Chapter Two: In An Elven Way

Bubbling apologetically Sigurd slowly rose from the water, the redness fading from his face he watched as Ashwyn nearly matched his position in the water babbling out her apologies. There was a pregnant pause between them before Sigurd burst out laughing, he was still embarrassed but the whole situation was comedic gold. “no need to apologize, my people bathe together all the time, these things are bound to happen!” he made sure to keep his waist well under water for fear of the new muscular tightness that had started to plague him. He took a look around the spring quickly and noticed he'd gotten closer to Lopiena so he made sure to situate himself equal distance from everyone just to be safe. “I agree, soap would be nice right now, water alone can only do so much.”

Ashwyn thought that it was very possible that she might die of embarrassment... That is until Sigurd started laughing. Hearing his words and seeing his laughter made her rise from the water slight, though not enough to reveal herself again. Eventually she smiled and then laughed herself. She tucked her hair behind her ear and nodded.

"Of course. You're right." She shook her head, trying desperately to shake off her embarrassment.

Zane was looking between all three of them in confusion. He had apparently missed the addidental touches and didn't understand what all the fuss was about. "Hmm? What? Oh, yes... Soaps... Yes I suppose that would be pleasant."

Ashwyn turned away from the others. "Maybe there is some." She serched the room, though really it was just an excuse to turn away from them for a moment and clear the flush from her face. She spotted a small cabinant in the back corner that she hadn't noticed before. She made a move to get out and then hesitated. Did she really want to expose herself after what just happened? But then again, Sigurd said that he was used to bathing with others so surely her body was no different than that of his tribeswomen. And the whole point was to grow more comfortable, wasn't it?

WIth a steadying breath, she made her decision. She moved over to the edge of the spring and stood up. She froze fora moment, the cold air making her skin prickle as the water dripped from it. SHe questioned her desicion for a second before deciding it was too late to take her action back now.

She removed herself from the springs and moved over to the cabinant. Opening it revealed several bottles of skin oils that smelled of lilacs and lavender. Next to them were small pale green lumps of soap that had small bits of leaves and things in it. It smelled pleasently like lavender as well. She took a few in hand, one for each of them, and walked back to the spring. SHe tried to avoid any eyes that might be on her. She tossed one each to Lopiena and Zane, and then crossed the distance to SIgurd to hand him his herself.

She locked eyes with him as she handed it to him. "Here. S-sorry again." She said, the last two words much softer. Though she willed herself to not look, her eyes had darted to his lower form and though the water obscured it she was certian that his assets had grown. She blushed again before looking back up to his face. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out so she just moved a bit back from him and turned her face away, deciding to focus on washing herself with the soap instead.

--

WHen Ashwyn handed him the soap, Zane smiled. "Oh wonderful!" He exclaimed and immediately began washing his body. "Oh sweet merciful heavens..." He sighed as the smell of lavender filled the air.

Sigurd neglected to mention that ThunderKnoll baths were split between males and females, his father had mentioned something about several incidents for it to become that way but if withholding that detail made his companion feel more at ease then it needed to be done. His feelings on the other hand he wasn't sure how to deal with his... situation. When Ashwyn got out of the spring his eyes scanned her whole body but he willed himself to stare off at one of the other walls to admire the craftsmanship

When she returned with the soap the scent hit his nose, lavender wasn't his favorite smell but it was relaxing, it was almost a shame they had dinner after because he felt his eyelids starting to become heavier. He took the bar and smiled at her “thank you” he said softly. He started to wash with an almost half effort as he yawned. He got his arms and half his chest but decided to take a moment to set the soap on the side of the bath and kinda sit back again to rest his eyes. The days exhaustion was catching up with him

