Scene Listing || Scene Schedule || Scene Schedule RSS
Owner Pose
Saber      For the last few weeks, Arturia Pendragon -- summoned as the Servant Saber in the Fourth Holy Grail War -- had been planning for a different sort of event. Occasions had been public festivals celebrating successful harvests and even the rebuilding of the previously-decimated village, boisterous events with food, music, dancing, and various games. Yet today was an altogether different sort of gathering, with no particular reason other than a simple friendly gathering. It might have seemed strange to any number of Union or Confederate members that this was a mixed gathering in what was an area controlled by Union members. But Dun Realtai was a special place, declared a neutral ground open to all who would adhere to the ancient laws of hospitality by its guardians. Once a person was welcomed as a guest into its halls, that guest fell under the protection of the lord and lady of the land. Some of these guests, while members of the opposing faction, had even become as much friends as anyone could be in the situation.

     What was unusual about this particular gathering was simply that the invitees were all of the female persuasion. And the lavish Roman-style baths on the guest floor were just the thing for a "Girls' Night."

     These baths were one of the few luxuries the lord and lady permitted themselves, with smaller private baths in the Lord's Quarters on the top floor, restored to their previous condition before the castle had been laid to ruin. However, they had spared no expense for guests and townspeople, the guest baths serving as the village's public baths until a proper bathhouse in the village had been rebuilt with the same decadence. It seemed the people of the land and even their off-world caretakers took bathing seriously.

     This evening, the baths of the guest floor had been prepared ahead of time, cleaned and all manner of fragrant oils and soaps laid out on low tables alongside soft-bristled hair brushes. Soft, fluffy towels of Egyptian cotton (one of the more luxurious imports the people had taken a liking to) were rolled up and stacked on wooden benches, and even sprays of fresh flowers had been replaced in several vases. Once a guest had scrubbed herself clean in one of the showers near the entrance, she could make her way over to the large bath in the centre of the chamber. Mineral water from underground springs was freshly pumped into the spacious bath, a fine steam rising from the water's surface.
Guest Sarah   It wasn't often that Sarah received mail; so, when she had received an invitation to the fortress of Dun Realtai, she had been on the verge of dismissing the message until she had seen who it had been from. Although they spoke rarely, the Runebearer held Saber in high regard, having run the harrowing gauntlet of Annu with her; an opportunity to spend more time with Saber, and her acquaintances, seemed harmless enough.

  Unfortunately, she had never visited this idyllic fortress that the King of Knights had found for herself, which necessitated arriving the long way. She usually preferred walking, given her own choice in the matter of transportation; horses made her uneasy, and so did many other 'modern' means of transportation... besides, for as fragile as she looks, she moves quickly.

  Thus it is that there comes a quiet figure through the door to the baths, having been ushered in their direction by a castle servant. There isn't much to set her apart from most. Her complexion is unique; so pale as to seem nearly colourless, and spotted easily in a crowd. The other giveaway is only obvious to those in tune with the otherworldly or supernatural.

  This pale, unassuming woman is a vertiable /wellspring/ of energy, power, or whatever one wishes to label it. She stands slightly off to one side, quiet and looking more as though she's studying the room than anything else, as though committing to memory its layout and its exits.

  Those colourless eyes turn then to the water, narrowing slightly. Mineral springs of some persuasion; she can sense the impurities and the mineral content, down to the trace elements. Not all of it are things she's familiar with, but she can sense that the water isn't quite pure. Interesting.

  For the moment, she hasn't bothered yet to change into a robe or the like; waiting quietly, perhaps, to be greeted by the evening's host.
Toph Beifong     Seriously, you gotta wonder if people have any skin left if they think bathing is the most important thing ever. At first she was not really sure whether she should come or not, but here she is.

    And Toph in swim wear is always a sight as she emerges from the showers, her hair still wet and collected into a messy bun. It seems that she has also opted to wear a robe as well, entering the large chamber as she breathes in the air. Well, at least it smells good. But it doesn't seem like she's about to enter the water either. Instead she offers a brief salute to Sarah. "Figured you would be here, Water Lady," she greets the rune bearer. Sarah uses water, wouldn't it make sense for her to accept such an invitation? Just like how most earthbenders would be in a place with lots of earth.

    With that Toph walks over to one of the walls and flops down on her butt, then starts picking her toes as she leans back against the wall.
Guest Sarah   Half a second before she's actually greeted, Sarah looks up, jewelled earrings clinking softly as she glances over toward Toph. Half a smile flits across her face. "Toph. It is good to see you again, although this is not a place I would have expected to see you." Toph's dislike of bathing is legendary. Then again, the last time Sarah saw her, they were sparring, and Sarah threw a giant wave atop the earthbender. Oops.

  She blinks somewhat owlishly as Toph proceeds to flop against the wall, attention turning back to that bathwater. Never mind the mist that lies so thick over the bathhouse itself.

  Idly, she steps back until she's standing back against the wall, left hand -- the one emblazoned with the True Water Rune -- twitching slightly. Jewelled earrings clink once again as she tilts her head, the barest hint of movement, as she exerts a small effort of will.

  Slowly the mist begins to conceal, until there's a small, serpentine dragon dancing through the mist. Perhaps familiar to Saber, it echoes back to the monstrous form Sarah had taken when she had sacrificed herself to the True Water Rune to protect her allies -- although smaller, gentler, and perfectly under her control; a puppet on supernatural strings. She smiles faintly to herself as she adjusts its appearance; polishing scale with frosty ice here, shaping water there to give it a bit more of an artist's touch.

  There she'll wait, quietly, amusing herself by abusing vast cosmic power for her own amusement.

  Luc is such a terrible influence on her.
Sanary Rondel      When was the last time Sanary had a real bath? Not a shower, not a soak in the tub, but a true, relaxing, bath? It had to have been a month or two by now, and she's long overdue for one. Granted, she could always use the amenities in the Pleasure Palace, but it's not quite the same there as it is here where she'd be considered a guest rather than an employee.

     No, tonight was going to be awesome. Just a night at the baths with the girls that she may or may not know, and with everyone gathered into one space. With... Potentially very little left to the imagination. And a lot of comparisons, if those shows she's been subjected to are any indication.

     Oh boy.

     Thankfully, Sanary has the sense to wear a swimsuit under her actual three-piece suit that she had come in, and she's even here without bringing a weapon along! Well, unless a Physic staff counts as a weapon, but that doesn't even have a knife tied to the end. She's not expecting a fight, after all.

     She immediately regrets that upon coming out from the showers sans the three-piece suit when she spots Toph and an unfamiliar face next to some sort of... Mist dragon creature. At least it's not attacking anyone ,but she's definitely looking a little on edge upon seeing that while approaching the two. "Uh. Hey, Toph. Miss. That's.. Uh. That's not gonna attack us or anything, right?"
Saber      Saber emerged from a doorway to the side where the servants came and went through, a few extra robes in her arms. She was already in one of the robes, her hair unbound and loose around he shoulders. Once she spies Sarah and Toph, she smiles and greets them after making her way around the bath. "I am pleased that you could attend," she greets in her soft alto.

     "It has been some time," she observes to Sarah before turning to Toph. "I believe you will be pleased to hear that the badgermoles have been doing quite well. They seem pleased with their homes here."

     When Sanary arrives, she likewise greets the healer. "Greetings, Lady Sanary. Is Lady Yari not with you today?"
Guest Sarah   "It is no more than a puppet." Sarah's response is a soft murmur, and probably easily missed. "It will no more attack you than a blade of grass."

  A twitch of the hand here and a gesture there keeps the dragon dancing through the clouds of mist, more of a puppet than anything else; a simple means for Sarah to pass a few moments and exercise her skill over controlling water in its many forms.

  Sarah looks up as Saber comes into view, the mist-dragon dissipating back into ordinary mist once she stops concentrating on it. The pale woman stands a little straighter; moved, perhaps, into the subconscious respect commanded by the King of Knights.

  Inclining her head, she offers a bow of respect to the evening's hostess; earrings clinking softly as she straightens.

