Closed [Soothing Waters] Night Shift -- It Happens.

[Wanda Endust]

Soothing Waters Bath and Massage
51 Fall, 513 AV
21st Bell

There were many things Wanda could handle. She could navigate the majority of the castle-city's roads and alleys with ease. She could heal a migraine with a touch. If she wanted to, she could even implant a fleeting thought into the mind of a stranger.

One thing she could not deal with was the night shift.

Now, to Ivis's credit, he had been reluctant to assign her the duty. She had made it apparent last season that she was totally opposed to being put in any kind of... precarious situation. She was fine with laying her hands on intimate places of other people for the purpose of healing, but her body was her own.

Alright, so Ivis hadn't exactly asked her to do "that". Actually, he'd explained that one of the other masseuses had caught some illness from whatever dancing-in-the-rain party had been thrown a couple days ago (and event Wanda was sad to have missed). They had a limited number of other masseuses and Wanda, still being one of the newest, had gotten the proverbial short straw.

Not all customers of the night were seeking "alternative pleasures". In fact, the majority of them were simply hard-working people coming from an awfully long day's work or what have you. Those were the people that Wanda would be assigned to. There were more staff on hand to take care of all the others.

But here sat Wanda, cross legged on the warm stone floor, not at all happy with the current situation. She had lit only a handful of candles. No incense was burning.

And then she heard the noises from the adjacent masseuse's room. Nothing too big, really. They might've simply been having a conversation. A fairly loud conversation.

Wanda nestled further against the wall she had her back against. The whole situation made her uncomfortable. She stared at her door, waiting, hoping that someone would come knocking to give her some platonic company. Or, better yet, to tell her she could go home and sleep.

Eventually, her uneasy restlessness got the better of her. Wanda sprung to her feet in a flurry of blonde hair and white cloth and marched over to the door. She swung it open warily, peering into the hallway for a couple ticks before pressing on. The path to the reception desk took her past the other, clamorous room. Wanda covered her ears stiffly, pursing her lips as the possibility of the occupants simply having a nice chat seemed to slip further and further away.

Her bare feet scuffled along the floor as she went along her way. It wasn't any long walk to get to the front desk, especially during these hours where most citizens were on their way home. Ivis lifted his head from some sheet of parchment he was focused on at Wanda's unheralded approach.

He didn't seem surprised that she'd sought him out and, when she leaned her forearms onto the table top, he seemed to have already resigned himself to what she was about to say.

"It's torture back there, boss man," she cracked. She didn't have to try too hard to feign a face of desperation, though her whimsical, joking nature didn't seem to be diminished. "Mind if I just meander for a bit? Promise I won't get in anyone's way."

Ivis sighed. It'd seemed like a good idea to hire this girl at first, but ever since then she'd been a handful. She tested the boundaries of the workplace far too much, but he couldn't simply get rid of her. They were short-staffed already as it was -- especially in the realm of trained masseuses.

"Fine," he conceded, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. "You have one bell, maybe two. I'll send someone to fetch you when a customer comes for you."

Wanda broke into a wide grin, relieved to have some free time from her cramped (and, at the moment, rowdy) work space. "Thank you!"

It took her no longer than a chime to find herself in the main bathing area. An exhausted-looking attending scurried past her to provide a towel to some unseen bather. Wanda peered through the mist, discerning roughly six bath patrons enjoying the heated waters. Nope, seven. That shadow at the far corner was actually a couple.

At least Wanda didn't have to hear them out here.

The blonde took a deep breath, meandering over to a wall. Tired, she leaned against it and slowly slid down to the floor until her legs were once again folded under her against the pale stone flooring. I'll just relax here for a bell or two, she told herself. No one will bother me. I might even be able to sneak in a nap... Of course, that wasn't true. She was easily visible to any who might enter the great room.

OOCHope this is okay! :) I did my best with the setting, but y'all can add anything else to it you want.

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[Bolivar]

"Fallon you are really hot."

Bolivar could tell from even where he was. The way she moved talked and even the way she talked. Was she always like this? Apparently so. When he first met her in the training grounds today she seemed a bit different to the squire. Now they were somewhat secluded in this corner of the Soothing Waters bath. Wrapping his hand around Fallon stopping behind her neck Bolivar pulled the other squire closer until their faces touched.

"Sweet. Sylir. You. Are. Smoking. Hot."

