Child of Ember - Chapter 11

Cornelia has disappeared upstairs, most likely to get herself a room.

Katherynne explores a bit, before going to the library and looking for a book concerning this land.

The light of dozens of flickering candles light this chamber, books line the circular walls of this room. A single figure toils silently putting books into meticulous order. From the soft points of her ears and the way she moves you suspect that she is halfelven. So intent on her work is she that she doesnt seem to have noticed your arrival...

"Lady Eve, perhaps we might talk for a bit in the mineral bath, or in an area thereabout, before settling down for the night? Or the vinegarden? I would very much get to know thee better."

"Perhaps some of the others would like to join us as well. Natacha? The mineral baths are great for restoring the body and spirit. I would welcome your presence, as we have much to catch up on?"

Natacha blushes: "Ah, ehm, not right now," she stutters. "I... I got to check the perimeter first. Make sure that everything is alright. Some other time though." She quickly hastens away before anyone can stop her.
Away from the others Natacha goes hunting for the library to see if it holds anything of interest. As she approaches she notices Katherynne and the half elven woman inside. She coughs slightly to let them know that she is there.

The librarian quietly shelves her books, seeming not to notice you there.
"Make yourselves at home, but mind you if you get these books out of order i will grab you by the short hairs," she says as she slides another book onto the shelves.

Natacha starts to skim through the titles on the shelves. Especially she looks for books concerning Richemulot and Mortigny. Secondly she will look for material on the surrounding lands: Mordent, Falcovnia, Borca, Verbrek and Valachan.
Remembering the disturbing events earlier this night she comes to a halt beside the librarian: "Pardon. Perhaps you could direct me to a book about the local folklore and superstitions? I'm especially interested in accounts of fire-related beings... Child of Embers perhaps?" She studies the woman for any signs of recognition as she ventures the last name.

She turns to regard you, she seems to search your face with eyes that seem to strip you bare to the soul. The turns back to the task at hand..

Natacha holds her ground. She stares the woman right in the eyes, trying to divine even the faintest hint of something amiss. After the woman turn her attention back to the books, Natacha continues to observer her thoughtfully for a few long moments.

"Lord Dolph is an expert in the subject of local history. You might say he has a passion for it. He just loves delving into dark and dangerous places and bringing bits and pieces back to study. He is even writing a book about it," she adds gesturing to the table that seems to dominate the room.
The table seems crowded with all manner of papers, books and nick-nacks. A single chair sits infront of it, and in front of that a large book that lays open. A single pot of ink and a large quil pen sits off to the left.

As the woman indicates the book on the table Natacha looks that way, but not before she has ascertained herself that there are not other potential titles within sight.

Katherynne also appears interested, and moves towards the table to glance at the open pages.

Natacha inclines her head in a slight nod: "Have my thanks." before she determined strides towards the book.
She sits back and carefully begins to leaf through the pages. As Katherynne approaches the table she moves the chair to one side to make space for another beside her. "Halloo, Katherynne. Seeking knowledge as well?" she offers with a smile.
Natacha looks through the book to get an idea of the dark things of the land, but also to get an impression of their host. What moves him? What are his interests? Where does he stand when dealing with dark and dangerous beings? Is he well written and does he seem like an intelligent man? Does he take the side of the poor and downtrodden?

"As always" Katherynne returns with a tired grin. "I have found in my long life, that you can never know too much."

Natacha shakes her head: "Believe me, there *is* such a thing as too much knowledge." For a moment she stares away in the distance as if remembering something. There is a sad expression in her face. She shakes herself out of it and return her attention to the book with fierce determination: "In this case I hope that knowing things will be to our advantage though. Let's see if we can find anything on this Chils of Ember, shall we!"

"A bath before retiring would probably do me well."
Dea catches Lit's eyes, and gives him a reassuring smile.
"...but don't let me dissuate you from getting to know the lady better."

Eve grabs your shoulder firmly and gently. "Come on, it will be fun. Besides" she says wrinkling her nose,"you dont want to go to bed smelling of smoke and burnt flesh. At least wash the blood of you."