  "Indeed, it has been too long." Her voice is soft and nearly missed in the ambient sounds of the bathhouse. Although not quite a natural whisper, it's nearly there. "I am grateful for the invitation, and intend to respond in kind someday when we both have the time. To go by what I have seen of this Dun Realtai, you would perhaps appreciate Toran Castle."
Kirika     It was a BOON for Saber to announce this Ladies Night thing. Kirika hadn't had time to rest, not since the whole Witch Hunt thing and even then sh swamped in work from home among other things. To say she needed a night off was an understatement at best, even if it took a little pushing from mother to get her to actually accept the damn invitation.

    She arrived on horseback, wrapped up in her traveling clothes and equipment while carrying a change of clothing in her saddlebag helpfully enough. As she arrived to the baths, she took a moment to duck within the showers to get changed, only emerging wrapped in a white robe and sandals.

    Said robe comes off to reveal her swimsuit for the night, and Kirika hangs the robe up someplace before she bows to Saber, Sarah, and Toph. Sanary gets a raised eyebrow, but the kitsune manages a polite smile to the Healer, even for a Confederate. "Ahh, hello. I don't believe we've quite met before." Come to think of it, she's barely known of Sarah beyond some mention in AARs at that. Still, any friend of Saber's is a friend of hers so it can't be that bad.
Inga Freyjasdottir It was a bit of a hike to the castle for Inga, even from her relatively nearby residence, but it was always well worth it for the company. Even more so, for the baths. While her cottage was possessing of a tub, there's nothing like a roman style bath and she knew Arturia had decked it out for the occasion with fragrant oils and luxurious soaps. Inga was very much looking forward to this get together.

Inga's staff clicks gently on the stone floors as she arrives, swathed in a good wool cloak, a dress and leather boots worn beneath. Her attire is well made but not extravegant, the hem of her dress and cloak dusty from the road and the forest trails she'd walked to get here. Her long white hair hang in a braid over her shoulder, a stray leaf caught in the tie, which she shakes out upon noticing.

For those with acute magical senses, Inga resonates with magic. It courses through her, causing a bright aura for those with magical sight. As if that wasn't enough, she carries many charms and talismans that also resonate with power. There's something that seems to...buzz. There's a sense of honey, somehow.

Inga's eyes travel the room, lips curving into a pleased smile. Her gaze settles on Saber and Inga bows over her staff. "My lady, I thank you kindly for your invitation. This all looks lovely. I've brought a few bottles of mead," she offers, smile growing. She's pretty sure somewhere in the castle, Bedivere's eye just twitched with the echo of a headache memory.

After bowing as is proper, Inga sinks onto a bench, letting out a grateful sigh. She then greets everyone else. "Good evening to you all," she says, reaching up to unclasp her cloak. Inga smiles to Toph and Kirika, both whom she knows well enough. The others will likely need introductions, but in the meantime Inga is eager to get into the baths. After pulling a bottle of mead out of a leather pouch that could not logically fit it within, Inga pulls off her boots and begins to disrobe, unpinning her overdress until she is in her shift. She's about to pull it over her head when she looks around to notice that people are not, well, naked. Inga hesitates awkwardly. "Er..."
Yari Takane Though fashion is hardly Yari's strong suit, she manages it today. That is, being fashionably late. The ninja slides in quietly as you please, recently showered. She slips into the baths with a small dive that barely makes a splash.

One might wonder if there's some mermaid blood in Yari somewhere with how she takes to water.

She looks about at those assembled, pauses as she comes up, and coughs.

"Ah...apologies for being late." Yari looks a bit scraped up tonight, but nothing too bad.

"Emergency mission. Thank you for the invitation, Miss Saber. It's a pleasure to meet you all." A salute to all gathered!

Then she swims over to Sanary, smiling as she goes for the hair with some shampoo and conditioner.

"I'm glad you made it Sanary." Cue a very happy looking Au'Ra.
Toph Beifong     "I have been to Dun Realtai many times," Toph shrugs in her oversized robe, looking rather comfy where she sits on the hard floor. "I got an invitation, and since I had nothing else to do I decided to show up." If people are going to be here, then why not? She's showered, and she's used to doing that on a regular basis after a clash of wills with a certain Pepper Potts. And sure, the last time Toph met Sarah in person they did spar. Still, there's no reason to hold grudges about it. Unless Sarah decides to try and drown her again. If so, there's lots of earth and stone around them too.

    As her seismic sense doesn't pick up the mist in the air, Toph doesn't really know what Sarah is doing. Not that it concerns her either, so Toph remains seated. It's only when Sanary arrives and comments on it that Toph turns her head just slightly where she sits, still picking at her toes. "Dunno what you're talking about... unless Water Lady is plotting something." There's a clear undertone there; don't even think about it, Sarah.

    When Saber arrives the earthbender does raise a hand in greeting, and she does smile slightly when Saber comments on the state of the badgermoles that have settled down in this place. "I kinda figured, they have dug many tunnels underneath this place. If they weren't happy you guys would have known."

    Kirika earns a brief salute as well, as does Inga. Though Toph does arch an eyebrow when she realizes just what Inga is doing. "You know, I might be blind, but I dunno about the others," she points out, not looking bothered. They're all girls, so it doesn't bother Toph much since she can't actually /see/ anything that she doesn't already see through her earthbending.
Sanary Rondel      Sanary lets out a sigh of relief at Sarah's reassurance. Sure, she wouldn't expect any sort of attack here because of the hospitality thing, but it's still a massive relief nonetheless. "Good to know. Haven't seen you around before." She offers the soft-spoken woman a bright grin and looks over as Kirika speaks, offering the kitsune that same grin in greeting. "Same to you. Name's Sanary. Er. Sanary Rondel. Healer, security, moving target. Good to meet you both. Uh. Three." She adds that last bit upon spotting Inga, a lazy wave tossed in her direction.

     Turning to Toph, her eye darts from the earthbender to the water lady, then that dragon again before she lets out a light laugh. "Ah, nah. She's cool. I... Think." She raises an eyebrow at Sarah with a slight smirk, eventually looking to Saber with a more familiar smile and nod. "Evening, Lady Saber. Been doing alright? Ah. I think Yari got called out to-" Her attention turns yet again upon hearing that slightest of splashes. "-Do a thing. And here she is!"

     And then she squats by the pool like some sort of... Delinquent! Good thing she doesn't have a pompadour or a sour expression. Instead, the healer's just grinning all the same. "Finished everything safely, then, I hope?"
Saber      The Servant did indeed recognise that articular ability, though she had not seen it for years...not to mention the previous time was not during the best of circumstances. In spite of what memories they might cause for one another, Saber returned her smile and regard. "I should like to see it, if it is similar to our home."

     When Inga enters, she nods and smiles to the wisewoman. "Of course. I am pleased you were able to come, given how busy you have been." The mead might have caused some...problems for her marshal, but fortunately the Servant had a far better tolerance. "Ah. Excellent."

     Kirika's arrival likewise earned a bow and a smile. "Welcome, Lady Kirika. I hope that you enjoy yourself tonight."

     And then Yari arrived, the Au Ra greeted with the same warmth as the others. It might have seemed strange that she would greet two Confederates so, but they were something of friends, albeit not quite in the same way as her allies. "Not at all. I hope that you will enjoy yourself this evening."
Guest Sarah   "I see. I have never been to this place before." Sarah casts half a glance over to Toph, apparently unconcerned by that undertone of suspicion. Her head tilts down slightly, jewelled earrings clinking at the motion. "As for that, I would not. I am here because I was invite. I would be a poor guest if I were to make trouble for Lady Saber."

  Shifting her grip on the ebonwood and silver greatstaff, she leans against the weapon, head tilting the other way to watch the others. She seems a little wary; just a little skittish, in spite of the power that radiates from her. She is, despite all that phenomenal cosmic power, still rather shy.

  Inga earns an interested glance, the pale woman studying the white-haired witch for a very long moment. Her own eyes look as though they might be blind; so pale that the blue in them is mostly a subtle hint. The same is true of her hair and skin; so pale that the colour in them seems more an afterthought than anything else. If Inga radiates power, so too must Sarah radiate power to the witch -- but very /specific/ power. She is Water, and Water is her; the two concepts entwined in her very soul.

  "Good evening," she affords politely to Inga, "although we have not yet met. I am Reserve Captain Sarah, of the Union." No surname? No surname. "A pleasure."

