RP:Purely Platonic
Summary: Irenic tried to teach Artia a lesson.
The Hot Springs
Stepping through the carven archway you are greeted by a seemingly natural spring of elaborate manufacturing. Hand carved rock and stone line the pool in a semi-circle, the polished rocks looking as if to be placed there naturally by the hand of a higher being. Upon closer inspection one would find the quality of stone to be much more impressive than previous glances allowed. Ornately carved into the stone are phrases and images of unknown identity. Most likely being connected to Schezerade, or perhaps an even earlier realm of Avian origin. Aside from the intricate stone is the main piece of the area, the hot spring. A delicate mist of greyish tint floats lazily atop the crystal pool below. The water producing a low, humming buzz indicating its relaxing heat and invite patrons in for a relaxing dip. Various linens and robes rest across a wooden rack to welcome the damp patrons into fresh, clean clothing. As you turn to leave it becomes clear that such a lavish spring is fitting for such a fine city.
Artia had a long day, the baby decided she was having to much fun to take naps. Her nipples were getting tender from the almost seemingly constant feeding, she longed a bath. Placing Ava-Marie on the bed, Artia stripped nude. Hoping this late in day that no one would be about the spring next door, packing a bag of her blue silk robe as well clean items to dress ava in. Off they went, at a fast pace to not get caught in the nude. Once there she hung her own robe and bag up, kneeling she undressed the child. Off they went into the water, small short movements at a time. Bracing the child head against her chest, once fully in Artia sighed content, Ava giving out a squeal.
Irenic is alone this time, thankfully, as he makes the decision in his mind, 'Hey, I look grimy. I need a good soak.' Luckily Avians only smell of anyone's favorite scent and not of a week without a good washing. When he makes his way to the hot springs in Schezerade for some reason he stood there and could only gawk at the empty space next to it… Where was that strange music coming from as there are no homes in the area, but only gardens and a pathway of statues until you reach the hot spring… Right? His feet force him to move on, away from the cloaked castle. Once he made his way into the sauna-like space he spots Artia, "Hello ladies." Shamelessly he strips stark naked and exposing his… Scar over where his manhood should be. "Some mommy bath time?" A chuckle would echo throughout the marble cavern before he folded his things and places them perfectly in their own space. Making his way into the waters he releases a sigh in relaxation, but this time he doesn't ask to play around with the infant even though his 'threat' is cut off, he wouldn’t think it appropriate.
Artia saw for herself that his unit was no longer there, the most huge one she had ever seen. Seeing him nude was a tad different now, it still caused her to hold her breath. Laying the child out on her arm, holding the back of the head gently as she began to splash water gently on her. "Hello Edlin, if I knew you been by I'd at least wore a robe in. But it's not like you haven't seen me this way before. How have you been today?" The child stared in his direction, her eyes still not good for log distance but could see a blur of what is the male. "She uses the same stuff you made our child, I kept every piece of it. It fits her well, and she seems to enjoy it very much." Artia looked back towards him, right into his face, her eyes never traveled or tempted too. her heart seemed to be developing it's own stone wall around it, the old Artia would've drank every inch of him in. "It's good for them this young to have skin to skin contact. "
Irenic only kept his gaze to her eyes or the baby and he would admit it was hard to do, but he wanted to show a mother respect and ultimately, show Valrae respect. He hasn't seen this before, but he would rather not bring that up in this moment and only sort of greeted Ava-Marie in his own way by halfway spanning out his wings. Knowing she can only see shapes maybe they would get lucky and she baby will attempt to return the greeting with a soft flutter of her wings. Irenic got quiet as he dipped lower into the hot waters, "Uses what now?" He felt like a complete fool, he wasn't supposed to remember any of this. He says, "I'm glad she enjoys it," in hopes to deflect from his stupid previous question and avoid the touchy subject. Irenic nods, "Look at you mastering mother hood and everything. You are awesome." He was actually a bit proud of her, but felt too awkward to say so. "Well, when her wings develop more, maybe her father or I could take her to the flight school and show her how to soar."
Artia didn't want to look him into his eyes, she didn't want to feel the warmth in her heart it could bring. She didn't want any man to ever bring such warmth to her heart, men are only good for two things; one making babies and dying. Two, fooling people into thinking they are in love, no man will enter her heart ever again. It was a silent promise she gave herself, it would keep her from heart break ever again. She could have friends, Irenic was a friend and a few others that she has not seen in almost a year. "Arcos seems too busy with his studies as usual, if he was around longer then a day I'd worry something was off with him. I plan to write him each day telling him about our daughter, and anything she learns new. But I don't see harm in her getting different lessons, I worry with her being half avian if her wings will even be strong enough to allow her flight." The baby moved her wings quickly which caused splash of water to hit her face, instantly she cried causing the mother to cradle her close. Artia rocked her gently but couldn't help from laughing, "She seems to really like avian's, utterly adores Brennia and I feel it's vice versa. She spoils her already, it's like she is a second mother. I believe I owe Brennia a night out with me, she bought me a dress to wear too."
