Logs:Naked (Dis)Honesty
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| RL Date: 8 March, 2013 |
| Who: Wakizian, Hana, Alida |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Wakizian tries his hand mental manipulation with Hana as his intended victim, then has his first honest exchange with Alida. |
| Where: Bathing Pools, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 8, Month 3, Turn 31 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Nicky/Mentions, Kaeden/Mentions, Azaylia/Mentions |
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| Bathing Pools, High Reaches Weyr Omnipresent clouds of steam slink across the tops of three naturally warm pools, set into the floor of this kidney-shaped cavern. Near the entrance the ceiling is high and polished, gleaming with little mineral specks as it sweeps downward into increasingly ragged, uneven steps. The foremost of the pools is squared off with wide steps leading down into the water and has faucets for bringing in cooler water from a rain-catching cistern. Primarily used for laundry, there's an almost constant film of suds along its surface until the circulating current clears it at the end of the day. Four sinks line the nearest wall and various tubs stored beneath allow for the washing of delicates. Laundry bags can be dropped off in the bins near the door and clean, folded laundry is stacked in rows of tall cubbies for easy pickup. The bend in the cavern leads to a rougher-hewn part of the chamber where the two circular bathing pools welcome those in need of a wash. Towels and washcloths are kept in neat stacks on shelves along the wall, along with sacks of sweetsand and a few bars of precious soap. Stone benches provide a place for sitting to remove shoes and clothing, while a row of gleaming brass hooks stand above, ready to hold clothes and robes. The pools are busiest just after duties and just before duties start, so things aren't quite as full of naked bodies as they are at peak times now, a few hours after the rush. There's no shortage of people, though, but at least now there's more space per person. Wakizian is already in the pools, and from the looks of things, he's been there a while. The swelling has gone down on his left eye a bit, and the dark colors of a fresh bruise are coming through. Set on the edge of the pool beside him is a very large basket that's-- leaking. It's got snow piled in it, and Wakizian seems to be doing a few marks on, few marks off to try to reduce some of the swelling further. His hair is down, hanging around his shoulders and he is submerged to well-muscled shoulders, leaving the rest to the imagination. Hana makes her way in - not alone, but with a small bundle of joy known as Vinien and an older woman - the reason for the later becoming clear when she holds the little while the holder goes about doing what is needed and slipping into one of the pools. Luckily, the steam makes her turn rosy - because she would have headed that way herself. Once babe is in hand, modesty preserved by way of water depth, the little starts to splash in the water, while Hana tells her companion, "Go, go. We'll be fine for a 'mark, and you need a bit of time to yourself." With the day done and Alida in need of some therapeutic muscle relaxing time after her workout, the young woman can be found padding on light feet into the bathing cavern, her plain and long white robe fluttering with her steps through the ever-present, swirling mists. Coming here at this time for likely the same reason Waki did, the guard relies on those heavy swirls of mist and condensation to help preserve her own modesty, her heavy garment dropped into its own pool of fabric at her chosen edge of pool. She doesn't yet know that other folks are already in or are joining the pool she's chosen, or the woman might just abandon said area in horror. As it is, she's reticent enough doing this in her new digs, the blonde quick-stepping towards the nearby, shallow stairs that lead into the pool, and stepping in. Is that a flash of pale skin, or maybe even a scar or three? Aside from the general discomfort of a new injury, Wakizian looks relaxed. After all, he grew up here. Naked bodies - even those of attractive females - don't faze him - not here. It's just-- the bathing pools. That's what happens here. His good eye does open, letting his bruised one stay shut, to catch the sight of those who've entered the pool, squinting through the mist. "Is that you, holder-Hana?" His baritone snakes through the steam, warm. "I didn't expect you'd do as the weyrfolk do." But then, what choice does she have? "Who's that you have there?" That she's minding a little isn't lost on him. His eyes flit towards the stairs and make out the female form there, though whether he realizes it's Alida or not at this moment, it's not clear. There is a squeak, then a slightly unsteady "If I die due to blood to the head, can you fish Vinien out? While he seems to be enjoying himself, I don't think it'd end up being a suitable place for him, all told" Because, it would seem, that Vini is the babe with her. "Ah... none of your friends are with you, right?" Because either one of them might cause her to forgot head