  Exhaling softly through her nose, not quite enough to be a sigh, she glances back to Sanary. "Then you have not looked very hard," she adds, eyes sliding back to Sanary. Nervous as she is, the healer might be subtly unnerved by the woman's aura of self-assured calm. That kind of calm is /unnatural/, and she's probably exercising conscious effort at it. "I have been with the Union for many years. Sanary," she repeats, as though testing how the name feels. "I have heard your name. You are with the Confederacy, are you not? My name would be in your records, if you dug deeply enough."

  "But I have no quarrel with you tonight, and I will not trouble you." She dips her head to Sanary, at about the same time Sanary takes note of Yari.

  To Saber, she offers a faint, hesitant smile. "Toran Castle? It is similar, but only in a few regards. It is an old castle built upon a lake. To be honest, it looks more as though it was grown from the lake, so tumbledown is it. Master Luc and I have done much to restore it, but there is still much yet undone. Even so, I should like to show it to you, someday."
Inga Freyjasdottir Well, Inga does not own a bathing suit. She is also most certainly not going to bath in her shift for then she would have nothing dry to wear home. But first, introductions. Introductions, she imagines, would be more awkward while disrobed.

Inga looks first to Sarah, sensing her gaze is focused on her. A small smile appears briefly before Inga's pupils rapidly dialate, taking on an unnervingly uncanny quality. Her Sight, naturally. She resists the urge to somehow...squint her third eye. "I feel the fathoms of the deep ocean," she says quietly. After a moment, Inga shakes her head as if to clear it. "Reserve Captain Sarah. I am Inga Freyjasdottir, wisewoman of Uppsala and a chosen of Gaia. A pleasure to meet you as well," she replies. "I too am of the Union," she adds.

Inga nods and smiles to Yari as she arrives. "Good evening Yari, it is good to see you here again," she says with a smile. Is she already washing someone else's hair? Inga is too dignified to pout, but inwardly, she's totally pouting.

"It is always a pleasure to be here my Lady. I'm afraid I do not have any glasses for the mead, but all are welcome to it. Perhaps we shall have to send a glass to Sir Bedivere hmm?" she suggests with a wicked grin.

Never, ever, going to live that one down.

Well, nothing else for it. Inga pulls her shift over her head, folds it neatly, then limps forward to slide into the bath.
Kirika     "Ah, well met Sanary. I am Kirika of the Union, Warden of Kasun. And to your friend, and the Reserve Captain as well." The kitsune nods to Sanary, as well as Yari before she sees some old friends.

    Kirika can be sensed to be radiating with warmth, being daughter to a nine-tail will do that. She notices Inga, and she is quick to give the wisewoman a gentle hug after kinda skipping on over, tail wrapping around her as she greets her friend. "So good to see you made it, Inga!" She smiles warmly, before she remembers something.

    "OH! I was going to introduce you all to sake-" Pause. She notices Toph, before awkwardly shuffling towards here traveling pack. "On second thought, sake can wait. Seems I misplaced that gourd anyways..." The kitsune looks sheepish before she begins to grab a /massive/ bowl of rice wrapped up for a large party, as well as sushi and stew to boot. Drinks are provided in the form of water and also soft drinks, not exactly traditional but it's better than sake for the moment.

    She finishes this off, before she grabs a small ricebowl and shuffles closer to the water, dipping her legs in first after draping a towel over her lap to catch bits of rice. "Do help yourselves, there's no need to be shy about dining tonight!"
Saber      Saber nodded, smiling faintly. "I should very much like to see it," she replied to Sarah. "It must be quite beautiful, even unfinished. Dun Realtai was much the same way when we first arrived. I am certain your efforts will be rewarded."

     Noting Inga's discomfiture, the Servant slipped the robe from shoulders. Like her, she lacked a bathing suit; there wasn't a need for one in a traditional bath.

     Chuckling lightly, she shook her head. "Should you do, be certain that he will not have any duties which need attending until the morrow."
Yari Takane Yari visibly sweatdrops at Sanary's question.

~Some Time Ago Today~

Yari is hiding beneath a dusty bar, clutching a package, while spurred cowboy boots smack on wood.

"Where's tha gal with tha' package!? Find the little varmint!"

When the noises dies down, she tips her cowboy hat, and she's off. The swinging doors scrape her up as she flees past them.

~Now~

"...Didn't get shot this time, so it was improvement." Shrug. Then she digs her finger-pads over the woman's hair as she gets it nice and clean. Soon she physically dunks Sanary. Inga might remember being a victim of that one.

To Saber, she beams, though not quite so brightly.

"I think Sanary and I both need it."

She reaches up to a package she brought in. There's a rather impressive array of booze, and glasses.

"Help yourselves, Ladies."

That's one way to break the ice.

Then Yari's looking to all and sundry. She starts with Sarah.

"Yari Takane, Centurion of the XIV Legion, Garlean Empire, Captain Sarah." Seems the ninja managed to catch that much. A salute!

"Nice to meet you." Despite her politeness, there's instant suspicion in the woman.

That voice is /far/ too calm.

Then in comes one Inga Freyjasdottir. Yari pauses from greetings to Sarah and dunkings for Sanary (thankfully letting the latter up) and saluting the other woman. A bit odd in the baths, perhaps, but it's an ingrained reaction to her. She doesn't seem to know how to not be a soldier.

Inga is swiftly becoming one of her favorite people in Dun Realtai. There's this sharkish grin. The scales don't help either.

"That'd be an insult to the Lord of this castle when he helped bring such a bountiful harvest." It's begrudging, but there's actual respect here. And mischief. Horrible soldierly mischief.

She passes along a bottle written in Doman script.

"A present from me. I'm sure he'll enjoy it." That's definitely not just rice wine there.

And then she's acquiring meade thanks to Inga.

Yari turns to Kirika! That warmth has the ninja's salute to be a bit less stiff. Slightly.

"Glory and honor, Warden Kirika! It's a pleasure." Pause. The meals and drinks are very similar to her home's. She takes a ricebowl.

"Tell us a little about Kasun, if that's acceptable, Miss Kirika." Her curiousity's piqued.
Toph Beifong     The mention of sake earns a slight shrug from Toph. "Drink sake if you want, won't bother me." It's not like she's going to taste it anyway. Though she does look a bit curious when Kirika fumbles around in her travel pack. It does smell like food, doesn't it? And when the kitten even tells them to partake of dining, then Toph does push herself up and wanders over.

    "What do you got here?"

    If it's food and something she's allowed to drink, then why not?
Sanary Rondel      "Well, if I don't keep the eye powered, I can't look at all." Sarah gets another grin from Sanary with that attempt a joke, although it fades fairly quickly. "... Nah, something was off with that one. The delivery." Surely she's not just using humor to divert her attention from that intimidating aura! Except she totally is. It's probably rather apparent, too, with how she's shifting around slowly on one foot.

     "I.. Have, yeah. About half a year now, actually. Ehm..." On one hand, she can't admit that she's just never looked through the records. She'd look like a fool! But not saying anything would just have the same effect. No, the only reasonable solution would be to... Talk about something completely different! "... So what're those on your hands? Are those focuses for magic or something?"

     Smooth. She can certainly feel that power radiating from Sarah, Kirika, Inga... Come to think of it, there's a /lot/ of magic going around tonight, isn't there? Those who would sense it could sense that even Sanary has a large amount of magic power inside her, although it's bouncing around rather wildly with some concentrated spots around her eye and right foot.

     "Kirika, eh? Ah, good stuff tonight! Reminds me. I brought-nnngh." She's finding it harder to concentrate on what she had brought with her when Yari keeps going at her hair, reaching back briefly to pull the canary ornament out and setting it to the side of the pool for safekeeping. "C... Curry. And chicken. It's over-" And then the dunkings commence! Good thing she's used to it by now. And if anyone was to actually look at where she's (sort of) pointing, there's a pair of greasy paper bags in larger plastic bags off to the side next to a wooden staff by the wall!
Kirika     Glancing around, Kirika notes the further undressings of bathers present before she shrugs, setting towel and rice aside to remove her own swimsuit. Fuck it, if nobody else cares about nudity no reason for her to right? The green one-piece is flung aside, and Kirika reclines contently, before she summons up some chopsticks to dine on rice with.

    To Toph, she smiles. "Sushi, pork and vegetable stew, teriyaki beef and chicken, fried rice, spicy egg soup, and drinks of your choice between water and soda." She says politely. "Do have your fill, I made sure enough was made for everyone tonight."

