[Soothing Waters] A Bit Of Summer In Spring

[Jaeden Kincade]

1st Day of Spring, 510 AV Jaeden slowly walked through the entrance to the Soothing Waters, his body pack hanging heavily over his shoulders as his leather armor was carried in his left hand. His the skin along his face was slightly dingy and a layer of sweat formed at his brow and his hands were even worse off. His shirt and paints were stained with various things from dirt and plant life to the blood of recent hunting exploits. Jaeden's face itself carried an expression of weariness, looking as though he had been walking all day as he dragged his feet along the floor before reaching the staircase that would take him down to the receptionist's desk. The scents of the bath waters and aromatherapy mingled together as Jaeden drew closer to the end of the stairs themselves. Stepping into the receptionist area, Jaeden noticed how nice the area was. From the decorative art to the soothing colors and the stone ivory floors and columns. Jaeden suddenly felt little out of place as he moved towards the front desk, only to have those feelings disappear when Ivis greeted him. "Hello," Jaeden said with almost an exhausted exhale, "I'm not normally one to indulge, but I've been out of the city for a good amount of time and now I'm looking to relax some, at least a little more than the normal tavern bath or lake would provide. I'm looking for a private bath, I'll need some soap and towels, as well as the laundry service for my clothing. I'll also be looking to get a massage after. Have you any recommendations?"

[Gossamer]

Jaeden

Ivis smiled over the reception desk. He was a friendly fellow that looked half bouncer half washed-out-knight. "Of course I do! We have a package that includes doing all your laundry, a massage, bathing services in a private pool with a companion that will take care of everything with all towels, soap, etc included. It starts at ten gold crowns for two bells of service not including the drying time on the garments. If you take longer, its an additional 5 gold crowns per hour after that. And tips are optional to the masseuse." He said, smiling, and ringing a bell. A blond woman answered the bell, walking out of a side room where she'd been lightly laughing with another woman. She turned her gaze to Jaeden, continued to smile, and extended her hand. "I'm Summer Ravia. I'm one of the masseuses here. I can take good care of you. Do you like your bathwater really warm or just pleasant? We have a number of temperatures available in our pools. I normally like to do all the work and let the customer relax." She said simply. Her face held a joy in it, one that made Jaeden realize she really did like her job - especially when it came to pleasant looking men even if they came hosting serious looks.

The woman wore almost nothing, but for some reason it didn't seem obscene or out of place on her. A thin black halter top concealed her breasts while a matching pair of briefs lent her modesty elsewhere. They were embroidered with tiny seashells that matched the gold tan on her skin. Her hair was waist length at least, though some of it was caught up in braids which secured the rest of it, and she had a laughter to her eyes that made her seem younger than her early twenties. There was also spirit there, like a feisty sense of adventure, as if she dared Jaeden to come out of his shell. "I also like to provide a white or red wine and a plate of snacks to my customers. Most men come in here hungry as well as dirty, and once we've washed most of the grime off and its time for the massage, its nice to have a chilled drink and a snack to go along with that." She added, waiting for him to give her an indication of what type of pool he'd like.

Summer Ravia :

Summer Ravia Skills Massage: 89 Seduction: 68 Storytelling: 57 Hostessing: 53 Singing: 41 Gnosis Mark: 1 from Nikali

[Jaeden Kincade]

