A young Fanalis in Reim [Open]

Garret looked towards Azix, wondering what the man was doing on the roof with all these people. Perhaps he was doing something similar as Garret, responding to commitments. As he scanned the individuals that were gathered, he had caught Ariella's gaze of interest. He mentally noted that he would have to look out for her, until he was able to ascertain the reasoning behind that look.

Things had been hectic and stressful in the past few weeks.

When Azix had thanked Serene for the magical tool he now had, Serene simply nodded. "Of course. I appreciate all the hard work you've done, improving..." Serene paused, noting the others nearby, before smiling. "Various things around the city, and making the streets safer for them." Garret couldn't help but wonder at the flying carpet. It certainly seemed to be a useful looking tool.

"Stargazer club..?" Garret was about to ask whether or not the club met often, however Ariella's next comment answered that question. He nodded, looking over the group once more. "Relaxation is important for a weary body."

Elaina had asked Xenos if Serene was a friend of his. Shortly after, Myra introduced herself to the two of them as well.

Serene began introducing the two of them. "Hello, my name is Serene. I've asked Xenos to do work for me in the past, helping keep Remano safe. And this is Garret.

He's my date."
"Business partner." At the same time she had said 'date', Garret had said 'business partner'. The both of them blushed and looked at each other before looking back to the group.

"Business partner."
"Date."

Again, the two spoke at the same time. Garret scratched his head with his right hand, slightly embarrassed. With his left, he made subtle movements in an attempt to catch Azix's eye. In their Operations Sign Language, Garret signed over to Azix. Are you in the middle of a mission? While he did this, he spoke to Myra. "As long as we don't all stand in the same place, I think we should be fine."

Azix smiled at Serene being discreet about the work he had performed for her. He listened to the introductions in silence, curious who Elaina would massage next. He was pulled from his thoughts when Garret and Serene had an embarrassing moment, their faces red from blushing. He bit his lip to keep from cracking up in laughter. After all, it was an amusing development to have witnessed after knowing Garret as well as he did.

He noticed Garret's subtle gestures asking if Azix was on a mission. Azix stretched his arms and hid his response with a yawn. 'Not on a mission. Saw gathering, seemed interesting.'

Azix turned to the rest of the group with a charming smile, "Who is the next lucky lady to obtain the touch of an angel? I am anxious for my turn." He hoped Garret wouldn't say something about his flirting and regretted his near laughter at Garret's embarrassment.

Ariella smiled at the newest arrivals, finally placing a face to the name 'Serene'. So this was the woman she had been helping out while assisting Xenos on the slave trader jobs. She caught a subtle hand movement from the man named Garret, hiding her confusion. Cocking her head to the side she offered her name and a small wave, being sure to keep her shirt in place while she awaited her turn.

"Hey, I am Ariella! And how about we call this a business date! Nothing wrong with mixing business and relaxation, or so I am told."

She looked over to Xenos with an arched brow, almost laughing at his flirtation but glad to have something to focus on aside from him being shirtless.

"Well, if there are no objections, I would be happy to be the next in line for heavenly treatment. Too much work makes Ari a cranky girl with lots of knots."

She looked over to Garret and Serene for a moment, scrutinizing the pair. She idly wondered about their business relationships with Xenos, as he did not often say much that was outside of the details of a job. Laying down on her stomach, she let the back of the shirt fall open, her skin pristine, aside from a faint bruise on her side that was turning a sickly yellow as it healed. A slow reaction time while horseback riding had earned her a rather large branch to her side during one of her recent trips and while slightly tender, it was mostly healed.

”Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. I am Elaina, the world’s finest traveling masseuse.” She gives Serene a once-over, inwardly suspicious of her connection to Xenos but her demeanor remains friendly. The large woman removes her hands momentarily from Myra’s back to place them daintily over her chest as she bows her head gently in greeting. At that time, Myra took the chance to politely remove herself from the giant’s grasp. ”The pleasure was all mine, Miss Myra. I do hope that I was able to relieve some tension in your back.”

Elaina waited patiently for the next volunteer, waving a modest hand at Xenos. When Ariella volunteered, she smiled at the young woman and gestured for her to lay on her stomach in front of her. Elaina’s deft hands began kneading the tanned beauty’s flesh, careful to avoid agitating the healing flesh. She chuckles softly and the exchange between Garret and Serene, muttering something to herself about “young love” as she pressed her palms into the magician’s back.