    Yari will get a bow of Kirika's head, and the kitsune crosses her legs. "Oh, well, it's certainly had better days given the plague, but other than that at its best it's a world where man and spirit have been able to coexist for many years since the wars came to a ceasefire over seventy years ago." She begins, ushering Yari and others over, noting the Au Ra's missing arm curiously before continuing. "My mother is the Nine-Tail, currently the most powerful being among the Kitsune, Matron Shukuutou. She is..something of a leader of my motherkin, so to speak. I am half-kitsune, technically, although the difference is negliable as we are all-female, technically." Waving hands, Kirika shrugs. "There is also a bit of a merging between science and magic, from what I understand. I never really grew up among humans, but I think the closest term to it is 'magitek'. I think Erozea has a similar thing, if I recall your world right?"
Guest Sarah   "As well you should," Sarah murmurs, in response to Inga's observation. The faint smile that touches her face is cryptic, or maybe that's just because she's enforcing that calm. "As I was once described by a man formerly of the Confederacy, All the Water of the World." Letting her hand fall back to her side, she shakes her head. "It is part of my soul, and can no more be separated than cream, once it has been stirred into tea; blended until one can no longer discern where one ends, and where the other begins."

  Shifting her weight, she regards the wisewoman with a solemn inclination of her head. "A healer by trade, than. I am honoured. I have some skill in wounds, but it is not my specialty."

  Her eyes dart to Inga again, but this time to note the limp. Some old injury, but likely too old for her to have any influence over it. More than that, surely a healer would have seen to her own hurts if she had been given any opportunity to, and perhaps it was simply beyond her skill. Tactfully, Sarah ignores it, gaze turning back to the others present.

  Yeah, she's still in that intricate, layered dress. She's got to be sweltering in that thing, or... maybe it doesn't affect her at all. Or maybe she's using that mark on her left hand to keep the mist around her from getting too warm.

  "It is a very old castle. I do not think it was ever finished, because there was simply no need of it." Sarah looks to Saber again, regarding the Servant thoughtfully. "Likewise, there is no need for Master Luc or I to finish that work; it is a large castle, and one we do not fully make use of."

  Her only real show-stopper was to build a library. There was no negotiating that point; Toran Castle was /going/ to have a /library/. Which it now has!

  Those pale, almost colourless eyes settle on Yari, studying the Au Ra as the Centurion introduces herself. She replies with a solemn inclination of her head, eyes sliding closed for a brief instant. "A pleasure, Centurion. You need not fear any assault here, although I can make no promises beyond the bounds of this land." Again, that touch of a smile.

  Of course, records indicate she is, or was, a fairly serious opponent once upon a time, having taken place in a raid on the Confederate compound at Manakoshi, and a little more recently, the assault on Annu. She's been very quiet lately -- but maybe that's cause for concern, too.

  Her head tilts as she regards Sanary, watching the healer calmly and deliberately. That's probably unnerving, too. Her earrings clink softly. "Do I frighten you, healer? I should not, unless you have cause for me to feel threatened." Sarah gives a faint smile, chuckling, so faintly it might be missed. "Peace, Miss Rondel. I bear you no remorse."

  She does glance over at the smell of food, but apparently she's not very hungry, although Kirika earns a fleeting smile. How generous and thoughtful of the kitsune!

  At the question, she raises her right hand, splaying her fingers almost carelessly. There is a mark on the back of her hand, just a shade or two paler than her skin; three concentric circles within one another. Something about that simple mark is different. The other magic-sensitive folk in the room might take note as Sarah shifts her focus to the mark.

  For just a brief instant, the mist in the bathhouse seems to get just a little bit thicker.

  "This is the True Water Rune. I have no other way to explain than that it /is/ magic, but True Runes are more than that." She lets her hand fall, and the mist thins once more. "Telling you is hardly a breach of security. Runes are inscribed upon a person, allowing them to make use of magic. A True Rune is altogether different; both inscribed, but also part of one's very soul."
Saber      Saber's love of food -- good food -- was perhaps so well-known that it would likely not come as any surprise to anyone that bringing food was very much an accepted gift to bring. Her smile was bright indeed. "Ah, thank you all. I am most grateful."

     Things were going quite nicely so far!

     She accepted the bottle from Yari for Bedivere. Unfortunately, he was going to be suspicious, but it was because he took his duties as seriously as he did. She was reasonably certain Yari meant well, but she was not going to apologise for him or make excuses. Her trust in him, it was clear, was absolute. Still, she could find some way to reassure him. Probably. "Thank you, my lady."

     As to Sarah's description of the old castle, she nodded. "It is understandable," she replied. "This keep is much too large for our own needs; we have restored everything to serve as quarters for servants and guests. We would have little need for a keep of this size for ourselves."
Inga Freyjasdottir Inga returns Kirika's embrace, laughing lightly. "It is good to see you as well Kirika! It has been too long. I have been rather busy settling in. I have a cottage here in Dun Realtai now--though I do still live part of the time in Chicago. I do not think I could get Harry to move out completely," she says with a chuckle.

Inga snickers to Saber, nodding. "Tell him to drink water before he takes his rest and he'll be just fine," she says, then looks back to Yari, returning her salute with a grin. "Yes, that is an excellent idea! We must show proper respect and gratitude," dignified, yes. Mischevious occasionally? Also yes.

"Sake? I have never had this drink. I would be interested to try it," Inga adds. This type of gathering seems like it should have wine. Except, maybe watered down slightly for Toph. She'd need to learn to hold her liquor eventually! How will she ever do that if she never has any, hmm? Then she'll suddenly turn that silly legal age and have no idea how to handle herself when she drinks! Tch...silly.

Inga brings her attention back to Sarah, nodding. "That is interesting. So calm on the surface..." she trails off, not thinking she needs to say the rest. "Healing is one of my specialties yes. A wisewoman does many things. In the village here I often help with the sick and the injured, though people will also come to me for charms and the like. I am...people here tend to call it "witch". I am also a Seer. I tell you this as fair warning and perhaps apology for a later date...sometimes my visions are not gentle and I cannot help but to speak them," she replies, wincing slightly. She's been forced into a kind of intimacy with many relative strangers by her visions. The gods are not often gentle.

Inga looks toward Sarah's rune as attention is drawn to it, pursing her lips slightly. "A True Rune?" Inga asks, intrigued.
Sanary Rondel      After coming back up from the water, Sanary lets out a relaxed, yet hearty laugh. Just because her foot's a little wonky doesn't mean she can't enjoy herself, after all! She does stare at Kirika for a moment when that one-piece on her becomes a no-piece, and she quickly diverts her gaze elsewhere with a somewhat flustered blush.

     Thankfully, Sarah speaks to her before that silence from the healer can get too awkward! Her first instinct is to say no to that question, but between what she can only assume is Sarah's experience in reading people and that revelation about the source of her power? A little honesty wouldn't hurt, at least.

     "To be honest? Uh. A little. I'm still trying to learn magic and all that stuff, so seeing someone that can do..." She gestures at the dragon. "...That so easily has to be powerful. So if we ever fight?" She smirks slightly, some of that earlier bravado returning. "Should be interesting."
Toph Beifong     Well, that's certainly some diverse choices. "Well, I'll have the teriyaki beef and some sushi then," Toph says. "And some soda. It's freaking hot in here." Once she's gotten something to eat Toph sits down again by the wall, and while she's eating and chewing her food she also addresses the room at large.

    "Sho... what's the deal with ladies knight anyway? We're not expected to giggle, talk about boys and do makeovers, are we?"
Yari Takane Yari looks /entirely/ too pleased after dunking Sanary. But Sarah steals her attention, and so Inga doesn't get to be her next 'victim'. Yet.

"I trust Miss Saber, and so, here, I trust you. Breaking the peace here would be foolish for anyone." Comes Yari to Sarah, before she offers a small smile.

"I took my gamble in this life. Do what you have to, I won't hold a grudge. Conflict ends with strength and a world free of violence." An odd philosophy, but fitting with any Empire and those idealistic people that make up its lower ranks.

And then Yari's listening. She can't hide her horror at the words 'plague'. That alone gets her invested, and then she's over by the foxess, drinking meade and utterly engaged. The look to her arm doesn't seem to phase her.