Jaeden slowly nodded as Ivas went over services and prices for them. Hi hand gradually wondered down towards his coin purse as he listened, snatching it from his belt. A draw string was loosened as he opened the leather pouch, his fingers dipping inside as the rattle of gold mizas sliding against one another lingered out from within. As the bell was rang, Jaeden peered down into his purse as he began to gather mizas with his fingertips. When the soft playful tone of the female voice began speaking, his gaze shifted to it's source. All other action for him seemed to freeze for the moment as his head tilted sideways slightly and his eyes began to explore the alluring form that stood before him. His gaze followed the movement of her lips, barely taking in the sound of the words that escaped them. The dangerous curves and the clothing that accentuated them caused Jaeden's fantasy mind to wonder as any other distractions out there faded into the background from Jaeden's beginning steps into the unappreciated skill that was professional ogling. Jaeden's concentration was then broken by the sudden movement of Summer's hand as she reached out in warm greeting to him. His head jerked strait upward as though he had been snuck up on and "booga, booga, boogaed." Jaeden's gaze shifted back up to Summer's face who's smile displayed both amusement at Jaeden's initial reaction and a playful dare. Jaeden's quickly shifted to Ivas, who's smile revealed that he knew exactly what Jaeden had been thinking, before he looked back to Summer. "What?" Jaeden said failing somewhat to recover his composure initially. "Sorry," Jaeden said as the corners of his mouth sharpened into a charming smirk as he reached out, sliding his his hand gently into Summer's just under her fingers. "Jaeden Kincade is my name, and while these dirty hands are not worthy to touch such soft and delicate skin, I am honored that you allow me the privilege in spite of that." Jaeden then lifted Summer's hand slightly as he bent forward before his lips brushed lightly along the soft skin along the back of her hand. Jaeden then slowly straitened himself before dropping forty mizas along the receptionist desk in front of Ivas. "My good sir, I wager I'll be here a while," Jaeden said before closing his coin purse, smiling to Summer. "Serendipitous really, that I should receive your services for my stay here. Summer is, after all, my favorite season of the year. The time of my birth falls into that very season."

[Gossamer]

Summer saw the amount of money Jaeden passed Ivis and raised a golden eyebrow curiously. At that point, it didn't matter if he wanted something lesser in quality than what they had to offer. No, Jaeden was getting the best the Soothing Waters had to offer. They had a hot pool, elegantly tiled, in the far corner of the facility that had an excellent skylight and good ventilation which meant the air would be warm but not steamy from the pool. Summer took his hand, smiled at him, and lead the man down the hall, past the opening to the large public bath, and down a long corridor that curved towards the far corner of the facility. As they walked, Summer told him a bit about herself.

"I've been in Syliras five years. I'm nineteen and came here with my older brother who was wanting to join the Syliran Knights. He's doing well in their ranks. He helped me find this job and I've really enjoyed it. I'm qualified as a masseuse and the resident healer here is teaching me medicine. She's an Opal Order woman so we don't have to worry about illness or disease. But the best part of the job, I think, is meeting all the new people, especially the travelers from far off places." Summer said, linking her fingers through Jaeden's hand suggestively. She paused at a set of double doors that were gilded, and slid one open and then the other, bowing to him and gesturing that he should proceed.

It was a bathing chamber with a huge private tub that was big enough for several dozen people to be accommodated and a long low-slung massage table filled the far wall, flanked on either side by large stands of candles and burning incense.

There were indeed chilled wine laid out with a hearty cheese and meat tray that also featured slices of exotic bread for building finger food at almost any variety. There was two types of wine, and assorted fruit, honey, and cream on another table. In the corner sat a strange tiled booth that seemed to hold a basin of water the top of it along with an elaborate clothing rack off to the side. Summer slipped in ahead of him, giving him a chance to look around as she turned on the faucets and began filling the pool. The water came out clean and the pool gleamed with a fresh cleaning so he was sure things were pure and his bath was not going to be a reuse of anothers.

When he'd looked his fill, Summer was back in front of him smiling. "Have you ever had a body servant? We take care of everything - every little detail - and then some. You've provided enough funds for very personal service. You leave all the work for us. Do you understand? Now, do you prefer your bath in a set of trunks or with only your skin? I can arrange either for both of us. I have no preference, though it is often easier with just skin.' She said smiling. As soon as he gave her the word, she'd get started and their first stop was the clothing rack to change, then the strange tiled corner device - the shower - so she could rinse the first layer of grime of him while the pool filled then take him into the pool itself.

