Complete - Pelham Springs Spa Vacation | Page 4

• Zone Entrance

Gilgamesh's eyes did go wide at seeing her form, but her words gave him pause and made him reconsider trying to tease her by hitting on her. So he decided to go the polite route as per standard protocol for him in these types of situations, trying his best to stifle his oncoming raucous laughter at seeing her mime fondling some random girl's boobs. He hurried over to her since he did not want her running away just yet and replied

"Get it over with? Fucked my girlfriend?...Miss I seriously think you got the wrong impression of me...yes, you are quite the looker, but that was not my intention in calling out to you, I can assure you of that much."

He paused and fell into step with her as he continued

"I merely thought you looked like an interesting person to get to know is all...on a more or less platonic level...whether or not it progresses from there to something more, would be up to you, really."

 

• Zone Women's Bath

​

"Thank you. You are all very kind."

Corvella smiled at @Solaria and @Elysian after their response, leaning back to rest once again. She really appreciated their company. How many times she was able to experience something like this? She would trade her real life for this this moment alone.

She began to recall the fight against the Prince of Fire several hours ago in her head, visualizing everything perfectly. How she seems enjoyed taunting her enemies, or how she does not falter in sight of downed friend, but instead formed up the courage to protect them. The big battle, even if it does not last very long, changed the person she is. She is really happy that she can present herself by who she is, something she isn't allowed in the real world.

Her hands slowly move upwards, unbinding her hair ties, letting her hair fall down loose. Keeping a tight grip on the ribbon, she closed her eyes, falling to sleep slowly in the water as she muttered something in her heart. She want to stay longer; right here and also in this game with all the people inside it.

Should she even be sleeping here?
She doesn't know. She just want to rest.

 

• Zone Iedi's Shrine

She listened intently to @Sylpha Astarte and her comment regarding the sacrifice. In a sense, the other female was certainly correct, but it would take a lot more rattling, and perhaps a bit of physical shaking as well to get the concept of humility, even in death, to dwindle from the self-proclaimed detective's mind.

Eleanor, with wide eyes, watched as the confrontation between @Ilusa Nakhalee and Ursa conducted, keeping herself a safe distance away if things were to get violent. She did not really think that they would, but there was not much that one could assume when dealing mainly with strangers. Even Ursa, the one she knew more in the situation, could possibly be very different than Eleanor had though. All of these things had to be carefully taken into account.

And in a moment, the effects, as they always came, after the causes, were in order. Ursa had seemingly left the area, Eleanor raising her hand above the surface of the water to provide her with a brief wave, and bow of her head. In a rather nervous state, as the proportions in terms of known people to unknown people in the room dramatically shifted. Now, the ratio was much more balanced into a... Somewhat more uncomfortable state.

"It is alright." Eleanor shook her head to Ilusa, dismissing the apologies. "You need not worry. None of this was planned." Giving a nervous smile, she reached up to rub the back of her neck, forgetting how wet her hand was, as she smeared the water across a previously dry patch. "I am Eleanor, by the way."

As odd as it seemed to bring up introductions at a time like that, she felt that the first semi-conversation between her and the stranger had to start somewhere. While she could not offer a handshake with her wrinkly, wet hand, she figured words would have to do, paired with a polite smile, and bow of her head. Whether the other responded her not, she would idly return to the important duty of twiddling her thumbs. The water was rather comfortable after all, and she enjoyed relaxing. Whether she often took note of it or not, she rarely gave herself a rest.

 

When they got to the place of relaxation, Astor split off from @Ilusa Nakhalee since he figured she would want to visit the shrine of her matron goddess, Iedi. Considering that he wasn’t at all invested in the religion of Terrasphere, he let her explore her faith to her content while he explored the hot spring. Unlike what you would expect from a spa, which Astor would never set foot in in real life, the establishment oozed with relaxation as steam covered the outdoor bodies of water while the inside was constructed with meticulous detail to retain the natural look. After wandering hall after hall, it only occurred to Astor after a while that he was in a fantasy world, there wouldn’t be a beverage vending machine. Somehow, the pairing of hot spring and a nice and cold beverage was so ingrained in him that he subconsciously forgot where he was and searched fruitlessly for a piece of modern convenience.

Just as he was about to hit himself, he got a private message from Ilusa. It seemed she REALLY wanted to hear about the deal he made with the Arena Master. While he wanted to continue dodging the topic, there was no actual reason for him to hide it from her, since if anyone she would be one to help him deal with the fallout if it came to that. Astor sighed as he read the message and reply.

