[Tain's Studio] Colorful Dead (Savis)

by **Martini Elwood** on December 2nd, 2018, 1:01 am

10th, Winter, 518

The sleep schedule in Lhavit was abnormal for Martini. She almost never rested during the day unless it was one of her exhaustion slips. That being said she didn’t have to follow he schedule, it was just there. She could use her normal routine and all would be well, save for the celebrations at night that lasted into the early bells at times. Despite that she managed to sleep, and she’d even gotten used to ignoring the prickling fear that spiked her nerves when she saw the easel in her apartment.

Lhavit was abnormal indeed, but the abnormality never subtracted from its beauty or wonder. It was a city of art and Martini never failed to find something new inside its mountains. Sadly, she was lost most of the time - though it was almost never a bad thing. Speaking of art, she’d been getting better recently… Her proficiency with the charcoal was spiking, and the number of mistakes was also lessening. She’d meant to try painting classes, sadly there was none being offered in the city that she could find.

In the end she’d decided trial and error was a s good a teacher as any. Pushing herself away from her desk, she started combing her hair and prepping for her hike to the studio. After grabbing her backpack to remove the toolkit, she shrugged it over her shoulder and grabbed some kina and her map, eagerly locking the apartment behind her as she set off.

******

Tain’s Studio wasn’t too far from the Solar Wind Apartments, in fact most of her time she spent there if not in her apartment. Pushing open the door to the studio, she gave a small wave and smile to the owner who was flitting around helping others here and there. Martini noticed often that he - Tain - seemed to be everywhere at once in the shop with the help of his employee. Martini hadn’t talked to her much, but she seemed just as eager to help out as Tain himself.

Navigating the area was easy, thankfully it wasn’t a huge store. She looked for the things she needed; some canvas from this isle, a pack of charcoal sticks from that row… She was becoming quite skilled in finding what she needed. Now that she remembered, she could use some paint for practice… Perhaps just a few colors, just in case it didn’t go well. Skipping to the next row of shelves, she took a peek at the colors available. She picked up a blue paint vial, swirled it a bit to judge the texture before settling it back on the shelf.

What colors should she get? Perhaps she could try to paint something she already had..? Hm, she had a few sketches lying around the apartment, so it wasn’t a stretch to assume she had some throwaways. Shifting her weight in thought, she spaced out a bit. She could just get some a few and figure it out later. No, choosing random colors would give her too much artistic freedom. She wanted some kind of structure at least. She was quickly flitting around, going exactly where she needed to go to find paint or ink. She’d blocked out everything around her, focusing singularly on the task she had given herself.

by **Savis Maren** on December 11th, 2018, 12:51 am

10th of Winter, 518 AV

Monotony.

The routine Savis Maren developed was one of practical pursuit and levity, but there was no pursuit in between. The Nuit did not need to breathe, and yet, she felt suffocated under the breadth of her plans for the present, her future, and all of the details that hung between. Madeira Craven and her undead comrade delved into their burgeoning alliance, and while the prospects of their partnership intrigued the Animator beyond measure... there was more to life than plotting and magic. Indeed, there was a culture beyond the walls of Infinity Manor that the Nuit had barely scratched the surface of. There were pursuits, scholarly and otherwise, that she ignored even when they stared her in the face with their possibilities!

No longer, the Nuit thought to herself. Already, Savis arranged for her monotony to end. She orchestrated her intentions quite well and was rewarded for her efforts employment at a lovely studio at the height of Zintia's peak. She'd met Tain only once before, and while the owner seemed rather distrustful of her undead nature, there was no denying that Savis could handle a paintbrush. The more technical side of painting, and the intricacies of the nature of art itself eluded her, but it was that very nature that she hunted after desperately to break the monotony of her 'black and white' world view. Savis Maren was a mage, that much she knew beyond a doubt. She was also a Nuit, an undead 'monstrosity' born from one of the magicks she herself practiced and perpetuated through the seizure of corpses at the hand of the Constellations.

But... what else was she? A gadgeteer? Perhaps, she'd delved into the technical aspects of it enough to consider herself a practitioner of that elusive craft, and yet... she felt a closer kinship to the waving of a brush.

An artist, she realized days before, and as she approached Tain's Studio, her identity as such grew more and more apparent. Savis Maren wielded magic as an extension of her desire to will life into the inanimate objects that fascinated her so. She pushed the nuances of knowledge and understanding into tools, watched them rise to life before her and to her... that was art. But what else could art be?

