Closed [Sacred Arch Hotsprings] Communal Bath Of Justice (Markus)

[Rachel Messer]

16th of Bell, 4th of Spring 514 A.V, Sacred Arch Hotsprings

It was another beautiful early Spring day in the Fortress City of Peace and the wilderness around it, especially on the hotsprings just fifteen chimes from the main gates of Syliras, the Sacred Arch hotprings as it was famously called. In this particular lovely day, a blond-haired woman could be seem standing near the Springs, checking the water's temperature, the blond named Rachel, combat instructor, was just finished with her job of teaching enthusiastic citizens of Syliras, her muscles and skin required some comfort after the back-breaking teaching work, being an instructor pays really well and she loved every second of it, but by Priskil, she deserved some break.

Ah, just right... Truly, the springs lived up to their name, the water's temperature was warm, not to hot, and she heard bathing here could cure your strains and bruises, whether it was true or not, the dirt and grime marring her face and body should be cleaned. With a huff, Rachel began walking to a nearby bush then began taking off her armored attire, removing her helmet first then her half-plate, then followed by her fabrics, leaving the blond in her underwear, a light blue tanktop and shorts, she brought spares though so no worries there, the instructor hid her armor there - not like anyone was going to steal an armor without making a sound that was - then walked to the waters, first by sitting on the edge, dipping both of her feet into it, sighing in relaxation.

After about two chimes, Rachel winced as she dipped herself further, now submerging her body up to her shoulder blades, she could feel warmth coursing through her body, as dirt began to be washed away, with a splash of water to her face, she truly felt rejuvenated, Rachel's right hand then reached up to remove the blue ribbon tying her bun, freeing her shoulder-length blond hair as she shook her head, then cupped more warm waters into her hand as she began washing them, brushing the golden locks, after that was done, the woman would simply sit there, submerged up to her chin, occasionally brushing a stray golden strand from her vision behind her ear, this was why she liked to tie her hair, they could get in the way during combat.

[Markus Andres]

The breath of the knight rhythmically as he took great care to keep the breathing regular and even. Supply his body with the much needed oxygen. One foot ahead of the other as he ran. The encounter with the balicani previous season had taught him he needed to be able to run longer. Faster. Better. Which meant he had to train his endurance and his legs for longer distances. The knight wore regular clothes. A simple all black outfit. Blouse and pants black with the simple purpose of hiding the sweat that he knew would appear once the going got rough. Markus took a deeper breath in anticipation of the small incline he saw come. He felt the extra strain as he ran up the hill. Saw the small gap created by a small stream and the knight sped up and with a huff he jumped over the stream. One foot almost landing in the water, but the knight quick to roll. It did not look graceful, but it got the job done and soon the knight was on his feet again. He felt the pressure of his bastard sword against his back. It had almost messed up the roll, but he had succeeded anyhow.

The knight had been running for the better part of half a bell now and was on his way back by the hot springs when he took a stop for a quick breather. The strain in his legs was no joking matter and he knew he would be feeling the punishment the next morning. He needed to do more endurance training if he wanted to stay fit as a knight. He could feel the chill of the spring weather and the idea of dipping himself in the hot springs did seem very inviting. But so did getting home and into the warmth also. It was a hard decision, but going home was the better choice. That was until he noticed the clothes lying near the water. From the clothes to the back of a blonde woman's head.

Rachel? - He felt his heart skip a beat. He had not seen the woman for quite some time, not since meeting her in the forest and the subsequent visit to the Soothing Waters. Markus stepped closer. Needed to make sure that it was indeed Rachel. The nearer he got, he did recognize the woman. It was indeed Rachel. It brought a warm smile to his lips. Especially at the current situation.

"Hello there miss Rachel." Markus spoke as he approached her. "Fancy meeting you out here. I hope you don't mind if I join you." - Their bathe after she had been healed had given him a greater attraction to the woman for her body had been well-shapen and it was only because the public bath was so open and everyone could have seen him, that he had not made a move. Even been so flustered he had forgotten to invite her out for dinner. Though it appeared the good gods had given him a chance to remedy that crucial mistake.