exploding. She might just drown herself, instead. Bathing time is vulnerable time, and Alida's never cared for such, though she also is used to the whole 'shared area' thing. As such, the guard simply takes a deep and steady breath and calms herself...until she hears Wakizian and Hana's voice. Instantly, the blonde tightens back up, her feet hurrying her deeper into the waters until nothing but her head is sticking out. As quietly as possible, she steps over towards the edge of the pool that holds the niche where soapsand bags are stored. All she wants to do now is bath and GTFO...and not be seen. Hopefully the swirling fog will cover her. "Nope, just me. Which friends, in particular, were you worried would be here with me?" Wakizian's tone is too casual, so he's clearly interested in the response. "On my honor as a-- candidate? Smith? Smith candidate? Weyrbrat? Whichever you like, really, I'll swear to not only fish out any wayward babies, but I'll do my best not to encourage too much blood to your head, and fish you out as well, if it becomes necessary. I don't think I've heard of people dying from flushing in the bathes before." He contemplates this. "Actually, if you need an extra set of steady arms so you can have both of yours, I can hold-- Vini, was it? while you bathe." The offer is simple. Movement in the water that is not from him or his conversation partner is registered and eyes scan the steam for the elusive third person. There is an immediately scoot away from the movement following Waki's suggestion - and possibly closer to where Alida lurks. "Oh no! That is quite alright - we're doing just fine!" Because closer is more visible, and that's apparently not on. Vini, of course, thinks this is great fun, crowing as he splashes at the water. Hana, the panicky one, of course. Oh great...the baby, too. Alida groans internally as she wades through the warm waters, the soft sloshings of her passage hopefully blending in with all the other sounds magnified by humid air. The sound of Hana's larger slosh as the holder tries to evade Waki, and the sight and feeling of her bow wave cresting around the guard's neck inspire the palest-blonde to lurge forward herself to avoid any entanglements...whether physical or social. Both of Wakizian's hands go up in front of him in a gesture meaning to reassure the holder. He hasn't moved from his spot against the wall. "Just an offer." Hana's not the first holder he's met in this particular predicament, and he seems to have come to the conclusion (or maybe been told) that the best way to put them in this inevitably uncomfortable situation is to stay still, not move too fast. "So, I hear you have a date to the Hatching Feast, Hana." He smiles pleasantly, sliding a little ways out of the water, revealing more of his muscled physique as he reaches into the basket poolside to grab up a rag packed with snow and places it against his left cheek and eye. The other eye keeps scanning, then closes after a moment to avoid strain. Clearly he hasn't shaken the we're not alone! feeling. Hana watches for movement for a long moment, before slowly starting to relax. Mostly. The question causes another meep, and some sputtering as Vini goes for the perfect opportunity with his splashing. ".. that wasn't nice, Vinien! Splash towards Waki.." she tries to egg the baby on with, never mind physics, before clearing her voice. "Ah... not really. But I do have a dance partner." Or, as the man knows, half a handful. "You?" Yes you are! You're all alone! She's just a whorl of mist, a random sloshing of water! Alida finally makes it to that wall, and peers hard to find the bags of soapsand stored within the large niche. At times, it comes down to feeling for them in the swirling fog, the guard moving in a pattern so as to maximise her chances. With the words exchanged between Waki and Hana, the young woman finds herself silently shaking her head and rolling her greens up to the stony ceiling. Are they nearer of farther away? She sure as shit doesn't know. It's odd how water-laden air can make voices sound nearer than they are, or have them emanating from a somewhat different area. "Or three. Me, Kaeden, Nicky. And here I thought you were the type of girl who'd at least want to have a date on your arm so it didn't seem like you were playing the field. I thought that was more of a Weyr women thing to do." Wakizian's tone is all too innocent, "I mean, what will people think? A single girl with no proper hold-bred escort to a party as wild as a Hatching Feast? If you ask me, you should have an official date, and then just make sure he knows you'll have other dance partners. For reputation's sake." His eye finally catch movement as the mist swirls just right. There's a sharp intake of breath from the man, but he covers it fairly well with a cough. Alida's been spotted, but he doesn't say anything to her, or about her to Hana. "Splash towards me!" He encourages Vini. See? He's being helpful! "... You do that well. Are you sure you aren't an old Auntie?" Hana asks after a moment, amusement dancing on the tone, before shaking her head. "I am actually dancing attendance on Lady Issedi and her lord. Thankfully, my love for dancing