Quest Best Hands In The World

[Accolade]

65th of Winter 512

Six bells into the day, and the city of Syliras was abuzz once again, as if it had never slept to begin with. The stalls were alive, fresh foods on stock and ready for buy. There were Knights and Squires training to perfect their skills in combat. Orion was among the people going about their daily lives, as he worked in the soothing waters. So far winter hadn't been a complete lost in coins for the young doctor. There hadn't been any serious injuries, but he had found other ways to make coin, such as his use of massaging skills.

However for Orion, things were about to take a turn, and one that would change his life forever. But for the moment, he was still stuck with the harry, burly man resting in his chair and awaiting a massage. Orion remembered the man easily enough. He could not have forgotten. It had been the season before, while Orion was tending to a rather interesting and beautiful costumer, that he had mistakenly allowed the young lady to enter first, before the burly man's wife who had been waiting on him for at least a bell.

Though Orion had found a rather unique way of slipping out of the trouble that he found himself in, the man would return later and apologize for his rudeness and ask the doctor's forgiveness. This in turn led to a strange relationship, where the man imagined himself and the doctor as buddies. He didn't come around very often, his job in the market kept him for most of his days, but every now and then he'd show up to chew the fat with Orion, and taking in one of his magical massages at the same time.

It could be said that the good doctor was being coming famous now. Though it couldn't be helped and after the giggles and moans of joy uttered by one of his fair costumers last season while an entire waiting room listened it, there was no wonder people were rushing to see him more than before. However for the moment, there were no fair women, there was only the burly gentlemen, and Orion could only be thankful that all he wanted his a shoulders and neck rub.

"That's it...yea. You're pretty good at this aye? No wonder me wife was always wanting to come down here and see ya."

The man chuckled, rolling his neck about his shoulders as he felt the knots loosening up. "So how's business? Have anymore pretty lasses in here like that one before?"

The man paused then, his beady eyes widening as he swung a hand up slapping across Orion's forearm. "You know what we should do? How bout me n you head down to the tavern later and have ourselves a looks-see?"

[Orion Michaels]

Orion Needless to say, Orion was quite surprised that this particularly burly man had become one of his patrons. At the time of their meeting, the doctor was sure this man intended to wring his neck. There were at least a two dozen, if not more, people waiting on services that day, but Orion, his fancy tickled by a attractive, if interesting woman. The cut he'd given himself to make his escape had long since healed, but that memory wasn't one that would leave him any time soon. Nor would the purrs of the blonde woman at the center of the near mess. His reputation had built up far beyond what his skills could actually back, but as long as they weren't someone used to a skilled masseuse, he could come off as passable. Most of the woman were taken in by his shameless flirting as it was. A novice masseuse with silky smooth words could get along just fine in Sylliras, it seemed. Even if that masseuse was actually a doctor. It was entertaining enough, and was really more of preventative medicine compared to what he normally did, so that was nice..for a while. A shoulder and neck massage it would be. Orion had purchased a little bit of sunflower seed oil, hearing from other workers that it was a good oil for this work, but was best purchased in small amounts as it would spoil quickly compared to others. Unfortunately, the merchant he'd dealt with refused to sell him any less than a gallon, so he'd brought it in and offered it to any other workers who wished to make use of it. Pouring the oil out in his hands, he began to rub his hands back and forth to heat up the oil. Warmth would help loosen the muscles. Placing his hands on the man's shoulders he began to spread the oil around, covering both there and his neck with a layer of the neutrally scented oil. Then to work he went. He placed his hands side by side and pivoting at his wrist, turned them left and right, back and forth, applying a noticeable pressure, but not enough to cause pain. This was lifting, relaxing, beginning the process. After several times repeating the motion he slid his hands long upper back, using the same technique all along, finally moving up to his neck. With the muscles properly warmed up, Orion continued, listening to the man blab on and on. Apparently they'd become best friends without Orion realizing it. Oh boy... Orion balled his fists up and began rubbing up and down along the man's shoulders and neck, working out tough knots in his muscle, trying to relieve the stress and pressure that built up from working in the hectic markets of Syliras. Over and over again his hands flowed, sliding from the lack of friction offered by the oil. Every few seconds Orion rotated his wrists forward to alternate between his large and small knuckles, effectively kneading the skin and flesh over and over again. He took a moment to pause as the burly man finally addressed Orion directly, talking about his massaging, but more interesting that that, suggesting they go see what was available at the taverns tonight. A married man. Everyone wanted a little eye candy from time to time, didn't they. Hopefully it would end there. Orion didn't need to be blamed for a relationship broken. Not that it hadn't happened from time to time, but... "Nothing jaw dropping, I'm afraid. Not that have come to me at least. More than a handful have requested a special something something, if you know what I mean," he said, grinning wickedly. "Though never your wife," he quickly amended. Didn't need to upset this mess of a wing man before they even took flight. "Sounds like a plan. I haven't gotten in trouble lately, maybe the ladies at the Stallion will have forgiven me." But probably not. "Let's say we get you finished up and then we can discuss it, huh?" With that, Orion went back to work. It was certainly an exercise for his hands and arms to deal with this. The sooner they were done, the better. Maybe someone more attractive and less man would be in today.