Lopiena grins at Sigurd and Ashwyn, watching the nuances happening between the two as they flounder through their apologies and start to laugh together.  Hearing their laughter fill the room releases the last of the weariness in her body, and she hopes that their lightheartedness will continue.  When Sigurd moves closer she carefully steps back just a bit, but he seems to be positioning himself equally away from everyone...which allows her a perfect vantage point to observe him while Ashwyn searches for soaps.  When he looks, then pointedly looks away she nods very slightly to herself.  His actions most likely means he's interested but not going to try anything in the near future.  Good...this sort of thing should happen slowly.  Although Lopiena is not at all sure if they're really quite that into each other, it's always fun to see two people learn about each other in different ways.  Living vicariously though others has always been her way of learning about the relational intimacy she would likely never experience...a sharp pang of jealousy returns with force and erases her smile in an instant.  No, you can't...don't even go there, she admonishes herself.  Shoving her emotions behind the wall she's built up over the few but trying years she has lived thus far, she focuses on anything else to keep her mind off such thoughts.
"Ahh, lavender.  Mint family.  Good for calming nerves, reducing infection, and assisting with sleep," she quotes as if reading from a manual. "Thank you, Ashwyn."  Taking the soap, she starts washing herself with vigor, barely looking up at Zane's clear enjoyment of the herbal scent.  After scrubbing herself almost to the point of removing skin, she dares a glance at Ashwyn and Sigurd.  She's still pointedly looking away...and he looks relaxed enough to fall asleep right there in the water.  Well that's the lavender at work, and it has been an exhausting couple of days.  She seriously considers offering to wash his back for him...but that should be Ashwyn offering, not her...but the awkwardness surrounding the two would likely only increase if they were to touch skin again...and really, he should get some rest without intrusion...
Frozen with internal debate, she stands stock still in the pool with soap still held in one hand, not quite watching them but not looking away, either.

Ashwyn reveled in the feeling of being clean. In her line of work soaps weren't something she usually used. The scent would alert prey to her presence. But it was nice to feel pampered, at least once and a while. Her embarrassment was still strong, but she willed herself to move on. The last thing she needed was to be awkward around someone she's supposed to be working with.

She finished washing her body and then set the soap down on the edge of the spring. She reached over to where she'd placed her weapons and began to wash each one in turn. Once she was satisfied in their cleanliness, she set the aside.

---

Zane washed himself till his skin was red from the effoet but he enjoyed every bit of it. He finished before the others, not having any strange distractions like they seemed to. He moved over to the edge of the spring and pulled himself out. Grabbing a towel for himself, he wrapped it around his body before reentering the sleeping area. He picked up the night shirt, surveyed it's size, and then nodded happily. He dropped the towel and covered himself with the sleeping shirt before curling himself into the bed.

"No sense in wasting the time we have. *yawn* I believe we deserve a rest." He said, closing his eyes.

---

Ashwyn finished her cleaning ans turned back to her companions. Zane had already left the spring and seemed to be heading to sleep, Lo was washing and Sigurd seemed to be falling asleep in the spring itself. She couldn't help but smile at the idea. Though she didn't think it was wise to sleep in the water where one could potentially drown.

She cleaned her hands of the soap and then moved back over to where he lay. She hesitated for only a moment before she reached over and touched his arm.

"Sigurd, we should probably get out. The Chancellor said we should have time to sleep before dinner. Perhaps we should take advantage of that. Zane already seems to be." She chuckled over at the gnome who was already beginning to snore.

Deciding she should start allowing herself to be more comfortable with her companions she stood and offered her hand to Sigurd.

"Need a hand?" She asked, her eyes locked in place on his face.

His eyes opened slowly and luckily met with Ashwyn's, taking a moment to process his physical state he determined he was not quite relaxed enough to step out of the water, he gave a soft smile, “Thank you, but I think I'll stay a bit longer. It's not every day you're forced to haul a giant mollusk onto land, things tend to get stiff” he mentally kicked himself not realizing his phrasing until it had left his mouth. “Plus I haven't finished washing, I would hate to offend the Gnome by tarnishing our hosts bed coverings with a half clean body.” He closed his eyes again and sighed “I'll be along shortly.”

Ashwyn nodded when he turned down her offer to leave the spring. At his choice of wording she blushed again and before she could stop herseld her eyes focused on just how stiff his problem had become. Her blush deepening she quickly looked back up to his face.

She chuckled at his comment about offending Zane. "Sometimes I wonder if there's anything that DOESN'T offend him." She teased and finally lowered her hand.

She hesitated for a moment, now realizing that she'll have to either exit the spring on her own and put herself on display yet again, or get back in the water and seem... Well, she wasn't sure how she would seem but she didn't want Sigurd to think she was some kind of scarlet woman with other motives.

Deciding she didn't have much choice she nodded again. "Alright then. I... Suppose I'll see you out there." She smiled at him, then at Lo, before carefully moving over to the edge of the spring. She stepped up to the edge, leaned forward to collect her weapons, and then bent over to pull herself from the spring.

Unfortunately her foot slipped on the wet stone and she fell forward, catching herself on her knees. It stung slightly but her pride was hurt more than her knee.

What is with you, clutz? She berated herself. As she moved to right herself she unknowingly gave anyone left in the spring a very clear view of her backside as she attempted to stand.