Bolivar could feel the heat from just touching foreheads with the lady squire. Retracting himself to a manageable distance Bolivar put his hand on Fallon's forehead tutting slightly while doing so. Shaking his head mildly practicing the horse signals she had taught him Bolivar wore a smug expression finally realizing his companion's condition. Not so much out of spite but more so to express his disbelief.

"Something you ate perhaps? Maybe you got too close to some of the sick?"

Shrugging slightly Bolivar drew back even further avoiding any retaliation on Fallon's part before wading backwards into the heated waters. Mixed bathes were also a mixed blessing. Usually it was a close knit group or a whole family that went into these but when Syna set the mixed bathes were a different story. Usually those that didn't go to the Stallion for the evening went here for a bit of recreation courtesy of the employees or amongst each other.

Making his way across the soak Bolivar met the gazes of a few wandering eyes with mild interest. The sounds of the churning waters touched was all around the squire who had to stay closer to the edges of the waters due to his stature. Of course there were a few eyes aimed at the other squire, to which Bolivar could not relate to. Fallon was Fallon if that made any sense. Any form of romance that could entwine the two was mutually shot down by the pair.

At least that was what how Bolivar thought it. It was just to troublesome to do really, she conveyed herself as a traveling nomad with a indeterminate amount of baggage and him a diehard patriot who put everything out for all to see. The pair was simply coming for a quick soak after some training at the grounds. The weapons master pushing the pair to near exhaustion with a harsher regiment then was the norm from dawn to dusk. Throughly soaked under his armor Bolivar invited the lady squire to join him in mutual relaxation at the Soothing Water.

I get what our instructor tried to do but that was uncalled for. Made her overdo it.

Musing quietly to himself Bolivar perked up noticing the new addition. His eyes taking in Wanda's figure Bolivar's gaze met the woman's before looking back at Fallon. The woman looked like she worked here yet she did not seem to busy laying her back to the wall. Perhaps she was taking some time out to find her center? Wondering if he should ask for her services Bolivar found himself debating whether to ask her to possible assist with Fallon's condition or to have her for himself. Closing his eyes at the thought Bolivar found himself mentally chiding himself if she saw him as he was right now.

I am at a place where I find myself reassured. I've no need of other woman.

Sneaking a peek at the woman Bolivar made a note of the nature of Wanda's hair before fluttering his eyes open with a start. Looking wasn't a crime. Peering up from the waters Bolivar kept his sights trained on Wanda with no attempts to hide his ulterior motives. Wanda was pleasant to look at and Bolivar was simply taking advantage of the fact. Blinking once. Blinking twice. Bolivar's eyes looked questioning at Wanda sitting criss cross with her back against the wall. Fallon will be fine, just a small fever probably.

"Do you work here?"

[Fallon]

”Wait… what?”

It was perhaps, for a very long chime at least, that Fallon had indeed switched off. There was only a moment of blankness, her lids pulling together into a wince, her brow creasing only ever so slightly when the squire came a little too close for her comfort. She only gave a rock away on her heels, her features quickly turning pinched by the sudden closeness between her and Bolivar. And it was perhaps then that her voice left her, even with the confirmation of his words and that she was, indeed, incredibly hot. There was a blink, slow and steady, the distinct feeling of moisture forming upon her skin. At least the steamy visage had a way of blurring things. Though it did not help the sense of self consciousness prickle against her mind and the thought of scars being slightly more forward than usual.

Cheeks puffed, the firm red line having crept across her face as the numerous eyes landed upon her. Petch it. Why did she agree to come to such a place again? What was there to gain from appearing in such an open state to the public eye or to anyone else in private for that matter? She forced an exhale as he pulled away, momentarily escaping her delayed - but definitely impending – wrath. Arms hooking up onto the bath side, the squire leaned back and found her head gently kissing the cool stone. Well at least it was one way to relax, outside of the odd awkward glances from other patrons.

When some composure had eventually returned to her, she simply shot a beady eye across the steaming pond to the other watchers and then returned to relaxing. It was fine; they could not see her completely. Even Bolivar could not, least that was what she hoped as she watched the mixed blood glide away to safety. Of course, it was all perfectly innocent. There was nothing going on between them. They just happened to be two very worn and tired squires, that happened to be of opposite genders and were visiting the baths together.

Oh, who am I kidding?

There was a groan. Her head going forward under the water for a few ticks and then once more emerging. Gods she felt awful, the water made her recognise that. The body ached, the mind gave a swim, the water that should have begun to chill upon her skin instead remaining warm and hot. Sticky almost. Was she sick? She better not be; she could not afford to be. Maybe it was just simply the curse of over working and being pushed too hard during training. Because that was all they wanted at the end of the day, to keep on pushing and pushing until you dropped. Fingers massaged her brow, and then once more dropped to the side.