Myra smiled at Elaina and the rest of the people. She had enjoyed the night so far, especially the massage, but it was getting really late and she still had someone waiting for her. She didn't wanted to leave them like that, after all she did not expect so many people to show up but she had to return to her pet. "Well, thank you for having me and spending time with me tonight. But unfortunately I have to leave. My partner is waiting for me and we have to get up early tomorrow. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the night and make it home safe afterwards." And with that, she jumped down from the rooftop and landed onto the safe ground, leaving deep marks in it, before sprinting away towards her home.

-Exit-

Serene nodded at Ariella's words. "Yes, I agree..." She stared at Ariella's chest, which was larger than hers, and looked away for a brief moment towards Garret to see what he was doing. His face was pointed towards Xenos, and she wondered what passed between the two in that brief moment. Looking back to Ariella, she noted that the woman was moving to take her turn. "I will go after Xenos." She would wait in line, in a reasonable order.


Garret watched the group as they exchanged persons under the masseuse therapy, and noted the woman who provided a good cover for their embarrassment wanted to go next. When Myra excused herself from the group, Garret nodded towards her. "Have a safe trip and a good night, as well." Garret noted the tattoo on Myra's side as she left and narrowed his eyes. An escaped servant, or perhaps enjoying the night out on a day off? He mentally shrugged to himself, as it wasn't any of his business.

It was at this point that Serene looked over to Garret again before shyly removing her outer layer of clothing, leaving only her undergarments for covering her body. She awaited her turn with the group in question.

During this time, Garret noted that he hadn't said much of anything. "So, among this stargazer's club, what does everyone here do? I own and manage a set of mines to the north." Garret truly did own those mines, too. That was, however, only for a cover for his back story. It had been a while since he used the information, but during a social event where it would be suspicious to not talk, he decided to break the ice with that. Hopefully the two women, Ariella and Elaine, were within the same middle-class area of living and it didn't make things awkward...

Azix waved to Myra as she proceeded to leap off the roof, 'Sad to see the party break up.' He turned to watch Ariella start receiving her massage while he waited for his own. He noticed his eyes lingering on Ariella's smooth and supple tanned skin and turned away embarrassed. Thankfully, Garret spoke up and asked what everyone did in Reim, a pleasant distraction from the thoughts Azix had. He suppressed a grin at Garret's cover, choosing the persona of a miner, but realized it was probably true.

Azix smiled, "Owning mines at your age? I'm surprised you don't have more ladies fawning over you, good sir. My name is Xenos and I use my talents as a magician to perform odd jobs. Mostly I'm a bodyguard-for-hire for merchants and others who fear traveling on the open road from bandits." After he said his piece, he waited to see what the others said.

Ariella moaned softly under the careful ministrations of Elaine. For as large as she was, her touch was certainly that of an angel and she found it nearly impossible to keep her soft pleased sounds restrained. When Garret introduced himself, she arched a brow. Owning a mine? Well, it was plausible, she supposed. Not like she could talk.

"I am just a magician searching for a broader view of magic than I was given in Magnostadt. I currently study under Figuro, though I must search for a new instructor soon, as apparently, I have worn my welcome with the poor man. I pick up odd jobs around town to pay the bills, hence the tight muscles this glorious woman is melting under her masterful touch."

She did not feel like sharing that she was far from poor or in need of work. People tended to react differently when they found out you had money. While she was practically purring under the ministrations of the masseuse, she did not want to take up all of her effort and so she cleared her throat and carefully sat up, holding an arm over the front of her shirt to keep her chest covered and waved her other hand to the carpet.

"Next! This woman is a goddess on earth, I swear!"

Eliana hummed softly to herself as she worked on the female magician’s back. Though she was technically at work, she thoroughly enjoyed her craft as well as interesting company and thus was quite content. When Myra announced her departure and bade everyone farewell, Elaina raised her hands momentarily from Ariella’s back in order to give the young Fanalis a proper farewell. ”Oh my, must you really leave so soon?” The giant places a hand over her heart. ”It was very nice to meet you, Miss Myra. I do hope that my humble efforts have helped relax you if only for a short while. Please try and not work yourself so hard!”