Chuckling slightly at Ashwyn he smiled “I suppose you're right...” he was ready to settle down in the bath for a few more minutes when he heard the sound of skin slipping on stone. Without thinking he sprung out of the water and spun around to catch his half-elf companion and hopefully prevent injury “I've got you!”. He wasn't fast enough, she was already on hands and knees and Sigurd found that his hands had a firm hold around her waist. Fully exposed he felt the nip of the cool air curl around his body as he stood in awkward silence behind Ashwyn, the distance between them dangerously close.

Ashwyn gasped when she felt Sigurd's arms around her. She felt her heart rate increase when she pictured his nude from only inches away from hers, and all within perfect site of Lo. She was certain her entire body was flushing red by now.
Not sure what to do or how to move without touching something she shouldn't, she lowered herself to sit on her knees. She placed a hand over Sigurds that were around her waist and she turned her head to meet his gaze.

"Thank you. I don't know why I'm so clumsy lately." she looked into his eyes for a moment. He was kind and strong, and she couldn't deny she found him very attractive. But they had a mission. One that might mean life or death for all of them. Now was not the time for personal matters. Looking into his eyes, she suddenly knew he would understand.

With her free hand she reached up and touched his cheek softly. "Thank you. I'm okay now." She said softly with a soft smile.

Sigurd's face burned, and it was made worse by her turning to look at him. “y-you're welcome..” he stammered, his face a completely blank expression. As he lifted her to her feet and gave her a gentle push forward towards the sleeping area. The cold air had served to solve his issue and he sighed happily, but now he was cold again so he slipped back into the water and enjoyed the warmth once more.

His mind was a wash with thoughts about what had happened, did he feel her heat... was it from the bath? or... somewhere else...He quickly glanced to Lopiena then back to the water, he didn't know what to say so he just grabbed the soap beside him and started to quietly scrub places he had already cleaned.

Ashwyn smiled as Sigurd helped her to stand. She walked over to the towels, wrapped her body in it and then walked into the sleeping room.

She glanced over at Zane, but he was still unconscious. She sighed in relief and dropped the towel before quickly pulling the night shirt over her head. She didn't like the feeling of being unbound but there wasn't much to do about it at the moment. The shirt came down to just past her rear and she was certain that if she bent over she would no longer be covered. She sighed. Like being unbound, it couldn't be helped.

She climbed into the bed, hoping to at least get a few hour sleep before this dinner they were expected to attend. She was almost afraid of what would plague her dreams....

Snapping out of her reverie when Ashwyn moves to clean her weapons and Zane gets out of the hot springs to sleep, Lopiena quickly redirects her eyes to keep to herself. Quit trying so hard, you'll only make it worse. Finishing her wash and purposefully ignoring the discussion between Ashwyn and Sigurd, she begins contemplating next steps when she hears Ashwyn slip on the wet stones. Automatically turning to see how badly she is hurt, she gets a full view of their interactions...as well as a pretty solid view of the real reason for Sigurd's reluctance to leave the water. Eyes widening, she quickly turns and forces herself to think of something else, anything else...lavender! Lovely, fragrant lavender growing in stands, their spiked flower heads standing straight in the...no, that's not helping...Hot springs! Natural formations of hot, bubbling water surging up from the...NO!!! Just stop thinking! Flushing several shades of red, she turns away completely and finishes washing as fast as possible. Now for the challenge of getting out...it was so easy just a little while ago, but now with her face afire she's not entirely sure she knows which way is up. Wading back to the end of the spring where she had left the muddy towel used to clean her staff, she quickly dunks it underwater to clean off the mud, wrings it out, and wraps it around her body before coming out of the spring. Keeping her eyes on the floor, she manages to get into the sleeping area and into the nightshift without further incident. The cool air in the other room helps calm her senses, and Zane's snores would dissolve anyone's personal urges. Sighing, she drapes the wet towel over a chair and stops to examine her gear. The muddy cloak and wet clothes are gone, but everything in her pack is pretty well soaked and unless cared for soon will be ruined. Taking out the dried meat, several pouches of herbs, and a change of clothes, she reaches the bottom of the bag and pulls out a thin but strong rope. Stringing one end to a heavy chair and the other to a hinge on the door, she starts hanging stuff up to dry. Soon an earthy aroma from a variety of herbs blends with the lavender wafting from the other room. Lopiena's nose twitches...the smell is pretty strong even for her; Sigurd will probably never come out of the hot springs unless she can air out the place a little. Looking for a window to open, Lopiena slowly starts exploring the room.

Sigurd watch Lopiena leave the spring and sighed, he had the whole spring to himself and he waded to the center and allowed himself to sink. The water completely envolped him for a moment before he decides to get out. Pushing off the bottom of the spring and launched himself out of the water landing on the edge. Grabbing a towel he marvelled at its softness as he wrapped it around his waist.

