A Masterpiece in the Making.

[Velveteen]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Velveteen- Velveteen shuffled the paper into two neat sections and then stapled each contract at the corner ready for signing. She'd already texted both Jesse and Psyche. She figured she might as well get the paperwork done and sorted so there were no loose ends and both could start work immediately. That would pretty much be her job done as it was Micah's business to run and take care of, he just didn't like dealing with the boring sides of it and it was something she was good at. It worked for them. She wandered out of the office and nudged her husband who had been taking care of things at the front desk and sat the contracts on the glass counter. "They should be here soon and these are ready for signatures.”

Micah- Micah was pretty pleased with the artists that he'd hired. When he and Vel had decided to start hiring for the shop Jesse had been the first person to come to mind. Then Psyche had stopped in and after a short conversation Mica had decided to hire him too. Zoey would be doing more of the behind the scenes work making sure that everything was running smoothly. All in all he was confident that he had all the critical positions filled. A stack of papers was dropped beside him and he looked up from where he was making some notes and saw his wife standing with him. "Excellent. Thanks for taking care of that so fast.”

Jesse- The text message is a welcome and needed distraction. Velveteen, asking me to meet her at the shop. Of course I wonder why, and I hope that nothing is wrong. But even that would be welcome, given the general state of my mind lately. Anything, anything at all to take my mind of ******** that I cannot change. One day, I'll forget about it, I suppose. I'll give up on waiting - and why should I be waiting, anyway? Do I really care, all that much? No. I tell myself that no, I don't. Within ten minutes the engine of the bike dies beneath me. I kick the stand into place, and leave the helmet sitting on the seat. I wander in to Riverwood Market, cutting across the grassy quad to push through the doors of Masterpiece Tattoo. I'm wearing jeans, and a faded old, black band t-shirt. A quick glance around, and I find Velveteen and Micah behind the counter. I give a smile, and a greeting nod, before sauntering toward them.

Psyche- Looking back over his text messages, more out of habit for show amidst the rest of those in the Markets, Psyche set his studded black motorcycle helmet on the handlebar of the midnight black sports bike. He was glad to get away for a while and was hopeful for this job to work out. He'd been grateful for his turning, but the Sangue was more than a handful at times and to return to some form of normalcy was a wish granted. He'd liked the meeting with Micah and felt it'd all gone well, but was freshly relieved after receiving the text from Velveteen to show and sign his papers today. He'd noticed another walking in right before him in through the doors, following him in and spotting Micah and, he was assuming, Velveteen; giving them a smile and a nod.

Velveteen- Velveteen lifted her head as the door swung open and Jesse entered. She offered the man a smile and waved him over. "Hey Jesse, how are you doing? Thanks for coming. I hope I didn't interrupt anything important?” She kept her eyes on him waiting for a nod or a shake of the head. She had grown rather used to his silence though still on occasion she found herself ringing the man before realising how futile the exercise would be. The door had barely closed before another entered, drawing her attention. She didn't recognise him at all but she easily paired his distinctive markings with Micah's description. She dipped her head in return not wanting to say anything in case she was way off.

Micah- He turned his attention to the door and nodded in Jesse's direction and went to greet him but it was cut short as the door opened once more and Psyche entered almost directly after. It occurred to him that he needed to make introductions so best to get that part taken care of. "Evenin guys.” He pulled the stack of papers closer and retrieved a couple of ink pens from the drawer. "Vel, Jesse this is Psyche. He's the artist I hired last night. Psyche this is my wife Vel and Jesse, the other artist I told you about when we spoke.”

Jesse- I shake my head. No, Velveteen hasn't interrupted anything important. As for how I am, that's a particular question that I do not answer. It's a question that cannot really be answered with a nod or a shake of the head. And I'm sure she could probably guess, anyway. She was the only one at the receiving end my rage texts. I am glad when the attention shifts away from me, and onto the person who walks in behind me. Psyche, he's introduced as. I am immediately appreciative of the guy's ink - wanting only to observe him, like one might observe a piece of art in a museum. I refrain, however, and hold out a hand for the guy to shake.

