The Girl with the Lyrium Tattoo

Avorra strode through the tavern doors, looking for one person in particular; a relatively famous tattoo artist that frequented these parts. Now, normally, Avorra wouldn't care for aesthetics (oh, who was she kidding, of course she cared) but this mysterious artist dealt with tattoos of an arcane nature. Granted, as far as rumours go, that was the farthest this grapevine went. The Shadow sought something more than just a magical tattoo, however. She needed lyrium, and a lot of it. Her power by itself was innately strong, but as always with Avorra, it was never enough. She needed more - and even then, she knew it still wouldn't be enough. Whether it was her or Zazikel, she no longer knew; what she did know is that her magical hunger made her crave and crave and crave. An insatiable need to consume before it consumed her.

She turned her head, scanning the tavern's wide room. Numerous patrons sat at their tables, minding their own business. So far, no one out of the ordinary. Perhaps this artist was ordinary. What a bummer that would be. Avorra sat down by her lonesome at a table, a waitress approaching her. Ordering her food and some alcohol to go with it, she continued scanning the room while waiting for her food and drink. She was growing restless by the minute. Hopefully this nameless nobody would show their face soon.

It was a pretty typical day for Nahreida, they left the house they shared with their partners late morning so that they could make it to the tavern they frequented shortly after lunch. It was a relatively nice day out, big white fluffy clouds in the sky. Nahreida had a pretty good feeling about the day ahead of them.

They arrived at the tavern and looked around. They had a tendency to stand out, not just because of the fact that their bare arms were covered in tats, but because their skin was so obviously different than one would expect. It had sort of a grey pallor to it. Then there was the multiple eyes on their forehead that could be seen through their bangs. The other oddities they had about them were better hidden. Spinnerets on their arms and a set of pincers in their mouth that could only be seen when they talked. They decided to go over to someone with an empty seat, perhaps they wouldn’t mind if they joined them.

Pardon, do you mind if I sit here? Nahreida wasn’t carrying anything, but they generally kept all of their gear in a shadow pocket to make travel easier.

The drinks and the food were good, that was a plus. Avorra was no more closer to finding her quarry, however. She picked at her appetizers, having already ate breakfast that morning. Her drink, however, was divine. A little bit of day-drinking never hurt anybody. It didn't take long for someone to notice her loneliness. She rolled her eyes at the question and made to turn her head. She intended to snap at the taverngoer until she made eye contact. The newcomer's grey skin was covered in tattoos, and there was more than one set of eyes. That could have been enough to creep Avorra out, but she's arguably seen worse.

Of course, go right ahead. Avorra said, flashing a smile. Was this who she was looking for? What brings you here, stranger? Care for a drink? Her reaction was genuine. Usually, there was an ulterior motive to her niceties. In this case, however, her friendliness was authentic. She took another swig out of her glass as she waited for the tatted one to speak.

Nahreida smiled warmly and sat down across from Avorra. The bartender had already seen Nahreida enter and was probably preparing her usual tea. Though it was kind of them to ask if they wanted something.

That’s kind of you, but Emmerich the bartender is already preparing my tea. I’m a bit of a regular here you see. Name’s Nahreida. I do my business out of here. Emmerich let’s me and I toss him a discount on any tattoos I do for him. Nahreida explained, a few moments later Emmerich came over to the table with a pot of tea and a tea cup. He greeted Nahreida and asked if there was anything else she needed, she said no, and Emmerich smiled and went back to his business behind the bar.

So, what brings you here? Nahreida asked curiously. She loved meeting new people and making new friends. It was a big part of why she did the work she did, it meant meeting new people.

A pleasure to meet you, Nahreida. Avorra said with the flash of a smile. Her eyes lazily watched as Emmerich laid the pot of tea and cup on the table. Business is what brings me here. I have been looking for a certain, renowned tattoo artist who frequents here. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but something tells me it is you. Avorra snickered at her own joke, seeing as there was a severe lack of tattoo artists save the one sitting next to her. Avorra took another swig out of her drink, before eyeing Nahreida again.

Before we get to business, however, perhaps it would be more inviting to ask about you. I would not mind making a dear friend while I am here. How is life around these parts? Perhaps it was the drink or how intriguing this person was, but Avorra felt herself relax for once. It wasn't often she was able to just wind down and... talk. She came here for lyrium prospects, but now she found herself wanting to me a friend. The absurdity of it all! Alas, even Avorra surprised herself sometimes.