He walked to his bed and took the night shirt and looked at it, he didn't see much point in putting it on only to take it off and put it back on after dinner so he hung it up on the headboard and slipped under the covers dropping his towel on the floor beside the bed.

It wasn't long until sleep found him.

Feeling refreshed after bathing and sleeping, Lopiena is more than ready to learn why they were brought to this strange place.  Putting on the fancy gown felt as unnatural to her as wearing feathers, but she couldn't stop looking at how the gown seemed to give her curves where she was pretty sure there weren't any.  The dress itself was a soft dove grey, offset by a rich burgundy over garment that set off the cinnamon highlights in her hair.  The wedge heel shoes were surprisingly comfortable at first, and Lo enjoyed viewing the world from a couple of inches higher.  Learning to walk in the shoes was an interesting experience, though...while Lo was perfectly comfortable standing on her toes when climbing hills or even running, descending stairs in the heels made her feel unbalanced.  

As they are led around the trunk of the massive tree, she reaches out and puts a hand on the rough bark both for balance and to check on the health of the tree.  She doesn't have the ability to speak to trees (yet) but feels contented knowing that these people clearly care for their forest.  The banquet hall looks comfortable and the people there look friendly.  Although a very large part of her is chattering away in fear, she wants to believe the best of their benefactors.  Thanking the twins for their assistance, she quietly sits in the offered chairs and looks over at those seated at the head of the table.  Suddenly uncertain and shy, she smiles awkwardly and waits for someone else to speak first.

Sigurd wasn't a stranger to fine clothing, he had to attend political meetings where armor had no place. The elven clothing felt of the highest quality, light but not delicate. He was covered in a long floor length tunic a deep cerulean embossed with a very complex pattern. Leather high boots covered his feet up to his knees with blue trousers tucked inside. This would be the first time in years that Sigurd had worn any kind of footwear, it's slight heel took some getting used to. Around his neck and down to the center of his chest was what he assumed passed as jewelry to the elves. Woven silver inlet with a blood red jewel in the center.

As they walk around the tree Sigurd is plagued by the constant tak tak tak tak of his footwear on the wooden floor. “they couldn't have used a soft leather sole...” he grumbled. The group passed by what looked like a large mirror and he caught a glance of himself, what look back he hardly recognized. Instead of a well armored battle hardened fighter, he saw someone who could have easily passed as a noble, minus his three day stubble growing on his chin. Sigurd always cleaned up nice, as his mother joked. Once again he felt that same far off feeling when his mother appeared in his thoughts his mind painfully aware that they needed to get back to task.

It was showtime, a banquet with political figures always forced a change in Sigurd's demeanor he would now wear the mask of the emissary of ThunderKnoll as had been instilled in him as a second nature. When they entered the hall his back straightened up, his face was stoic and he carried himself as a political figure years beyond his experience. When they were greeted by the Chancellor Sigurd put a closed fist across to his shoulder and bowed slightly, tilting his head to the side to simulate exposing his neck, a sign of respect from his people as if offering up his weakness.

Approaching the table he pulls Ashwyn's seat out for her and waits for her to sit before seating himself.

.

Sleeping in the soft bed was more refreshing than Ashwyn had expected. She was no stranger to sleeping on hard surfaces for most of her time was spent in the forest. But these beds were unlike anything she had experienced in the past.

The dress they had provided her was also unlike anything she had ever seen. She dealt with nobels all th time and most of them had very fine clothing as well, but these materials were something different. Soft as a feather to the touch and lighter, but very sturdy. Her mother had a small coin purse that was made of elven materials and it was always Ashwyn's favorite thing in the world as a child. This was the first time since her mother's death that she could enjoy elven crafting. it was like a peice of her heritage was given back to her.

The dress was pale green on top and slowly faded to a dark green around her feet. The top hugged her chest with gathered material in a sweetheart shape with a golden broach placed between her breasts that had a green emerald in the middle of it. The gown itself swept around her feet and hugged her curves perfectly. Around her neck was a dark green sash that swept around her arms. Her hair had been pulled back into braids and inlayed with small white flowers and green ivy. The shoes were delicate with a strong sole.

Her fellow companions looked beautiful in their fancy dress as well. Zane looked dapper and Lopiena looked lovely. And Sigurd... Well, he looked amazing. If she wasn't so nervous about this dinner she may have actually swooned.