Psyche- Psyche ensures he keeps a close eye on each of the individuals' lips as he catches their tells of who they are speaking to or about so that he can follow each of them and stay in the conversation. He catches up that the woman is Vel, as he'd assumed by her stance against Micah; and that the other man with the impressive inkwork was Jesse. Taking Jesse's extended hand and returning the shake he gives another nod, "Look forward to working with ya." Then looking to Vel and holding up his cellphone, "I appreciate the text and not a call." Laughing he takes a look around at the shop, "Damn. I didn't catch just HOW nice this place was yesterday."

Velveteen- Velveteen gave Jesse another smile. There wasn't a whole lot to be said right now, even if he could say it, and she knew that but she firmly believed things would work out one way or another. She would be there either way. Her head turned at the sound of her husband's voice and the woman dipped her head cordially at the other. She was right and she chuckled softly at his text appreciation. Micah had told her that the man was deaf and she was more than curious to know how these two were going to work together. One couldn't hear, the other couldn't speak. At least neither was blind, that wouldn't be good in this line if work. "No worries Psyche and thank you.”The woman smiled proudly. "It must be the woman's touch you are picking up on.” She smirked cheekily and elbowed her husband lightly.

Micah- Micah grinned and nudged her back. "Yes woman, do go on and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.” He was of course teasing her. She had every right to be proud of the work she had done to make the shop look as good as it did. "Thanks for coming guys. This shouldn't take too long.” Micah separated the stack of papers that Vel had brought to him and slid a copy in front of the other two along with a pen. "If you guys wanna read these over and make sure everything is in order that would be great.” The contracts weren't anything complicated, and it pretty much gave them the right to take or refuse any work that came their way.

Jesse- I take the time to look around, as the other joke about a woman's touch. Not that I think Velveteen is your ordinary, flowery, uber feminine woman - the place certainly does look good. A far sight different to True Love, but that's fine. I'm curious as to why this Psyche would prefer a text to a call - though I do pick up on certain flaws in his speech. The guy is deaf? Well. Interesting, I suppose, and I bet we'll make quite a pair. I smirk as I saunter forward, toward the contracts. I take mine and flick through the pages, though I'm not exactly reading anything. I trust Micah and Velveteen too much to think they'd try to dupe me in any way.

[Micah]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Psyche- Psyche smirked over the affectionate jeering the two gave one another. Talking his stack of paperwork as it was offered to him, he began to flip through the pages, as a reflex, just to ensure there wasn't some sort of 'I own your soul' clause. Did we still even have souls? He decided not to go down that road of thought right now and instead started signing on the appropriate lines. "So, this has got to be the most artist-friendly employment contract I have ever signed. You're pretty much telling me: Work if ya want to, or not...Bitchin'." Finishing up signing, he handed the papers back to Micah. He'd have loved to open up and take peeks into everyone's mind here to get a clear grasp of the whose who of Masterpiece Tattoos, but he wasn't sure if perhaps another was a telepath, and frankly felt it rude as no one had exactly bothered to speak on any topics of their vampiracy. Admittedly it was rather nice to be back in an atmosphere solely based on artistry.

Velveteen- Velveteen The vampire chuckled and wrinkled her nose a little. "Oh I will. Every chance I get!” Came her response to her husband's teasing before she pressed her lips together in a tight grin and fell silent. The fact that Jesse signed without pause did not escape her and she narrowed her gaze a little as watched, her thoughts turning more towards the man's own personal struggle. Her part here was done and now she was little more than a spectator in the events to follow despite being a regular sight around the place when Micah was working. "It's what Micah does.” She laughed, replying to Psyche.

Micah- "Of course you will.” Came the snarky reply from Micah in response to his wife's comment. It was so easy to tease her and she gave as good as she got. Some might think that their relationship was strange but it was comfortable and it worked for them. He turned his gaze upon Jesse and wondered how he was holding up given everything that had happened recently. He refrained from asking though and turned to accept the signed contract from Psyche. "I don't know about you but there have been a few pieces that have come my way that I wish I could have said no to. But at the time a job was a job and I couldn't turn it down.” Micah shrugged. "I don't want a place like that. I want a place where my artists are free to pick and choose and do pieces that actually interest them.”