[Jaeden Kincade]

Jaeden slowly looked down as Summer's hand slid into his, his fingers lightly sliding over the surface of her skin as he took note how soft it was. They were unlike his, which were covered in grime and filth, his skin worn and almost leathery from having spent nearly three weeks in the wild before coming back to civilization for what he somewhat considered a vacation. His gaze traveled upward, observing she had no blemishes or scars along the exposed skin, his sight coming to a sudden stop as he almost began leering when he caught the curvatures of her breasts. Almost instinctually, his head turned slightly more as his body leaned back slight as he observed the swaying motion of her buttocks. Like a charmer waving it's flute in front of a snake, Jaeden found it almost hypnotic, but his dazed state was broken by the sudden rustling of water as the two of them began passing by the public bath. Then he suddenly realized that he had, indeed, requested a private bath. He would be alone, with summer, for a fair amount of time. His inner thoughts suddenly yelled, "Losers!" but he did not speak such aloud as they passed the public bath by fully. Jaeden then turned his gaze back to Summer, as she began speaking a little about herself. A slow nod was given to her story as he took every word in, but somehow once again concentrated on the movement of those tempting lips. "Well, it's good to hear that both of you do well with your endeavors," Jaeden then commented, "not everyone can say the same after all, and to pick up such skills is a great asset, giving you intelligence to match your beauty. I'm not really so much from a far off place though. I was born and raised in this region, but as a hunter by trade, I spend more time in the wilderness than I do in the city." Jaeden then paused as he observed the doors the two of them stopped in front of. When summer opened the doors, revealing the large bathing chamber within, Jaeden's eyes gazed around the entirety of it, taking note the size of the pool, the table in the corner the surrounded by candles as the scent of the incense lingered in the air, tickling his nose. He slipped off his boots, leaving them at the side of the door, rather than risk tracking anything into the room itself. Bare feet pressed along the tile floor, finding them warm to the touch, rather than the normally expected cool feel as he began walking across the room, his body turning slowly as his gaze continued to explore, crouching momentarily at the side of the bath then looking over the food and drink supplied. He was feeling a little like a kid in an abandoned candy shop. Bath, wine, food and beautiful company. There isn't much a young man could ask for, or rather not much more Jaeden would ask for. He stood in front of the shower for a moment, his head tilting sideways as he studied the contraption, wholly unfamiliar with it. He slowly began pointing at it and turned around to suddenly find Summer standing in front of him as his head jerked back slightly in surprise. "Whoa, you're a stealthy little beauty, aren't you?" Jaeden said as he stood there in front of her, his hands falling to his waste. As Summer then began explaining what he had purchase, an almost goofy smile appeared on his face as though a wicked fantasy had began crossing his mind, and almost equally goofy chuckle then began escaping his lips before Summer continued asking him his preference to bathing attire. "Oh, I go all natural pretty eyes," Jaeden replied as he dropped his pack, weapons and armor near the wall. Jaeden then stepped over to the tub basin, which he assumed was for the washing of his clothing. Standing, he slowly removed his shirt first, revealing that the shirt wasn't just baggy, but he had a rather large build to him, a build most would expect to find on a knight or mercenary. His skin almost rippled as regular body movements displayed he had a low amount of body fat, almost as if his skin had been painted on rather. This was a result of both training in the forest and slightly less amount of food than people in the city would eat. While the grim along his upper body was less than it was along his hands and face, it was still there, and small scars lined his body here and there from both past battles and hunting accidents. A silver necklace dangled from his neck, and remained there as he began to slip off his pants next, the skin under the chain slightly whiter in tone suggested that he never took the necklace off. Finally, a simple pair of shorts were removed, being laid next to the basin with his other clothing as Jaeden stood there fully nude, walking back over towards the shower, looking it over with curiosity once again. He looked to Summer then, his finger pointing at the contraption. "Okay, this thing is unfamiliar to me. Do I have to just stand, or is there some goofy dance I must perform to activate it's magic?"

[Gossamer]

Truthfully, she watched in amusement as he did all her work for her. Summer normally took the time to undress the clients, starting with their boots, and gave them a completely pampered experience where all they truly had to do was relax. But, if the man wanted to tend to it himself, that was fine by her, of course. The customer, after all, was always right. And besides, she was starting to see the man had a sense of humor and a confidence that was normally lacking in some of the frequent customers.

So while he was busy himself, Summer took the time to slip out of her own attire. Nudity in Syliras was not really a taboo. The bathhouse did not have separate areas for men and women, above and beyond the private rooms. Everyone joined together in the main bath - though truthfully it was mostly comprised of men. Clothing was always optional, more due to the nature that cloth was precious and sometimes the harsh soaps they used on their skin was not necessarily best for the garments. Laundry was offered, which allowed customers to have cleaned and dried (courtesy of a water reimancer that was particularly gifted at removing water from things) in time for the client to slide into clean clothing just about the time their body was clean.