Ilusa Nakhalee

Sooo… What was the deal you got with that mage?

Astor Balthas

Basically, anyone who had used his portal to go to Mount Vulpus entered an unspoken contract with the Arena Master to let him… ‘mess’ with them, so to speak. That includes me and pretty much everyone who had went to fight Azog.

If they find out though… there’s going to be a big commotion about it…

Once he had gotten what little taste of Pelham Springs, Astor headed back, intending on heading to the baths where we might be able to enjoy some relaxation, preferably away from people who have been gawking at him with animosity after his antics during the battle against the Prince of Fire. While Astor didn’t give a shit about them, he didn’t feel like playing politics after a day of hard work. After he has found where the private baths are, he opened up his palm menu and shot Ilusa another message.

Astor Balthas

I found a vacant private bath, come join me. People’s been rather displeased at the King and I don’t want to deal with their boorish attitude right now. [location]

• Zone Private Bath

​

Changing into a silky, soft robe that was a size too small for his avatar, the blonde headed into the cozy chamber decorated by jungle plants and slowly dipped his toes into the spring. Seeing dirty coming off his skin in that small amount of time, he realized that it was best for him to wash off outside of the spring before he gets in, lest he wanted to paint the water black before his feline companion gets there.

And so, he saw down on a stool nearby and used water dispenser and natural body and hair wash to remove the grime from his face and other parts. By this point, he had shed his robe already and only had on swimming trunk, which felt incredibly wrong for a clearly Japanese-inspired hot spring.

 

• Zone Garden

”I doubt my mistress would approve of me ever letting it be considered as a thing. I’m also not that interesting of a person by my own book.”

_____Kaedé would speak faintly seeing as the male would be close enough to hear her without much trouble and many people around to mask their voices with other chatter now. Most of Kaedé's focus was on the flowers, anything that slightly reminded her of japan seemed to get more focus from the girl and many times almost touched before she coiled her hand back with a pained expression. Japan was both her home and the most feared place to her.

”Though in mention of good looking I have to admit it was some sight under your towel during that cannonball.~”

_____Kaedé spoke in both a teasing and serious tone as she stood up to keep walking around the area admiring the diversity and the chance to recall some of the places she had visited around the globe in the real world. The mixed scents almost made her doubt reality existed outside the game but a quick glance to her HP and energy meter quickly told her this was nothing but a game and her dark reality was what she would have to return to at some point.
@Gilgamesh Ougami

 

Oh, so @Ozwin Ahab thought himself a poet of the highest caliber. No need to claim anything wrong with the guy's logic despite the fluid way the man presented it. The Felis has been through many things during his time, and there were far too many things he recalled and forgotten to doubt such. Today was meant for soothing thoughts, pleasures, and having a calm place to collect oneself. Giving a nod to @Eleanor Loan, the man considered getting out to check on her, but knew he should not pry if she had to desire to divulge her feelings. Turning back to Ozwin, the man spoke up, "You aren't wrong in that regard. Most here are too young for me to consider, among other things."

He enjoyed the respect these other players had the courtesy of sharing. Thus far nobody had meant real harm. Even the small @Harveste was one of curiosity, "Don't worry about hiding behind me. I wasn't prepared for a Tank role, but there were so few in our zone that you made use of what you could. Not to say I don't have Guard in my masteries, however, but I have not placed much focus in that area." Heh. These small girls sure knew how to land themselves on the cute end of everything. Little ones he needed to protect. Just like the screeching of one in need. A familiar voice, one who caused the Felis's ears to perk up, "What the hell?"

Turning his massive frame around, standing up a bit to get a better view, @Magi Heart had rushed off with a look of terror on her face. Boys in the girl bath? That could not be further from the truth, the grown man delving into a more gentle side, "Hold on Magi, you got the wrong idea. Sweetie..." A sigh escaped the man's lips, fingers pinching the bridge of his bestial nose. Of course the situation got worse than he intended. Poor girl, she must have thought this was a separated bath. Nobody else here seemed as though they could be assed to get up and sooth the poor child, so the big man himself might as well.

Until a certain mass of hulking muscle got in his way. The one Alonso eyed the moment he got into the hot springs, @Eurig Rig Cadigan. However, the wall of meat was not only in his way, but insisted on flexing in the Felis's way. Goddamn this man had brawn on him! Sometimes the veteran gamer was too stoic for his own good, glancing between where Magi Heart went and the mass before him. This was the first time Alonso met another player who opted for the massive physique that could make Herakles of myth jealous. No, he needed to make sure the little one was safe and unharmed. Just a moment with her and the Felis was able to make his way back to give himself some eye candy.

