Rest and Relaxation
Log Info
- Title: Rest and Relaxation
- Place: A03: The TarRaCe - Bathhouse
- Summary: Jacob encounters Rune getting some rest and relaxation at the Bathhouse. The two discuss tattoos and Goddesses, only to be surprised by an underwater-sleeping Irshya. Both express their gratitude for such an establishment, and Rune shares plans to head to Mictlan to aid those impacted by the recent earthquake.
Rune had heard a great deal about the TarRaCe over the past few days, and it seems that she has, at last, been able to make use of the facilities. Between sewer expeditions and getting herself, and her armor, covered in wolf vicera, the chance to actually clean herself up is taken at first opportunity.
The half-sil is not wearing her usual armorments or cloak, with the warmth from the bathing facilities shooing away the lingering cold. Instead, she's wearing a simple sleeveless top and a pair of draw-string shorts. It's likely that her actual clothing is in the process of being washed by the service staff.
This change of clothing, however, gives a view of few are afforded. Usually covered by her armorments, the rogue has a fairly elaborate tattoo in swirling, tribal patterns that runs from her left cheek down along her entire left arm and side. It even peeks out along her leg as well, suggesting it is quite a large piece of body artwork.
At the moment, reluctant to return to the colder temperatures outside, Rune is seated near the central pool, her legs dangling in the water. She is slightly leaned back, propped up on one arm, eyes closed, obviously enjoying a break from recent events.
The TarRaCe had somehow gained a near-regular customer in Jacob, who may sometimes come by for food, merriment and conversation with friends of his, and of course a fine bath where his clothes can be cleaned from dirt, grime, and blood. One of the only reasons why he didn't join Rune on the journey to the bathhouse was because he was honor-bound to check on the farmer's daughter at the Temple to ensure she knew of her father's safety.
And now...to clean himself of the gunk and filth.
When Jacob emerges from the bath, he's wearing white strung-up pants that tuck in around the knees, but he's not wearing a shirt. Muscles flex and ripple as he moves, but the eye is drawn to almost mystical-looking tattoos that seem to be of Phurai Dae culture and meaning, some others seem specific to Serriel.
Seems the one over his blue eye is not his only scar. He has a few others on his person from various wounds suffered previously. Some appear like those suffered from training, minor and inconsequential. Others seem like they may have been potentially lethal, but he got quick, proper treatment.
He runs a towel through his hair, long and straight, he turns his eyes as Rune comes into view.
"Rune?" He notices her extensive tatto design and more drastically, how /different/ she looks out of leathers, mail, and blades. He steps towards her, a soft smile worn proudly on his face. "Would you mind company?"
Lost in her own world, at least momentarily, Rune's head bobs slightly back and forth in that relaxed state. As Jacob approaches, what he'll catch is a soft bit of music escaping from her lips. It's not a true song, as it has no words, but her soft humming seems melodic, as if she were remembering some bit of music. It doesn't quite have the grace of a trained bard, but there's something there.
It isn't until Jacob speaks that the humming cuts off abruptly. Rune's blue eyes flutter open as if she were waking from a dream and she looks up. Some measure of surprise shows on her features as she takes in a very shirtless Jacob, "Huh." The sound comes unbidden before she adds, "Wouldn't thought that you would have tattoos." Her head tilts curiously.
Then, with an easy-going as you please gesture, she invites him to join her at the edge of the pool, "Feel free. I'm just lurking here to avoid going back out into the cold." The half-sil wiggles her toes beneath the warm water. "It's too nice in here. I might have to move in."
What is that lovely sound? Was Rune singing? Jacob had the voice of a dying seal, but he always enjoyed the singing of others. Rune's voice was pleasant to hear. She doesn't seem like she's communing with something, just singing on her lonesome.
Beautiful.
"Apologies. I had no intention of distracting you from your tune, I promise. You have a wonderful voice." She mentions the tattoos that cover mostly his arms and he chuckles. "I get that a lot, surprisingly enough. While I suspected you were the type for tattoos, I didn't figure you the type to have one so large." He gestures to how far it seems to go. But invited, He lowers himself to a seating position, letting his feet enjoy the water as he sits next to her. "Thank you."