[Accolade]

The burly man was fully enjoying himself, and could easily see what all the fuss had been about. He was strong in his senses, and didn't think anything strange at all of having a man giving him a massage. In his mind, he and Orion were friends, and this was just man time for them, a warm up really, before they would head out later. He had been excited to hear that the doctor would be joining him for drinks later. It might come to some as a surprise, and to others not so much, but Murf had very few friends, and just as much time to hang out with them.

He enjoyed the warm oils that Orion applied and felt a soft tingle as it spread across his hairy skin. "Ahhh.." he said, a huge grin on his face as he rested and allowed the doctor to go to work. The plan had been set and the two would be off that late evening for drinks and hopefully pretty women. For Orion it was now a must, after spending his time giving a massage to a brute of a man, far too hairy to ever go shirtless, he would need a stiff drink and enough pretty and soft bodies to help himself forget.

Luckily for him, or perhaps unlucky, his day was about to change. A slender woman entered the building. She was tall, long auburn hair rolled tightly into a neat bun at the back of her head. The light armor she wore conformed to her figure nicely, and she walked with the confidence of a true Knight. Dinah Lorene, Captain Knight (3nd Regiment, Gold Quadron). The woman stepped inside the room, baring all the weight and pain of being a Knight, something that most of the city would never know, or understand.

Of course for her, a massage would be free, as was most things the Knights decided to take, given the fact that they owned all of the business in the city. A deep tissue massage was just what she needed to help her to relax before her trip. The Captain had been given a special assignment for herself and those under her wing. However this assignment wasn't of the normal type, and as it had been explained, wouldn't even be put on record. She had been tasked with securing and escorting a Ravokian spy from an undercover unit and then bring him back to Syliras.

The Job itself didn't sound hard, but what had her worried was the fact that it was being kept so secretive and that she was asked to bring a group along with her. Dinah was a strict solder but also a good listener. She would do her job and without asking questions, even if she was wary of the situation. She walked to the front desk then, getting the man's attention and letting him know that she was there.

"Is there a Orion Michaels here?" she asked simply. Dinah had also heard the rumors of the man's supposed magical touch and was hoping that he could help her unwind.

"He is with a customer Sera." The man replied.