He would kneel beside her as he awaited her reply. His breath still a little quickened from the running. But no doubt she wouldn't mind him being a little out of breath.

[Rachel Messer]

Rachel cupper her hands as she gathered water then used it to wash her face, dirt and grime whisked away by the warm comforting elixir of life, she sighed as wiped her face then opened her eyes... "!?" Only to find the very familiar face of a particular knight looming before her, "M-m...markus?!" So startled and surprised at his sudden approach, Rachel forgot her usual polite conduct and her remark was coated thick in her native Sunberthian accent. How did he approach her with such stealth? Was he secretly a god? Rachel's startled mind began making ridiculous assumptions before she calmed herself down, if one observed to the water, a warm golden glow could be seen beneath it, a sign of Rachel's blessing protecting her devotees.

Boosted by the hope and confidence from her gnosis, Rachel inhaled and exhaled as she calmed herself down, then she brushed a wet strand behind her ear as she looked up at the kneeling knight, "W-well..." She wanted to say 'yes', but she was rather embarrassed, she didn't feel worthy enough to be bathing with him, she felt like a hypocrite though, she had sparred with him on two rounds, and literally carried to the Soothing Waters, and then a session of public bathing there, but... they planned those, this was completely unexpected, to make matters worse, they were outdoors, however, who was she to refuse?... Not that she actually wanted to refuse anyway, "S-sure," She cleared her throat then scooted away to give him room, "Y-you may join me, I don't mind..."

When he had entered the water, Rachel would try her best to look casual and polite, but the creeping blush on her cheeks and shifting of her body until she was basically putting her chin on her knees said otherwise, her green eyes also couldn't stay still, looking at Markus then looking away a tick later, going back and forth. If Markus didn't speak to her, she wouldn't make the first conversation for a long while, creating an awkward silence. Whether he did or not, Rachel would finally speak to him, "S-so... you have b-been running?" She noticed his slightly heaving breath, then her eyes trailed to his chiseled body, earning him another blush and whimper before the usually confident instructor looked away again. If Jon saw her now, the student would not let her live it down.

Priskil! Please help your friend! I beg you... The Goddess of Hope must be sighing - or chuckling - at how foolish and childish Rachel was acting right now.

[Markus Andres]

Markus could be a patient man, very patient when it came to carrying out his duty. But when outside of duty and simply waiting for something to happen - that chipped away at his patience rather quickly. Especially when waiting for the response of a beautiful woman. She stammered his name and she got a warm smile in response. At least the female Messer had remembered him. It was a good start. Though she chipped away at his patience. Made him notice things he might otherwise have missed. The odd glow from her hand once more. He should have asked her the other day. Asked her in the public bath, but his attention had been elsewhere then. Trying to be decent and not stare at the naked Messer. The gods knew she had been shy enough without him there to make it worse with a pair of emerald eyes watching her every move.

The instructor spoke, giving her permission to enter the water. Markus' smile widened as he happily began to undress. First starting with the bulky weapon on his back. He carefully placed the sword within easy reach of the water. Even with the knights nearby and this an often patrolled area, he chose to be careful above careless. The next that followed with the black blouse. Pulled off with ease and his muscular frame came into sight. The cold early spring weather did strike him then and a ripple of a shiver went though the muscles as they reacted. Did little to cool the warmth in his smile as he worked on removing his pants. The knight had never had a problem with appearing nude in front of people. So he didn't particularly think about it when he removed his underpants along with the boots he had been running in. Though he could feel the chill all the more intensely now that not a single scrap of clothes covered his massive frame. The knight stepped into the water. Right foot testing the warmth and a blissful heat went up his leg as he realized how soothing this would be to the young knight. Soon the left foot stepped in and he quickly moved to cover most of his body under the hotsprings. Perhaps to the delight of the female instructor so that his male form didn't distract her or cause further warmth to rise into her cheeks. The knight figured he would let her get used to his presence before he pursued any further actions. Lest he scare her away by being much too direct.