Jesse- I do sign without hesitation, passing my contract over to Micah soon after he takes Psyche's. I knew how it was, too - I don't have much to do with True Love anymore. The place is victim to dusk and darkness, now. I lost too much business, only being able to open at night. The regulars soon drifted elsewhere. And I don't live there anymore. It had been my source of money, though - I took whatever job came my way. I grimace, remembering some of the things that I have tattooed. Feels like a new, dream-like freedom to be able only to ink what I want. To have people only wanting my designs. It's like a dream come true. I smile broadly; thinking of the future is the perfect cure for whatever's happening in the present.

Psyche- Psyche gave a raise of the eyebrows and nodded, "Yeah, I know all too well." he gave a cringe on the inside thinking of some of the works people had brought in and that would forever more be a poor excuse of a signature to his name. He tried not to look too long on the artist, but there was something about him. It really didn't have anything to do with his silence. He was aware of the non-speaking part, that really didn't disturb him considering his own 'handicap' from his youth. No, either the man was just generally detached or there seemed some demons he was facing. Of course, he'd only just met the man, too and this very well could be a good day for him. Regardless, he intrigued him. As Micah touched on how he'd like his business run, Psyche could help but give a sigh of relief. Could it really get any better? Death was out of the way, and now he was getting to work probably the most decked out shop he'd ever seen, and gets to CHOOSE his work. Nice, Psyche... Nice.

Velveteen- Velveteen grinned and waggled her brows playfully at Micah though she let the comment slide for now. This was business, they could finish their teasing later. She knew all too well how fussy her husband was when it came to his artwork. "Micah is a bit of perfectionist when it comes to his work.” The woman's silver orbs shifted to the side to spy the man in question before she leaned forward on the counter, resting on her elbows casually. "I should know.” She rolled her eyes a little, though the smirk very much stunted any effort at seriousness.

Micah- Micah took the contract from Jesse and looked it over, noting the signature at the bottom of the page. Both contracts were added to a folder that he pulled out from underneath the counter. The folder was then placed into a drawer and locked securely. "It's true. I am. The first tattoo I ever put on her took me 3 months to design and even then I didn't think it was perfect. She loved it though and I’m proud of how it turned out. This next one though…” He grinned at his wife. "She'll be lucky if she sees it within 6 months.” Micah was very picky about his work, especially when it came to her. If it wasn't perfect it wouldn't do.

Jesse- I shrug my shoulders. I can be a perfectionist when I want to be. I am, when it comes to putting things on other people's skin. My own, though? My legs are riddled with practice runs. Not many people see my legs, really - and everything on my upper body was done by someone else. I know that I'm looking forward to seeing the kind of stuff that Micah does - and Psyche, too. I wonder what kind of diversity we will achieve. I smirk as Micah talks about the tattoos he'd put on Velveteen - I have yet to complete the one that I want to etch into Felicity's skin. I suppose we'll share the same kind of regard for each other, as Micah and Velveteen do. I take the opportunity to push away from the counter, to wander around the shop - seeking out which workstation might be mine.

Psyche- Psyche laughed, "Yeah, just think though, Vel. He's looking out for your best interest. Forever is a long time to live with some ink. And if Micah's as much a perfectionist as you say, then it's even longer for him to look at." With the paperwork securely filed away, he started to look about the shop more. "So, are there any specialty areas around here or anything we should know about? And what's your policy on tattooing kids? Taboo... or totally awesome?"

Velveteen- The woman's eyes widened? "Six months? Yer lucky I'm patient!” She laughed and shook her head. She knew it would take him a while but that was a bit of a surprise. Though she also knew it would be totally worth it. She watched Jesse wander off before turning her attention to Psyche and nodding in agreement. "That is true. A single lifetime is a long time to spend with bad ink...forever would totally suck. As for the rest...the appointment book is always kept here by the phone.” She pointed to the book in question. "If you go to the back, you will find names of interested clients, what they are wanting and a number to call them back on should you wish to take the job. The night shift is more flexible that way. Ummm...any extra supplies are kept out back and if anything else comes up just give Micah a call if Zoey can't help.” She stopped talking and looked a little guilty then. Sometimes she just could not help herself.