The gentle swishing of waters met her ears, the hum of other patrons within its depths. She cracked an eye open to look once more in the direction Bolivar had lurked off to, picking out only his outline among the steam and blurs. Was it hot in here, or just her? She shook the sensation off, and once more looked upon him. A brow only rose as she watched him talk to someone on the side, a woman by the looks of things - it was hard to pick out features other than the long locks of hair. Her lip went into a curl, a flash of amusement simply resting there upon her expression. So that was what he was doing. There was only the shaking of the head, her eyes returning and looking up to the steamy ceiling beyond.

”Bolivar… you fox.”

[Wanda Endust]

Water splashed silently in front of her, and someone murmured something. Wanda ignored it. This was her quiet time. It'd been far too long since she'd had any time to herself -- she was going to relax and make the most of it.

She folded her arms, resting her head against the wall as her eyelids fluttered shut.

"Sweet. Sylir. You. Are. Smoking. Hot."

Goddess why? she whined, squeezing her eyes shut and burrowing herself against the wall. Was there nowhere she could escape? She did not want to have to listen to people's various activities all night -- perhaps she should have heeded her mother's advice and found work as a midwife after all.

The splashing grew near, and Wanda had spent enough of her life in the bath house to recognize the sounds of a person wading through the water, drawing closer to her position. Had the been spotted? Probably. If the girl were fond of swearing, she would have uttered a curse.

As it were, she reluctantly reopened her eyes and peered into the mist, searching for whoever it was moving about in the dull torchlight. On second thought, perhaps she didn't actually want to see...

"Do you work here?"

Unexpectedly, her eyes met another set. A spasm of shock and surprise made her elbow jerk. It bounced against the wall, sending an uncomfortable stream of tingling sensations up her arm. She grabbed at the joint, pinching it with massaging fingers for a couple ticks until the discomfort passed. Ugh.

The fellow's question had taken her by surprise, and she ran hand through her hair as she considered. Did she work here. Yes, she did. But, for all the world, she wanted to tell him no.

"I do... But I just got a break from all," she gestured to another couple of shadows at the far end of the pool, "this."

After having thought about it, she recognized his voice as the one from earlier -- the one talking about how hot his companion was. Where was said companion now?

Wanda's eyes left the man before her (A fairly short fellow, she'd noticed. Though he had a nice face.) and wandered the mist once more. A woman sat with her head against the stone edge of the bath not too far away in the direction of the man's wading wake.

The other woman's posture and otherwise general state of being was enough to alarm the masseuse. "Is that your, uh, friend?" She sat up now, more alert as she gestured towards the second squire.

She didn't wait for a reply from the man as she suddenly pushed herself from the wall and to her feet. "She doesn't look too go--!" Wanda was cut off as she took a step forward and her bare foot slid out from underneath her body. Unfortunately, in the darkness, she couldn't see the puddle.

Oh.

Arms flailed helplessly at the empty air, and gravity did its job. In a split-tick Wanda tumbled into the pool.

[Bolivar]

Bolivar winced slightly trying to feel empathetic as the girl injured herself at his appearance. Would it be prudent to apologize? Apologize for what? He merely asked her a simple question. If anything she should apologize for overreacting like the way she did. Still. It was mildly amusing to see he had that sort of effect on others. Intriguing even. Smirking slightly at the gesture Bolivar gave an incredulous look at Wanda wondering why she even bothered rejecting the scene presented to her. It was almost tantalizing to not tease the woman slightly.

"If you want we could have a private session away from the bathes."

A bit taken back by the sudden question Bolivar's mind went two ways with that inquiry. Was Fallon a friend of his? Why did Wanda react so strongly seeing Fallon lounging away compared to him? Was she?

Not quite following their conversation for a tic or two Bolivar's eyes perked up at the sudden erratic movement above him. Sudden movements naturally caught one's attention and there was no question that everyone here saw Wanda's graceless tumble into the waters. A bark of laughter ripped through the air before it was followed by a torrent of sniggering from some onlookers at Wanda's expense.

