Welcome to Gaia! ::

The art show on the sidewalk was actually good this year, Thranduil decided. Usually, it was filled with kitschy crafts and half baked projects from this or that person. Plus in the heat of summer, everyone was semi-miserable with the mild humidity making skin tacky and sweaty. But, today, it was a mild 78, with a decent cross breeze, and there were new vendors and artists showing off their latest.

He wasn't really looking for anything in particular, but he was more or less scouting for something interesting. Which, by his definition, meant skill and creativity. A thing which he either found in halves or not at all. His brothers would say he was just too picky but- he was not of the same mind. He thought himself just selective and critical. He wanted to admire something more than just for a passing glance.

In looking at a table decorated in leather work bags, he almost missed it. He didn't usually stare at people or their skin, but this woman had a particularly nice tattoo. Clean lines, good saturation with color, and a natural balance and flow with the movement of the peice itself.
"Uh, excuse me." He liked what he saw, and if anything wanted to just comment on it.
"Your tattoo-" He smiled, "-it's really good. Your own design or-"
He let the question hang.

Tran brightened at her response. Her own design was impressive, and, he rather was curious at to what shop. The artist who inked was skilled to have done so well, and it wasn't as if it was a fresh tattoo either. A testament to how well it was that it still was so crisp.

"Oh, well." He looked at it again pausing. "I like it. It's not overly ornate and it flows well with the movement. The lines are crisp and there's no bleed or bloom, and the line width itself also adds to the flow. The saturation works perfectly for your skin tone, and it's deep enough it's not going to fade for a while."

He grinned. "Sorry if it's a bit odd. I've been thinking about getting a tattoo myself but, I tend to be too cautious with most shops. It's.. hard to find someone to trust with that sort of thing for me."

He smiled and nodded, eyes flicking between her face and the ink. It was rather delicate not that he had time to scrutinize the detailing. “Natural subjects like flora often can be the most difficult. You have to get the balance just right to make it appear as it should, lest it end up a bit comical. You did an excilent job of it!” Which actually got his brain rolling on his own thoughts of possible tattoo subjects he found appealing.
“So you’re an artist and an inker?” He was slightly surprised but, pleasantly so. If she could both, and when one skill was so high, it was a good bet the other would be as well. Or at least, that was the impression he had. “I’d love to drop by your studio and see what other designs you’re done. Like I said, I’ve been looking for someone who’s good enough to trust marking me for life.” He joked.

“I’m Thran by the way.” He internally winced at what would come out of his mouth next, hand held out for a shake.
“Thranduil Wood.”