At Jaeden's question, Summer was happy to show him. "We have kettles on the roof that heat water in the summer, but this time of year the hot water comes from boilers that we run from stormgems in the basement beneath the offices where the laundry is." She walked over, gestured to the pipes bringing the water in (while keeping an eye on the pool filling that was going to indeed take a few minutes) and showed him how to operate the shower. "It's a rinse, to take the dirt, trail dust, and muck off before you soak in the pool. These two leavers here? They operate hot water and well water. The well water is very very cold, the hot water is boiling, so you stand here, to one side, open them up slowly, and adjust the flow of each until you get just the right mix." And then, being a guy, she stepped back, and let him obviously play with a contraption that of course all men wanted to play with. "When its the perfect temperature, go ahead and step in." She invited, then moved around the room quickly doing some other chores.

His laundry sitting next to the basin was placed down a chute. A basket of thick towels was placed next to the tub along with a tray of soaps and shampoos as well as a razor, a strap, and a mug water could be added to in order to make fresh foam.

Summer moved with a confidence that showed she had no problems doing her job and enjoying it. And while her body wasn't one of a hardened warrior, it wasn't flabby or soft either. Jaeden could tell she worked hard, ate right, and took exceptionally good care of herself. Young, but he knew that already, she had a love of life and was decidedly a natural blond.

Once he'd stepped into the shower, Summer joined him sliding in carefully behind him. There was plenty of room as she reached forward, laid her hands on his shoulders a moment, then picked up a stiff but soft bristled brush and began to gently work it across his skin letting the water sluice away any debris or combination of dust and sweat on his skin. "First, we'll rinse here, then the bath will be done enough that we can move in and relax. I've got it filling with extra hot water, so while we get comfortable, I'll give you a shave and a trim on your hair since it needs the ends done." She said smiling as she talked to him through the spray of water. Even standing behind him, she missed nothing, running the brush over every inch of him. Sometimes she had to press against his back to reach parts of his front, but she didn't seem to mind. Each foot was even carefully lifted, scrubbed, then replaced on the floor.

As she worked, she talked, though her voice was by no means obnoxious or irritating. "Soothing Waters has been here as long as the city has been. The Dyres family opened the bathhouse to accommodate the knights. Sometimes we get men in here that are so wounded nothing but exercise in the water really helps them recover, especially muscle damage. The Syliran Knights believe a clean population is a healthy one too. I think its a good principle, don't you?" The girl asked, then moved on to talk about the water casually, then about the state of business currently in Syliras.

In fact, it was odd. She seemed so comfortable around Jaeden that he was almost convinced by her actions that they had talked before, that she did know him, that there was some sort of 'old friends' history there even though he knew they had never met. And she was causal about touching him, hesitating nowhere, and flinching away from nothing. By the time she had completed the rise, her hair had damped to a dark golden brown and she was ready to lead him over to the bath.

[Jaeden Kincade]