Glaring at Fallon accusingly for no particular reason Bolivar leapt to Wanda's aide soon after. If she had hurt herself it would have been no laughing matter and the squire put other's safety before his personal amusement. Quickly fetching Wanda out of the water Bolivar quickly rushing to Fallon's side whilst doing so. Those who did not laugh cautiously regarded Wanda's condition before playing off the stunt. Taking a spot next to the lady squire Bolivar propped up Wanda before leaving her to her own devices looking instead accusingly at Fallon. Looking up the fellow squire up and down Bolivar almost looked somewhat envious before blurting out a rush of hastily thought up retorts.

"Hey. Did you know that you are. This is probably all your fault you know. Listen."

Peering slightly at Wanda before nudging Fallon slightly before whispering in her ear Bolivar's hands cupped Fallon's ear as his breathe touched Fallon's skin.

"I am thinking she fancies you more then me. One look at you she ignored me and ran for you. Even managed to make her fall head over heels for you from all the way there."

Pulling back repeating his actions from before Bolivar watched for any retaliation kicks on Fallon's part. Though his words were goading in a way his expression while whispering was completely serious. The most deadpan face he had ever put on in his entire life. Looking questioningly, worried at Wanda then back at Fallon Bolivar found himself looking at the lady squire in a different light.

Fallon was hot.The attractive kind apparently. Not only the sickly sort of hot.

"What's the secret? Personally I get nothing looking at you but other people seem to flock to you at times. Is it the hair?"

A slight break in his deadpan expression gave away his true intent. Of course the squire knew the whole incident thus far to be an accident. Though something about going on a quest with someone brought out the lighter side of the squire. Fallon was lucky to see him like this whether she realized it or not. Brushing his hair slightly Bolivar looked away, this time his turn to look up at the ceiling whispering to himself only high enough for his benefit.

"Fallon do be gullible. It will be cute."

[Fallon]

It was with a sigh that Fallon simply lifted her hand and applied her face into it. The fiasco that had occurred over by the waves caught the low chuckles of many a patron, the laughter hitting the air as the male squire and the damsel – for lacking the better term – floundering about in the water. Features pinched she simply shook her head once more before returning to her lounged state of her attempted relaxation. The sticky sensation however still existed, ever present and ever clawing. She only just about to catch his glaring however, along with his speedy return to her side

“Bolivar. Eyes are up here,” she exhaled as he looked up and down. She gave a firm point up to her face as she said that, her wet brow rising and a mocking look of disapproval. She simply tutted at him as he spurted out a string of words and gave her some form of coded nudges. She released a snort. ”Yes. Totally and completely my fault. All of it.”

There was a roll of the eyes, her brow only meeting briefly in the middle as the mixed blood whispered in her ear, his attention obviously turning somewhere but she was never quite sure where any more. No doubt some poor attempt at a joke, not that she particularly cared. She would relax and carry on with her soaking, and work out exactly why her head was buzzing. She gave him only a wave away with the wrist to her companion.

”Yes, whatever you say Bolivar. Totally. Completely and utterly head over heels,” she gave a stretch, her joints clicking and her neck rolling. She wiped her brow, fingers casting away the moisture and the tips resting upon the heat. It must have been hot in here. Must be. Perhaps she was simply sensitive to the heat? Yes. That had to be the answer. She sucked in the air, letting her lids close. The muscles relaxed and contracted, limbs gradually growing limp. Or at least as close as possible with the occasional twitch of life. Just her, the water, and the mumblings of Bolivar. Of course, she knew exactly she would have preferred to listen to right now, but you cannot always have everything you want.

”Must be my blindly brilliant personality,” there was a distinct purr at the end of her voice, though not without a heavy sarcastic tone over shadowing it. Her chin lifting and her lids cracking open slightly, even her back began to arc slightly at the movement, the low pressure resting in her back, before once more she slid back properly beneath the waters. ”You know, it’s so dazzling you have to ask about it.” A smirk broke out, ”Like petch I know Bolivar. Why don’t you go and ask yourself and tell me? You are the one who is curious after all.” She eye-balled him at that point, a very sharp look growing upon her face, ”Unless you’re too scared to.”

A sense of wickedness consumed her, pure mischief breaking out. She did not even try to hide it from her features as she stared at him. Withdrawing her arms beneath the water she maintained her position the best she could, and returned the back of her head to the cool stone. Breathing in deeply she felt her Djed give a tremble, the astral layer of her hand quivering.

Let’s have some fun, shall we?

”Go on. Ask. Dare you.”

[Wanda Endust]

This is what I get for trying to help?