"You and me both." He chuckles. "I was here with Harkashan, Zeke, and Schara the other day. The bartenders are...interesting, but the food and service is spectacular. Do they do overnight stays here?" he smiles.
"How are you, Rune?"
"Mmm." Rune gives a little shake of her head. The wet strands of her hair fall around her face slightly, the blue dye at the tips slightly lighter after the washing. She likely has to re-color it quite often, it seems. "It's alright. I was just lost in the past for a little bit. Remembering old songs."
Her lip quirks at the comment as to her somewhat elaborate markings, "I think... it was about reclaiming myself." Rune starts, as if not entirely sure how to explain it. "In some places, half-breeds like me... we're looked down upon by both humans and Sil. So, at some point, I thought: 'Fuck them. Fuck what they think.'" She full on smirks at that. "I don't mind standing out a little, I figure. It's better than being no one."
Lifting her brows, Rune asks, "What about yours?"
She shifts one shoulder, lifting it in a half-shrug, "No idea. I'm sure they'll kick me out eventually, or Lava-scales will come looking for me." At his other question, she seems to ponder, looking out along the pool. "Should I feel bad about killing wolves?" That seems to be her answer to 'how are you'?
She likely has to update the blue dye aplenty. Though Jacob's lips part, as if to ask something, he keeps the question to himself. Though it's clear his eyes are noticing bits and pieces of her. The elaborate nature of her tattoos now that he has a better look at them, the brilliant color of the dye in her hair. "There's always something beautiful about remembering the past. It's part of us, in a way. It's lesson-learner, disciplinarion, and comforting friend all at the same time. There's a brilliant joy in old songs." He turns to look at her. "I'd love to listen to you sing again, sometime. Should you feel comfortable."
Jacob hears her speaking of the tattoos meaning. The reclaiming of herself, of proving that she's alive and proud of who and what she is. "I always hated that half-sil were treated with such disrespect. To me, it's a miracle of life. You owuld think that the two species would be incompatible, but...instead, they form a perfect harmony. You're proof of that." His smile grows a little wider. "I think that's awesome. There's no one you can be but you and there's a great pride in that."
He looks at himself a moment, looking at the intricate patterns on his arms that start at his shoulders and end at the back of his (typically gloved) hands, just an inch or so past the wrist.
"Gifts." He answers. "In the Phurai Dae, tattoos play a significance....at least, to those amongst my tribe. Tattoos are marks of honor, of victories and challenges completed." He points at the one on his hands. "These ones are given for mastering the Horse. The Vast is a cunning, chaotic place where not all is as it seems." He gestures to another. "This one is for the first successful Hunt." He chuckles. "Others I have are in servitude of Serriel, my Goddess. Less of culture and more of pride, for that one." He chuckles softly.
He tilts his head. "Not particularly. These beasts were causing harm. Otherwise, I'd mayhaps advise a spot of compassion." Jacob chuckles, apparently that was supposed to be funny. He's jack shit at it. "Did you suffer any injury?" Though hearing of Harkashan makes him laugh. "I'm sure your loyal companion will come looking for you any moment. You seem close."
In answer to her singing, Rune simply says: "My mother was the singer, not me." There is likely a story there, but for the moment, she doesn't elaborate further on it.
A soft smile lingers on her lips at his appraisal of her people, but she seems quiet on that matter, too. Some things run too deep to completely fade, even in the presence of others who don't see that way.
Instead, she focuses on that idea of tattoos and their meaning. "It's almost like touchstones." Rune surmises, her head tilted slightly. "Reminders of your past, your present, maybe even your future, right?" As he speaks of his Goddess, there is a small shift as Rune leans forward, "I'm more scared of my Goddess than I am anything else. So I envy those who are so close with theirs."
There is that word, compassion. "Hmm." The sound is thoughtful. "I think I have plenty of that. Compassion. The problem is that killing walks hand in hand with people like us. Those who have the strength to help those who can't help themselves. Sooner or later we have to fight, and any time you draw your blade, you know there's a chance for bloodshed."