Jaeden's head slowly tipped back as the heated waters crashed along the skin of his body and a subtle mist mixed with the rising steam as a result. His eyes closed as a tingling sensation started at the back of his neck and moved all the way down his back. His arms hung loosely at his side, as the tingling sensation reappeared and was intensified when the soft brush began sliding along his skin, causing goosebumps to form along his shoulders and triceps. His head leaned back further and turned slightly as Summer began giving a history of the establishment. Her voice seemed like chocolate, dipped in honey and laced with sugar, and that voice seemed to overtake the sound of the shower itself as Jaeden's eyes remained closed, listening to that sound. He felt and ease and comfort surround his body the more she talked with him and the more he listened, the more he got a sense of deja vu from her, like he had come across her somewhere before. Was it while he child, or in his travels to the city before? Had they been friends of lovers? No, Jaeden would definitely remember bedding a woman like Summer, just this visit to the bathhouse alone will leave an memorable impression. Soon, her arms reached around Jaeden's body, as the brush and free hand began to wash away the grime and dirt along his chest. When the soft flesh of her breasts began to press against his back, a slow exhale was released as Jaeden's hands slowly reached back, the tips of his fingers slowly caressing the skin along her hips and sides of her buttocks. "I can't imagine a man needing anymore to heal than the soft touch and pleasant company of a lady such as yourself, Summer." Jaeden finally said after she explained about injured soldiers coming in for healing. Jaeden slowly turned to face Summer after she had finished washing his feet. Both seeing her and hearing at the same time increased a sense of comfort to one of desire. Soon, his hands reached around her waist, his hands hooking at the thumbs as his fingers slowly spread out and his palms pressed along her skin of the small of her back. "The history is all well and good," Jaeden replied before slowly lowering his head to kiss the nape of her neck as Summer continued to talk more about the bathhouse, "but tell me more about you. I get this sense of familiarity from you, and I wish to explore that further." Jaeden's right hand then lowered slowly, his palm and fingertips sliding slowly from her back and down her side as it touched lightly along her outer thigh before sliding behind her leg. He lifted summer up, her legs wrapping around his waist as one of his arms wrapped around her back, grasping her side lightly for support while the other ran along the mid of her back, his hand supporting her along the back of her neck as he dipped her back slightly, his lips brushing along her collar bone.

[Gossamer]

Summer liked talking to her guests. It soothed things over and helped her get to know them better. For each one was unique, having different needs and requirements in order to simply relax. And she wanted them to relax, it was her job, and it made her job so much easier when they were so willing to give themselves over to the moment. Jaeden was a pleasure to accommodate. Good looking, young, and obviously someone who took halfway decent care of himself, the man's eyes sparkled with intelligence and seemed to be infused with humor.

She liked that. A lot.

In fact, he'd make an excellent masseuse himself, come to think of it. Summer ran her hands over his body, leaned forward to nibble on the back of his neck while she cleaned, and then laughed as he turned around and hoisted her up. She embraced him with her whole body for a moment rubbing up and down the length of him until she sat comfortably over the cradle of his hips as she wrapped her legs around him. She wasn't shy, uncomfortable, or hesitant about touching the whole length of him. Then, reaching up, she grasp him by the shoulders and arched her back - pushing her whole body away from him - so he could get at her collar bone and look his fill. She laughed as she did so, playful, enjoying the light body play. There was no discomfort in her, only a joy at his pleasure and a willingness to go wherever he wanted to lead. And he could tell that she honestly loved the attention for in a single moment she opened her eyes, half sat up, and deepened the embrace bringing her torso up to meet his and wrap around him as she kissed him.

He forgot all about talking for quite a while as Summer took it even further and leaned forward to kiss Jaeden as he held her against him. She asked nothing of him except perhaps his ability to support her slight frame as she explored his facial features with her lips, giving a sweet sort of attention to his face. There was no frenzy of rubbing bodies only a long slow enjoyment of skin being held to skin under the constant stream of water that fell about them.

"Do you always like to show off your strength?" She asked, grinning as she nipped at his ear.

Summer did not like to rush things, but with this man she was a little more than eager. Some of her counterparts liked to hurry things along so they could see more clients and do more work more quickly. Summer, however, never liked to rush. In Jaeden's case, he'd laid down enough coin for at least a full days worth of attention... and there was plenty of time. Some men needed to get the initial frenzy out of the way so they could truly relax, hold a conversation, laugh, get truly worked on massage-wise. Jaeden, however, didn't strike her as the type. So she'd wait and play with him all through the afternoon... enjoying his company before anything else.

So as she squirmed in his arms, getting more comfortable, she laid her head on his shoulder, let him rock her a little after her kisses, and began to answer his question. It would be then, if he looked down her sleek spine, that he'd see the elaborate gnosis mark in the center of her back between her shoulder blades. It looked like a bleeding rose wearing a manacle. Nikali. Goddess of Pleasure.

"I was born to a priestess here in Sylira. We do not know who my father was due to the nature of her work, but it did not matter. I ended up with a hundred fathers for she worked on healing and had an extensive client list. I'd like to think I followed in her footsteps. But I was raised into a stringent faith that taught a liberation of the senses. It was natural that I gravitated here. I am not strict in my faith, but I keep to its principles without fail And those principles involve making people happy... and right now those 'people' mean you." She said with a smile, lifting her head and nipping at his ear.