Micah- Micah listened to his wife as she explained where things were and who to contact if they required anything. The guilty look on her face didn't go unnoticed and he gave her a reassuring smile to let her know that he wasn't angry with her. She might think that she only handled the business portion but in his eyes she had just as much say as he did when it came to everything else. "I won't tattoo anyone under the age of 18. And if I suspect someone is underage then I'll ask for ID. I won't even touch them if they come to me with a guardian. It's too easy these days to fake that ****.” His fingers drummed against the counter top. "I don't offer anything but tattoos here currently. In the future though I'd like to be able to expand on that.”

[Psyche]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Jesse- As I wander, my fingers trail along the chairs, the benches, the equipment - it all looks brand new, shiny and unused. My attention turns back to the trio near the counter as Velveteen speaks - I lock away everything in my memory, to recall for the nights that I work. I nod as Micah expresses his views on tattooing those underage - so be it. Better to not draw attention to an establishment run only by vampires, no matter how ordinary that attention might be.

Psyche- Psyche nodded at the responses from the pair and clapped his hands once together, "Excellent. Cuz, I swear, if I get asked to tattoo a toddler's head with a Made in.. wherever stamp like 13 or 14 more times, I may actually start to feel bad about it." His attention turned to Micah as he mentioned his desire to expand on the services offered by the shop. "Looking at offering up the piercing option in the future, eh? Nice. These guys catch their girlfriends gawking at you guys for a few hours and I'm sure there are gonna start to be requests for gauging ears. For reals."

Velveteen- His smile only served to bring one to her own lips. He understood her too well and she was thankful for that. Her head bobbed as her husband spoke. He was very serious when it came to this kinda stuff yet she agreed with him completely on that point. Not that it was something she'd ever have to worry about. Her gaze shifted towards jesse for a mere moment before being drawn back and widening a little at Psyche's response. "You tattooed todd-....wait!” Her expression turned to realisations as it dawned on her that guy was actually joking , well she hoped he was and instead of finishing her sentence she just laughed but then second guessed herself. "You are kidding right?”

Micah- Micah glanced at Jesse as he wandered through the shop and hoped that everything was acceptable. For them both actually. He wanted to make sure that they enjoyed working for him and hoped that they be able to come and discuss any issues that might come up. Not that he expected any, everything seemed to be going smoothly so far. "I wouldn't be surprised if he had actually. Some people are just plain ******* nuts.” Sadly he really could imagine someone bringing a child in asking for a tattoo to prove a point or show loyalty.

Jesse- I don't even flinch. I have never done if before, but I have had such nutjobs come into my place of work on occasion - those wanting their toddlers, their babies, to be tattooed. A tattoo, for me, is a personal statement. It is something that a person should want, of their own accord, the decision on their own backs, should they come to regret it. No way I'm going to force a tattoo on a child, especially when the skin has not finished growing, and stretching. The tattoo would be mangled. I nod, and point at Micah, to indicate how true it is - some people are just plain ******* nuts.

Psyche- Psyche gives a sly grin to the congregation. Nodding his head, he gave a sigh, "Yeah, unfortunately, it happens. In some areas more often than some people can take." He could feel the severity of the issue had both opened up questions as to where the other might stand and simultaneously answered the sincerity of their craft. "No, Vel. I've never tattoo'd any babies. There was an instance once at the first parlor I worked at in L.A. A fifteen year old boy came in with his father and asked for a date tattooed onto him. I started to ask his date if he felt it was appropriate but the man was adamant about it. I thought perhaps considering the area it had been the date his brother had been killed or something. It turns out it had been the date he was initiated into one of the local gangs. I read he'd been shot maybe two months later. Since then I won't even entertain the thought of tattooing a minor." He was glad he'd decided to toss that particular monkey wrench into the gears. It gave a clear indication of the professionalism of both of his future co-workers. "So, far as I can see this place looks awesome. Like the friggin' Tattoo shop of the future! Haha."

Velveteen- "Wow.” Was all she could say in response to the things she had heard. There really was no accounting for some people but by the same...it did take all sorts. She shrugged it off and then laughed again. Psyche seemed like a total character and in complete contrast to the quiet more serious Jesse. It would be an interesting dynamic between the pair for sure. She did hope for the sake of everyone involved though that it worked well. "How do you figure that one Psyche?” She tilted her head curiously waiting for a moment before slipping in another question before he responded. "Actually Jesse I have been thinking on something, maybe you could help me with it?” Her head swivelled on her neck to utter quietly to Micah. "I was thinking about Ty tattoos.” As if that would be all the explanation he needed.