And then she's mentioning magitek, and the Eorzeans. She can't help but belt out a laugh.

"Miss Kirika, what the Eorzeans..." There's no outright venom, but there's this odd tone of superiority in her voice.

"Possess are simple ramshackle examples of true magitek. Cobbled together by a traitor to the Empire! They are /nothing/ compared to the glory of the Garlean Empire and the marvels we have created!"

Seems she's hit a sore spot. Yari finally seems to calm.

"But I'd like to study your world's magitek, if possible. And your culture. Frankly, it sounds similar to Doma's." She glances around. Tail!

She'll get to soaping that big appendage up, then dunking it! Brushie brushie brushie after it all too! Despite her missing limb, Yari is very good at hair and tail care.

When she's done, though, she floats over towards Inga stealthily. She might even manage to pop up behind the Seer! With deadly sudsy soap in hand, that she uses to lather up her hair and start to use hand and tail to practically massage scalp and hair. REally, she should have been a masseuese or something.

But the True Water Rune gets her attention. She's openly suspicious, but glances to Saber as if to find reassurance.

"...The Multiverse never fails to have its oddities." She doesn't seem entirely comfortable with the extremely powerful Rune.

Toph, though, makes a point.

"...Is that what we're supposed to do?"

Pause. She tries a giggle. It's more like a snake's hiss.

"Miss Inga's hair is fine as it is. Boys..."

"Mister Gawain is an interesting man. He'd make an excellent morale officer. We should have invited him to join us." Darn immodest Garleans.
Saber      Saber titled her head slightly in her equivalent of a shrug. "I had thought that a bath would be something beneficial for all," she explained. "However, the nature of a traditional bath is...well."

     Slipping into the inviting water, the petite blonde sighed contentedly. "The talk of 'boys' and doing of nails is optional. Though my own preference would be to discuss swordplay."

     She nodded to Yari at the questioning glance. "What binds this place is chivalry and the laws of hospitality," she offered. "You are all here because in one way or another, you have proven yourselves to be honourable and in your own ways, I would even venture to say friends."

     But then, right on the heels of that was one particular suggestion. "Ah...no. My knights are all gentlemen, I have insisted upon it. It would be inappropriate."
Kirika     YES INDEED TAIL! Kirika blushes in surprise as Yari suddenly takes and begins to brush and wash it all over, shivering fiercely for a moment. "Ohh, oh my..." Regaining her composure, she manages to laugh it off as just good-natured assistance in grooming. "Ah, forgive my gafe, Centurion, I am not too acquainted with your world's politics myself. I did have a chance to work alongside the Empire during one operation, a Dragoon spoke quite highly of my skills, and I must admit he was quite the warrior himself. I rather like those gunlances of yours, very well balanced for mounted and ground combat." She says with a grin, before she reaches over to grab a bowl for Yari. "What sort of foods do you tend to prefer, Lady Yari?" She asks. In the meantime, Kirika also nods to Toph, very carefully fixing the Earthbender a meal of her own before gently calling her over in consideration of Toph's blindness, must take some time to get used to that, and Kirika can barely imagine such a life without sight.

    Saber gets a grin, "I would be disppointed if you were to discuss trivial matters tonight instead." She teases with a chuckle.
Guest Sarah   It may be that the surface is calm, but there is no less power beyond it for all of that. Just as the ocean hides crushing power in its depths, so too does the pale woman hide startling power behind her fragile appearance.

  Witch...?

  "I was called that, once," she says, very softly; softer than her usual tone. But if she has anything else to say about that curious comment, she doesn't offer it.

  To the rest, she merely regards Inga thoughtfully. Disturbed by visions? "I should think not," she says simply. Her left hand rises to tap at the concentric sigil on her right. "This does not come without price. I am stronger than I may perhaps appear, and have endured trials that by rights should have broken me." Those pale eyes flick briefly to Saber who, alone in the room, knows what she's referencing.

  "Still, I am pleased to know there is another among the Union to tend wounds." A faint smile, which falters slightly. Ah, True Runes. "Yes. There are twenty-seven of them in my world. To put things plainly, they created my world; they are, as I have heard some described them, as gods. They are different from minor and middling runes; they are possessed of their own will, and will actively help or hinder their Runebearer."

  She looks back to Sanary, studying her silently again. She doesn't say anything, instead letting that knowledge about the True Rune and what it really /is/ sink in. There's a reason why her presence, magically speaking, is like a floodlight in the dark.

  Of course, she also looks like a stiff breeze could snap her in half, but hey.

  Yari's philosophy, however, earns little more than an owlish blink. Curious. And while Yari explains the situation, she'll take the opportunity to divest herself of that layered dress -- how on earth does she do that so quickly and easily? -- and slip into the hot water, hissing slightly through her teeth at the heat. She's fairly unremarkable, aside from the Pale Gate Rune that arcs from one shoulderblade to the other; or the fact that she's entirely too skinny (according to some) and entirely too pale.

  Yes, she is a delicate flower, even that water's a little too hot for her. Fortunately, all it takes to cheat and lower the temperature is a modest effort of will.

  Sometimes it's nice to have a vast reserve of phenomenal cosmic power to be abused.

  ...Luc is definitely a bad influence.
Sanary Rondel      Would it be mean to dunk Yari after that? Probably. Would it be funny? Also probably. But Sanary can't just up and pull her head down immediately! The timing would be off. Instead, the healer just steadies herself in the water before grabbing some shampoo to wash Yari's hair in return.

     Also, she's actualyl learned how to use shampoo and conditioner properly! Imagine that.

     "Nails are... Nails, right? Just gotta cut 'em before they start catching on stuff." She snickers at Kirika's and Inga's reaction to the Au Ra's ambush, waiting until she's done before finally moving over to start washing her hair. She also turns to Toph with a slight tilt of the head. "Is that what normally happens with these? I just thought we were gonna eat and get clean and... Something or another. Saber's got a point about swords... Or weapons in general. Still gotta learn how to use one of those properly, actually. They feel so... Awkward."

     Sarah's gaze doesn't go unnoticed, of course, nor does her somewhat scrawny-looking frame. "... We should train one day. You, me, Yari if she want to." She speaks bluntly, staring right at the woman and looking just a little more confident about herself. Sanary's not quite an amazon, but she's definitely not lacking in muscle and darkened skin from being out in the sun. "We'll bulk you up so you can take hits and even dish 'em out, you can teach us rune magic stuff. Sound good?"
Inga Freyjasdottir Inga looks to Toph, raising an eyebrow curiously. "What should we say about boys? Furthermore, what is a make over?" she asks. "Oh, is that when people try to get you to change the way you look to conform to societal expectations? Because I think perhaps we can skip that."

Suddenly, a sneak attack by Yari! Inga lets out an undignified squeek, then sort of...melts as her hair begins to get washed so expertly. A pleased smile appears and she relaxes visibly, enjoying.

Soon, there is a glass of mead in hand. Came from somewhere, didn't it? Did she fetch it? Hard to think while hair being touched...

Well, Inga really can't add anything about swordplay. Other people do that, it is fun to watch. That's about where her knowledge ends. But magic? She can talk magic.

Inga opens her eyes looking to Sarah. The woman nods. Once. Inga smiles some. She thinks she will like Sarah. "I warn you not because I think you will be disturbed or harmed but simply because they can be...distressingly intimate. Have you ever met someone for the first time, only to be seized by a vision and find yourself speaking one of their most formative moments? Or perhaps seeing the many fates in which they will die? It can be very...offputting," Inga sighs.

She listens then, to the explaination of True Runes. "Interesting...I see. I know the runes of my people. Our stories say that the Runes were given to us by Odin after he sacrificed himself to himself on the world tree Yggdrasil, where he hung for nine days. He is the wisest of my gods," she explains, sipping the mead. Delicious.
Toph Beifong     Wait, people are actually taking that suggestion seriously? A deadpan look settles on Toph's face when Yari responds to the joke in a serious manner. "... ever heard of sarcasm?" As for her own interest in those things? "I don't care what the crud I look like, why would I need a makeover?" As for boys, let's skip that subject entirely. She finds herself nodding in agreement with Sanary. "Long nails are just not practical. As for Sanary's question Toph shrugs. "I don't really spend my evenings like this, never been to a girl's night before." Heck, Toph didn't go here for the intents and purposes of getting clean either! It's just a side bonus for the carpets back in Malibu.
Saber      Saber most definitely caught Sarah's glance, nodding. They would have to meet again sometime, and perhaps help the other to move past the lingering darkness that Annu had cast.