"Ahhh. Excellent. Just what I needed. Thank you for letting me join you here."

The knight placed his arms against the edge of the water. Finding a nice place by the rocks that could support his weight. Butt against a rocky out spring under the water. Head resting against the ground as he closed the emerald eyes and simply let himself relax in the presence of the polite woman. The knight sighed contently as he let the time pass by in silence. This had been exactly what he needed. A warm bath to rejuvenate tired and weary limbs. The knight didn't notice the awkward silence. Only the silence until it was broken by the lady. Words were spoken after some time. He opened his eyes and looked at Rachel.

"I have. I needed to move after patrolling the harbour this morning. Being locked up in heavy armour for most of the day gives you a innate desire to be able to move freely. To be able to stretch out without plates scraping against one another." He spoke softly. "Although run alone gets dull after a while." A bright look appeared on his face, as if he had just gotten an idea. His dark emerald eyes looked at Rachel. Seeking out her bright green eyes. At least that was what the colour he recalled they had been. "You should come with me one of these days. Always more fun to have a running partner." Markus offered Rachel. Setting up a possibility for a future date, less accidental than his current approach.

[Rachel Messer]

Due to her nervousness and embarrassment, Rachel noticed too late that Markus had not a single fabric of clothes on his body, unlike Rachel who was still wearing her underwear. He was kind of... open-minded regarding nudity, wasn't he? In the public bath of Soothing Waters, she could understand, but this was public and outdoors. Still, out of respect for the Knighthood and him in general, Rachel swallowed down her concerns. Besides, a part of her mind, the ones honest with her womanly desires, kicked her for not appreciating Markus baring his body to her, whether he intended it or not.

She didn't sit too far away from him, alright, they were very close actually, their shoulders brushing against each other. Rachel tried hard not to continue looking like an idiot, after a long five chimes, she finally got the courage to look him in the eyes, the matching emeralds locked at each other, "W-well..." The instructor stammered, "I see... I felt heavy sometimes when wearing my half-plate armor," Rachel idly gestured to the bush where she hid her belongings with her head," Then she looked back at him, "Can't imagine how it felt like to wear full plate."

The instructor noticed the sudden quirk of his features, she hitched a breath, what was he planning? The anticipation was killing her, then it was as she feared (or hoped), Markus was asking her to train with him, well, her respect for the Knighthood didn't allow her to refuse, however, she also wanted it, she used the former as an excuse to slowly nod, "Alright then... I'll run with you, perhaps, uhm..." She chuckled, "We can spar again, though please take it easier on me this time." Rachel jested, bumping her left shoulder with his right, then she placed her chin on her knees once more as she hugged it.

"I wonder, M-markus uh..." She felt disrespectful for saying this, but she wouldn't be able to sleep soundly if she kept silent, "W-why do you treat me like this?" She realized the implications of her words, "A-ah... I m-mean,... uh... w-why do you... treat me s-special? I mean... n-not to be arrogant, but..." Finally, she gave up, sighing in defeat, "Y-you know what I mean..." I hope he does.

[Markus Andres]

The knight looked to the bush she had gestured to, seeing a bit of plate stick out through the branches that were still leafless. A good hiding place for the unobservant. She was a clever girl. Unlike Markus' possessions which just lay on the edge of the water. Then again, who would steal a sweaty blouse, pants and underwear? Only the sword had any value and that was mostly sentimental value. It wouldn't be the greatest loss in the world. Except he would have to march home naked. Which would be rather bothersome. It was only logical that the knight wasn't too worried about thieves taking his things.

Another spar? - An excited grin appeared on his lips.

The idea intrigued Markus. If only for the physical exercise and possibility of getting closer to Rachel. Although with her shoulder bumping against his in the water it was limited how much closer the two could get physically. He did notice that she had not yet let her eyes examine the mark of Sylir on his shoulder. Either because she wouldn't want to stare? Or would she find it rude to examine the mark of a god? He chuckled lightly at her jab. Hiding the much deeper underlying problem of him enjoying combat a little too much for a knight of peace. But he had come to accept that part of himself.

