2016 4:15:12 GMT
Green eyes followed Lasair's movements as the smile slowly faded from his features. A nod returned Lasair's answer to head upstairs and so Syd stood, smoothed out his clothe and extended his arm to the side so that he was pointing to the stairs. "Just up this way if you will," and then he was stepping toward the stairs. However, he paused at the first step to glance back at Lasair when the man inquired about his tattoos. "Yes. I do all my own tattoos though some parts of my arm I required assistance if a mirror was not enough." Should he say more? No, if he did then it would lead to more conversation and although he was not bothered about showing his tattoos he didn't care to bother with being asked about the scars.
"This way," he repeated softly and climbed the stairs. The second floor was set up like an entire apartment. The kitchen was first then the living space. From the living space a hallway emerged and branched off into two rooms and a bathroom. The kitchen was mostly empty as was the living room. No pictures decorated the hallway. Both rooms were easy to peer into since the doors were open. In one room there was nothing but a simple bed, a dresser, and a lamp. In the other room was various bookshelves filled with an array of books from every genre. Art decorated every wall in between the bookshelves, a piano sat stuffed in a corner, a violin stand with a violin on it, and boxes and boxes stacked neatly on top of one another.
The room filled with all the belongings was where Syd took them and upon further inspection Lasair would find that each box was labeled. Some were clothing, others were housewares, a few were pictures, a couple were miscellaneous. "You are welcome to stay as long as you need and go through everything," he offered with a gesture of his hand then folded his arms over his chest. "Afterwards we can start your first session or we can schedule it for first thing tomorrow." His voice sounded more hallow than he meant to as he stood leaning against the doorframe.
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 13, 2016 5:59:30 GMT
Lasair would ask more about the tattoos another time. They were still on his mind though, one of the things being juggled right now. He glanced at the rooms as they passed. The mostly empty one must be where Syd was staying, and the one with all the stuff, well. It was obvious. Stepping into the room, the weight seemed to increase. It didn’t cripple him, but he felt it there, looming just out of his sight.
“I don’t want to stay long. It, it’s not my house.” He paused a little, tripping on his tongue a little. “I, um, I’ll look through the books a bit. Maybe take one. But still, uh, this stuff should go to his family. I was just a friend of his.” Scratching his head, he looked towards the book shelf, browsing through the titles on the spines of each one. Perhaps if he could find something about machinery…? Or anything scholarly really.
Turning away from the books, he looked back to Syd with uneasy eyes. “How did you know him? And if I may ask, why did you take his shop? You… You seem like you’re struggling with his lost. This shop…” he trailed off, turning back to the books again. He shouldn’t have asked that. Syd probably wouldn’t even answer. But it was too late now, the words were spoken.
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 13, 2016 6:11:57 GMT
Lasair would not be disappointed to find that many of the books on the top shelf of the third bookcase revolved around machinery as their subject and below that were more scientific books about biology of animals, shadow beasts from Danny's journal, and astronomy. There were plenty of romance novels as well--an interest many would have teased the mechanic for enjoying before. "If you were his friend then you will not be intruding by staying here for some time. I do not wish for his things to be divided amongst all his family. Although he had good parents not all of his family was good," he muttered the last bit a touch bitterly then leaned off of the doorframe.
"Viktor was my cousin. I took this shop because I did not wish for it to leave the family and be ruined by whoever inherited after him... And because I needed some place to work from since I am new to this country." The last bit had been added with mild hesitation. "He was like my brother though we scarcely saw one another." Again he grew quiet as he stepped into the room and opened a box labeled pictures then beckoned Lasair closer. "His mother has been by to collect all she wished to have. If you and any of his other friends wish to claim anything then I encourage you that it is alright. Otherwise I will leave them here for storage. I would rather they go to a good home and be cherished."
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 13, 2016 6:56:25 GMT
His eyes lingered on the biology and astronomy books, not to mention the nice collection of machinery. All those books would be appreciated in his library, but he’d feel guilty for taking so many. Perhaps less guilty now that he heard that Viktor’s family wasn’t the kindest. “Cousin?” he asked, more in shock than an actual question. “He never talked about his family,” he said in a quieter voice.
Stepping forward to look over Syd’s shoulder, he looked towards the box of photos, wondering which ones he would pull out. “I don’t know who else was his friend. Him and I just, well, we hung out from time to time.” Would date be a more accurate word? Had Vik and him dated? They went out of town together… He dismissed the thought and glanced back towards the bookshelf. “I, um, how should I put this. I work at a library. But it’s more than just work there; I sort of run it too. Some of his books could find a home there, if you’re not interested in reading them.”
Post by Syd Croswell-Miklos on Jan 13, 2016 7:10:54 GMT
"Mm, yes, cousins. He never liked talking about family outside our immediate one--or rather his." His and Viktor's relationship had been a fairly decent one though they scarcely got to see one another. His own siblings were pains best left unspoken of and the red headed mechanic certainly never cared for them. "That is alright. I will speak with Auntie to find the rest." He paused to study Lasair a moment before shuffling through the photos. It was a simple black and white picture with the red headed mechanic grinning at the photographer. Grasped in a headlock was another lad who appeared rather indignant of the scenario as he fought against Viktor with a hand pressed into his face. The freckles gave Syd away in the picture and he smiled at it before offering it to the other.
"I know this must be strange? You and I do not know one another and his passing was recent, but I would like the chance to be friends with you... If that is alright. As for the books, I would be happy to donate the majority of them to your library. But only if it is open to the public for people to learn and study from." Education was something he thought every child should have since it was a major issue in his country. "Anyway, I have, uhm, I feel I have overstepped the boundaries of professionalism by a wide margin. Please, uhm,m please forgive me," came his words softly as he stepped back then bowed to the other. "I will give you some time alone and meet you down stairs." He didn't wait much for the reply after that but hurried back downstairs. In a way he felt idiotic. This was not how one handled business even if they were grieving. A new opportunity in a new land and already he was ruining it.
Shoutbox
Welcome to the Shoutbox - If You Have Discord, Ask to Join the Discord Server