     "A noble goal, Lady Yari," she replied on the Centurion's philosophy. "But I have come to believe that while it might not be possible for the world, one can comeas close to reaching utopia on smaller scales." After all, Dun Realta was nearly the realisation of her dream.

     She grinned at Kirika. "It is a topic I enjoy in all respects,"she admitted. "Be it theory, study, or the application...though I enjoy a good match above all else."

     Jade eyes flicked to Sanary. "It is that way at first...but through practise, a sword or other weapon becomes merely an extension of one's arm. it becomes intuitive to wield it."
Kirika     "Himself to himself?" Kirika comments to Inga in puzzlement. Nordic myth sounded quite strange indeed, even if her own land's legends were odd in their own way. Kirika tries to wrap her head around the phrasing of Inga's mentioning of this Odin, before giving up with bafflement.

    She nods to Saber with a grin, in between shoveling beef, rice, and veggies down her throat with glee, certainly treating herself to large portions tonight. "Oh yes, I remember Sensei Akai teaching me similar words, and now I could not imagine not having learned from him the way of the sword myself. Kinugiri is truly one of my most prized allies, even for a mere sword. I am certain your blade is the same way in that regard, given how it tore through thralls the night we met."

    She mimes a bit of swordplay with her chopsticks after swallowing a mouthful, thinking back to that fateful night.
Yari Takane Saber's remark gets a lizardly tilt of the head from Yari. She's 'this' close to questioning it, but at least she gets some context.

"...Well, I won't question your ways." It's the least she can do now of all times.

Soft tail! It's like scrubbing a miqo'te's, but only even fluffier. Yari is a bit transfixed.

"That's fine. No doubt you've been overtaken by Eorzean propoganda about our glorious Empire! YOu shouldn't trust the words of barbarians!" Her biases are showing. Heavily.

"That's high praise. I'd like to...if we don't meet in battle, then sparr with you, Miss Kirika."

Food! That bowl's contents are devoured with all the efficiency of a real soldier.

"I'm willing to try all kinds. A true culinarian doesn't disciminate in pallete or spices!" She gets a rice bowl filled with garlean garlic, peppers, black pepper, and cayenne. She doesn't even flinch.

And then, Inga. Those lizardy appendages work wonders. It's like walking on a cloud.

"Deep breath, Ma'am." Suddenly a hand is taking that glass of meade. SUDDEN DUNK ATTACK! Splash. Hold. Rub rub. Release! Inga gets the meade back.

"Whenever you need a wash, let me know, Miss Freyasdottir."

She's utterly distracted from looking to Sarah by now, as Sanary gets to work! She melts back against the warrioress, the Au'Ra making hissing sounds of pure bliss. Yup, Sanary has found her weakness: comfort.

She's also completely vulnerable to dunkings right now!

To Toph, she frowns!

"Sarcasm lowers morale, Miss Toph! I wouldn't lower myself to that kind of thing!" No. No she hasn't, Toph!
Yunomi Stadler     Well, sometimes it was best to be fashionably late. Sometimes it's good to be fashionably late and then show up with something.

    And Yunomi Stadler was nervous. She could come up with a thousand reasons she shouldn't have left the labs. There was so much to do, so much she could be working on. And instead, she is hanging out in Dun Realtai, in the night like a creeper, with a large bag of variety bread donuts, AKA those wonderful things from Kim's Bagelry.

    And she hears everything going on inside, and she gives a wry smile, anda sharp rap on the door before she steps into the room, all smiles and wearing shorts and sandals and ehr ridiculous Izzet League T-shirt.

    "Hey! Have I missed anything?"
Saber      Saber's grin never wavered as she regarded the kitsune. "Yes, I remember that evening. You are a most impressive warrior. We shall have to match blades sometime."

     She and Bedivere had cleared out a storage area and converted it to a training room; just the thing for friendly spars!

     Looking up as Yunomi arrived, the Servant waved from the bath. "Greetings, Lady Yunomi. I am pleased you were able to accept the invitation. consider this a token of gratitude for all your hard work."
Guest Sarah   "Train together?" Sarah quirks a brow, regarding Sanary from the corner of an eye. Letting herself slip a little deeper into the water, she draws in a deep breath and lets it go, closing her eyes for a moment. "Perhaps. I am disinclined, however, as I do not believe either of our commanding officers would regard such a joint operation in a positive light. I will not go out of my way to attack you, but we are, I might remind you, on opposite sides of a war."

  Physical fighting, however, is not something she's particularly interested in. She would much prefer to obliterate her foes with water. Water is so wonderfully versatile.

  "Hmmmm." A thoughtful sound, in response to Inga. "I see. I suppose I am not average, in regards to those you may meet. I was raised by a seer of no small renown, and while Mistress Leknaat did not explain to me the finer intricacies of what my eventual death will be, I am all the same less disturbed by such things than most, I think."

  To the matter of True Runes, she lets her eyes open to half-mast, staring at nothing in particular. "I see. The True Runes..."

  "In the beginning, there was Darkness. The Darkness lived long in solitude, and in sorrow and despair at its loneliness, the Darkness shed a tear. From the tear were born two brothers: Black Sword, and Bright Shield. Black Sword claimed it could cut through all that is. Bright Shield claimed itself impenetrable. For seven days and seven nights they fought, and in the end Black Sword breached Bright Shield, and Bright Shield shattered Black Sword."

  She raises a hand, fingers splayed, and tells her story through illusion over the water before her -- a shining sword broken into innumerable glittering fragments, bright as stars, and a shield splintered beyond all hope of repair.

  "From the fragments of Black Sword, there came the sky. From the splinters of Bright Shield came the earth. Stars formed from the sparks of the battle."

  Dawn comes over the newly-formed land, a bright sun climbing over the horizon.

  "The twenty-seven gems that adorned Sword and Shield became the twenty-seven True Runes. And thus was my world created, or so it is told." She lets her hand fall, and the illusion fades. "Each True Rune governs an aspect of the natural world, such as the Five Elements: Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, and Lightning. There are more, of course, but even I do not know what the full True Runes are. Some have been beyond the reach of humans from time out of mind. I know of a handful; I have spent much of my life studying runes, and True Runes, although I am no Runemistress."

  She looks up, perhaps sensing something -- and glances around in time to spot Yunomi's entrance with a faint half-smile. "Miss Yunomi. Come in. The water is quite pleasant." She even spares a bit of a wave to the tanuki, scattering a few bright drops of water.
Sanary Rondel      "Unless... This /is/ what a girl's night is supposed to be?" Sanary shrugs lightly and keeps tending to Yari's hair, still waiting for that opportune moment to dunk her. Now isn't the time, though. No, for now she'll just keep washing and eventually moving on to the horns. "If that's the case, then I've had plenty. Fun stuff!"

     Turning to Saber, the axe cleric laughs and strokes her chin briefly before releasing the Au Ra to grab herself some food! "That's how I feel with axes, honestly. And hunting horns. Or shields. Anything heavy, really." Does that say anything about herself? Perhaps. "Wouldn't hurt to get more sword practice in at some point, though... Maybe even spears. You ever use those?"

     She nods slowly at Sarah, a thoughtful hum escaping the healer's lips after a few moments. "True, true... Hrm. Well, I'll keep the rune thing in mind, at least."

     Hearing Yunomi's late entrance, Sanary snickers and raises a hand to give the tanuki girl a light wave before munching on some teriyaki and spring rolls. "Mrph.. Hey there! Water's fine, didn't miss much. Except.. Uh." She coughs lightly into her hand and just gestures broadly without looking too far down, still wearing a swimsuit of her own.

     At least Saber isn't as threatening as the others in that regard.
Kirika     Kirika grins, "We should! I've been learning swordfighting under Amalthea as well, using broadsword and shield now that you mention it. Your praise does me great honor and pride, your grace." She bows her head to Saber, her tone as that as one addressing a king, which she technically is given Saber's backstory. In any case, she does hold Saber in high regard, rightly so.F
    She also bows her head to Yunomi when the tanuki arrives, raising a brow when she smells donuts. "Hello, Yunomi!" She greets warmly.