"Hmm?" When she began to speak again. Curious what she wanted to ask him. Once more chipping away at his patience. The question she did pose him was a rather straight forward one. Demanding to know why he treated her... how? Like a human being. Attractive woman? His friend's sister? The last one stung a bit as he considered it, but he was certain Kreig could understand. Or at least he hoped he wouldn't mind at least. Rachel stammered on and Markus felt a little heat rise to his cheeks at the awkwardness of her question. Straight forward and to the point, but the stammering got to him. Seeing her hug her knees like that, closing in on herself to protect herself from... What exactly? He would have to try and have her open up for him and not sit in such a guarded position. Problem was, he wasn't sure what she talked about. Had he treated her special? Even if hadn't, she had given him the opportunity to make a move.

"Special?" He repeated as he raised his right arm and pushed back a strand of her wet blonde hair. A poor excuse to brush the back of his hand across her cheek. "Because you intrigue me." He spoke honestly. Pausing slightly as a crooked smile appeared on his lips. "I mean..." The smile widened a little as he tried to explain. "You were born in a city with a reputation for hating knights, but not you. You've treated me with utmost respect and kindness since we met each other." He smirked as his left hand found her right one. Gently sliding fingers between her hand and leg trying to open up the hand so he could examine the hand he had seen the glow from. The hand, calloused and hard. The mark of a hard worker... or warrior. "And then there is this. I noticed a peculiar soft glow from your hand every so often." He would look at the palm and see the glowing vortex. The vortex had him stare a little mesmerized for a moment. It was a beautiful mark. Although he couldn't recall seeing the mark before, it didn't take a learned scholar to put two and two together. Priskil. There was a brief look of surprise on the knight's face as he saw the mark before he smiled warmly. He had been flirting with a marked follower of Priskil. It only made his respect and admiration of the woman grow deeper.

"Ah, more to you than meets the eye, Rachel." He had a brief pause as his eyes went to hers again. "And what meets the eye, is a gorgeous woman." The playful smirk appeared as he kissed the back of her hand. Then to his own surprise pushed away from the ledge, hand still holding hers and stretching out their arms between them.

"Come, let's go for a swim." Partly because he wanted to swim and move about a little, the conversation had gotten a bit too close and personal for his taste and also because this was a way he could get her out of her shell and move about. For during their spar she had been less insecure. Her attacks had been confident and excellent. Perhaps a similar bathing situation full of mobility might bring out the same side of her. He hoped so, for he preferred the Rachel in combat. A little confident, secure in her own abilities.

OOCI hope it is alright I assumed she didn't pull back her hand before he examined the mark.

[Rachel Messer]

There was a reason, actually two, that Rachel didn't notice the leaf-shaped mark of Sylir on Markus' right shoulder, one, the mark wasn't as catchy as Rachel's glowing vortex, and two... she was too focused on his beautiful matching emerald eyes, and reluctance to see any other part of his nude body for she knew her carnal desire would begin taking over her logical thoughts. "Uh..." Rachel trembled her lips when he asked the nature of her question regarding his treatment of her, she wanted to explain but it looked like he saved her from yet another awkward stutters.

"I-intrigue..." It was a question, it was merely Rachel's thoughts flowing out loud from her lips, she simply sat there when his right hand pushed a strand of golden hair away from her face, her first assumption was that he was attracted due to her skill in longsword, well, she was a combat instructor after all. Then it came to her, he was right though, she did came from a completely lawless scumhole of a city, she should be hating everything that was connected to law and order, truly the antithesis of Syliras, however... Rachel was an oddity compared to those Sunberthian scums, her encounter with Priskil kept her on the path of hope and vigilance, she would be damned if she ever fell into the depths of depravity like so many in Sunberth, "W-well... t-thank you... i-it is nothing though... e-everyone should do that..." She muttered.