Summer shifted again, grinned and glanced behind her. "Now, what do you say about trying out the baths? You really do need a shave..." She said, rubbing her cheek against his roughened chin teasingly.

[Jaeden Kincade]

Jaeden's lips explored the softness of her skin as they worked their way around her collar bone and found the center of her chest. He then slowly moved upward, his lower lip dragging lightly along her skin as he gave light kisses along her neck they brushed the underside of her chin finally making their way to it's tip. A slow, deep kiss was returned as he leaned forward to kiss him, his head leaning slightly. Jaeden's head then leaned forward, returning the favor as a light nibble was given to the top of her shoulder as his eyes took in the intricacy of the mark along her back, his right arm then fully supported her weight while her grip remained on his shoulders, his left hand slowly tracing the along the outline of the mark itself. "It tends to be a good feature when a situation calls for it, and holding you in my arms so that I might better take in your soft touch qualifies I believe," Jaeden simply said with a smile. His hand then slowly caressed her face as she continued to kiss him, and felt them back in return. Fingers slid through her hair, supporting her head as he dipped her back once, but being careful to not exceed the space of the shower itself. His other hand then slowly slid down as both of his hands cupped around her rear, his head tilting slightly towards her lips as she whispered her story into his hear. "Well, I shall have to offer up prayer to your God in thanks, for delievering you to me this day, Summer," Jaeden replied as he looked into her eyes, lightly pressing his brow to her's as a smile crossed his lips. Then, as she suggested they move on to the bath, noting the coarseness of the light growth of his facial hair, rubbing her cheek along his, he gave a light chuckle. "Yeah, sorry if it get's itchy," Jaeden then said, "tends to keep the face warm during the colder seasons." Jaeden then slowly reached back, turning the knobs to the shower off as the water slowed down to a trickle from it's nozzle. "Refreshing thing, this shower," Jaeden said as he slowly let Summer slide back down to her feet, slipping his arm around her shoulder. "I may have to look to getting one place in my bathing room, should I ever get a permanent home." He slowly began making his way over towards the bath, his thumb gradually rubbing along the tip of Summer's shoulder as he paused slightly, smirking as he made a quirky observation when he said, "Huh, look at that. The skin along my toes are a little pruney."

[Gossamer]

She laughed lightly. "Everyone loves the showers. They are a design I have been told come from the Eypharians. Clever and luxurious... but far more interesting than we give them credit for. I'll give you the name of our plumber if you're really nice to me." She said, her arms loosely draped around his shoulders, as she nibbled at sensitive area at the hollow of his throat. Jaeden was getting the impression fast that Summer enjoyed nibbles, nips, and lightly tugging on various things with her teeth. And she had a wicked smile to match it whenever she did.

As he carried them to the pool, she squirmed a little until Jaeden settled them into the pool. Summer reclined back against the rim and gently pulled Jaeden to her, facing away, so his back was cushioned against her torso. She ran her hands lightly through his damp hair rubbing his scalp lightly and began to speak. "I think you should tell me a little more about yourself. You know the best step to customer service is breaking the ice. Once you can get over the shyness and enjoying touching one another, then it comes a lot easier really entertaining and giving massages. The whole point is to relax, have fun, shed burdens. Sometimes those are physical but often they are just emotional too... I like to think of Soothing Waters as a place where those burdens get left behind. Not that I think your shy. I'm just curious." Summer said, picking up a sponge and gently running it up his chest. She nibbled on the side of his neck as she spoke, scrubbing his chest gently with one hand as she reached for the soap with the other hand.

Summer wasn't shy with her hands, they stroked every inch of him she could reach, casually, firmly, with the lightest of touches coating him with soap. And once she had him soaped up nicely, she dropped the sponge and simply started working the creamy liquid into his skin. She started with his neck, and gently worked down the sinus corded muscle and across his torso, tracing his pecks and moving down across his stomach. The Nikali follower made pleased little noises as she did so, gently cradling him in her arms as she did so.

Once he answered, she'd speak some more, having some questions of her own of the more specific variety for him.