As for injuries, she shakes her head, "I'm fine. The wolves didn't even manage to get a scratch on me." Then, she laughs softly, "I came to Am'shere in search of clues about my mother. Who she was. Ended up traveling with Harkashan for a long time." Rune explains, "When I died... it was because I was protecting him from a spell. We were ambushed by Charnites. He... had to watch me die, so... I would guess there's some overprotectiveness there."
There is some tension that forms across her shoulders. Rune clearly does not like talking about this particular topic.
"Was she?" Jacob seems to take the stance of an active listener. "What did she like to sing?" It would appear that Jacob was fully invested in Rune's tales and her life story, his eyes find her and she can see the reflection of herself in them. He was looking right into her eyes, not quite to the point of 'I want to see your soul' but that his interest in the story is genuine.
Some wounds never quite fade. Some wounds stay attached to you until you choose to let them go...and some wounds are just a part of you. But, even those wounds build you rather than break you.
"Yes." Jacob perks up a little bit at the touchstones references. "Exactly, actually. The tattoos serve a grand purpose. It speaks our name, our families, our achievements. It's like a living touchstone marked forever on the flesh." He smiles softly at her, but his smile fades as she speaks of her goddess. "You have reason to fear your Goddess? Do you believe you've angered her somehow?" Though he hums. "But I suppose fear is a form of respect in the eyes of a deity, but I dare not speak for the Gods. But, perhaps in each other we may find such a comfort, that the Gods have bid not to strike us down in holy fury." He chuckles, a bit of grim humor. "Why do you feel far from her?"
"I think that's the risk we make. Though the spilling of blood does not eliminate compassion. We are still capable of mercy and the like...even if we would rather apply death than spare it's cold touch. Helping others with a blade is compassion...knowing whether to take a life is wisdom." He clears his throat. "Or, so say the holy texts and some elders of my clan. Ah, I'm sorry if I sound preachy."
He lifts ah and to rub the back of his neck, as if slightly embarassed.
Though she manages about the wolves. "Good, I share the same fortune. I'm happy I know some healing magics, some of our number desperately needed it." He seems amused, but he hears that she came to Am'shere to look for her mother, or who her mother was, and she travelled with Harkashan on that quest. "That explains how you two met...and...the loyalty that you share for one another. That must hve been hard. I understand why he would stay close to you, even after what you have suffered."
But unlike the topic of her mother, he doesn't pursue that one. Instead, he merely leans to playfully bump her shoulder with his. "How long have you been adventuring?"
A few bubbles burble up to the surface of the pool, and a small shadow appears on the blue bottom of the pool. Indistinct at first, it takes on a little more shape, and begins to move slowly along the pool's bottom. A few more bubble escape, burbling to the surface, sounding like a.. yawn?
"She was a bard. At least... when I knew her." Rune elaborates, "I used to be so enamoured with her stories of far off places and daring adventures." She meets his gaze only briefly before looking away again, eyes always watchful despite there being no danger here.
Kicking her legs, the half-sil splashes a little bit of water forward, seeming to think before answering, "Not so much angered, no... I just don't really know why I was brought back. The Sky-Singer is all about fate... but I have no idea what fate she has planned. So it feels like being put on a road with no map."
The nudge to her shoulder seems to draw her mind back from more dour thoughts and has her giving a soft chuckle. "About six years or so, if you don't count the down-time." Downtime, likely meaning the time she was not breathing.
And then there is a shadow moving in the pool and bubbles coming up. "Uh... what is that?" She asks, instinctively drawing her legs from the water and staring down into the depths.
"A bard? Sounds like a fascinating kind of life." Jacob is happy to listen to Rune's story as she talks about her mother. She meets his gaze and she looks away, bringing a warmth to Jacob's features. He doesn't know why she's looking away, he doesn't feel like there's danger around or someone approaching, but he could be wrong. Elven senses were legendary. "What was your favorite daring adventure?" He asks. "A daring adventure that your mother had told you?"
He watches her splash the water forward. "I see...and, forgive me if I speak out of turn to you, but that's not so scary a thing. If anything, it's a comforting thought, that your greatest moment is yet to come and the Sky-Singer has elected to keep you on the mortal, material plane." A kind smile touches his face and reaches his eyes. "Perhaps that is not something to fear, but rather a sign that you can trust your Goddess, just as she seems to trust you. After all, you're still here." He tries to advise her.