"Fine, then I'll see myself back." Dinah said, waving him off and heading into the back to find the doctor. There was another reason that she had come. Another reason that she sought him out, but first she wanted to meet the man and see who he really was for herself.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion It wasn't Orion's preference to work with hairy men like this, but coin was coin. He couldn't help how many times someone had said that before doing something simply deplorable. "Oh well..," he muttered, working the tension out of Murf's shoulders. "You really out to get worked on more often. Feels like months of pressure built up here. S'not good for your health," said the doctor. Murf never listened to him, though. Too big, too worn out, too proud at times. Orion's hands continued to work, using his thumbs now to apply strong pressure to the center of his shoulder blades. Thumbs side by side, he ran them from the center to the outside and back to the center. He would then move up just slightly and do it again, sliding his thumbs along the course hair of his back until he would eventually reach Murf's neck. Up and down, over and over again. Repetition, pushing through the coarse hairs. Gross. He was now convinced that there was no chance of him having any luck tonight. Not with Murf there. The man was genuinely a good man, but how he'd gotten his wife was lost on Orion. It simply didn't make sense. He seemed clumsy with women from what the doctor had seen, so to take him to a bar to look at them? Well, he supposed looking is all he'd be able to muster. What a shame. He continued to work silently, his thumbs beginning to tire. Orion didn't do this job nearly enough to have the stamina for this hard a patient, but he couldn't sell him short either. After a few moments though, it appeared that he wouldn't have to make that call because standing there before him was someone who appeared to be a knight. Looking at her in the doorway, he saw a tall woman who was more than pleasent on the eyes. He quickly whispered to Murf. "I might have to short change you. Surely you understand....no, not because she's a knight..." He sighed at his friend's occasional denseness. "Sera, how may I help you? Come to writhe under my magical fingers? Or do you have an injury that needs treated? I'm just finishing up with Murf here, so your wish is my command." He gave her an exaggerated bow, complete with a flourish of his hand at the end. "I haven't seen you around here before. Such a shame, such a shame." He shot Murf a look and motioned towards the door. "I'll talk to you later, friend. I couldn't possibly make the good knight wait any longer."

[Accolade]

"Wuh-What?" Murf complained rolling his shoulders as he tried to look behind him. He had only been in the seat for a few chimes and it had been even longer since he got to spend time with his good friend Orion. Murf was known for having a temper, and even though he considered Orion a friend, he was about to lose it, just as he had the first day that they had met. But then he saw her and the merchants mouth dropped open.To Murf she was more than beautiful, she was a goddess. The knight was the kind of woman that he dreamed about while sleeping next to his wife.

"Goddess above.." he said absentmindedly.

Dinah stepped inside and meet Orion's gaze instantly, not seeing the burly man plopped in the chair, as hard as he was to miss. But she had sought the doctor out, and after hearing the rumors of his magical touch, it was nice to have a face with the name, and what a face it was. Still, Dinah remained impartial, and business-like. She didn't reply to Orion's statement and instead allowed her gaze to fall upon the man in the chair, who's mouth was still hung open. She smiled weakly to them both before returning her gaze to the doctor while addressing both men.

"I'm sorry to intrude like this...But I was hoping to get a massage?" Which was only half true, she would have preferred it if they had started alone so that she would have to use her position to gain any favors, but she wasn't about to wait either way.

"Uh..ooooh! S-Sure." Murf shuddered as he clumsily stumbled out of the chair and stood up beside it. He glanced to Orion and noticed that his stare was almost as piercing as the knight woman's. "Y-Yeah..I'll eh.I'll see you later bud. " he finished and unelegantly as possible maneuvered his way past the woman and left the room. Dinah turned back to face Orion again, her features still unmoving as she watched him more. While the doctor had found her appearance alluring, he couldn't help but to notice that she was wearing armor.

Then the knights just off duty shed their armor before they centered the building for a massage. It was a mystery and if not for her request he might wonder what she wanted form him. "I hope that you are as good as they say, I could use a good touch right now." she nodded towards him and took a seat in the chair where the burly man had just been. " Is there a service that you recommend?" she asked as she removed her heavy boots, and rolled up the sleeves to her tunic to free her arms.

"There..you can start with my arm."

She kept her eyes on the doctor, watching him and waiting until he did whatever warm ups and retrieved oils before he was to start. "Tell me about yourself Orion, have you always worked, lived here? Is this your only job?"

[Orion Michaels]