Nahreida, with their usual composure, attentively listened to Avorra's words. Upon hearing Avorra claim that they were certain it was Nahreida she had been searching for, Nahreida's interest was piqued, and they couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in intrigue. This was not an uncommon occurrence in their life; her reputation often led people to seek them out. It had happened numerous times before, and judging by the air of mystery that seemed to surround them, Nahreida suspected it wouldn't be the last time either.

Well, colour me intrigued…. As Avorra brought up Nahreida and how they were doing, Nahreida tipped their head. It was rather polite of them. That’s kind of you to ask. Things are as good as can be expected with Antiva breathing down our necks. The Rivaini rebellion wasn’t exactly going as good as people had hoped, so most were just accepting the Antivans as their new masters.

I do not think I've properly introduced myself yet. My name is Avorra. Avorra said, nodding her head. What is the trouble with Antiva?

Avorra had heard of the brewing rebellion, but so long as nothing affected Dairsmuid, she didn't pay any mind to the worldly politics. The Shadow was quick to observe Nahreida's tattoos, perhaps looking a little too long at some. This was an interesting person to make friends with. She wondered if she was capable of doing lyrium tattoos - something to help contain her chaotic power from within. She was perhaps one of the only mages that chose not to use a staff, but rather her hands and mind. The lack of a conduit meant her magic was unstable. The lyrium tattoos would prove to be an excellent replacement in lieu of a proper staff.

Avorra snapped out of her staring, and looked Nahreida in the eyes. Your tattoos are beautiful, as are you.

Nahreida chuckled a bit at Avorra’s question, Only that they invaded Rivain and took it over, and so far the rebellion has been a bit of a flop. Granted now Antiva also has Elgar’nan to deal with, but that’s neither here nor there. Troubles for tomorrow, not troubles for today. They took a sip of her tea and then smiled at Avorra’s kind words.

That’s so very kind of you to say. You are not so bad on the eyes yourself. They paused and then thought more about how it was them that Avorra had been looking for. So, looking for me eh? What kind of tattoo are you interested in? I do everything from the mundane to the magical and everything in between. They explained.

Troubles indeed. Avorra said, nodding. Her next statement was straight to business. I am interested in tattoos of the magical nature. Lyrium tattoos, to be specific. The Pale Witch looked at her pale skin, imaging the designs she could put on there. Sacred geometry had always been a beautiful art to her. Perhaps she would start there. Lines, angles, stars, moons. The possibilities were endless.

You see, I have a bit of a predicament. My magic is rather unstable, has always been that way. I forgo the use of a staff, and as such I lack a proper conduit to channel my magic. I am thinking that lyrium-laced tattoos could help me channel my magic from within, and perhaps stabilize it. What do you think? Avorra asked Nahreida.

Nahreida listened attentively, their eyes narrowing in contemplation. They were no stranger to the intricacies and potential dangers of lyrium tattoos, but they had never before applied one for such a specific purpose. The challenge intrigued them.

Indeed, lyrium tattoos could serve as a conduit for your magic. However, it's a delicate process and not without its risks. If you're willing to take those, we can certainly explore this further. It wasn’t something they’d done often, not since waking, but back in the day before they’d gone to sleep they’d done their fair share of them. It’s also a lengthier process than my usual work. You’d need a full day set aside. They explained.

Avorra acknowledged that there were risk involved, but the reality was she didn't really have a choice. If the decision is whether to die horribly to my own magic, or die horribly to an experimental tattooing process, I think I will bet my money on the latter. Avorra laughed half-heartedly. Did she really want to die on an tattooing table? You said you needed the whole day? When would be a good time? I am free practically any time. Avorra said, downing another shot of her gin and tonic.

And thank you for being so willing. It is hard to find someone who is versed in such a delicate craft nowadays. Avorra said, smiling. She finished picking at her appetizers as she awaited Nahreida's answer. This was going to be a fun outing indeed.

Nahreida nodded, appreciating Avorra's resolve. I understand your predicament. I need to talk to my lyrium guy, I should be able to get enough for the tats within a day. Any idea on the design itself, or whatever as long as it’s lyrium imbued? They paused, looking thoughtful as they sipped their tea.

And it's my pleasure, Avorra. I'm glad to be able to help someone in need. It wasn’t how they’d expected the day to go, but they were always pleased to meet new friends and felt they were more than up for the challenge of a lyrium tattoo.