Needing a Soak (lilith)

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Aria’s wings were sore; she had been doing a lot of trips back and forth to the cabin in the woods. She had been doing this for a couple of days now. A couple of the items she had been carrying back and forth had to be carried in her dragon form. Course she had to hike out a ways to avoid being spotted close to the city. But she had gathered at least the supplied needed to start preparing the wood for the repairs needed to be done to the house. She could salvage a good number of the boards. So only a few of the actual house needed to be replaced. She would need to replace the roof, and insulate the walls and build interior walls to make it winterized; but otherwise it was salvageable. Windows were still in good condition, she would need to build a whole new set of cabinetry. But that was easy enough; fix up the chairs and bed a bit and make nice quality furniture and she’d be set.



However she needed to soak her wings, and arms…well mostly arms when she detransformed though the muscles used for flapping her wings just turned into one gigantic back ache. Aria was in her owl form at the current moment, when she was close to the city that was just the safe route to go with. She could see the little breaks in the tree line indicating she was near the springs. She banked down and landed next to an empty pool. She took her human form and slid into the warm waters gratefully.

[Deleted]

Lilith had decided to venture out on her own. Now that Sima had taken residence in her home, the only full times she was alone was at work or when he went out. She didn't mind, but she wanted to find a new place to relax. Lilith had heard of a place called the Crystal Springs, but had never actually seen them. She'd told Sima exactly where she was going because she knew he'd probably worry if she didn't. She was almost there now, wearing a winter dress of green, and a darker shade on her cloak. She of course, had her dagger always hidden in the sleeve of her boot, but she wasn't worried.

Lilith emerged from the shrubbery, hearing the sound of falling water. There was a faint smile on her face. She'd brought her bag, which was slung over her shoulder, in it her note book of sketches and writing. She fully intended to draw the springs, in all their beauty she'd been told of. What she hadn't expected was a head of fiery red hair in one of the springs. It took her a moment, but she faintly recognized her from behind. She hoped she was right in assuming the girl was Aria. She took another few steps closer, so she would be in line of sight for her, but no close enough to see in the spring.

Aria, is that you? She spoke cautiously, in case she assumed incorrectly. She clutched the strap to her bag nervously, wringing her hands around it. She had certainly become more bold than she previously had been, but nerves still took the best of her from time to time.

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Aria heard a voice call out to her, she turned her head and waved recognizing the shy librarian. The dagger tattooed to her wrist fully visible. Aria swam to the other side of the springs to make room for Lilith. As she swam Lilith would catch glimpses of a second large tattoo of a sword on her back. Diving under the water for a short bit and pushing back her hair as she popped back up. Her slightly pointed ears for once fully visible. Another tattoo seemed to have joined the others; another large tattoo starting from her ankle traveled up and twisted around her right leg, stopping at her hip in a twisted sort of design with a blue gem in the middle.

”Hey Lilith! How’s things at the library?”

Aria unlike Lilith didn’t have anything with her. She had come just in her owl form and was heading towards the city. Hopefully to pick up more supplies and such to bring back on her final trip that night. Aria tilted her head to the side when she noticed Lilith was carrying a pack. She wondered what she had brought.

”Come on in the waters fine, I’m the only one here right now.”

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Lilith's eyes grazed over Aria's tattoos, and she admired them silently. She watched at Aria swan across, her face turning pink. She hadn't intended to go in the water by venturing out here, but it seemed like she wouldn't have to much of a choice.

I'm sure you'd know as well as me, it's quite quiet. She laughed, remembering finding Aria onto of the bookshelf. It was a fond memory, though it had been short lived, and she hadn't really learnt much about the woman.

I-um- I actually hadn't intended to go in the water. I came to draw it actually. She took the book out of her bag, and moved to sit on a near by rock, facing Aria and the spring she resided in. She had a feeling the woman wouldn't let her go that easily, but the idea of herself getting into the water unclothed made her face blossom with colour. Her eyes wandered over the face of the fiery woman, catching on her own pointed ears, as well as pieces of the various tattoos. She made her her eyes were shielded from anything other than that, knowing her face would only brighten further. No one knew that secret yet, and she currently intended to keep it that way.

So! Aira, what brings you out here?

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”I could change that if you’d like; Library was never quite as quiet as it was before I started going there back in my time. Though that was just to piss off one of the other librarians.”

Aria looked at her strangely when she mentioned not wanting to go into the water.