As they walked down the stairs she felt herself growing nervous. They had no idea what they were walking into. SHe'd like to think that it wasn't something bad but... They had no idea. Seeing the figures at the table seemed to make her more nervous, but even more curious. Three species of elf sitting together? That was very uncommon. She also couldn't help but notice that there wasn't a High Elf seated there. NOt that she was surprised. High Elves were far too superior to sit with any other race like equals. Just ask them, they'd tell you all about it.

When they approached their seats and Sigurd pulled out her chair, she smiled softly at him and bowed her head in thanks. "Thank you." She reached forward and touched his hand affectionately before sitting in the chair and allowing him to push it into the table.  

--

Zane was right at home with the fancy dress. He had short burnt orange tunic with gold leaves embroidered into the chest line. He also had a short cloak of a darker burnt orange. It was lined with gold also. The pants were black and he had long black boots.

He walked with his head held high and approached the table as though he belonged there. He sat along with the others and looked at the Chancellor.

"We thank you for your kind hospitality, Chancellor. We have been hoping to find out more about why we are here though. I don't suppose we can discuss that?"

Ashwyn leaned in slightly during the explanation. A village of elves that separated to avoid persecution? She had always had the opposite experience with elves. She was the one that left to avoid persecution. Though she was very uneasy around other elves, in general, she found herself very intrigued by these people.  

When the Chancellor mentioned Sun Elves here, she had to work to avoid flinching. She didn't have the most positive memories of Sun Elves. Her mother had been a Sun Elf and was removed from their society when she married a human. Ashwyn's grandparents wanted nothing to do with her now.  

All the better, she thought.  

Zane nodded thoughtfully during the conversation. "Very intriguing." He said, and he sounded genuinely impressed. "So...you have crafted such grandeur on your own? In secret? That's quite a feat of engineering. And to have so many different sub cultures living together it's...well it's unique to say the least."

Quietly observing from her seat, Lopiena is also intrigued by this peaceful community. To think that such a diversity of races could work together toward peace sounds idyllic; much of her knowledge of human history only had tragedy as a result of such attempts at peace. Living in secret as they do, the threat of the Anarochs is more than just a concrn of fire; it is the threat of being discovered and a broken community. War has a way of not just destroying lives, but destroying the connection between the land and those who fight to protect it. Listening intently, she hopes that the Chancellor has some insight as to why the Anarochs attacked the forest. When Zane started asking about engineering rather than the real reason they're there she almostspeaks up, but is still hesitant to bring attention to herself. That will come soon enough...

Sigurd sat politely with his hands in his lap, listening carefully to each of the council members, noting their mannerisms. His mother may have taught him poise and etiquette but his father instilled in him the idea that no matter how peaceful, always have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

When the Lythari came up he smiled, discount werewolves he thought to himself, they lacked a hybrid form. "I should like to meet their representatives, I have certain concerns for my people that perhaps they could shed some light on, time permitting of course, my worries are secondary to the issue at hand."

Zane spoke up and for the first time something struck Sigurd, he spoke as one with financial stability... But he held no titles, no position. Raising his hand slightly to the Gnome to interject "it's no small feat they've accomplished here. A small sect of outcasts from Elven cultures begin a small community and through word of mouth, spread to the downcast members of other pure blood focused civilizations. It's noted by the craftsmanship of their buildings, pathways, furniture each, pardon the term, sub race of Elf has come here in what I can only assume as some kind of asylum seeking pilgrimage from their otherwise... We'll say socially oppressive conditions."

Sigurd nodded to the Chancellor "given your state of longevity I can only assume that order has been in place for quite some time, as a representative of ThunderKnoll I am in hopes that anything I learn here can be taken and applied to my home. As it stands there are some in our.. in relation to Eventide, young and growing village there are those who refuse to acknowledge certain races as kin, but it's something we are trying to remedy... Amongst other things."

Wanting to get to the heart of the matter was gnawing at the back of his mind, but sadly there are protocols to follow in conversations like these.

Ashwyn turned towards Sigurd in shock. His words...his demeanor...he seemed to be an entirely different person. She shouldn't have been surprised, of course. He was the son of the Alpha. But she hadn't expected him to act so eloquently. She smiled softly at him while he spoke, unable to hide how impressed she was.

She forced herself to focus as the council began speaking again. She glanced over to Ishal occasionally. She hadn't spoken much and she still didn't seem pleased that they were here. She wondered how that would play out in the future.

Zane nodded, frowning. "Do you know what provoked these attacks? Have you seen any indication of a ruling body governing these creatures?" He asked. "Perhaps if you could find out why they are attacking a diplomatic solution can be found?"