Though her laughter was a beautiful thing, and she mentions she started adventuring six years ago. "I see. Got quite a bit of experience under your belt. I've been doing this a few years too." He looks out at the water. "Do you think any of this gets easier?" He chuckles.
But then he's looking towards the shadow and he tilts his head, though he doesn't retract his feet. "I...don't know."
He splashes at the water a bit forcefully, not trying to attack whatever's in the water, but trying to see if it reacts to the water being splashed.
A moment after the splashing by Jacob, a pair of eyes open, and a moment later a small face emerges from the water. The small form quickly moves to the side, pulling themselves from the water to the marble tiles.
The Goblin's skin is blue, very closely matching the blue at the bottom of the pool. She wears a form-fitting, one piece swimsuit, also closely matching the colour of the pool's bottom.
Her form has a few oddities, namely a small fin between her shoulder blades, and a small, shark-like tail. Her teeth are also very reminiscent of a shark's. She grins toothily at the two. "Hello! I am Irshya, proprietress of the TarRaCe. Sorry if I startled you, I sometimes sleep at the bottom of the pool. My skin sometimes gets really dry, so I need to rehydrate it."
"When I was little, she told a story about a forest where the leaves changed color like the rainbow. It was about a gnome inventor who lived there and every time she told it, there was always some new, strange invention that he would come up with and it would always fail spectacularly, usually with explosions." Rune doesn't actually attempt a retelling of the story, simply giving a summary of it. She has never had her mother's gift for storytelling.
She /might/ have responded to his reassurances about the Sky-Singer, but Rune is far too distracted by the blue form approaching from under the water. There is certainly surprise on her features at the Goblin emerging from beneath the surface. Not just because it was unexpected, but likely because she's never seen a Goblin with such interesting physical traits.
"Oh!" The sound comes out as a natural reaction, and then she puts in a somewhat sheepish smile. "Sorry about that, you startled me." Rune explains, then inclines her head. "I'm Rune. This is Jacob." The Half-sil motions to the human sitting beside her. Rune is wearing a simple sleeveless shirt and draw-string trousers, the sort of thing someone might wear after finishing in the baths. "We were just avoiding leaving yet. The warmth in here is a nice change of pace from the chill outside."
She totally forgets about Jacob's other question due to the distraction.
As opposed to Rune, Jacob is shirtless, but is wearing knee-length trousers as is proper wear. When Irshya emerges from the waters, Jacob jumps just a little bit, his hand extended as if prepared to cast some kind of powerful magic, but instead, he just starts laughing. "It's okay." He tilts his head. "You can breathe underwater? That's fascinating." He smiles at the goblin, though he doesn't comment on the strangeness of it.
That just wouldn't do.
But Rune tells him about a gnome adventurer who lived in a magical forest where the leaves changed to a rainbow-like color. "Wow...that sounds lovely." He smiles spectacularly at her, though he tilts his head when she mentions the numerous explosions that would often occur with each failed invention.
"...fascinating." He starts to laugh, but before they can go any further with that talk, he turns back to look at Irshya.
"We thank you for your hospitality. THe service here is incredible." Jacob might've forgotten the other question himself!
The Gobbo giggles brightly at the two, and offers a curtsey, pretending to hold an imaginary dress. "It is nice to meet you both, Rune and Jacob." She gestures to the room, "Please feel free to stay as long as you want. We're generally open fairly late. And for startling you, please accept a drink on the house. I'd recommend the apple cider, we have it nice and hot if the chill is bothering you."
She smiles, "I am happy to hear that you think the service is incredible, it means my staff are doing their jobs very well. This is pleasing, I like to think I pay them decently, and they deserve such."
The little woman steps a little closer to Jacob, and gestures to her neck, where, briefly, little gills open and close. "I am able to breath under water. There are drawbacks though."
"Oh, you don't have to do that." Rune offers a small smile and a shake of the head, the damp blue and black strands of her hair moving slightly. "It's just been an... interesting couple of days. It's enough to make a person a little jumpy." She shyly draws a few of those strands behind one slightly pointed ear.