She debated internally as she ascended the peak of Zintia, climbing along the path towards Tain's Studio and she witnessed again the splendor of its view. Unlike the rest of the businesses on Zintia, this place did not exist on the plaza. No, it was isolated and set on the peak with the view of the mountains and Mizahar beyond the bound of Lhavit's protections. The idea of the world beyond Lhavit repulsed the Nuit, for her journey, at ground level, was rife with ugliness, disdain and dangers beyond comprehension. However, seeing it from above rid her of those feelings and she was left with the wonder of nature's striking beauty. A beauty that, if she could help it, she'd never touch with her hands and feet again.

But with my eyes... she mused, a smirk caught on her stiff, grayish features as those silver eyes climbed the height of the Studio. Savis didn't work there this day, but she visited because her repertoire of paints was embarrassingly low for a woman thrust into that profession. She had her lovely brush and her deep, jet-black paint that she used for Glyphing and Animation, but there was more to have and utilize if she meant to push deeper than the mere fabrication of circles and sigils.

When Savis Maren passed through the studio's doors and allowed her piercing, silver eyes to navigate the breadth of it all. The Nuit caught the eye of Tain, the owner and her new employer, but their gazes seemed to intersect but for a moment. He looked pointedly away a moment after, and it was his co-owner, Nat, that held her gaze for a longer period of time. They seemed to navigate the place effortlessly, and the two of them, knowing Savis worked there, didn't approach to assist her. Instead, they took to other patronage, leaving the Nuit quite alone, and unsure as she perused the wares with little knowledge of what it was she needed at all. Colors, sure, but which ones?

A palette, perhaps? But what size... how many colors is enough? she asked herself, thrust into an entirely different dimension and entirely lacking in the understanding to pursue it.

by **Martini Elwood** on December 31st, 2018, 3:00 am

There were only so many ideas that Martini could contain before she got the urge to put them on paper. She was proud of her work oriented nature even if it was a bit much at times. The brunette was stockpiling colors and how they would look on canvas while sorting through the shelves. She hadn't picked up any colors because she was over analyzing the choices.

Perhaps a fresh perspective would give her some clue as to what she wanted to go for? Drawing had always been her go to but she hadn't learned much about painting. The studio sometimes offered tips to beginners, most coming from Tain and Nat themselves. Looking up and breaking her daze she noticed a curious looking woman who seemed... lost? Or maybe she was overwhelmed? It was hard to tell with how she seemed to have a slight mask of indifference. Martini couldn't deny that Tain and Nat were busy with others.

Perhaps she wasn't lost or overwhelmed, but she supposed it couldn't hurt to ask. Should I step in? She wondered - most people in Lhavit that she'd met so far were generally friendly. But getting closer to the woman unnerved her a bit, especially that piercing gaze she seemed to bore into her sights with. She didn't ant to make assumptions - though she supposed if the woman was hear surely she had a reason.

"Uhm, excuse me?" Martini cleared her thoughts as she spoke up. She hoped she wasn't disturbing the woman. She didn’t seem intimidating other than her gaze at least. She wasn’t sure how she looked walking up to a total stranger unsure if they really needed assistance but offering it anyway. "Do you perchance need help with anything?"

Now that she was closer she was nervous. She didn’t know if the black on the woman’s lips were normal - she’d never seen anything like it. Then again it was hardly much considering that there was a race with multiple arms and others with blue skin. She fidgeted a bit and added to her words quickly only to start trailing off as she lost some of her nerve. "I just happened to see you from the aisle…"

OOCSorry this took so long, let me know if you need me to change anything!

by **Savis Maren** on January 3rd, 2019, 11:02 pm

Savis Maren greeted challenge with an eager soul. She'd proved to herself that a return to 'humanity' was possible by laying down her 'sword' and dwelling peacefully within Lhavit. The proofs she submitted to herself, however, were lackluster at best. A monster can dwell among sheep, she mused as her silver eyes rolled their gaze over the shelf space. The nuit felt smaller than she had in quite some time in Lhavit, and it had nothing to do with the shell she bore. Of considerable height with this mortal shape, Savis Maren's countenance was raised in an unerringly straight posture, her chin squared to the earth when the mortal approached her. Then, the creature spoke to her.