Dea takes Eve's arm, pulling it away from her shoulder.
"You cannot touch a Maiden like that.", she says, slightly annoyed. Her hand holds the woman's arm, her fingers tracing the scars.
Her eyes focus on the lady's.
"Not in public, and not without asking her consent first.", she states.

Her eyes darken for a moment then she removes her hand, "Of course. Please forgive my over-familiarity. I would be honored if you would join us but if you choose not to that is your perogative as Lord Dolph's guest."

Celestia looks over at the others, "A bath before bed sounds good to me. If no one has a problem with me joining?"

"Of course not, so long as you have no qualms about stripping infront of male company," Eve says with a smile and a glance at lit.

Celestia looks at Eve, "Maybe the question should be "Does Lit have a problem disrobing in front of the females?"

A resounding thump can be heard on the doors of the keep and another.
The knocking suddenly stops and silence follows only to be followed by another even louder thump seconds later.

"One moment, One moment!" comes a tired voice in answer to the impatient knock. At that the door swings open revealing a tiny bespecled woman. "What ever you are selling, you will have to come back. The lord of the manor is away, Unlikely to return till evening."

The soft whicker of a horse can be heard as the door opens to reveal the thin human wearing a scimitar at his side and daggers across his chest. His breath is labored and he leans agains the jamb of the door as he speaks softly, "I was wondering if you could do me the honor of telling me where I am. I got lost on the road dear lady and it appears as if I have lost my charge." This young human is barely five foot five with a slim build and a thin black mustache and goatee. He wears a black leather armor and tight black breeches. His eyes shine a cool emerald as he takes in the woman before him and the hall beyond. Across his back also rests a well carved black light crossbow flanked by a backpack and quiver of bolts.

She looks at him, " You are in the city of Mortigny, in the land of Richmulot."

The man chuckles and looks away for a brief moment before turning back, "That's impossible. I was near Westgate. The assassin was but a day ahead of me, a beast more horrible than any night mask, and suddenly the mists and then I lose the trail." He looks back to her and says, "Where in all the realms is Richmulot?" "I did see a man running towards this house and.. and I followed to find my berings," he sighs and looks to his horse. "Would you mayhaps need any chores or anything done for I am in dire need of rest and my horse ridden hard," he looks to her pleadingly.

"The mists? Please come in, and take comfort while I fetch the master of the manner. It is rare that we recieve guests from the mists, and i am sure that the master will wish to speak of you." she says guiding him into the foyer of the keep.

The slim human steps into the room and follows her into the foyer looking about the room with a curious glare. "My horse is outside I don't know if it will be ok whilst this goes on," he says to the young woman with a smile, "I truly thank you for this I was getting worried."

"Your animal will be fine," she says leading him to a deeply plushed chair of fine blue velvet. "Rest good warrior, this may take a while."

Griffen removes his crossbow and back pack and lays them aside as well as his weapons as he settles into the chair and closes his eyes. Within a short time his eyes are closed and he's almost drifting to sleep.

"Stripping?" Dea asks with a frown.
She takes her satchel and pulls a short, sleeveless wide robe out of it. "I have a bathing dress with me."
looks at the look her companions give her, and sighs.
"Well, obvisously the local customs are different, so I will explain before another uncomfortable situation arises.
In Abdok, women are subservient to men. Decisions are made by the male populace. Women do not have a vote, often have no choice in their spouse, and only power most women wield is in the house, though some are very good at that.
The Maidens of Vesanis have taken long to set themselves apart form this and claim some rights for their own. Being one of the few healers, we have gained some respect and therefor we need to distinct ourselves.
So in Abdok, it is customary that you do not touch a Maiden, unless she gives you consent, for instance by touching you first. In addition, we do not reveal ourselves to men, unless they are a Maiden's consort. It is not a matter of prudence, for we are certainly not chaste, but it is one of social custom and rite."

"It is a custom here in Richmulot to have public baths at the springs, a fad that has spread from Borca. There is no shame in nudity in such instances. Personally, it took me a great deal of getting used too myself. I am sure you will become accustomed to it too, in time," Eve says. "Besides, they are so heavenly you will probably soon forget your discomfort almost immediately..."