”But that’s what the springs are for my dear, to soak away worries and troubles. A warm bath is so rare, never mind one that stays warm. However if you wish to chill out and draw that’s fine….its just warmer in the bath”

Aria smiled when she asked what brought her out here.

”Favorite spot to take a bath actually; the water is relaxing and good for sore muscles. I have been doing a lot of traveling band and forth to a small home I’m trying to fix up or at least get ready to be repaired. But it’s a good day’s journey from the city line. Since I’m fated like your blond friend I don’t have much yet so at least there’s not a lot to carry. Once its fixed up though I would like to start collecting books again.”

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Lilith laughed, shaking her head. I actually like the quiet, but I wouldn't stop you. It could be interesting really. she laughed again, she started to sketch out the main frame for what she wanted to draw. She looked up again at the mention of warm water and she felt quite tempted.

Perhaps when I am finished. I don't get the time to draw much lately, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Though the water certainly does seem appealing. Lilith smiled softly and looked at the ripples of water that Aria caused when she moved, listening to Aria while she spoke. She was happy for her, making a new life for herself here, doing what she could do be comfortable. At the mention of books she looked up once more, her hand stilling against the page.

I could certainly help you start that collection- if you'd like of course. Once you're settled you should come by the library.There is a whole stock of books like no one goes through anymore, that are just sitting there. I'm fairly certain they throw them out after a while. Her eyes sparkled while speaking of the books, of her passion. She was stunned that Aria wanted such a collection, but it pleased her to share that with her.

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”It’s a bit more fun with when you have someone to piss off….So what do you like drawing? Only think I’ve ever drawn are maps…Not very good at much else.”

Aria sunk into the water so it was to her chin, her hair floating around her like ink in water. It did a fairly good job at covering her up. Arias face lit up like a kid in a candy shop.

”Really! I would love to have any books your willing to donate to me! Books remind me of home; and family. I couldn’t be settled without them. Though it may be a while until I’m settled. But I have been sleeping outside in the woods since I was fated…actually I think it’s been almost a month now.”

Aria closed her eyes completely enjoying the warm water as it soaked away the aches in her back and arms.

”So Lilith….what type of elf are you. I use to know someone who was half elf but that was it.”

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Well, anything really. Some people pay me for portraits, but that's been slow lately.. I really enjoy landscapes like these. She stopped drawing and looked around them at the beautiful scenery. She had captured the outline on the page, with the beginnings of details. She never considered herself to be all that good, but she knew she couldn't be that bad either. Her eyes landed on Aria and noticed how relaxed she looked, eyes closed just floated. It couldn't do her any harm to join her could it? Her hair was certainly long enough to cover everything. Slowly, Lilith closed her book and began undressing, feeling the cool air around her, which only made her want to be in the water more.

I know what you mean. Books are like family to me as well. I love feeling like I'm apart of another world with every tale I read. Once undressed she made her way to the edge of the springs, hesitating before stepping in, feeling the instant heat and relief. She sank deeper in, thankful for the heat, and stayed across from Aria. Her hair floated around her, but some of it stuck-thankfully- to her, covering parts she wanted to remain unseen. She knew Aria would feel her enter, but it didn't really bother her. She sank to about her neck, and floated there, content.

Oh, I'm a moon elf. I've only met a few others, but from what I've been told we're common. Her tone was far more relaxed than she expected, almost as though her voice was floating with her. She really needed this. Sure, she relaxed at home, with Sima, but this was entirely different. She was exposed, but she wasn't nervous anymore. It intrigued her. She knew that from Aria's perspective, if she were to look, she'd see the scar on Lilith's left side, it was gross, though small in size, and she wondered if she'd have to tell that tale. It was interesting, though she knew she'd have to leave certain details out. Lilith let out a soft sigh, glad she decided to enter the water.

Okay, you were right. This is wondrous. Lilith smiled, leaning back and closing her eyes.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima sat at home, reluctantly deciding on what to do. Lilith had left for whatever reason quite some time ago, and he now couldn't remember the reason that she did leave. "What was it?" He spoke aloud amid the silence that was so abundant around the house. He ruffled his hair desperately. "What am I going to do?" He flopped on the couch, and rubbed his face oddly against it. After a few minutes Sima decided to take a nap, but when he woke up his boredom crept in again rather quickly. He wasn't sure just how long he was sleeping for, but it certainly seemed like quite a long time. It was probably time to see if Lilith had some free time now.