Orion Orion was relieved that Murf cooperated with his request, though the fact that it had nothing to do with Orion wasn't lost on him. She'd commanded both of their attentions quite easily, though he's hairy companion's control was far from impressive. Gawking like a fool. Any doubts of a successful evening at the tavern were quickly washed away, but there was a chance that none of that would matter. She wanted something, he was sure of it. Something more than a massage. The prospect of working his magic on a knight was an intriguing one for the young physician. For all of Orion's conquests, a knight couldn't be counted amongst them. So to have this gorgeous looking one show up, request a massage, but not remove her armor.... What is going on here...? He actions and her words gave no indication she was truly here for a massage, but that didn't mean he wouldn't take the opportunity to give her the 'good touch' she seemed to desire so. His hands were already plenty limber, so he didn't need to prepare himself. Grabbing more of the sunflower oil, he poured it on his hands and rubbed them together, once again warming the oil before beginning to work the knight's arm. Her arm was solid and toned, unsurprising of one of Syliras' protectors. Strength was expected of anyone whose job could erupt into combat. He worked his fingers along her in arm, moving in slow circular motions to try and relax her and her muscles. "Interested in me, are you?" he asked teasingly, his eyebrows raised. "And here I was hoping to be the one to grill you with questions. A little about me, huh? Let's see. Yeah, this is my home. I took a few trips to Sunberth over the seasons, but I've always returned here. Visiting family, you see." Orion rotated her arm slightly so he could work on under section of it, again moving in small circles. "Too crazy a place, let me tell you. Every crime in the world happens there, and daily at that." He'd had quite a bit of fun while in the lawless city as well, but he'd keep that tidbit to himself. "I'm actually a doctor by trade, but if there's no need for me at the medical section, I come over here and help with the massages. I'm really nothing special, though. I'm a rookie at best. Besides that, I was a cook before the storms of Spring. I've worn quite a few hats, you could say." He paused, studying the woman as he worked. She was intently focused on him, and that was almost unsettling. Most would lose themselves in the massage, but not her. He was her target. "So what really brings you here?" he asked, tilting his head slightly to the side. "Should I be concerned that my reputation has begun to attract the Syliran Knights? Or should I be honored?" He leaned down so his lips were next to her ear before whispering softly. "Or are you hear because of my other..reputation. We offer everything you could desire. I'm here for nothing but to serve." He winked suggestively before retreating back to standing, resuming her massage as though nothing had happened.

[Accolade]

Dinah stared long and hard at the doctor, but her stare wasn't out of irritation or mistrust, she was simply studying him. She liked to know people, liked to know their inner selves and what drove them. She liked to know who she was speaking with, and what reasons they were in the city and how they felt about the Knights and city itself. She had heard that he was a good man but it was hard to see as of yet, with all the flirting.

"I doubt you really want me to be interested in you. Most people who gain my interest are criminals. You're not a criminal are you?" her words were serious barring a bit of ice, while also showing a bit of jest.

She lowered her gaze when he started to massage her arm, and watched him work and every so often glancing back up to meet his gaze. The woman arched a brow and her features harden at the mention of Sunberth, causing her to watch him closer as he turned her arm. "You have family in Sunberth? Maybe you really are a criminal.." That bit of information only bothered her slightly, but she was curious to see how he would react.

"A doctor...I see." she said with mock surprise. The knight already knew that he was a doctor. It was the reason she had come to see him, but she thought it better to get to know the man and make sure that he could be trusted before she told him anything important. She wanted to like him however, there was something about his blue eyes that was warm and lured a trusting feeling. Even so, she wouldn't let herself be guided by such things, the man would have to prove his worth another way.

"The people of Sunberth know of honor?" she thought to herself but she decided not to voice that thought. Instead she listened as he finish, and just as she was about to answer his question, he leaned in and added to it, which caused her to turn to face him, their noses lightly bumping against the other as she found his eyes again. "And what reputation is that?"

[Orion Michaels]