The masseuse smiled delicately at Serene, pleased that she had another taker. ”Oh, excellent. Would you boyfriend like one as well? You have my word that I will not steal his heart!” She chuckles softly and winks at Serene. As Ariella’s turn came to an end, Elaina placed a hand shyly to her lips and looked away, a subtle flush of embarrassment dusting her cheeks. ”Oh Miss Ariella, you are far too kind. A simple yet ravishing woman such as myself is undeserving of such praise!” As the tanned young woman moves to dress herself, Elaina takes a moment to answer Garret’s question. ”I hail from Balbadd where I worked as an immensely popular and talented hostess. But alas, this passionate heart could not remain chained down! My goal is to travel to the furthest corners of this world, sharing the skills I have been blessed with and expanding them at the same time.” The woman places a hand over her heart as she speaks, an earnest look on her face.

After the words leave her lips, she tilts her head to the side and squints at the group as if thinking. ”I believe Sir Xenos is next, am I correct? If you would just lay on the carpet face down…oh! Silly me, I had nearly forgotten…” Elaina rises, her massive frame towering over the others as she disappears into the tent which had been inconspicuously set up on the roof since she had appeared. A few moments later she returns, holding a glass vial of oil. ”I’m terribly sorry, but it seems that I’ve forgotten the crown jewel of all massage arts! This mixture is sure to work out any tension one may have.” She turns to Ariella with an apologetic look on her face. ”Would you like some to take with you on your travels, Miss Ariella? Granted you cannot experience the full effect of the oil without my skilled hands, but it’s quite good for relieving tension elsewhere when applied like a balm. It has wonderful moisturizing properties as well….but I doubt you’d need that with skin like yours! Oh my, I am a bit jealous…” The large woman chuckles, fluttering her lashes with a girlish wave of her hand.

Serene smiled slyly at the woman's offer. It would be an opportunity to get Garret to remove his shirt. She had felt muscle there earlier, while leaning against him, and was curious to see just how much muscle he had built. Turning to Garret, she seconded the motion. "You are far too focused on work all the time. I think you could really use this. Relax and let your tension be worked out."

Shaking his head in defeat, Garret would acquiesce to the suggestion. Elaina explained at that point that she had the goal of traveling to every country in the world. Garret nodded. "A very worthy goal indeed. I, too, have a similar goal of visiting the other countries." Though his was a goal of uniting all the people under one banner, which was a bit different than what Elaina had in mind.

It was at this point in time that Elaina had mentioned she would be back momentarily. Garret contemplated what had been said by the two he did not know, but first responded to Azix. Elaina would be able to catch a majority of what he was saying on her trip to pick up whatever it was she was looking for. "No, not at all. The mines were inherited from my family. Also, I don't go about advertising myself, and neither am I interested in pursuing more than one person." The inheritance was a half-truth; he had received it as a cover for his operations in Reim. The following lines, however, were fully the truth on the matter of his personal preferences.

He turned to Ariella just as Elaina returned and apologized to the woman. Garret smiled, if but slightly. This is the lighthearted nature of the citizens. The contemplation of all of the world's citizens mingling together under one rule gave Garret a sense of peace that was intertwined with the relaxing night he was having. Finding Magnostadt a curious place, he spoke to Ariella next. "Magnostadt has sounded like an interesting place for some time. I have not had any formal training in the use of magic, unfortunately, so it took me a long time to get to where I am right now."

Xenos was the next person who would receive the assistance of the woman, but Garret would ready himself for that time momentarily. He began taking off the clothing that covered his upper body. It was certainly a muscular body, however that was not the only thing noteworthy of the man. As his bare chest and back were revealed, those there would find trouble if they attempted to keep the sight of a scar out of their vision while looking at him. Scar tissue marked the man's upper body, perhaps every 20 cm or so. While some looked like they could potentially have been from battle, the majority of it looked more like torture.

Garret did not seem self-conscious of the markings, but Serene stared at him momentarily before averting her gaze and pretending to not have seen it. She didn't feel it would be appropriate to comment on it, especially considering how she had chastised the man for scarring a woman who went from being a slave to one of her employees...