    She takes a moment to listen to Sarah, her features grim for a moment as Sarah exposits, "Black sword...intriguing." She muses, not sure what else to contribute there.
Yari Takane The great axe-cleric is perhaps too good at her job. By the time that she gets up to those horns of hers, Yari is both blushing and looking utterly relaxed. Her eyes slowly slip closed, and then she's lightly snoring, booze'd, friend'd, and generally blissful. She'll thankfully float by instinct, and it wouldn't be hard to get the lizard-girl to instinctively sun herself on a nearby 'rock' beside the pool.

Happy hisses all around.
Inga Freyjasdottir Inga nods to Kirika, then recites. "Wounded I hung on a wind-swept gallows, for nine long nights pierced with a spear. Pledged to Odin, offered myself to myself. The wisest know not from whence spring the roots of that ancient tree. The gave me no bread. They gave me no mead. I looked down. With a cry, I took up the runes."

Inga looks back to Yari then, and smiles. "Thank you. Would you like me to wash yours?" she asks.

As Yunomi arrives, Inga greets her with a smile. "Good everning Yunomi, so glad you could join us."

As it seems to be the night to recite some lore, Inga then listens to Sarah! Though Sarah goes beyond, creating images from the mist. Inga's eyes widen. That is a very nice trick.

"I see. The creation story of your world. Very interesting," she says with due respect. "I thank you for this knowledge. You were raised by a Seer? I was as well. It was because I showed the gift for it that I was given to my mentor. She was a powerful Seer, very well respected," she responds, wistful. She misses her. She'd had the gift of the Sight, certainly, but Inga's was...different, too. Inga had been respected in her place as well. And feared.
Saber      Answering Sanary, Saber nodded. "I am able to use any bladed weapon," she explained. "However, I am most proficient with swords. Yet, I also possessed a spear, long ago."

     The Servant continued to grin at Kirika. "Ah, yes. Lady Amalthea is a most skilled knight. I am certain she has had a great deal to teach you." She nodded in return. "As does yours for me, my lady. Your words honour me."
Yunomi Stadler     "Your Kingliness." she greets Saber warmly with a bow, and she removes her sandals a moment as she steps into the room, barefoot, and glances around at the others, giving a bit of a smile, and... generally feeling a bit out of place.

    "Man, it's been a long time since I've left Nivix. I feel like I don't even know half the faces here!" she protests, setting the bagel bag down with all the other food.
Sanary Rondel      "I should come here to train sometime, then... Er. If that's okay with you, I mean." As ready as Sanary is to improve herself, she's not going to (completely) forget the bounds of good behavior as a guest. Guiding the Au Ra elsewhere for a moment, the healer returns shortly afterwards after having also grabbed a few bowls of curry and several spoons.

     And it's time for another greeting! "Hey, there. Yunomi, right? Name's Sanary. Healer, moving target. Good to meet ya." Sanary herself is still looking a little awkward even now, although whether that's because of just being intimidated by the high Union presence in the room or the nudity going around is unclear.
Guest Sarah   "We will see." Sarah closes her eyes in response to Sanary's comment. Letting herself sink a little deeper into the water, she stops once her chin touches the surface. A slight effort of will slowly adjusts the temperature until it comes closer to what the rest of the basin is. She can take the heat. Just not half so suddenly.

  Half a glance is cast back to Kirika. "It is only its name, and not a reflection on its nature. They are also commonly known as simply 'Sword' and 'Shield,' and like other True Runes, they seek to influence their will on the world. Sword and Shield drive their respective bearers into conflict. To shy away from this conflict will sap them of their very lives, the longer they resist. Every True Rune seeks to exert itself over the world in some form. The Five Elements strive to manifest their chosen element, and keeping them in check is a constant battle for their Runebearer."

  "I thank you for listening," Sarah responds politely, to Inga. "I was. Her name is Leknaat, and she is famous for the clarity of her visions. Many visit her island from unfathomable distances to hear her speak of such things. She too bears a True Rune, and has lived on Magician's Isle for many hundreds of years; how many for certain, though, I do not know. Nor," she adds, with a faint half-smile, "would I dare to ask."

  Leknaat would probably make the most disappointed face in the history of ever at her, and that's more terrifying to Sarah than being whacked over the head with the nearest available bludgeon. If she misses Leknaat, she doesn't say so, though perhaps the distant look in her eye seems to suggest it.

  "Lady Amalthea?" This brings Sarah to perk up a bit, looking to Saber. "She is, yes. She is sometimes a bit -- how would you say? -- 'rough around the edges,' but she has a good heart. I would trust my life to her, and have."

  Annu, again. She shrugs, water rippling at her shoulder; those almost-colourless eyes flick to the tanuki. "How have you been, Yunomi?"

  If she's self-conscious, she hides it very well.
Saber      "Perhaps this can function as a way to meet the others who have helped us to make Dun Realtai what it is," Saber offered Yunomi with a pleasant smile. "Please, make yourself at home."

     The knight nodded at Sanary's cautious request. While such training ventures with those who would otherwise be opponents on the battlefield was common enough among the knights of the Round Table, this was a very different era.

     And then, there's the curry, her personal favourite. Was it terribly strange to be bathing and eating curry? It might have been, but Saber was not about to let that stop her.
Kirika     "Mm." Kirika's just a bit stary eyed when someone uses the s-word around here is all.

    SPEAKING OF, she also perks up a bit. "Amalthea's teachings have been quite invigorating, such an interesting way to battle with sword and shield in hand." She says, nodding. "And she is a warrior par excellence, I've heard much of her deeds across the Multiverse, and I am glad to have become another pupil of hers. I've nothing but good to speak of her, in spite of her...'enthusiasm' for surprising her opponents. I admit, I'd have lost a tooth or two had I not been so blessed to be quick to heal from the first time she struck me with a shield." Pause. "Like I said, she is 'enthusiastic' in a fight. It certainly works, shield makes a fine weapon as well as a defensive tool, as do swords in the right hands." She nods sagely, before taking a bowl, bowing her head to Sanary, and dining for a little. "Mm, delicious!"
Yunomi Stadler     Yunomi gives an agreeable sound to Saber, and comes up to the edge of the water, setting down nearby but not partaking. It'd be rude to join others without washing up first. She's ripping at a bagel, indful of the crumbs. To Sarah, she gives a little smile. "Well... busy. Replacing a lot of infrastructure around Nivix and into the Tenth district. Helped out with moving a lot of old stone, and I managed to make a shambling city block move where I wanted to and then deactivate the spell. Thaniel says I'm doing quite well with lessons, in spite of my teacher taking a leave of absence." she replies, "How've you been faring, Sarah?" she inquires. "I... feel like I don't get to hear much from a lot of us who've been in the Union a long time." she pauses.

    "Except Dad." she pauses again, and then appears to deflate. "Who last I heard was bleeding from his eyeballs."
Inga Freyjasdottir Inga listens, nodding to Sarah. "She sounds very interesting. I would like to meet her," she replies, then dunks her head under to rinse the soap from her hair. Then, comes the conditioner! What a magical thing, conditioner.
Guest Sarah   "Quite busy. If you should need any help in Nivix, please let Master Luc or I know. I imagine there are things we could do in most situations," Sarah offers, looking up to the bagel-bearing tanuki. The bagel is eyed for a moment, speculatively. Maybe she should find some of those and bring them back to Luc. "Wind and water are versatile."

  She does offer a faint smile. "I'm glad to hear you are doing well with your lessons. I would be happy to teach you what I can, too; although I suppose my area of expertise is considerably more limited." Water, water, and more water. Also illusions. And wind, maybe, but Luc's better for that. And he doesn't like teaching. Or exerting effort. Or doing anything that means not being lazy, really. "Even so, I would not mind."

  "No, I suppose not, but to be honest, neither have I." She inclines her head to Yunomi, companionably. "I have been quite occupied with matters of state in Harmonia." Handling Luc's work for him means Luc doesn't need to worry about it, and it also gives her some small pleasure to thumb her nose at Harmonia's politics by inserting herself directly into them; she, a no-name commoner from backwater territory so backwater her home village didn't even have a /name/. "Still, I should make more time."

  Sagging into the water, she blinks somewhat owlishly. "Bleeding from his eyeballs? That is rarely a good sign."