Irenic shrinks his wings back to his athletic form in the water with a soft frown, "It must be tough that he isn't around." He smirks and chuckles when the baby accidentally splashed herself with her wings. A dip of his head flattened his hair back from his face accenting his more birdlike features, especially those large ears. The name 'Brennia' hits them and he looks quizzically at Artia, "Who?" The entire memory was erased from Artia's strong potion, he remembers nothing of her. Only remembers brutally murdering her family, but wouldn't know it. He shrugs, "She seems like a true friend." A sort of half smile was given to the human before his hands work on decluttering his wings and making sure there were no loose ones stuck in them.
Artia stuck her tongue out at Irenic, only because he laughed as well. The child was comforted rather quickly when she was reassured no more mean water would be in her face. Artia eyes were back to the child, her ears picking up on his own splashing. "Just a female friend of mine, I think I might like her a bit more than a friend but I am just not ready it's been awhile since I became a widow. I don't feel ready or feel I will ever feel ready to open up to someone again. " She glances to see him working on his wings, and giggles. "Must be a pain to be avian."
Irenic gives a playful glare when Artia stuck her tongue out and a wiggle of the scarred brow when she mentions a lady friend. "Hm… I've only met one other Avian, but I never caught her name. I called her dove because of her white wings." Another shrug was given as he starts to work on the other wing. "Well. Why don't you just ask her or talk to her about it? What's the worst that would happen?" He shakes his head, "As I said before. You don’t realize your raw natural power and allure." Irenic places the back of his hand to his forehead as it goes back in faking a dramatic, "It really is, Artia. What will I do?" He chuckles once more while relaxing into the water again, "Well, once you do open up, let me know so I can put the fear of their god or gods into them for if they ever hurt you or go die on you then I will hurt them right back… Resurrect them if I have to."
Artia climbed out of the water, dressing Ava-Marie now who was finally asleep. Placing her inside the bag for a make shift bassinet for the time being, standing she looked into his face. Walking towards her, "Because my heart can be wicked, I could damage her to point of hating me. Why take a chance to ruin a good friendship? The only true friend that had always been there, never judged me. Never pushed or shunned me away for a new love, I won't speak of these things to her. it only complicates things once feelings are made known." To him saying she had an raw power and allure, it caused her to swim up to him, if he moved. Placing her hands to his shoulders, grabbing his ears to pull him towards her face. Looking as if see would place her soft lips to his any second, she whispered. "Why waste time? Why waste the energy to open up to someone, for a chance they will die on you again? Why try to move on, when the one who has your heart still, can not do anything with it?" She released her grip, leaning back from him. Her eyes narrowed, giving off how much she had begun to hate her own heart. How much darkness was taking over it, now that Ava wasn't in her arms. It was almost enough to put a chill in the water, "Only two people have my heart, no one will ever again. I will cut my heart out, and place it in a chest. Drop it into the depths of the ocean before I ever let another get close to me like that, I've learned my lesson."
Irenic stayed and only listened, only understood so he let a long moment if peace and quest rest between them. "I get it… I do… More than you will ever know." He would reach out and grasp onto her hand uncaring for a protest to lead her out of the water. He was able to quickly dry off and at least throw on his pants while he gently grabbed the make shift basinet as he walks out into the sky turning to dusk, "Come with us." He didn't wait for her protest, again, I mean he has her baby which is still sound asleep and giving a smirk at the smell Irenic brought to her. Once she got dried off and came outside he would quickly weave south then west, south again until they ended their short journey east in the most beautiful garden one might hope to see so far up in the skies. He sets the basinet-bag down and tucks the baby in a little tighter while he took a seat next to her on a stone bench. Once Artia would come into view of the beautiful gardens he would wave her over to have a seat on the other side of her child, "Come sit."
Jubilant Garden
The first thing you’ll notice about this garden is its enormous size and the myriad of pleasant scents that waft from it. It has to be the largest constructed garden in Schezerade, and is hexagonal in shape. Flowers of every colour, type and scent blossom here; with lavender and dahlias being the most predominant of them all. Medicinal herbs also take up residence in small hidden patches as well. Fruit trees line six sides of the garden, while large white bee boxes line the other three, with bees buzzing in and out gathering food, and in turn pollinating the beautiful garden. In its centre is a marble fountain, upon which is centred a finely crafted glass phoenix that water spurts out of in a fine mist. The fountain also has various koi carp swimming at the bottom, amongst the roots of lily pads and lotus flowers that are pounced on by frogs. Small stone pathways are placed around flowerbeds so one won’t step on the delicate flowers of this clearly well taken care of garden, and some sport stone benches for one to relax and just let the day go on by.
