Paint 'til Perfect

Manta Carlos was a very interesting place. It seemed to live and breathe, and just when you thought you'd seen everything, heard every rumor, something new or hidden away popped up. This was a gift for someone as addicted to novelties and thrill seeking as Rhys Arkewright was. He never risked boredom in this city. Now, he'd heard about a little shop tucked away from all the noise-- an art dealership.

Now. Despite his rather offensive status as a high profile thief of such things, Rhys was an art connoisseur and artist himself. There were very little things in the world that he cared about more than art. Interesting, promising places were often the most quirky, and this fit that bill. He had nothing more intense scheduled for the day, his sister was busy and it was too early for parties, and, indulgently, decided to seek out a point of curiosity.

The Empty Canvas looked abandoned, but the hand painted sign was endearing, inviting. Rhys grinned and pushed the door open, peeking inside. He had to whistle. The walls were stuffed with paintings, he felt like a kid in a bright and colorful candy store who'd just gotten his allowance. The only other person inside was a fairly young looking girl, sitting in front of… fittingly, an empty canvas. She looked a bit frustrated.

"Aha. Bit of an art block, perhaps? I've experienced that pain before, happens to us all," Rhys said as he stepped further in, continuing to peer around. He focused back in on the girl, smiling brightly. "Hi! Do you by chance own this store? I like it. Unique."

"Ah," Rhys chirped, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Certainly!" He held still obediently, knowing just what it was for, and was happy to play along, from one artist to another.

"Something sparked your interest, I see," he further commented, watching her seek out the right brush for the job. "I don't find it rude! The opposite, really, quite flattering. Besides, I'm not a man easily offended, I promise you. Life's too short for that, in my humble opinion."

When she finished, Rhys approached her, relaxed in this space despite it having more quiet than he was used to in the daytime. "Lovely, then. And I do apologize for your situation, I'm sympathetic. Best of luck in getting your inspiration back. You know, whenever I feel lacking in such things, I dive head first into something new and exciting." He beamed. "Do you like such things, Miss Cecilia, or are you more the quiet type? There's value in that, as well, beauty in the little details."

He offered her his hand to shake. "Rhys." He left out his last name, as per the norm. "I'd love to buy a painting, though I didn't come looking for anything too specific. I like to keep an open mind, let something dazzle me. Do you have favorites, hidden gems the most pass by, or recommendations? Browsing through everything would be ideal, but I'm sure you don't want me lurking around all day."

He tilted his head. "Perhaps that just means I'll have to keep coming back."

Something about him. Rhys kept smiling, but his insides did a little nervous twist. There were too many things about himself he'd rather people not know about, and yet, he tended to put them on display anyway. It was an artists way, he'd decided, to push yourself to at times reveal too much, and show it to the world despite how personal it was. He put that aside. "There is never a time when I am not keeping my eyes open for a painting, Cecilia," he noted with a chuckle. "Can never have too many, can you?"

He waited patiently as she looked at him and around the store, then replied to his other comments. "Ah! I see, that's good. Diving into new things, I mean. Not being able to go into the city, however, that won't do at all." He frowned and tilted his head. "I did hear talk of your shop, but it only intrigued me, and now you have a customer. Is there negative gossip, as well? It's sad to hear that a pretty young lady like you is cooped up indoors thanks to rumors. Very unfair indeed."

He waved a dismissive hand and grinned. "I don't mind! I promise you, I enjoy talking to people, whether the conversation is lighthearted or not." With that, however, he did slip closer to the paintings, interested. This was a beautiful selection of art, and hidden away in such an unassuming location, too. If you weren't looking, it would be easy to not find, and you'd never know what you were missing. His eyes glittered like gems as they scanned the walls. Soon enough, he did find something that caught his attention, though he suspected it wouldn't be the last item for sale here to do so.

A painting of a sunset in London, where he'd spent his childhood and lived with his family. There was a melancholy appeal here. He couldn't have any of that back, but he still adored and longed for it. "Lovely colors," he said, softly. "May I buy this, as my first patronage to your shop, my dear?"