Orion A criminal? If being awesome was a crime, then yes. If being an amazing doctor was illegal, lock him up. If getting in bar fights was against the law...well, maybe that wouldn't be the best thing to say. "I'm a innocent man, Sera." In most ways. He was a many who followed the law, though generally not out of a sense of duty, but his own sense of right. While he had told a few white lies in his exploits, he was never malicious in his intentions. Had she come in to get him to confess to something? "It's just an uncle. Such accusations, my dear knight?" He gave her arm a friendly squeeze. Yep, she was here to get him to confess to something. He must have wronged someone close to her. Said the wrong name, left without saying goodbye, something like that. Maybe her sister? Goodness, this city was smaller than he'd imagined. "Don't worry, I'm a good boy, I promise." She didn't seem all that surprised to hear that he was a doctor. It shouldn't have come as a shock, really. The blue eyed man was fairly skilled at what he did, so to be somewhat of a go to for serious injuries was expected. "What, were you expecting an actual masseuse? Don't worry, I don't even expect a tip. I get paid no matter." In the end this job just made him more useful when there were no patients requiring medical help. Better than sitting around. More beautiful women that way, too. So she hadn't heard about his other reputation. Maybe he wouldn't so blatantly speak of his sexual deviancy. A beautiful knight would likely frown upon it, though he didn't think it was anything that could get him in trouble with the city's enforcers. Not something he was willing to risk, either. A more indirect approach. "I'm just saying, milady, we offer services beyond massage. Sometimes a little..release can be revitalizing." He instinctively bit the tip of his tongue, almost seductively, as his shining eyes sang with laughter. Perhaps he could make her uncomfortable. As much as he enjoyed the view, he was not likely to get much out of this encounter, so if he could hurry it along...

[Accolade]

"Accusations? I was only asking. It's possible to learn a lot about a person just by talking with them. Don't you agree?" Her thoughts on Sunberth aside, she didn't really think that Orion was a criminal but she wanted to see how he would react to the questions that she asked. Dinah wasn't the silent type, who were removed from the company around her and kept her thoughts to herself much. She was a people person, and wanted to engage those she met on that level and to know them as a person. If the doctor was someone that she could trust, this is how she was know.

"I only expect the truth Orion, nothing more." She watched him closer, it appeared that he was becoming offended by her line of questioning. It was normal for people to be wary of the knights when being questioned, but she was only asking him simple questions. Things that anyone might as a person whom they met. So it made her wonder why he was getting defensive. "We're only talking here Orion, try to lighten up?"

Their tangled conversation went on for a time, and as the doctor continued pouring on the charm, Dinah started to wonder if that was it. Was his whole way of speaking, and mysterious attitude his way of trying to seduce her? It was funny in a away and it was also working. The captain felt a lot more comfortable than she had when she first came in, even with his odd tone. Still, she had to stay professional and keep to the task at hand.

"Well I hope that you are better at being a doctor than you are a masseuse." she said bluntly and pulled her arm away. "Orion, I happen to be in need of a medical doctor for an assignment for my patrol. We will be traveling through the wild lands on this mission and I would like to have a doctor on staff just in case we run into any issues."

Dinah stood up then, and replaces the pieces of armor that she had removed. "If you agree then I will tell you more, but if not then our business ends here and you are not to repeat what I have told you." The captain turned to face him and waited for his answer.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion Orion let out a chuckle and shook his head. "My goodness, do the knights requisition your sense of humor when they recruit you? I think I've learned quite a bit about you, so yes, that's quite accurate, Sera. And worry not, I'll give you the truth, I've given you no falsehoods." Maybe she really was just here for a quick massage and chat. A good name with the knights could never hurt, right? They got their massages for free, now that he thought about it. Not too bad of a gig. "Yes, yes. Let's lighten up. Would be easier if you weren't in all that armor, though," he added, tossing her a wink for good measure. Their conversation went pleasant enough, her asking non intrusive questions of his background, his upbringing. He shared about his father's teachings, his time as a cook, his basic travels, leaving out any details that really got into who he was or what had really shaped him. This knight had no reason to learn of those. Orion barely accepted them himself. "You wound me!" Sure, he wasn't very good, but need she be so blunt? A free massage was a free massage, and he wasn't a complete failure. Any problems he had with her statement were quickly forgotten as the knight gave her true purpose of being here. Working with the Syliran Knights? "W-what? Don't you..me? Why?" He shook his head, the confusion enveloping his face as he took a seat. "Don't you guys have medics or healers amongst your ranks?" Yet the moment she had asked him, he already knew his answer. At the beginning of Winter, Orion was ready to leave, the wizard who offered him a chance to go never came calling. The wildlands, with the knights. As their doctor? This would be the craziest thing he'd done. "....Why the petch not, Sera? Though you could at least tell me your name and buy me a dinner before you whisking me off to the woods for a little fun." Oh boy. His experiences outside the city had been far from pleasant, but with a Knight, what could go wrong. Right?