Artia shook her head, "There is no way you could understand, Irenic. I know you as that, so I-will- call you that." She went to cross her arms, only to have it interrupted by his large hand to capture her own. Being pulled from the water, she dried and wrapped her blue silk robe around her as that was the only outfit she brought with her. And having to follow him, as he had a grip on the bag. Thusly, she pouts stomping along behind him. Once they arrived she did not look around, instead her eyes remained locked upon the bag. When he sat down, she moved over to them. Sitting on the ground beside the sleeping Beauty, "Reason for attempting a kidnap?"
Irenic gently and playfully swats Artia away, "Stop. She's fine." He motions to the phoenix in it's beauty then around to their surroundings. "Just take a long look…" The large garden is easily one someone of Artia's powers could get lost in with all of the vibrant and contrasting colors popping out everywhere. The gardens own glorious centerpiece being the fountain and coy pond which only looks even more beautiful in the setting sun. Once Artia would take his advice and I swear if she doesn't he would pick up the baby and hold her, play with her, whatever until Artia did as he said. Once she settles in the garden she didn't need to be cheered up by just some nature, "I have some dark days, too… It is just who we are and we cannot help it. Some people come here for peace while we never have that luxury… I could easily share with you how I understand you, but this isn't about me right now." He looked around and plucked a lavender dahlia from the ground near him and the baby. "Now I want you to pick your favorite flower from here… Don't be afraid to take your time or even pick more than one."
Artia stood up, grumbling while giving his a glare. Was it playful, or was he really ticking her off right now? Either way she did not give into the answer, moving into the garden she sought out a hybrid tiger lily. but she wasn't done yet, she searched a few more minutes till she found a fire and ice rose. Coming back to him, she decided to invade his personal space. Turning she bent and placed herself on his lap, "Tiger Lilly, as well the fire and ice rose have a tie."
Irenic looked down at Ava-Marie while he waited until his attention was stolen by the mother on his lap holding to flowers, "Interesting choices..." His hands oddly gentle for a tall knight of his past, but soft they were for Ava-Marie he lifted her up swaddled in her blankets and cradled her in one of his large hands. His other hand gently took Artia's to help her stand, "Our journey isn't over." He would say as he now stood to swing her baby bag over his shoulder and he would gently guide Artia with him, free hand on her shoulder closest to him. "Now, tell me what each of those mean to you." They leave the garden and make their way through the empty town of Schezerade, passing the fountain of wishes and the scholars quad until they came to a wonderful statue of an Avian woman. In heir trip to the statue of Ava-Marie made a peep at all he would only have to use his trick to get her to calm once more and send her back to dream land.
Sins Abated
As you enter this area, you are immediately overwhelmed by the absolute silence. Even the wind does not make a sound as it gently passes through the blades of grass. A large statue of fine ivory rests at the far end of this grassy cliff. The statue stands at the edge of the cliff, depicting an almost angelic looking Avian woman. Her wings are spread outwards and her hand extended, with the most compassionate of expressions. Whatever evil you may have done, you feel as if this woman is forgiving you for them. A small, golden dish is embedded in the platform of the statue - to accept offerings or prayers.
A kneeling, titanium avian statue is here.
Artia got to her bare feet, sighing, 'what am I even doing here still? I need to grab ava and go home, if bre knew where I was and with who it would hurt her.' But there he went again, holding the little one. "My only friend growing up would toss the tiger lilies into my window after he knew I had to go kill again, it was only comfort I had. We never met, just would lean out my window and talk. He offered to buy me from my aunt, but she laughed and sent him to death." Artia moved closer to the statue as possible, "Fire and ice rose, because two elements into one making perfect harmony. "
Irenic nodded along listening to her story. "What a little bitch." He would refer to her aunt, but he still chuckled at the thought of Artia killing, "Adorable, really." His mismatched gazes looked at the flowers in her hands for a moment. "Now, I want you to take all of that and leave it here. Offer it to her." Her motions to the statue where the offering bowl is. It really is superficial, but sometimes, just maybe it works. If she abided he would joke a bit and look as if he were going to set her child in the bowl, "And I'll offer this for all my sins." He sort of wasn't joking in the simple fact that it would probably take a living soul to forgive all he's done, but not this one. A devious smirk would be given as he steps away from the bowl with the child. "You cannot keep punishing yourself for things out of your control, Artia. You wouldn't want Ava-Marie to be so hard on herself, would you? You are going to have to show her it's okay to love and selfish every once in a while. We are not perfect people, but we both have people in our lives right now that makes us want to try... No?" He would gently hand Ava-Marie back to Artia so he may place a kiss on the babies forehead and then on Artia's, purely platonic. "I must go, but please allow my advice from these pasts two visits to at lease get you thinking.... And let me know if you need me for the date night, I'll watch the baby for you two." He would give one wink before shorting off into the skies a safe distance away from the pair.
Artia did as he said, but she was so stubborn. "I'm happy being just a mom, and having friends. I don't need a lover, I have myself and my friends." It stung that he had someone, "You have someone. I only wish you just remembered me…" She didn't stay even a second longer after he left, taking the child and herself back to Brennia's.