Sima headed out the door, ready to follow the scent that was Lilith. He slowly followed the trails more or less humming out loud. When Sima was a lone he wasn't quite sure what to do, without anything to talk to, humming seemed to be the logical choice. When he arrived at the hot springs, his nose seemed in-effective at picking out Lilith's scent. He looked at the water, realizing he had gotten a little too close, and not fully realizing what the depth could be. He took a step back, but knew she was more then likely in the water, her scent had vanished, so it was washed off, more then likely by water.

"Lilith?!" Sima called out, not really thinking that it was possible she was naked, he also didn't notice the scent of the other woman in the water, in which he also had a brief run in with. Sima circled the water shyly, making sure not to get to close to protect from anyone attempting to force him in. "Lilith?!" He called a second time when he circled and found a rather nude woman in the water. Sima did not realize this was Aria, in fact, he didn't even register that she was in fact naked.

"Hello!" Sima waved hyper actively to the woman in the hot springs. "Have you seen a girl with pointy ears around here?!" Sima called from his rather safe distance away from the water. Sima walked a tiny bit closer, realizing that the face looked like someone he had met before. "Have I met you!?" Sima called still quite a distance from the water. "Your not going to push me in if I come closer are you?!" Sima called once again, wanting to come closer and see who it was he was actually talking to, however afraid to come closer to the water, hoping to ease his freight by making sure of such things.

[Rivers]

"BOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSS!" Shouts a voice as a man literally appears out of nowhere running towards the hot spring. Though unlike the look of excitement one normally has when making such a journey he appeared to be frantic. Part of the reason for this might be the fact that his right foot appeared to be made of stone. and would have been making a loud thunking sound if he wasn't running about 6 inches above the ground.

As Rivers flops in the middle of the hot spring he says "Hey Boss! Your basilisk decided to-" He cut off as he noticed company. "Oh~ hello there milady." He greets Lilith with a grandiose bow, apparently entirely unbothered by the fact he just appeared in the middle of a hot spring containing two naked woman. "I heard the word books."

As he says this he sits down about 4 inches above the water and listens with interest apparently forgetting his half petrified foot.

[Muse]

Muse follows quickly after Rivers and into the springs. She would have preferred being told that there was basilisk wandering around the property. This was an unpleasant surprise, made even worse by the fact that Rivers managed to get himself partially petrified. She didn’t even know partial petrifications were a possibility. She assumed it was more of an all or nothing thing.

She shakes her head as he tries to pretend everything is alright in front of the stranger. Landing on his foot, she caws at him loudly. One couldn’t just leave their foot like that! There might be unforeseen consequences if he left it as is for too long.

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”Your kind must be a shy type, I really don’t see many elves.”

Aria kept her eyes shut as Lilith slid into the water, she was comfortable where she was. She chuckled in agreement with Lilith about this being wondrous. That was until she heard someone approaching.

”Wondrous on the evenings that it’s quiet….However it seems that’s not going to be the case for the rest of the night”

A semi familiar voice was calling for Lilith, her eyebrow shot up at the girl. When she was addressed Aria laid her head back so she was looking behind her. Her vision flipped Sima upside down but she recognized him easy enough.

”Hello there; I have seen two actually”

Aria herself had slightly pointed ears, not as tapered as Lilith’s but there was a distinct point there. Aria quirked yet another eyebrow when he asked if he knew her she looked over at Lilith with a questioning look.

”You think with a mark as noticeable as the one across my face I would be easy to remember if I’ve been met or not”

Aria turned around in the water folding her arms over the edge, and propping her chin on her arms so she could look at Sima directly. She chuckled at his question.

”And undo the effort I had to do to fish you out of the water the first time? Blue eyes come closer its annoying having you lurking behind me.”

Sima was forgotten for a moment when she heard Rivers voice shout his title for her. She spun around as he came closer. Her face becoming concerned when she picked up the frantic tone in his voice. His next sentence made her pale; more so as she saw his foot. As soon as he came close she waded over to where he was floating, ignoring his theatrics to the others.

”Damn it Rivers….really? Did the Drunk you forget to tell the Sober you Gabby just moved in? Let me see your foot, did you get a direct hit or just a side glance? What did you do sneak up on Gabby? …..I don’t know how to reverse this….Lilith…or Sima…do either one of you know how to reverse a Basilisk petrifying?”