As Irshya approaches, Rune tilts her head, likely getting a better look at the interesting features of the goblin proprietor. "This is my first time here, but the baths came highly recommended." Shifting a little, she doesn't put her legs back into the water, but does pull one up towards her chest. "Drawbacks?" Sometimes, curiosity gets the better of her.
"Nice to meet you." Jacob smiles at the Gobbo, happy to accept the hospitality. Though thge offer of a free drink is met with a shaken hand. "Oh, no, that's okay, you don't have to do that." Apparently he speaks in near unison with Rune, though he chuckles softly. "Lots have happened the past few days. We're just a little on edge. We had to fight some monster wolves the other day." He remarks with a bit of humor touching his features.
"What drawbacks could there be to breathing water? Other than hydrating? Do you start feeling unwell if you're away from the water for too long?"
The Goblin's cheeks flush a light lavender in colour, seemingly shy with the close attention, but also willing to bear it. "Oh no, please, it is no trouble at all. Ask around, I am fond of freely giving drinks and food away. I would rather have someone giving out glowing praise of my establishment, than worry about the cost of a drink or two, yes? It's not generous, it's actually pretty selfish, when you look at it." Irshya snorts and chuckles to herself, nodding in reply to Rune. "There are a few difficulties with my form when it comes to clothing and armor. I was also badly injured, and not everything set properly, probably due in part to where things are inside me. And I dry out a bit, have to keep water around."
Her grin returns, broad and full of teeth. "Luckily, I am a priestess of Rada, the Ra in TarRaCe. I can make water when I need it."
Looking to Jacob, she wiggles her hand. "I get tired more quickly, and feel really thirsty. It's uncomfortable."
"Well, I certainly won't decline twice." The smile on Rune's face widens ever so slightly. After having traveled alone for a long time, sometimes struggling to make ends meet, the rogue doesn't often turn down food or drink when someone insists on it. "Besides, that warm cider sounds wonderful."
With more details on Irshya's condition and the damp requirements it includes, the half-elf nods her head, "I imagine the cold isn't pleasant, either. Everything usually feels so dry in the winter." Lifting a hand, she motions around them, "Unless you're somewhere like this."
Since some of the effects seem the result of an injury, Rune inquires, "Is there anything that can be done for the lingering injuries? I've heard there are some powerful clerics in the city."
"Well.....alright."
Jacob seems somewhat shy about accepting free drinks, but Irshya was adamant and insistent, so....might as well just say yes. "If you insist." He yields completely to the offer of a free frink, though he tilts his head. "Badly injured?" He looks at his hands. "I'm not a bad healer. Perhaps I could be of some assistance?" He looks at Rune. "I might not be among the powerful Clerics, but a cleric I am all the same."
Not that she meant it in a negative way. Merely that he wants to help even if he's not the best in Ea.
"I see...that's fascinating." About her connection to the water. "It's good that you know how to make water. Makes travelling far easier, I would imagine."
Irshya offers Rune a bow this time around, nodding. "You are most polite. I would have offered three times, and then pouted if you'd refused a fourth time." She presses her forefingers into her cheeks. "These are sometimes my best assets." She giggles and winks. "And you've hit upon one of the reasons I suggested the bathhouse part to my business partners, both whom are great friends."
Her gaze darts back and forth between the two, the Gobbo shaking her head slowly. "There is nothing to heal, sadly. I was young, only starting out in life, and the person who attempted to butcher me thought me some sort of demon. Sailors are superstitious folk, and I, having lived in the sea my whole life, thought nothing of landing aboard a ship completely nude. His captain only barely pulled him away, but his blade had done the damage. They could not catch me, so frenzied was I, that I was able to fall into the ocean. It was many weeks of inexpert healing and poor spells before I could swim strongly again."
Everyone has their story, it seems, and the one told by Irshya draws a wince from Rune. Having grown up with a storyteller for a mother, she can picture the painful scenario all too well. "That sounds... horrible." There's no good way of putting that. "But... I suppose many people are likely to strike first and ask questions later."