Oh goddamnit @Ozwin Ahab!

A glare shot his finisher partner's way, the more lustful ends of the man's thoughts swirling about in a cosmic foray of temptation. How dare that boy mention the muscular rush of cheek ripping which forced sweat to pour down Alonso's bearish frame, sheer musculature bulging from the tension of a never ending fight. He looked back at Eurig. Ends of his lips curled into a sneer, glaring at the musclebound figure, before his voice rose, "FINE THEN. If you're so desperate for this shit!"

In a sudden flash the Felis's muscle bulged, veins popping as propped a foot on the edge of the bath. He showed off his side, one arm flexing towards his body, while the other raised into the air similar to how his propped foot was elevated onto shore. Alonso's eyes remained locked on the taller man's vision, impressed that he found someone taller than he, teeth grit as he spoke to @Eurig Rig Cadigan, "Is this what you wanted, boy? Cause I'll give you more of this giant crushing physique if that's what you desire."

What the hell was he saying?

 

Rig was overjoyed! The brawny Felis' muscles bulged as if he was Atlas himself holding up the sky. It was obvious that the mans thoughts were elsewhere but Rig was too blind by the novelty of making a friend...and a giant one at that!

Rig opened his arms wide and guffawed loudly into the warm, misty air. He stood up more proudly allowing the spa water to run down his chiseled neck, around his mighty pectorals, over the molded abs...slip around other areas, and back into the water. He continued to laugh until he found it hard to breath.

"Bonza! That is IT mate! You are a man of great fortitude! I admire your fire!" Then Rig glanced up at the mans deep blue hair, "Or in this case water. This is good! Water is mighty and patient. The endurance of water never fades. You are now the water to my fire!"

With that last statement, Rig mirrored @Alonso Thorlion in his pose with one foot on the edge of the bath and arms rippling with muscle. Together they almost looked like forces of nature rather than men flexing. After the mirrored pose, Rig laughed cheerfully again and slapped the man playfully on the back.

 

Ozwin's shoulders were shaking as he tried to bottle up the laughter building inside of him as the two muscled giants @Alonso Thorlion and @Eurig Rig Cadigan flexed at each other. He was on the verge of crying tears of mirth the sight was so entertaining. "Look at them Ashiore, I don't think I can hold back the laughter much longer. It's adorable in a way."

Then out of nowhere someone shouted "YOU!"

Ozwin oddly felt like it had been directed at him for some reason, but when he looked a rather gorgeous and naked woman that he didn't recognize was marching towards the water. Odd, she seemed to be coming straight towards him. "Your friend there doesn't seem very happy to see you," Ozwin whispered to @Ashiore Evretto . I mean they were sitting together and he certainly wouldn't forget a woman this pretty.

She came in front of them and presented her naked self in a rather proud fashion... Wait... She was staring at, "Wait... me?" Ozwin pointed at himself, his head tilting to the side in confusion.

He heard Stelluna say something about finding a private pool which he would normally be all for but... "Do I know you? Because normally when a woman stares at me like this it is because they sincerely irritated with me and never before have I been so unsure why." Of course his confusion didn't stop him from tracing every bit of the outline of @Eileen Dover the hips and thighs, the stomach up through the chest, getting a good look at her neck, lips, nose, hair and finally gazed right into her eyes. "Yeah there is no way I could have forgotten you if we met before, far too gorgeous. I'm still a little tired and sore from the boss fight so how about we just relax and talk a bit? In case you don't actually know my name, Ozwin Ahab at your service."

 

• Zone Exit

She smiled weakly at @Elysian, trying to smother down the flinch that followed the idea of dying together. "Yeah... I guess?" Even though she knew rebirth was possible in this game, the mere idea of death made her sick. Sick enough to kill others to save her and other good people from that fate. Her face scrunched up as the thoughts, horrible as always, tried to wind her up.

@Solaria's comforting touch kept her grounded. "Ah, I remember," she said with a nod, "but they're both pretty horrible. Everything leading up to that fight with Mycolossus was horrible. I didn't want to fight him." She shrugged helplessly as memories of elves, crushed under the weight of their companions and their belongings, tried to consume her. She didn't let them.