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Lilith shrugged at the response of the elves. She'd remembered being around some when she was little, but now she didn't see many either, but she didn't go around asking people their race either. She didn't notice the little things like ears when just wandering around in Nova. Lilith had begun to relax more, her muscles loosening and her body just floating under the water with her eyes closed. Though, at the sound of an all to familiar voice calling her name, her eyes popped open and her head snapped up, looking for the source. Looking forward she could see Sima begin to emerge from the bushes and ducked her head underwater in a panic. What was he doing here? Why now that she was in the water? Why not before while she was still clothed?! She could just hear the voice of Sima asking questions, and Aria's answers from under the water, mumbled, and soft. She knew that when she came up from the water, her face and ears would be a new shade of red. What if he saw her? She knew her hair was covering what mattered, for the most part, but regardless it was a compromising look none the less.

Lilith was beginning to lose her breath, so she came up from the water as quietly as she could, but was startled to jump as the sound of yet another voice shot through the springs, calling for Aria. Her face, if it was possible, darkened even more when the new man addressed her, knowing that if Sima hadn't already seen her, he would now. Her eyes were wide as her attention was brought to the mans stone foot, stunned. Her focus was lost on Sima, as Aria asked if either of them could help. She swam closer, for a moment forgetting her modesty as the movement moved her hair leaving her more exposed than before.

Well, I can try. I've never had to do something like this before. She hoped Aria would infer that Lilith had slight healing magic, but she didn't know if it would be enough. She had a large feeling that it would take nearly all the energy she had, but she didn't say anything. Sima would be the only one who knew that it cost her energy, but she didn't think he'd remember, so it was okay. Lilith hesitantly placed her hands around the bird onto his foot and concentrated all of her power and thoughts towards healing it. She'd only ever healed wounds, and kick started the healing process, she'd never actually had such a problem to try this on. After a moment, the stone started to crumble, just slightly, around his foot, but she couldn't keep going for much longer. Sweat formed around her head and her hands began to tremble.

I'm sorry.. I can't do anything else... Lilith spoke softly, feeling bad that she couldn't help more. She looked at Aria apologetically, as well as the stranger with the stone foot. She'd forgotten Sima's presence at that moment.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima heard Aria's nickname, "Blue eyes" Sima remembered who it was now, yet he was still rather lost in an attempt to approach, still weary about the water. Sima listened carefully, not wanting to approach closer, however this thought changed when he heard a splash in the water. Sima groaned rather upset about this, but he cautiously made his way closer to the springs. He was now able to see not only Aria, but Rivers, Lilith, and the crow. As soon as Sima got withing 5ft from the edge of the hot springs, he carefully circled around to the side that Lilith and Rivers were upon. Before entering the 5ft distance on the edge of the springs, he dropped to his stomach letting his front hang off the side of the hot springs. It was rather taxing to do this, he was still quite un-aware of the depth of these hot springs. Sima was rather lost in his own fears to focus of the new person that arrived, his goal was to see Lilith, so despite the water he would do that. Sima reached his hands out attempting to poke, or get a hold of any piece of Lilith, mainly the only thing being in reach was her hair, at least from where he was positioned on the age. "Lilith," He groaned, the rocks against his chest not being all that comfortable. 

Sima ended up looking like a raccoon pawing at something just out of reach, afraid to get it's paws wet, he made sure not to touch the water. Sima felt more comfortable in this stance, no one could simple push him over now anyways. "Aria.., mister" Sima attempted to greet the other people around him, whilst trying to get Lilith's attention, unsure of what was really happening. Had he known she was using her healing magic so suddenly he probably would be a little upset, but his own fears allowed him to be quite oblivious to most of the nudity, and seriousness of the man's leg's condition.

[Rivers]

Rivers blinked a few times as everyone suddenly rushed over and was concerned about him. "Wait wait, I appreciate everyone's concern, but it was just my favorite sock and boot." Rivers says suddenly taking the boot off and revealing a perfectly healthy foot and leg underneath. He looks at Aria with a bit of a smirk. "That aside Boss, that Basilisk is a weird one, I don't think they are supposed to be able to petrify inanimate objects." He tells her with a look of concern as he finds himself floating upside down.

He blinks a few times as he notices Sima then, as if from nowhere pulls a towel out of his sleeve which he gives to Lilith and tosses his jacket over to Aria. "There ya go." He says as he looks sadly at his boot. "But anyways Boss, this is a real problem, what are we going to do if Ruby starts petrifying the entire place?" He asks her with a frown.

Though he suddenly rights himself in the air and looks over at Sima. This is kinda sad to watch, I guess I should give him a hand. He wanders over to Sima, grabs his hand and then walks him over to Lilith standing on top of the water.

"Just don't get excited and let go of me for more than a few seconds or you'll sink, not that the spring is all that deep." He explains and then stretches as he enjoys the steam and lets Aria digest what he told her.