Azix laid face-down on the carpet when Elaina instructed, happy to finally see her skills himself. While he waited, he listened to the conversations. Azix would have to wait a few more moments for his massage while Elaina grabbed a vial of massage oil from within her tent. Elaina offered some to Ariella and commented on her rich, dark skin tone which got a chuckle from Azix. With the stresses of late, it was nice to have a semblance of normalcy. As normal as receiving a massage from a stranger on top of a roof top could be.

Azix's chuckle faded when he saw the scars on Garret's body. It was a reminder of how long it had taken for him to recover his friend from prison. Even worse, by the time he had gotten strong enough, there was already someone else on their way to help Garret. For the hundredth time he wondered what had happened to Garret during his time in the prison, but never dared to ask. Whatever had happened had changed him, but it seemed to be a change for the better.

Ariella fixed her shirt properly, taking the small vial of oil gratefully. The massage had felt wonderful and she was feeling much more relaxed and loose than before. She turned to Garret at his comments about Magnostadt and snorted in derision.

"Magnostadt is only interesting if you are a magician and you hate everyone that is not one. While the amount of information available there is incredible, the people, quite frankly, suck. Some are alright, but the people in charge of it are prejudiced, close-minded, bigoted jerks with overinflated egos. If Magnostadt ever fell, the only thing I would miss is my brother and the information there. Most of the people can go to hell."

She took a deep breath to calm herself, reminding herself she had escaped the town of idiots and she should simply enjoy what was around her. No need to undo all the work the angel had performed on her sore muscles. She turned her scowl into a grin.

"But, it is pretty to look at, I will grant you that. All the magic tools running things are really interesting. Just do not ever aspire to live there, you seem far to nice to fit in."

Elaina chuckled at Serene’s comment. ”Woman do know best, don’t we?” She sends a wink to the other woman before turning back to Xenos, taking a few moments to visually inspect his back before getting to work. After lubricating her hands generously with oil, she begins to massage the man’s back with the gentlest of touches. Though the newcomers Serene and Garret seemed a bit mysterious, it didn’t bother Elaina. She was social by nature and only wanted to forge good bonds and friendships with those around her, considering herself lucky to meet such an open and friendly group of people tonight.

Elaina listened silently to the talk of Magnostadt as she continued her work on the magician beneath her hands. Elaina herself had never set foot in the country, knowing well that only magicians and special guests were allowed to enter. It didn’t bother her, seeing as how she had the rest of the world to explore.

Garret listened to what Ariella had to say about the country of Magnostadt, surprised to hear such negative comments. He was aware that they did not allow people from the outside into Magnostadt unless they were Magicians, but he did not really grasp the full extent of their isolationist standpoint. They would be a formidable opponent if Kou were to ever decide to face off against them.

Deciding it would be best to change the subject, Garret turned to Elaina. "So. Have your travels taken you far? What kind of places have you visited, and what kind of sights have you seen?" Garret did not feel particularly comfortable in this setting, but he soon fell into a pace. There had been occasions where he had to infiltrate a place publicly in order to complete a mission, but he had not done so in a long time.

Serene patiently waited her turn, keeping an ear out for what was said between the others while on a few occasions glancing towards Garret's scars.

Elaina's soothing touch soon reduced Azix into a mewling kitten. The tenderness and accuracy of her hands on his muscles made it clear that she was experienced in her art. It took Azix a few minutes to realize that the sounds of pleasure he heard were coming from himself and he blushed. He glanced between Ariella and Garret, giving them a look that told them he didn't want to hear any smart comments.

Once Elaina was finished, Azix felt like a new man, relaxed after a heavenly massage. He sat up and smiled at Elaina, "Not only do you have the beauty of a goddess you have the hands of one! Thank you ever so much!" He grudgingly let the next person take his spot as he stood up and stretched out the newly relaxed muscles.

Ari found herself slightly drooling at the sounds before catching herself and shaking her head, turning her attention back to Garret as he asked about Elaina's travel.

"Ohhh, have you been to Heliohapt? My grandmother was always sad that she did not get to visit her home very often and said it was quite a gorgeous place!"