Wanda floundered, the sudden shock of the water scrambling her senses for a moment. The bath wasn't that deep, of course; only about chest high on her own petite self. It must have been a silly sight, the girl flailing about in the water -- the echoing snickers confirmed that.

Her grabbing hands found Bolivar as he swept her to the side of the pool. "Thanks," she breathed as she emerged, finding herself next to the very lady she'd been on her way to investigate before Wanda'd so unceremoniously joined the pair.

Oh no. They'd just dragged her into whatever lovey-dovey mess they were up to!

The teen grabbed at the edge of the bath, hoisting herself up until she sat on the ledge. Her chemise was soaked through, the weight of it trying to drag her back down again.

Wanda tugged at the cloth on exasperation. Of course, it was white. And it was wet.

Realization dawned upon the girl both too slowly and too quickly. There was a splash of utmost urgency as Wanda abandoned her perch and returned to the water where she could be hidden beneath the swirling water.

She was not embarrassed, though her behavior may have portrayed otherwise. No -- she would have to go back to work at any moment in this state! She could already imagine the look of disapproval Ivis would give her.

Mild bantering drew her attention back to her company. The pair had now engulfed themselves in some back-and-forth. Their easy casual mannerisms had Wanda even more confused. Were the two not the "romantic" couple she'd assumed them to be? They certainly weren't acting as if they were...

Wanda had trouble following their conversation besides the simple facts of it: The man blaming the woman, then making a poor attempt at whispering to the woman, then continuing with the banter. The woman in turn periodically bounced back some retort or another before going on the offensive and challenging the fellow.

Wait wait wait -- what had the man tried to whisper to his friend? "I am thinking she fancies you more then me..." Their conversation had been past that moment for a while already, of course, but Wanda's addled brain was just now catching up.

"Go on. Ask. Dare you."

"Hey!" she interrupted, her outburst having nothing to do with the other woman's words. "I heard that -- I'm sitting right here!" The teen was feeling a strange combination of flustered and upset. Flustered because of Bolivar's lighthearted implications and peeved because They're talking like I'm not even here at all!

OOCSorry if this post is a bit difficult to understand. :') Basically, Wanda's just being a little slow in getting with the conversation.

[Bolivar]

Feigning shock Bolivar drew back to emphasize how truly hurt he was at the suggestive turn Fallon was taking. 'Why I never!' mouthed mockingly as an easy smirk was starting to form on the squire's face. Fallon was seriously requesting for him to question what it was about her that made her attract others to her as far as the eye can see. So vain and misguided the thought but now she was even suggesting that he was part of this Fallon fandom that was suddenly formed on the spot. Simply ridiculous! The very notion of him being the least bit interested in her!

“I just see you as is. There is no need to wonder why I even bother spending time with you. You are a squire and I am a squire and we are both helping each other to our aspirations you a knightly knight and me to bolster the city's personal magic arsenal.”

Both goals barely trending on what they truly aspired for was context enough for the publics bath they are in. Another reason that may or may not have been intentional. The two only knew each other in a competitive spirit if anything. Truly they had a camaraderie if not slightly aggressive relationship. His attention shifting over to Wanda who seemed finished in making a choice whether to join the pair or flee out of embarrassment. Nodding slightly as he registered Wanda part of their little circle Bolivar kept his attention fixed on Fallon for the time. She was up to something. The veiled threat not going unheeded seemed to excite Bolivar more then it should. After all he was a die hard magic enthusiast and no doubt something of Fallon's make would be interesting or at the very least amusing. That was why he liked her after all, a clever young lady squire that Bolivar did not have a problem talking plainly to.

The thought lingering in the air for a moment Bolivar made a mental move to try and disregard the compliments. Staring up at the ceiling trying to whisk those imaginary words from his mind. That is until Wanda joined in on their happy conversation. Wincing away as Wanda gave an sudden objection Bolivar looked back his lips forming a slightly upturned line. Of course the words had different meaning when she suddenly said that but nonetheless Bolivar thought it prudent to humor his earlier suggestion.

“Nice to see you've joined us.”

Looking at Fallon once again with a conspiring look Bolivar stood by Wanda as if personally insulted himself.

“That's right Fallon! You simply must pay attention where attention is due.”

Turning his attention back to Wanda teasing the younger girl with sympathy made a move. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder Bolivar tried his best to seem charming as he finally gave a smile first to Wanda and then to Fallon, barely able to keep up the act for much longer.

“Just so we are clear. Fallon did you intend to seduce this lovely woman? And to you Miss...”