It wasn't particularly easy to keep her mind clear of those evil thoughts though, so eventually, she gave up and rose out of the water. Wrapping her towel loosely around her body, she smiled down at the others. "I might fall asleep if I stay here any longer," she said, "so I'm gonna go home. Don't wanna be a prune when I wake!" The attempt at a light-hearted joke fell flat on Kyupin's feline ears, but maybe the others appreciated it more than her. She waved her farewells then slipped into the women's changing room. After getting fully dressed, she left the springs.

It would be a long walk back. She hummed to herself, stretched a little, and then made her way to civilization.

 

• Zone Mixed Bath

She shouted over her shoulder at @Stelluna, the girl with the nerve to try and comment on her 'fight'. "Enjoy the show, princess!" Didn't she know that girl anyways? Eileen chewed on her lip in consideration. Oh. Right. Investigating the whole temple mess in the first place! Whatever. The most important thing right now was to get her revenge for all the trouble @Ozwin Ahab had caused her previous reincarnation at Dunnstads.

She let him drink in her beauty as she stewed over the great rage she would unleash on him. Perhaps just stab him right here and now? But with what weapon! She was fully exposed to the elements; no blade would stay hidden in her nakedness. Her lips parted, nostrils flaring as she took a deep breath, "Actually—"

Oh wait. Did he just call her gorgeous?

Well, that wasn't new to her, but it still struck a chord inside of Eileen that had some of that fury dissipating in the moment. Sure, she was still pissed beyond all belief, but maybe she'd spare him the public embarrassment. She cleared her throat. "Actually, I just recognized you as the guy from that video!" Nice save, Eileen. "Glad I finally know your name, Ozwin Ahab." She reached out a hand. "Dover. Eileen Dover."

She couldn't recall if they'd exchanged names last time, but if they had, maybe Ozwin was dumb enough to forget? Her fingers were crossed. Metaphorically crossed, at least. It would look weird if she crossed them in reality.

 

• Zone Women's Bath

"I would have to say Azog since he was the first and only I faced, but just the name Myscolossus sounds scary, maybe I should be glad I missed that?" She replied to @Solaria with wide dramatic eyes and then smiled. "Actually I feel like I've missed so much, I need to catch up!"

Elysian turned to @Kyupin Felnya next, and her timid reply made Ely feel bad. Should she have not joked about the dying thing? Sure she didn't want to die even if she could be rebirthed or whatever, but if it did happen that's how she would want it. Perhaps not everyone had her views though and Kyupin's reply showed that. Elysian wanted to apologize but the conversation was turned away from her and by the time it ended Kyupin was taking her leave sadly. Elysian smiled at her cute joke and waved goodbye. She hoped it wasn't because of her.

Now that it grew even more quiet in their hot spring she let herself relax. Stretching her legs and arms and even toes. Kyupin might not want to be a prune but Elysian didn't care if she wrinkled up like an old lady. She would stay here all night if they let her. Could she sleep here? It probably wouldn't be wise since her luck she would drown...yeah maybe staying awake was a better idea.

 

• Zone Iedi's Shrine

While it would indeed take much more than that to instil some sort of pride in Eleanor, this was not Sylpha's goal. Sylpha's goal was to make her drink the wine. With all the events in front of them unfolding, this was... not happening. Both Eleanor AND Sylpha were distracted by the events in front of them. Yes, they were in a shrine so it was expected someone would come to pray. Sylpha didn't expect Ursula to come kicking up a mess, but she didn't mind since she got to learn the name of the person who saved her from a fall of unspecified lethal distance.

Unlike Eleanor, Sylpha had seen @Ilusa Nakhalee before on the flight to the springs. Still, with Eleanor introducing herself, Sylpha was also instinctively compelled to speak her name.

"And I'm Sylpha." She would add after Eleanor with a similar bowing of the head.

Sylpha would leave it at that and turn her attention back to her own wineglass, taking another sip of wine. She was running out of conversation topics, so shifting away from a shrine might be more conductive to any social efforts. That was, if she intended to make any efforts socializing.

She wasn't sure just how much she should be socializing, anyway.

 

• Zone Garden

@Kaede Hoshi

Gilgamesh walked along with his new acquaintance in the garden, his long powerful legs allowing him to keep pace with her quite easily since he was tall. Upon hearing her remark, he turned his attention from enjoying the resplendent beauty of nature in all its glory to her, remarking with a faint blush

"some sight underneath my towel, eh? ehehe, I-I am glad you approve, miss...I wasn't trying to show my p-package off, but I guess it's too late for t-that..."