She was eager to hear of the woman's travels, as she had not had the chance to travel much since leaving her parent's home. Balbadd had been nice, and Reim was alright, but she still hoped to one day visit her grandmother's homeland amongst the sand and pyramids. She had often talked of the glittering halls of the Pharaoh's home and the beauty of the random oases found amongst the desert.

Elaina only smiled calmly at Azix’s reaction to her skilled touch, used to reducing her clients into a puddle of nerves. ”I am pleased that you think so highly of me, Sir Xenos. But I am most pleased that this humble woman was able to help you relax.” Placing her right hand over her heart, she bows lightly before straightening and using the hand at her chest to motion to Serene. ”I believe it is your turn next, my dear.”

As the more petite woman moves to take her spot, Elaina smile before addressing the questions of Garret and Ariella. ”Oh, I’ve traveled all over. There are few lands of which I’ve yet to enter.” The large woman hums in thought, ruminating on the lands she has visited. ”I’ve traversed the plains of my homeland, Balbadd for several months. I spent about a year in Heliohapt, beautiful country that it is.” She claps her hands together in delight. ”Oh, miss Ariella, your grandmother did have good fortune to live in such a gorgeous city! Beautiful structures, beautiful women, excellent food…such rarities are often not found in more temperate parts of the world. The buildings there shine like gold in the sun.” She sighs wistfully, recalling her days in the great desert country and the night spent dancing among the traveling caravans, enjoying good wine and company while her business boomed long into the night. ”You should certainly go and visit if you get the chance. It is, after all, your heritage! Perhaps Sir Xenos would be so kind as to accompany you~”

Pausing for a moment, the woman continues to relay her travels to her rooftop acquaintances. ”I’ve spent most of my recent days meandering through the Reim Empire. A territory as large as it is is certainly bound to have all types of people. The distant mountains make for a lovely view, and the seascape is like no other.” A slow, almost serene smile comes over the woman’s face as she recounts all that she’s seen over the past few years. ”The part I appreciate the most is how my view of the world as changed. I suppose that through my travels, I am now able to see the beauty in things that are vastly different.”

Serene laid down on the carpet, allowing Elaina to work on her back. Occasionally she let out a sigh of relief, but otherwise continued to listen to the conversations. At the mention of Heliohapt, she scowled briefly. After all was said and done she had lost quite a bit recently in Heliohapt. She would not rain on their discussion with her negative thoughts, though.

Garret, on the other hand, wasn't quite so sensitive about that. "Actually, you may want to consider putting that trip off for a time. It seems as if there was some sort of attack on the city in an effort to free the slaves, and I hear there was extensive damage dealt to the place..."

Serene closed her eyes, not wanting to listen to the story again.

Azix's interest piqued at Garret's mention of trouble in Heliohapt. He had heard of an incident involving the slaves from Serene, but this was the first he had heard of an attack. Not noticing her obvious displeasure of the topic, Azix gestured to Garret. "An attack on Heliohapt? Do you know what happened?"

For as long as he could remember, Azix had been fascinated with the culture of Heliohapt, for a couple years he had even served as Kou's diplomat for the desert country. Heliohapt had served as a respite from the agony of dealing with the Court, giving Azix time to grow. He tried to hide his feelings on the matter behind a curious mask, but his anxiousness seeped through.

Ariella arched a brow at the news of trouble in Heliohapt. It looked like more of the world was in strife than just Reim. She was slightly concerned about damage to the area as she remembered her grandmother talking about Heliohapt while she was growing up.

"I hope everyone is okay, I would hate to think of people getting hurt. I was hoping to visit one day."

She frowned slightly before brightening up, not wanting to bring the mood of the evening down.

"I suppose all areas have their troubles, though. One day I hope to see all of the world."

She laid back to gaze at the stars again, content to simply listen to the conversation for a bit longer. The stars were brilliant in the sky, still, and looked like a smattering of diamonds on a dark ocean. It was odd that so many people had chosen this night to gather and look up at the sky.

Despite feeling a bit troubled at Garret’s mention of the goings on in Heliohapt, Elaina kept up her pleasant demeanor. She was saddened to hear that the beautiful desert country had been attacked, but like a true hostess she concentrated her efforts on the woman beneath her. ”Oh my, that is rather unfortunate to hear…I do hope that the friend’s I’ve made in Heliohapt are well.” This was all she would say on the matter, not wanting to get too involved in affairs she did not know about.