Leaving a definitive space for Wanda to give her name Bolivar continued on whether she cooperated or not.

“To whom are you more attracted to? Me? Bolivar. A dashing and strapping man or plain old Fallon here?”

Fallon wanted him to question it and that was exactly what he was going to do. Of course Wanda's interruption was pretty spot on considering how differently that conversation was going to turn out. Freeing his arm to clutch at his head Bolivar ran both of his hands through his hair wonderingly before making small adjustments meticulously.

“I honestly think it is the hair. Is that what Sylirans think enchanting? Here. How's it look on me?”

[Fallon]

Fallon stopped. Leaned forward, and promptly turned her head to the woman. Her lips curled into a smile, the hand she was not focusing on – her right - simply opening out to give a gentle wave to the girl. They parted to give only a grin, before she chimed, ”Oh hello there!”

She leaned back and returned to her lounging, her active arm returning to the bath side. Her ears only gave the occasional twitch to Bolivar’s prattling, her mind was focused elsewhere. She rested her eyelids, letting them slide shut as she gave a second pluck at her Djed. Harmless fun, nothing could go wrong with that – right? The astral gave a tremble, gently being pulled and teased out. It quivered, a deep breath being pulled as she felt the area below the wrist growing numb. There was no rush for a well played out joke or a giggle. Of course, it was to be at their expense. And then the question came.

The lady squire cracked an eye open, firstly looking to Bolivar, then to the girl, and then returned back to him. Already he had managed to loop an arm around the girl, pulling her close and grinning. She held the gaze for a moment and then spoke.

”I’m sorry Bolivar, but I will be passing on this opportunity,” there was a sigh, ”I am too tired for such antics today…” pausing she released a yawn, her brow creasing together, ”And let her go, I don’t she appreciates being accosted by you in such a manner.” Her attention now turned to the girl, ”I’m sorry about him. He can get a bit excitable at times. Not that he means harm by it… least I don’t think he does.”

Her brow pinched at that point, almost as if thinking deeply and then, promptly she returned her head once more. Already the contents of her head were swimming around once more with his words simply turning to that of slush and swirls once more. There was only the gentle shake of her head almost in disagreement to him, her lids pressed shut once more, lips pursing together. She did not even look at him as she answered his question, ”Fabulous, truly stunning… wonderful…” And so on. With her humour turning dry she felt the astral wiggle free finally and the ethereal fingers slowly wriggling beneath the rippling depths. Soon, soon some fun would occur.

"He's not annoying you is he?" she addressed the girl again once more, "I can tell him to behave if you want."

[Wanda Endust]

Wanda's brow furrowed at the pair's flippant "greetings" -- that wasn't what she'd meant, and she just opened her mouth to say so when the man (his companion had referred to him as Bolivar, she now realized) suddenly reached his arm around her shoulder and drew her closer.

Her body tensed in response to the sudden contact. Normally, the teen found some comfort in contact with others. Here, in this particular situation, it made her fight-or-flight instincts go haywire. But could she complain? After all, she'd chosen just moments ago to stay in the company of these... people.

Nonetheless, Wanda kept her own hands pinned to her sides. If they tried any funny business, well, there were security guards somewhere around here, right?

Bolivar's voice echoed close to her ear, drawing her out of whatever dismayed thoughts she'd been heading towards.

"Wanda," she offered when he paused for her name.

In hindsight, Bolivar's question shouldn't have taken her off guard. But it did.

Who was she more attracted to?! She blanched, gaze rapidly flicking back and forth between the two options he'd laid before her. Oh no no no this was not how she'd wanted to spend her night. But, y'know, if she had to choose...

Ugh stop it! she urged herself, derailing her train of thought before it went any farther. The man had to be joking.

This flustered feeling was new to Wanda -- few and far between were the times when she wouldn't tackle an event with a naive sort of confidence. But now, for all the world, all she wanted to do was sink down into the bath.

Luckily for her, Bolivar didn't really seem to be after an answer. He quickly fluttered to another topic -- again with the hair.

For a split moment, the teen (though unaware of Fallon's own scheme) played with the strings own her own djed. Would it be morally wrong to gently suggest a new topic for consideration? Yes, it probably would. But it was such a tempting escape.

She sighed inwardly, letting the prospect go. It simply wasn't in her nature, and her attempt probably wouldn't have worked anyway.

And then the other woman was offering to keep her comrade in line -- a relief, considering that he seemed to be the source of all of Wanda's unease to begin with. "Please do!"