"H-!?" She half-gasped when he grasped her right hand, but soon relaxed, there was no place safer than being in the presence of a Knight, a Knight she personally sparred and be escorted with to boot. She offered a meek resistance as her fingers slid between his, "O-oh? That is uhm..." Rachel had no qualms about explaining her mark, aside from her wondering on why Priskil wasn't one of the Knight's Patron Gods, she would fit right there along with Yahal. The glow flared again between them as it lighted both of their features from below, creating a peculiar scene for both swordsman/woman, "It is the mark of Priskil, Goddess of Hope and Vigilance, also my personal friend." She spoke more firmly now, with her heart being boosted with courage and confidence from her mark.

This time, she didn't look away, merely stared at him with widened eyes when he complimented her being and her apparent beauty, then he moved in to kiss the back of her hand, "W-wha-" She wanted to question him when he pulled her hand away, then before she could ask him, he confirmed his desire, "A... alright..." She muttered with a nod, actually, Rachel had no idea how to swim... being in Sunberth, struggling to survive had not give her the chance to learn the art of moving through water, and her time in Syliras, she was so focused in honing herself and teaching in the Fighter's Pit - which was on land - she had no time to swim, even though Syliras was right next to the Suvan Sea. "A-although..." Rachel looked away then sheepishly giggled, " I... can't swim." She looked at him with begging eyes, "Uh... u-unless you want to teach me, that is..."

[Markus Andres]

The wide light green eyes when he had given her the compliment had been all the response he needed. She had been taken by utter surprise and his next action probably further pulled her out of her protective shell. The metaphorical shell, as he could see her move out physically as her legs extended and she followed him to the deeper areas of the springs. The knight could still touch the bottom, but the shorter Rachel might have some difficulty further out. The knight looked back at her with a calm confident smile on his lips as he tried to radiate an aura of calmness. Hide away that Markus himself wasn't a very good swimmer either, but he did have the advantage of being able to touch the ground when his inability to swim properly forced him to start over.

Markus had never been fond of swimming. The public bath sure, he could do a stroke or two and not look like a buffoon, no more before he would have the attention of everyone. And not the kind of attention he liked. Since Sahova, the knight had actually feared large bodies of water a little. Found them discomforting with all the unknown under the waves. Another Lagool? Or something worse? Only Laviku knew and he didn't share. He pushed away those thoughts. Tried to focus on Rachel instead. She was cute. Very cute. It did much to scare away the images of knights vanishing into the depths and replace it with Rachel's beautiful face. His eyes lost a bit of the vigour, only to regain some of it when seeing Rachel's begging eyes. The sadness flickered out of his eyes and instead the warmth of a knight with

"The instructor asking for lessons. I feel honoured." He teased her and gave her a slight theatrical bow, though it was a bit lacklustre - both the bow and the tease. "I would love to teach you, unfortunately I am not a good enough swimmer myself to show you anything proper. I mostly just thrash about until I get in the direction I need to go. It isn't elegant like a Konti, but it gets the job done. I am probably the opposite of a fish on land. Splashing about until I manage to hit something firm and can crawl back on land." The knight shrugged and chuckled at his own analogy, there was no shame in his voice, only stating facts. "That does make the notion of swimming a little silly." He chuckled, the mirth returning slowly. "Have you ever tried swimming? Might be you are a natural talent. Either way, you should give it a try." The confidence was back. The depressing thoughts firmly rejected. "I won't laugh if it looks silly. And I am here if you get into trouble." He released her hand, not without brushing it down her blessed palm and fingertips touching before separating. Wondering if she would take him up on the offer.

[Rachel Messer]

"Ahaha, one could never stop learning." Rachel quipped at his little jab back at him, the philosophical blurb had always been one of her concept in living, even the Divines themselves always changed, there was not a single way a mortal could stop learning, whether they wanted it or not. The bow looked rather awkward and brought a small giggle to the instructor, rather rare considering she was often seen in her 'teaching' persona. Rachel followed him deeper into the hotspring, but hesitated when the water almost reached to her chin, even when she was standing at full height, Markus still looked rather fine though, well he was much taller after all.