is well known, and having a couple of partners shouldn't be /too/ damaging." There is a pause, before she asks in tones of all impish humor, and having an idea on the answer. "Unless you are suggesting yourself as the partner? I don't think Kaeden, after all, was up for the offer." Ignoring her, he is. Of course, that wouldn't even had been suggested if she was aware of the watcher - but Vini is an evil, unknowing accomplice as he gleefully splashes. And squeals. Water-cavern, echoes, and squealing. Yes. /Just/ the combination. That sharp intake of breath goads a reaction from Alida, the woman quite used to the sound of surprise and/or pain from others: she freezes. Yes, the capable woman simply stands stock still in water up to her clavicle, hoping beyond hope that she's not been seen. This, of course, doesn't let her see Waki staring at her for a moment from the side. And then the mist close again, followed by the sounds of Vini's happy squeals echoing all around...and 'lida choses that time of cover to proceed carefully forward again. Soon enough, the little bags of 'sand are felt in their niche, and the blonde's grasping at one in relief. "Do I? Well, I do spend a bit of time with the Aunties here. That's the best way to get nice hats, mittens, and scarves." The latter is confided in a playfully conspiratorial manner. "You know, that is a thought, about me being the partner, but alas, I don't think I'd be a suitable partner. Just a lowly Senior Apprentice, with turns to work on becoming someone, weyrbred and ill-mannered enough to earn a black-eye today." His self-deprecation is smooth, but there's more genuineness in his tone than he might like to have shared. So quickly he is continuing, "But you know, Nicky's hold bred. He'll soon be set up with his own profession useful anywhere, respectable. He's thoughtful, kind, you know, everything a girl should like. You should think about getting him to ask you." Again, Wakizian's baritone is all innocence. He still doesn't let on his awareness of the guardswoman, perhaps holding this bit of knowledge for the right moment. "... " Ah, so much elegance of answer. But whatever Hana might start to say is lost as Vinien gives a huge splash... and sends the water into his own little lungs and eyes - soon the squeals are replaced with squalling, and the holderwoman is concerned with calming him down. By the time she's done, her ears are ringing, and her head to follow. "It is a nice idea, but I am certain he has plenty to think of. And this little one and I are ready for a nap, I think." It takes some doing, and some careful balancing, but the woman turns away from the speaker before stepping out - then the two are immediately wrapped in robe and towels, the better to get as dry as they can before wandering off. "Good night, Wakizian." Oh sweet FARANTH; not the squalling! Slinking away like a naughty child, Alida attempts to get as far away from VIni and Hana as physically possible in this pool of the damned, the woman retreating back the way she came, since nobody seemed to have occupied the area beforehand. If she was less focused on trying to maintain her anonymity, 'lida might just roll her eyes again at Waki's manipulations of Hana. Wakizian uses the time in which the baby is squalling to put his now empty rag back in the snow basket at the side of the tub. Her response about Nicky is contemplated and filed. He could call her out. He could explain that he knows Nicky asked and was shot down. But he doesn't. Instead, he simply calls, "Save me a toss dance, Hana." Just as friend, of course. No bro-blocking allowed! He waits until the sound of her footsteps have retreated, leaning back against the wall, eyes closing. After a moment, he poses a question quietly, "Would you teach me to defend myself?" Obviously, he's not talking to the air. She too waits for the sound of footsteps and child sounds to completely fade away before starting her grooming ritual, Alida now back to her original place and starting to get her soapsand sudsing up well. An application of it to her hair presages a firm scrubbing of long, white-gold locks...and then that voice with all the implications behind it hits her ears. An unseen cringe is the guard's first reaction - 'lida feeling like she just wants to slide under the surface of the pool and disappear for good - her next long seconds spent in recovering her cool, and scrubbing her hair while she thinks up a decent reply. Finally, across sound-magnifying air, comes her quiet alto, "No. Gonna be doin' that soon enough under our esteemed Weyrlingmaster." If she ever gets around to it, anyway. There's nothing but the sound of lapping water and whatever splashing Alida's making for a long moment after her response. "Alright." The word comes finally, quietly, from the Smith. A soft sigh escapes Wakizian and the sound carries. If she were a more empathetic creature, Alida might have said 'yes,' or might change her mind now, in reaction to that sigh from Waki. She's not super-soft, however, and so the guard continues to wash her hair in silence, only the sounds of her small efforts touching the air...along with the occasional spate of low conversation from the other