The undead was not a creature most approached likely. The smell of paints certainly lingered in the studio, but the astringent cast of her formaldehyde solution combined in a stark contrast with the light and airy scent of the floral perfume in an especially... potent concoction. When the nuit turned to face the smaller and far younger woman, her piercing silver gaze did very little to reveal the wild bemusement that lingered within. Hard, angled features supported a gaunt countenance, wrinkles formed from the corpse's age only further evidencing the undeath that the Nuit languished in. Her blackened lips parted for a brief moment as if considering her answer before they shut anew when Martini spoke again.

"I just happened to see you from the aisle..." she trailed off. The nuit allowed djed to pour from the depths of her soul. The power exuded from her eyes as an invisible lash, coiling about the young woman's aura. With her so close, the subtle nuances written upon the young woman's features grew with a significance to their shift. Intent arose within the nuit first. Altruism rang as a chorus among chimes. It sang with a virtuous wrath that nearly caused the nuit to roll her eyes. Charity, she mused, but amusement burgeoned within the being nonetheless. It took courage to approach Savis Maren, and the undead did not take such courage lightly. Particularly because Martini's presence did nothing to conceal her nerves. subtle fidgeting, quick speech. The nuit's surprise augmented with a measure of respect.

A desire to lash out and rebuke the challenger was the first instinct. Violence in speech was the first line of defense. But, it was broken so easily. Instead of violence, Savis Maren greeted her opposite with a warmth that spilled into her djed-suffused gaze.

"You're quite astute, then! I'd be pleased to listen to any advice you have, Ms..." she trailed off, unsure of what to address the girl as. Hurrying past that point of ignorance, she immediately turned towards the shelves, motioning to the selection of paints with an air of uncertainty.

"I've... never really needed to do any of this. I enjoy the process of painting, but to be plain with you I've only used it as a means to an end..." she began before realizing her rudeness. This creature had done nothing but show her respect, and as such, she rectified her mistake immediately, "I'm Savis," she introduced. The name, spoken without its sur and used so casually caused a faint tremor to whirl about the undead creature's frame.

by **Martini Elwood** on January 18th, 2019, 5:25 am

Martini couldn't conceal the scrunch of her features once she was close enough to Savis. Whatever perfume she was wearing was thickly laid - she tried to keep the scrunch hidden by forming it into a smile. It wasn’t a bad smell, just a particularly strong one. She couldn't help the bubble of relief that lifted from her features as the silver eyed woman spoke. Good, she needed the help then.

If her shoulders had sagged visibly she wouldn't have doubted it - but she responded in kind to the introduction. "Martini," she supplied with a smile, following Savis gesture to the paints and oils. She wasn't exactly an expert - she had some of the basic knowledge she'd learned from Nat. Considering what the elder woman meant by 'means to an end' wasn't her place - she concluded if Savis had meant to tell her she would have.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Savis. Do you have any ideas of what you want to paint?" Martini's question had purpose. If Savis knew what she wanted it would be easier to pick colors - did she want a landscape? A portrait? Such things were somewhat important. She looked up hopefully - it was a fine place to start, but if Savis didn’t know then she could always direct her eyes to some basic colors Nat had taught her. “If not it’s fine - Just somewhere to start if you do.”

The brunette wasn’t an expert admittedly - but basics were basics and how hard could it be? Martini herself was known to dabble in many things art wise. While not a social creature entirely she could get her express herself fairly well compared to her younger years. Ah, but such thoughts would need to be derailed in order to focus on the task at hand. Savis seemed like a woman of business - Martini couldn’t help but feel like she held herself with a certain air that demanded authority. Though she could easily be wrong…

“I’m not sure how far you are into the work though, perhaps that could help. I don’t think I’ve seen you around before, though it could be coincidence. That said pardon me for assuming but perhaps the first place to start would be supplies? Charcoal, brushes, ink… though it’s really depend on the style you’re looking for.” Martini mouth was working faster than her brain this time. She was trying to summon any inkling of memory that included materials for the creative process. Her cheeks flushed as her mind slowed and her speech stopped, she looked away bashfully. She fiddled with her hair a bit as an attempt to distract them from the fact she’d barely given Savis room to answer in her daze. The brunette had always been more work than play but socialization was a key aspect in her job - she’d need to work on that.

by **Savis Maren** on February 12th, 2019, 11:25 am

10th of Winter, 518 AV

Assistance is always welcome, the Nuit thought as she found the gaze of the young Martini. The woman's expression spoke of a weariness to her person, and Savis Maren was quite curious to peer beneath the surface. A bad habit, perhaps, to continue to probe into the presence of another, but it was the self-serving prerogative of the undead that propelled her forth in her study of the arcane. Conflict brewed beneath the surface, and Savis wondered just how animated this woman was about helping her. She'd come of her own accord, and yet, there was a sort of frailty about her. The frailty made itself apparent to the Nuit, who looked over Martini's aura, reminded of glass.