"Well, both of us then," She gave a knowing chuckle when he admitted he was not that proficient with water either, his analogy might sound hilarious, but it was perfect, "Two reverse-fishes in a hotspring, huh?" Rachel mused looking around them, there were only a few people at the moment and all of them were quite far away from the duo's location. "Those scales and webbed fingers are there for a reason, no?" Rachel asked a rhetorical question regarding his remark about the pale all-female race.

Rachel stopped when the water reached just below her lips, the thoughtful expression returned, she didn't want to go further, "W-well, I did... but uh, never tried much, if you count dipping yourself in a bath 'swimming' that is," She awkwardly sighed, but her eyes widened when he released her hand, she didn't expect that, the instructor's feet slipped due to her startled mind, then she fell forward face-first, into the water, the blond flailed for a tick before both of her hands grabbed the nearest grab-able solid object near her... Markus of course, her hands wrapped around the Knight's torso as she raised her head then took a gasped breath.

Inadvertently, her legs also searched for something to grab on, and of course, they wrapped around Markus' waist, it was all instinct as Rachel's mind focused to calm itself down, her gnosis flaring to assist her, "Ha... woah... ha..." She gasped for about ten ticks before slowly calming down, leaning her head on Markus' collarbone, "I... I can't swim..." It looked like she wouldn't let go and she didn't even realize their position at the moment.

[Markus Andres]

The knight enjoyed the sound of her chuckle. Simple and honest. His own mixed in with hers after his fish comment. His continued when she spoke of reverse-fishes in water. He could feel the uneasiness grow in her the further into the water they went. Feel the slight changes in her hand and the muscles tense a little. But she would be fine, he was there to calm her down. Keep her safe. She had faith in the knights, a well-founded faith. He figured she would feel safe with him this close. Ready to step in should something happen. His hand slipped from hers. Let her stand on her own and show him how she 'swam', the warm comforting smile still on his lips. The widening of her eyes, however told him he was wrong. There was actual surprise and shock in those lovely green eyes. His smile stiffened and lips grew thin, only to part when Markus let out a gasp as Rachel slipped. The loss of balance. Markus didn't react fast enough to catch her. Her arms flailed. His hands went forth too slowly. Flying through the air to catch a woman that slipped beneath them.

"Rachel!"

The gasp turned into a grunt when her head connected with his torso and her arms wrapped around him. Felt the muscles honed from years of sword fighting grab him tightly and pull her body close to his. The knight took a step back in sheer surprise and to regain his balance. Soon finding even that hard as he could feel her entire weight in her arms hanging on to his torso. The woman was lighter than he recalled. Forgetting last time she had worn half-plate. The blonde head against his collar. Wet blonde hair all he could see as he gazed down at her. The desire for the woman grew. Legs wrapped around his waist and Markus suddenly became very aware that he was naked. For the woman wasn't wearing much either and there was something soft pressing against his chest separated only by a thin layer of fabric. Their position. It woke memories of his first time. The knight was a little confused and worried for Rachel and the current situation. Also worried about something else entirely. If her brother saw them in this compromising situation. A lingering fear of his. Something that had held him back. But the worry, that lingering fear was thrown out the window. He felt courageous. The odd courage he did not know the origin of rose in him and pushed aside any concerns and doubtful worries. Only one path and that was onwards.

Markus' right hand closed in on the woman. Hand brushing against her lower back. Feeling the fabric that clung to her like a second skin. His hand was only a small distraction. Hearing her words made him chuckle briefly and only made it all the easier to continue. Especially with the divine influence still lingering in him. He could feel her chest expand against his as she breathed quickly. Left hand would find her chin. Gently lead it to face him. Warm emerald eyes looking into her brighter ones.

"Rachel, I got you."

A curl at the edges of his lips as the words made it out of his lips. The knight leant down and kissed Rachel upon the lips. The hand by her lower back would grip her tank top. Left hand brushed by her slender neck to gently hold the back of her head. Give him the chance to deepen the kiss, driven in part by divine magic, but mostly by the desire for the woman.