pools. "Do you ever get tired of being so -- hard?" That's the best word Wakizian can come up with. Mean, antisocial, cold, unfeeling: none of those words is the best fit for his perception of her. Hard. That's the right word. Hardened against hurt, against happiness, against everything, or so it seems to him. Again the question comes in a simple tone. He's not playing games or trying to be a pest. He's just asking. For a few moments, Alida seriously considers replying in her standard fashion, the woman wanting to be left to her own devices as she tries to clean up and unwind from the day. It'd be so easy to drive Waki off...if it wasn't for her previous words to a few folks. Giving a great, heaving sigh of the much-put-upon, the guard continues her ablutions, soon answering very quietly across their pool, "Hard is a part uv my profession, so a part uv me. You might as well ask Hraedhyth if she's pissed off every single moment, 'r Azaylia if she's always 100 percent thoughtful 'n kind." Slosh, scrub. The steam largely obscures Wakizian from sight. There's silence for another long moment as Alida's answer is mulled over. "But do you ever get tired of it? I get tired of being goofy, sometimes. Get tired of being good. Get tired of being-- of being Wakizian." There's a quality to his voice that, now that more words are coming out and that the phrasings of this ilk, it becomes clear: he's had a little to drink tonight. He's not drunk. But enough to affect his personality. It's calmer, deeper, more open. And *she's* cold, stone sober, Alida not having touched a drop this entire day. Another heaved, gusty sigh - more a slight growl, really - from the now slightly-irritated guard has her applying some self-control with a clench of even teeth and a furrow of her scowling brow...and after some moments of silence and scrubbing once more clipping off very low to Waki, "Yes." Apparently that's all he's gonna get. That seems to satisfy the man. Moments later, there's movement in the pool. Not only does movement disturb the water, but the steam as well. Wakizian's moving towards the guardswoman, but only because she's in the direction of out. He gives her a wide berth, and moves to the steps, climbing shamelessly out, his well-muscled form only clad in the cavern's mists (and sparsely so). If she looks, she might realize that they have more in common than she'd previously known - the muscles he has are obviously partially thanks to the forge, but the rest? This candidate must, too, keeps a regular exercise regimen and is no stranger to making his body work. His towel is taken up casually, and he works it over his body in silence. She eyes Waki to make certain he doesn't approach her too close while she's bathing, Alida's study of his form more one of assessment than sexual interest. A faint lift of white-gold brow presages her return of eyes to her own business - the young woman's thoughts kept to herself - and finally a deep breath for a duck below the surface of the pool to rinse her hair from soapsand leftovers. It's only after 10 seconds have passed that 'lida smoothly breaks the surface once again, sucking in new air and sluicing water from her tresses with both hands. Wakizian finishes drying off and wraps the towel around his waist, turning back towards the pools, the steam displaced by the movement punching a hole of visibility though to the guardswoman. He watches her shedding the water for a moment, expression thoughtful. He might say you're pretty, you know? but that's probably more trouble than it's worth, so instead he says, in that voice laced with tipsiness, "There are things I might say to you. But you'd just take them poorly. Or wrongly. So, instead, I'll say the sweetest thing you've heard from me yet," Sweetest, he means, in her opinion. "Goodnight, Alida." He picks up his basket, which seems all but empty of snow now, and sets it by the cubby holes with others of its kind (usually used as personal totes to the side of the pools for whatever a bather might need). He pulls his clothes out of one of the cubbies, and if not stopped, will head for the door. The guard slowly tightens once again as Waki lets that mouth of his start motoring, her greens narrowing just a little as she pivots about in the pool to give him a LOOK. Before she can complete the motion and *E*motion, however, he's adding that on...and what do you know. Alida gives a lift of brow once more, then a relieved quirk of one side of her mouth into a fey hint of a half-smile. "Thank you..." is murmured out low with what might be the first honest words the Smith might've ever heard from her mouth. Beat. "Try not ta walk into a wall." Snort. |
Comments
Comments on "Logs:Naked (Dis)Honesty"Mave (Mave (talk)) left a comment on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:55:08 GMT.
Waki, Waki Waki... Though I'm quite enjoying the glimpses he's getting of Alida, through both of their hostility!
Azaylia (Dragonshy (talk)) left a comment on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:38:54 GMT.
>.> But Hraedhyth isn't pissed off every single moment.
Oh Waki. Oh Hana. Oh Alida. Next time on "All my Sandsoap."
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