Micah- Micah smiled a bit. He had a really good feeling about this arrangement. Hiring Jesse and Psyche had been the right thing to do and eventually Masterpiece would be running like a well oiled machine. If there were kinks along the way they'd deal with that but no point in trying to borrow trouble. For now though he was content to sit back and listen to the conversation between his wife and Psyche. He gave an occasional glance to Jesse, hoping that he wasn't feeling as if he were being left out and as if she had read his mind, Vel called out to the man in question. The smile on his face grew. Ty tattoos. What a good idea.

Jesse- Psyche says something about some kid, a date, and a dead brother. It's got nothing to do with me, I know. My father never endorsed my love of tattoos. But still, it hits a nerve. I roll my shoulders and suppress the shudder, and the need to look over my shoulder - as if just the mere thought of him would bring that ghost back to dog my steps. Nothing happens, though, and I snap clear of my sudden memories. I throw myself into the conversation at hand; I lean up against the counter as Velveteen mentions Tytonidae, and tattoos. I perk a brow, and roll my hand in a gesture - indicating that she ought to go on.

Psyche- Psyche quirked a brow as the ree seemed to have drawn closer together over the quiet mention of...owls? He had to have been missing something, or maybe it was a Canadian thing. Was it the Provincial bird of Ontario? He looked back to the counter as he spotted Jesse was back in the game. He really needed to have a conversation sometime soon with that cat. If it's one thing being deaf had done is make him very attentive at watching... and the way he'd responded to certain things had spoken more words than Jesse ever would have needed to. He'd always found the body always said what the tongue couldn't find the words for. Yep, this place was gonna be it. Looking at the various artwork on the walls he answered Vel, "Just this place seems to have all the bells and whistles that people gawk at in magazines and immediately write off as 'what ifs'." he laughed to himself, "You got that hit-squad money" he couldn't help but laugh to himself again on the thought of that one. How much more of a dynamic would that add to this existence? Mercenary groups. Jesus. Though, he could already think of a few he'd run into who could use a proper beat down. He dismissed the thought with a shrug, "I just never been in such a nice place is all. And the joints in Vegas aren't exactly squallor."

Velveteen- Velveteen She took the opportunity to explain herself to Jesse as Psyche seemed busy looking around the place. "Well I was thinking maybe something that represented the faction, for members to wear. Kinda like a patch but more permanent. I was hoping you might try and design something for me but we can talk about it later if you are interested?” The woman chuckled and looked up again grinning proudly though she couldn't truly say she did it all on her own. She did the basic decor sure but as for what went in it, that was Micah. She did not know the first thing about tattooing and had only received her first since meeting her husband. The two made a good team and this fact was proven time and time again. She shifted a little at the mention of hit squad money and wondered how much the guy might know though she laughed it off. "Nah...I just got lucky I guess.”

[Jesse Fforde]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Micah- Micah half listened as Vel explained her idea to Jesse. He thought it was a good one and could think of a few in the faction that would probably be more than willing to have something like that tattooed somewhere on their bodies, himself included. It had been a long time since he'd had a tattoo and maybe it was time he changed that. What to get though was the question. His attention shifted back to the conversation. "Like I said no expense was spared when it came to finishing this place off. The end result was so much better than anything I could have originally imagined.”

Jesse- While the three of them discuss the space and how nice it is - I'm not going to disagree, I'm just a man of little conversation - I consider the proposition that Velveteen has put to me. I nod. Of course I'm interested, though I do think that it is a good job. I know that Velveteen is head of Tytonidae, but I have always considered Micah a second. And he, too, is a tattoo artist. A self-professed perfectionist. I hunt down a piece of paper and a pen. I write: "Am honoured. Will give it a go. Why me?"

Psyche- Psyche was getting inwardly interested in the joining at the counter. He ensured he didn't give any signs as to being interested, but he let his eyes follow over to the motion of Jesse's wrist and flex of the digits....Something of honor...Give what a go? Hmm... nothing. That gives absolutely nothing aside from more of the clandestine. He laughed inwardly to himself and looked over the types of art, placement, symmetry. They certainly had spared no expense and Vel was a seeming perfectionist as well. The symmetry and placement of furniture and decor was flawless. He let his eyes wander over to a couple, perhaps early twenties, looking through one of the tattoo books. He eyed their current pieces that showed..obviously from another parlor and certainly not enough thought put into the design. These two wouldn't be getting one here, or even at all. They were lurkers for sure.