He said in a hurry, stumbling over his words since he received that unforeseen compliment from her, but thankfully, his mind regained control of itself quickly, allowing him to remark

"it's quite a shame, I didn't get to see you in your swimwear then, miss...I am sure it would have been an equally if not more magnificent sight to behold"

 

_____Listening calmly to what the male had to say about her comment could only lightly laugh at how he seemed to be bothered by her comment. Hand lifting to size it from her memory, a rudely small size before she went over her UI and switched back to her swimsuit slowly turning to the male with a small devilish grin across her face. Hand reaching to the zipper at the front to pull it just enough to be so close yet so far from exposing anything major to him as she pressed against him and whispered in his ear.

”Maybe next time… I’ll let you see me naked in fair trade to see you… in a G string bikini.~”

_____Kaedé whisper was soft and teasing until the end. A more blunt tone taking over before she slapped the male’s ass hard and hopped back to allow him to see her swimsuit better. Her hand zipping it back up before the end of her spin and then she went back to walking, not bothered to change back yet. Her hand pulling at her swimsuit to make sure it did not ride up her butt and to expose herself a bit to tease the male some more.

”Is that enough seeing my swimsuit? Or do you want more, though you would need to beg and grovel for it.~” Kaedé chimed out happily as she reset her outfit back to normal and noticed a spider lily flower and froze to stare at it.
@Gilgamesh Ougami

 

• Zone Iedi’s Shrine

The other women did not seem to mind the blunder that happened and the blonde leaving. What was more, the two also introduced herself. Ilusa would not stay behind.

“Thank you, Eleanor.” Still, she needed to thank the woman, both for not minding the situation that she was witness too and also for jumping into Azog. She also committed the names to her memory, just in case she would be searching for them.

“My name is Ilusa.” The Felis named herself, bowing first to @Eleanor Loan then to @Sylpha Astarte. She did not mind someone making use of the hot springs, not when they were doing in peace and quiet and resting. Iedi was after all a Goddess associated heavily with healing.

Then she glanced at the interface with the new message blinking. “My apologies then, I shall leave here.” With three bows of her head (two shallow ones to women and one deeper to the shrine itself), Ilusa turned and left, her hand moving in a way that experienced players would realise that she was fiddling with a chat.

• Zone Exit

Her tail swayed and her ears twitched even as the red eyes roamed over the first message as Ilusa reread it thrice just to be sure. What was written there was a rather worrying thing. ‘And he is right. If other players learn of it… big commotion is saying it lightly.’ A shudder went through her at that thought, her fur standing up. She also was quite surprised that it seemed no one else asked about it.

As her thoughts roamed, her eyes moved to the later message. Or rather a somewhat new one.

For moment she stared at the location, before she clicked it, the map showing her the exact place it was. Nodding to herself, she walked forward and around, glancing at the mixed and women only baths. They were quite busy. And with Astor waiting for her, she did not feel like being sociable now.

Perhaps some time later (or perhaps much later, she did not feel up to socialising right now, socialising with NPC was easy, as they were not real). As she walked towards the location, she typed a reply.

“…” Only to erase it. She could after all always speak to him. But the question was: if baths were private how private were they? Were they locked to those not invited in?

• Zone Private Bath

Ilusa at least entered the location without problem. Putting her clothes to the inventory, she put on the default swimsuit. A simple two piece, nothing special, but it worked. Then she grabbed a bathrobe and towel, carefully touching it only with her hands that were somewhat clean.

Then her mind changed. She put down the towel and bathrobe down and slowly, slowly walked. Quietly, slowly, she moved like a stealthy cat!

Well, the sound of water running and falling quite well hid her stumbles and patter of her feet, but she pretended to not notice it (again the difference between reality and the game was jarring, in real life she could be quite stealthy).

Then she was behind @Astor Balthas back and spotting him reaching to wash his back, as he reached, she leaned down. “Let me wash your back.”

This was a Japanese-styled place, thus that meant that one had to wash before going into the hot-springs. It made sense. Enjoying quietly as he reacted at her being so close, she took over washing his back. Reaching over to get the soap, she ran her hands over his back; over the well defined muscles. Then she took a something that was probably the game sponge and scrubbed his back a little with it.

Then she decided to get some water and pour it over his back to wash the soot. Contonuing to wash his lower back, she then spoke, or rather asked. “How private it is? Can someone overhear us?” After all, she wanted to know if she would have to make the talk she wanted via the text messages, or simply through talking.