Beautiful, but untouchable. The slightest wrong move can shatter the whole, she ruminated, gathering her impression of the young girl as she considered her question. She seemed, at the very least, willing to assist. Her question was good, and Savis took her time thinking about it as the ideas whirled about. The nuit was a technical being, and the idea of 'wanting' to do something over 'needing' to never crossed her mind.

"I..." she trailed off. The glass seemed infectious, and Savis feared saying the wrong answer before Martini continued to specify, adding more and more ideas to the pot while the Nuit struggled to come up with a proper answer.

"Charcoal, brushes, ink... though it really depends on the style you're looking for," she said. The woman was moving through ideas quickly, and while Savis wasn't lost among them, she was certainly in conflict with them.

"Are you an artist, Martini?" she asked, breaking the ice that sought to encroach her thoughts before she mused onward. She peered at Martini, watching the flush cast upon her features as she seemed to at last realize that she'd said quite a lot without really waiting for the Nuit to process much of it. It's usually the artsy type that falls into that sort of fervor. The passionate, eager to share their understanding with someone coming into a realm they know better, she reasoned. The Nuit allowed her connection to aura to fade, still maintaining a grasp on the artist's aura, but not actively calling on that awareness to an advantage.

"I don't have any great projects in mind, just yet. But I've recently been hired on here, you see. So I'm certain that I'll get one, soon!" she added, a shallow laughter emerging. Savis didn't know where to begin with non-technical brushwork, and hoped that she'd be given simpler projects while she sought to understand the work... and her place in it.

"I do have this, though," she said, retrieving her satchel and pulling from it her current kit. She produced from that kit her prized paintbrush, whose worn handle but clean and polished hairs spoke of the care given to it by the undead painter.

"I've used thicker paints in the past for my works. Oil paints?" she wondered, only in part sure of the name. She inwardly cursed her ignorance on the matter, and was glad for Martini's presence. She really did need the help.

OOCSorry about the wait >.<

by **Martini Elwood** on February 19th, 2019, 9:43 pm

A bashful smile melted her unease - even if just a bit. She bobbed her head slowly at Savis' question but gave her some quiet to think. She beamed a bit brighter when Savis mentioned her employment at Tain's - new artists were always welcome! She was always excited when people showed interest in visual arts. Perhaps it was her wanting to make a new friend, or wanting someone to blab to about her projects and such - she wasn't sure.

"That's wonderful! Perhaps we could do a joint project someday," There was no expectation of course, just a hint that perhaps they'd be able to meet again on friendly terms. She guided her gaze to Savis' hands as she pulled out a worn but well cared for brush.

"I believe the last time I painted they were oil paints, so I might be more helpful than I thought," a light laughter bubbled from her. It seemed like Savis was newer to the ways, perhaps Martini could just provide the basics of what she knew? That would at least be a start. "You're a painter so you'd probably want thicker paper like canvas and some paint to use?"

She gestured towards a rack with a rainbow of color choices. "If I remember correctly there are three main colors that can make the rest... It's been a while since my lesson with Nat. I'm more of a drawer than a painter." It was an afterthought, but she thought adding it for transparency would be better than revealing it later. "Red, blue, and.. yellow I believe."

Now that she thought back to her lessons with Nat, she could recall being very, very bad at painting. If the realization hit her any harder she might have fallen to the ground. She wasn't in a position to teach anyone - she was still learning the basics herself. We could learn together, she thought. She could use the practice and the knowledge, but doing it with a friend would be much more exciting! Hopefully she wasn't getting ahead of herself…

Were they friends? Social guidelines was a lesson that seemed to go over her head. Could one make a friend simply by talking to them once? Thinking it best not to dwell she cleared her throat quietly and spoke again with clear excitement. "Would you be interested in trying out some paint?"