Velveteen- Velveteen The woman smiled affectionately at her husband and then tilted her head as she read Jesse’s words. Her smile broadened across her lips and she clasped her hands together there on the counter. Her answer was simple. "Why not?” Though she did expect the project might also be a welcome distraction. She allowed her gaze to wander to Psyche then and felt a tad guilty. Either the man had no idea what they were talking about or was being polite by not intervening. Either way she suddenly felt a little rude and looked back to Jesse. "But we can talk a little more later.” Her shoulders rolled and she pulled herself upwards so that she was no longer slouching against the counter. "Well I think that is pretty much it guys unless there are any more questions?” That silver gaze was now turned on her husband in case there was more he needed to add.

Micah- Micah shook his head. "No I don't have anything else that I need to add.” The meeting had gone over well, far exceeding his expectations. Once again he found himself satisfied with the choices that he had made when he had hired these two. "But yeah if there's anything you guys need to ask then feel free to, or you can always as later. One of us is usually around and if you cant get us you can try to contact Zoey Jane.” He was always lurking around somewhere so getting in touch with him wasn't going to be too difficult.

Jesse- I nod, and echo Velveteen's movements, straightening. Yes, we can talk about it later. I find my attention moving to Psyche - he doesn't know too much about Tytonidae, then. And Velveteen's not willing to discuss the business of the faction tattoo in front of him - either that, or she'd prefer not for the guy to feel left out. I don't quite know - but I'm suddenly curious. What does he know? How new is he to all this? How does he know Micah, and how did he come by this job? I shrug my shoulders and shake my head - I don't have any questions. I feel like this Zoey Jane person is someone I ought to meet, though. I don't know what she looks like, to contact her. I figure her contact details will be around, somewhere.

Psyche- Psyche turned back to the group as it sounded like it was wrapping up. Well, that sort of sucks. Now he'd be forced to probably go back and listen to the wild ramblings of those crazy females. He was also pretty sure he lived around where the last cowboy had gone. He had a connection to them for sure... but honestly, knew few of them. He'd been able to even only speak to a few and that was on his quest for answers. Speaking of which, he needed to speak with Zodiac again. There'd been new ground on the dreams. "Naw, I got nothin'. Just thanks again for the opportunity to work here. I'm looking forward to getting to push some ink with you guys and share some ideas." He took a moment to turn to the couple and looked at the boyfriend showing his girlfriend an elaborate Tim Burton style Alice in Wonderland piece. Psyche rolled his eyes and leaned in, "Dude... it's a tattoo parlor, not an art gallery. And judging by the Yosemite Sam on your ankle, this work's not for you." He watched as the young guy choked back any idea of arguing with the tattooed freak and took his girlfriend out the door with him. "Voyeurs."

Velveteen- Velveteen choked back a laugh as she watched the young couple exit. Yep...it was gonna make things interesting around here. "Excellent. And thanks again for coming guys but best to get the boring stuff out of the way early on. Oh if you have any special requests for music just let Micah know, I'm sure he can get that sorted for you.” She afforded the man at her side a quick, yet cheeky glance. "It was nice meeting you Psyche. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your work. Yours too, Jesse. I'm not sure I have had that honour yet.”

Micah- Micah didn't bother to hold back a laugh as the couple scurried out the door. Good. They were the kind of people that Micah didn't like working with and had they attempted to get work done he would have turned them down. He caught the word music and nodded. "Yeah just let me know and I'll see what I can do with that.” Now that the paperwork was done and the contracts signed it was time for him to take a quick run through the sewers and head back home. "Thanks for coming in guys. I look forward to working with you both.”