"This is not a matter of shame or embarassment. It is a matter of faith. I am sure you will not ask your priests to cast aside the customs or symbols of their religion.
So I would appreciate it if you do not demand the same from me. I cannot reveal myself to Lit, as he is not one with me. Aside from blinding him, there is no negotiation possible. So I will wear my dress. It's clean and suitable for bathing."

She smiles, "As you will, I am sure it is suitable. I too come from a land where it is cutomary that the sexes bathe seperately." Now if we are ready, shall I take you to the baths?"

Celestia looks at Dea and then down at her hands. She gets a slightly upset look on her face and tries to mask it.
"Eve, if we are not comfortable or use to bathing with the opposite sex, is it OK if we wear towels into the bath?"
She fixes the hood of her cloak so that it is reasting on her back. She pulls out her hair and starts to braid it. The morning sun glints off of Celestia's black hair and softens it's purple hue.

"Certainly, though I am not sure it it will stay on in the water."

Eagerly, Lit replies, "Most definitely I am ready...but, as Celestia said, would it be viewed as inapproproate if I should keep on my clothes as we bathe? I revel in the heat, and if they springs are as hot as you say they are..."
A grin crosses Lit's face, though if it is amorous or devilish none can tell.

"They are indeed. As to clothes, have you clothes appropriate for such actvity? I know that Dea certainly does. But if you are uncomfortable, it would be best to have clothes that will be comfortable in the bath and when you leave it."

Dea lets out a ringing laugh at the sudden embarrassment that seems to have set up camp in the group.
"What modesty, suddenly. And all that for one man. Well then... if Lit is willing to wear a blindfold, he can have my bathing dress to wear in the springs.
That would suit everybody, hm?"
She winks at Celestia, extending her hand in invitation.
"There is no need to be afraid of me.", she says softly, "I would still like to hear what troubles you, so I can help you. I am sure we can be friends."

Eve nods, "Of course. Dea, I will meet you there after you have changed."
She leads them through the halls to a door where fragrant steam drifts through the seems of the door frame. As she opens the door the steam washes over you. Smelling faintly of flowers it clings to you, beading to your skin.
The floor of the room is a milky marble, and from the beams of the roof dangle potted flowers whose vines dangle low to the ground.
The bath itself sits in the midle of the semi circular room (It is shaped like a half circle) where the light cast through the glass panes of the ceiling cuase it to appear a liquid gold. Flowers and rose petals float in he still water and towels sit folded neatly by the waters edge.
Eve starts to tug at the laces of her shirt and slowly begins to undress...
her shirt slips slowly down her shoulders, and she smiles almost teasingly at Lit as she lets it drop to the floor, benaath is a skin tight, lacy black brassiere. She smiles at the group and lets her dress drop as well revealing matching panties.
Then she quickly dives for the water, sending forth a ripple that causes the rose petals to spin and twirl.
She pops up and looks at you, "Well, what are you waiting for, the water is fine!"

Dea unfolds her bathing dress. It is actually more of a large sheet of thin, white material, folded double and with a cut-out for the head.
Along the edges, blue cords are used to keep the sheets togetehr, and the bottom rim has several blue stones sewn into the material, making it heavy and dragging the rim of the dress down.
Dea pulls the sheet over her head and let the cloth enfold her. Under cover of the sheet, she let's her old dress slip from her shoulders onto the floor. The steam in the room instantly clings the fine fabric of the bathing dress to her body, making her dark skin slightly visible through the wet fabric. In a way, the sheet, as unappealing as it may be, seems to enhance rather than diminish her sexuality. Even after knitting the blue cords together, the sides of the dress are still partly open, and through it a number of old scars on her back are visible.
Dea gathers her old dress, folds it, and stacks it with her satchel in a corner.
She walks to the pool's rim, testing the water temperature with her feet. Then she sits down at the pool's edge, and slowly starts unravelling the braids in her hair, making her hair cascase down till her waist.
When the last of the braids is unraveled, she lets herself slide into the water. For a moment, the dress billows up, then the stones in the rim pull it down.