After finishing Serene’s massage, the large woman motions for Garret to come and take her place. ”Come now, don’t be shy. I can tell that you have quite a bit of tension that begs to be worked off, Sir Garret~”

Serene was refreshed, having received such a skilled massage from the woman. While she was certainly still upset about the matter in Heliohapt, the refreshing feeling directly after the massage mellowed her mood out. When it was finished, she let out a sigh of fulfillment and stepped off from the carpet. Serene was tired enough of the whole affair, and answered the question for Garret. "There was some sort of disaster. The location the slaves were being held and sold for the slave auction was attacked, and the resulting chaos... Well, a lot of lives were lost." And a lot of her investments were lost as well. That was not, however, the limit of damage done to the place from what she heard. "Supposedly, some sort of creature made from darkness appeared and was defeated by someone named 'Asisiak'... And there was some sort of child that had caused a massive amount of destruction as well..." She shrugged, as if doubting the words of those rumors. A child, causing destruction beyond the control of those in Heliohapt? She had difficulty believing that.


While Serene was explaining the situation, Garret gingerly laid down on the carpet. He was unsure of what to expect, though he had already seen the woman's work with the others. It was at this point that Garret couldn't help but wonder how his scars would respond to the touch of the woman, and whether or not it would become painful. He was not at a point where he could back down, though, so he simply prepared himself mentally.

The idea of such an attack in Heliohapt was baffling, let alone the rumors of what caused the destruction. It seemed unlikely that a child would be behind an attack, but the disturbing part was a creature of darkness. The way she said it reminded Azix of the armor Lagi wore, not that he thought they were directly connected. Mention of the name 'Asisiak' made him wonder if that was the Imuchakk Chief had had a hand in it. That possibility considering the timeline of events, she would not have been able to make it to Reim from Heliohapt in time using mundane means.

"I hope the rumors are worse than the actual events. It saddens me to hear of such a tragedy in a beautiful country." He turned the conversation to happier topic, "So, I hear there will be a coronation ceremony soon. I hear the festivities will be grand!"

Ari brightened at the mention of the coronation ceremony, being careful not to stare at the scars on Garret's back. It was impolite to draw attentions to a person's more personal markings.

"I heard it is going to be a fabulous event with all sorts of foreign people there and pretty dresses. Can you imagine? A chance to see the king himself! I wonder what he is like... I wonder how many people will be there. Fancy events always have the best tiny foods. It's cruel the small servings given out, considering how delicious it usually is. And its always a good excuse to get drunk for free!"

She realized she was probably revealing too much information about her own background, most common people would have no clue what happened at higher-end events like a coronation. She had gotten swept up in the idea of shopping for a pretty dress, one of her weaknesses was her overabundance of clothing. She had an outfit for almost any situation, including a coronation ceremony, but it was a good excuse to spend more of her parents money.

Elaina smiles reassuringly as Garret carefully lays himself in front of her, accustomed to sensing the apprehension of first-timers by now. She begins working gently on a part of his back unmarred by scar tissue while assessing the marks across his back with a keen eye. What kind of world famous masseuse would she be without a bit of histology training? As she works her way down the magician’s back, she’s careful to apply less pressure to what could be more delicate areas. ”Let me know if anything hurts, dear.”

Listening to the talk of the approaching coronation and ensuing celebration, the large woman couldn’t help but smile softly. ”My, how exciting. Things certainly are changing in this country. I’m sure the party will be grand.”

After finishing Garret’s massage, Elaina bows delicately and slowly stands to her full height. ”I must say, it has been an absolute pleasure meeting you all. It’s getting rather late, so I’m afraid that I must depart. A woman does need her beauty sleep after all! Oh, I am only joking. I have no need for such things.” Chuckling, the massive woman bends at the waist, popping her rump out with a wide stance and blows a kiss to her conversation partners. ”Take care, all! I am sure that we will cross paths once again. Perhaps in a few years I will be babysitting your children~" Elaina teases with a laugh and a wink. And just like that, she was gone. The tent that had been set up a few feet back had vanished as well.

[Exit]