Jesse- I watch the interaction curiously. It seems odd, and equally freeing, to be able to just run customers off if we don't like them - I manage a glance between Psyche and Micah, to see if Micah approves of the Psyche's actions. It appears that he does. Interesting. I feel like I've stepped in to the cool kid clique. Kind of. And I'm not feeling at perturbed by it. I give Micah a salute, as the guy seems to be taking his leave. I, too, look forward to working with them all. I might even begin straight away - except that I want to go collect my own personal kit, first. And so I give a flourish of a bow to Velveteen and Psyche, grinning as I do so. I'm not so serious all the time. It's my way of taking my leave. But I will be back, later - even if only to discuss the design of the faction tattoo with Velveteen.

Psyche- Psyche looked at what he'd brought, setting it down by one of the empty chairs. He needed to go back and get the rest of his stuff, anyways. He'd want to get started right away though for sure. "Alright, I'm out to get my stuff then too. I'll catch everyone back here when ya come in. I'm sure I'll start setting up tomorrow night though." At that he followed suit with an over exaggerated bow with one hand over the stomach, the other behind the back. "Laters, ladies and gentlefolk." Making his way out the door, he starts whistling, spots the couple looking at his bike outside. "That ain't no friggin art project neither, Archie. That's a motherf****n work of art!"

[Psyche]

Arriving back at Riverwood Market, Psyche parked his bike back in one of the spaces provided in the quad of the complex. He took a moment to look around at the various shops and neighboring establishments after he'd removed the helmet from his permanently clean-shaven, fully tattooed, head. Most of the market places he'd stopped in at during his job searches had an odd array of shops and often just generally weird feel to the place. This particular place was nice, however. A unique variety of very complimentary shops, surrounding a tranquil courtyard where the customer could enjoy the open air and botanic scene. There never seemed a time that the place wasn't teaming with human clientele walking the sidewalks and picnicking in the grass. Their minds raced with thoughts of hidden worries, guilt, and needs that some tried to remedy and others just sought to drown out through spending.

Turning his attention back to the sign of the shop, he grabbed his bag off the seat of the bike and decided to head in. The black leather bag was slung over the shoulder of the sleeveless black tee with the faded decal of Iron Maiden's Cousin Eddy. He felt it'd be a complimentary addition of the basic to the black acid wash jeans and buckled black combat boots. But then again, he'd never cared what anyone felt of his image anyways, he dressed how he felt... and he always felt bad-***. Opening the door to the shop, he allowed himself to enter. The sudden wonder if it was one of those shops that had the bell when someone walked in hit him. Maybe Vel had rigged it with the sound of the Crypt Keeper or something. It didn't effect him either way, but the little details interested him.

As he walked in he felt a strange sensation that he'd felt the previous nights he'd come in. Setting down his bag in his chair, he looked around and there stood the lithe robed figure of a man. Okay, first off, how strange to be standing around in a friggin' robe in the middle of a tattoo shop. The guy obviously had some serious issues. Friggin' nutjobs.

"Hey, boss. I'm not sure what it is that's tickling your fancy over there by the reception desk, but it's 2013 and either you got some mis-aimed intent to try and catch the receptionist with a flash act or you're on some ****. Either way, it ain't gonna fly around here. So either you brought that smock ridden *** of yours to get some serious ink work done or you're stepping left-right out the door."

Nothing. He got nothing. The man just stayed standing there in front of the reception desk with his damn bathrobe and didn't utter a word. Psyche looked at him closer and concentrated a bit more on the guy, the reading wasn't right. At least, if it was right, it wasn't anything he'd experienced before. Instead, he decided to approach the man and get some answers.

"Hey, who are you, boss?"

"My vampire name is Berliion. A mask, as all things are, and all things should be..."

As the man spoke to Psyche, he could tell that this Berlion wasn't all the way there, both physically and mentally. An air of madness emanated from him that struck even him. The things he'd seen in the past months would've led him to believe that shock was out of the game plan anymore, but here yet again it was happening. It's no wonder no one ever visited Canada.

"What do you mean, mask?"

Before he could finish the question, the man faded away into nothingness and was gone. He wasn't quite sure what to make of what the hell just happened, but perhaps he;d need to ask Micah or Jesse if they'd happened to have seen him standing there at all. In the meantime, he opened his bag and began to unpack his work equipment and set up his station. He wasn't sure how long it'd be before any potential clientele arrived, or if he'd need to go street team it in advertising for a bit to get them there. It didn't really matter. He had time and plenty of it. Until then he'd just bust out the pad and start with design ideas...