In an attempt to lighten the situation a little, she adds, "If you'd have climbed out of the pool completely naked, I'd probably have been surprised. I just don't think weapons would have been my first thought." Her lip quirks slightly. "I'm glad you're alright, though, all things considered."
Looking over to Jacob, and then back to the goblin, Rune offers, "I think we all carry scars in different ways." And then back to Jacob with another of those sheepish expressions, "And I didn't mean that you weren't capable. Just... Everyone has told me about Zeke's capabilities, and those were far more powerful people than me. So... I kind of take their word on it." She still has yet to actually meet the Makari cleric outside of a meeting setting.
Jacob frowns softly. "I'm sorry that such a thing happened to you. It's terrible. The evil in some people's hearts are overwhelming. My heart weeps for the suffering you were forced to endure." Jacob's look of sadness remains, though he does seem to offer all the same: "Even still, if you require healing....I'm always around." He offers anyway.
Though he turns his eyes towards Rune, a smile on his face. "I would've been surprised too." He chuckles. "And don't worry, I have no offense towards what you said. I know what you mean. And Zeke is a powerful healer. I'd prefer him over me, if I sought treatment."
The Gobbo shrugs, her attempt to be dismissive about it marred only by the sad expression on her face. "It was not the best of introductions I've had. But it's in the past." Her expression brightens, eliciting a giggle. "I have done that once or twice, accidentally. I sleep more often in the woman's side, so that it doesn't matter if I am unclothed." She glances to Jacob, "I am happy that you offered to assist me, it is kind of you and something befitting your station as an adherent to a just god. Just, sadly, nothing to be done. It is painful at times but I can handle it." Irshya straightens, puffing up slightly, as if proud.
It's at that point that Rune shifts a little, pulling her legs underneath her and then pushing herself to her feet. "I think I'm going to take you up on that offer for the cider." Rune stretches skyward, reaching arms above her head briefly before letting out an audible breath and dropping her limbs back to her sides. "Hopefully, by then, clothing should be ready."
Looking between them once more, she explains to Jacob, "Skielstregar was going to accompany Harkashan and I up to Mictlan. I think the he wants to help with any clean up or aid that is needed after the earthquake recently. You're welcome to tag along if you'd like."
Then, to Irshya, she adds, "I very much appreciate this place, and I'll be sure to stop by again next time we're back in the city."
"I understand." Jacob nods softly to Irshya. "But, thankfully, you have friends in us, and we're happy to indulge in your hospitality. As always, I'm honored to be of assistance." Watching Irshya puff her chest out in pride that she can take the pain makes Jacob smile a little bit. "Strength is found in all forms." He teases her playfully.
Though he looks towards Rune, a warm smile on his face as she stretches and gets ready to move. "The earthquake near Mictlan?" Jacob nods softly. "I'll be there. I'll head back, make sure I'm packed." He starts to stand up then, flexing as he stretches. "When you see Hark, tell him I said hi, would you? He's probably looking for you right about now."
He smiles at her. "We should talk again soon. I really enjoyed it."
He then looks to Irshya, bowing at the waist. "Thank you, Irshya, for your patronage."
Irshya ohs, concern evident in her expression. "There's been an earthquake? Do they still need help? I could go along also, and lend my power to healing and comforting the wounded. Can also help with food and drink. I'm no bigshot, but every little bit helps."
Nodding to Rune, the pool-shark reaches out to lightly squeeze the woman's hand between her own. "You're most welcome, I hope you find the cider delightful, and I am happy the place holds a place in your heart." Jacob is bowed to, "Certainly, you are most welcome. Please, come by again!"
"You'll be seeing him soon enough, I'm sure." Rune chuckles, "We were planning on meeting Skielstregar in the morning near the Fernwood if you want to meet us there." It gives the group a meeting place.
"I'm sure any help is appreciated. I mean, I'm going and I don't have any sort of spells or special skills, but... able hands are sometiems all we can offer." Her eyes widen ever so slightly as Irshya takes her hand. Contact is not the most common thing for Rune, so a hint of color rises on her freckled cheeks. "I'm sure I will. Thank you again." She inclines her head, blue-tipped hair strands dangling into her face.
Then, stepping away, Rune heads off, likely to go fetch her clothes and track down her traveling companion.