  To Inga, she only shakes her head. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. Mistress Leknaat is at times particular about who she chooses to receive. We will see."
Yunomi Stadler     "He got better." Yunomi replies, and she glances up, leaning back a moment as she dips just her feet into the water. Bumpkin that she is.

    "I'd be happy to learn. Thaniel is... a good teacher, but..." she frowns, and leans forward a moment as she regards Sarah, and gives a smile. "Wind, water, mind magic, illusions, that's the part of the Izzet stuff that I'm not great at in fact. Changing shapes and transforming things? Giving things life? Yeah, that comes naturally to me. I've even managed to... not be scared of fire..." she gives a wry smile. "You've been busy, Sarah. Everyone I know has."

    Yunomi reaches behind her, and pulls from nowhere a very large, brown, old looking jug. She tilts it back, taking a long drink from it. "It's why I didn't bother to send out invitations for anything this year."

    "Speaking of very old and magical things -- never ask their real ages. Or real names. Protip." she suggests, giving a small smile to Inga.
Guest Sarah   "And those are my specialty." Sarah folds her arms over her chest, considering. "Wind is not my specialty, but I do not think Master Luc would be a good teacher for you. It is intrinsic to him, and how do you explain something that comes as naturally to you as breathing?"

  She rolls one narrow shoulder in a noncommittal gesture. "Water is also intrinsic to me, but I am not as deeply connected to it as Master Luc is connected to the wind." Hmm. A True Runebearer, perhaps? "I think I could explain it well enough."

  "I have not been so busy so as to visit with you, Yunomi. You are always welcome to visit." She doesn't invite very many people into Toran Castle, but Yunomi is one of those exceptions she would allow for. "Hm?"

  Old and magical things' ages? Sarah chuckles, sinking a little deeper into the water. "I wouldn't dream of it. After all, it isn't proper to ask a lady her age, now, is it?"
Yunomi Stadler     "Well... kind of like how I'd have to explain shapeshifting. To e, it's just as natural as reaching for something. A totally normal action that I'm used to undertaking... changing other people's harder, but I've become very good at it." Yunomi gives a small smile. She slides her feet into the water, wiggling her toes. "But... the Nexus project takes up a lot of my time and energy. I want to have it /done/. I want to have it operational. I want to make sure it'll..." her weight shifts slightly, and she leans back on one arm, crossing the other over her chest as she gives a small shrug "... work as intended."

    Her ears flick forward a moment. "... in the Izzet, things shift around all the time... but I'll try and ake some time to visit. If you or Luc ever want to stop by, I'd be happy to host. I know a place that does /amazing/ food."
Guest Sarah   "I have changed forms before. Not of my own volition," Sarah adds, with a distasteful expression. "It was not a pleasant experience. I was trapped as a monster for some time; if memory serves, it was some manner of magical curse. Now, intentinoally, I can see how that would be useful."

  She smiles as she leans back, resting her arms against the basin. "Food? That would be a useful tactic to lure in Master Luc, certainly. I should also like to see the Izzet. I have heard you speak of it, and my curiosity is piqued. Studying other systems of magic in the multiverse is something of a hobby of mine," she adds, by way of explanation. "I also enjoy visiting new places. Every so often, Master Luc and I will travel for the simple act of travelling."
Yunomi Stadler     "Yeah. Having someone else change your form is extremely disorientating, it's like..." She holds her hands up, and says in a hitch pitched voice "'oh no! I am suddenly an adorable forest creature instead of a human! I have no idea what to do without opposable thumbs!'" she gollapses backwards, dramatically. "'My life is over, how will I /ever/ get a part in the school play now as... /the Girl Squirrel/?'"

    And Yunomi gives a wry grin.

    "Kush and Kresh's. Oh man, I took Rhapsody there, if you have any inclination for spicy foods, it's a must."
Guest Sarah   "Heh." Sarah chuckles under her breath, leaning her head forward and breathing in the mist over the water's surface. "Actually, I found the transition from two arms and two legs to a creature with four legs plus wings a bit more disorienting than a lack of thumbs. I was cursed into the form of a gryphon for a little while. Managing four limbs, two wings, and a tail was quite a task."

  She cants her head slightly to one side, considering. "Spices? I'm afraid not. My tolerance for such things is a little lacking. Master Luc actually has a preference for sweet things, so if you could recommend something in that vein, I am certain he would be pleased. As would I. I prefer savoury things, but I am content to see him enjoy things." She gives a faint flicker of a smile. "He has few opportunities. True Runes have many drawbacks," she says quietly, "and the Five Elements sometimes show us visions of the future; a future composed of absolute Order." The capital letter is almost audible.

  "It has a way of leaching one's ability to enjoy things, for a time, and he has lived with such visions for some time. I have suffered such dreams myself. I do not have any way to meaningfully explain why these nightmares are so horrifying, but something as simple as new food from a new place is sufficient to lift our spirits."
Yunomi Stadler     "More for me then. I happen to also know a fantastic breakfast place that does waffles piled high with sweet fruits and powdered sugar... but they make a mean breakfast bagel sandwich too." Yunomi gives a grin as she leans back... and then seeing as most others have left, she shrugs, and just slips into the water. As she slips in, her clothes disappear.

    So do her longer legs, smooth skin, and human form. What pops out of the water is a now very wet raccoon dog with a red collar around its throat. Its damp ears give a wiggle, and the head shakes before Yunomi just gives a soft 'aah!' sound.

    "... so, these Five Elements show you a future where... what, everything is composed of straight lines, complete black and white?" she inquires, brown eyes lifting to Sarah. "... sounds awful... but travel lifts my spirits too! New places, new /people/! New foods!"
Guest Sarah   The Runebearer seems to zone out a little bit, at least for a few minutes. The hot water feels good, and slowly she can feel the tension in her shoulders unknotting itself. "Mm. Perhaps. Master Luc is more a fan of those sorts of things than I am. perhaps without the syrup, or the powdered sugar, it would be to my taste. I have a liking for fruit, although in moderation."

  "I--"

  The noise Sarah makes when a tanuki surfaces near her is not quite a squeak and not quite a squeal, but sort of an in-between 'yeep!' as she jumps away. Water scatters, but she reaches out a hand and seems to 'grab' the stuff back, drawing it back into the basin and keeping it from soaking anything important.

  Recovering her composure, Sarah settles again, folding her arms over her chest as she considers.

  "Not straight lines," she explains. "The Ashen Future -- for that is what we call it -- is a world of complete Order, but that does not necessarily mean geometry. It means that there is no warmth, no life, no sound, no sun; no colour. Everything is in its place, but there is no spontaneity. There is no freedom of will. It seems as though there is no life, either; as though life itself were a force of Chaos, where this world is one of Order."

  Her expression is troubled, faintly. "I am not certain if this is because the runes show us what will be, or if they show us what they wish to avert. We have not yet been able to discern that."

  With that, she ducks beneath the surface for a moment, although it seems she stays under for quite a bit. Then again, with the True Water Rune, she's probably a good swimmer! Right? Once she comes back up, she throws her head back, slicking streaming hair back from her face. Once wet, it almost looks light blonde; darkened by the water.

  "It does not always raise Master Luc's spirits," she explains, settling back against the basin wall, "but it does lift mine. Sooner or later, he often comes back around. It has been damaging to him, I think, to be exposed to the Ashen Future for so long. It has done me no favours, either, but there are also other things that have set it into perspective." Like Annu. Six to one, half-dozen the other. "Perhaps we will visit, then. I think I would like that, and I do not think he would mind being dragged along."
Yunomi Stadler     The tanuki gives an embarrassed look, and points at herself, paw didgits moving. "Everyone else was going au nautral. It's only right." she states in her defense.

    And as everyone else was busy, there was noone attempting to cuddle her. She /can/ relax. Which she does, floating in the water as she listens to Sarah speak. She considers a moment, and she leans her frong legs over the side, the legs bending more naturally for a human rather than a canine as she sets her chin down on them. AN ear flicks. "Well... life /is/ chaos in theory. Right down to cell division. The random chance of chromosomes. The choices we make and everything that is affected by them. My dad being aquainted with Niv-Mizzet lead to the creation of the Mana Nexus. Being thrown off a boat lead to me being washed up in New Washington, lead me to.... being in a hot bath with ladies from around the Multiverse eating bagels. If there's no chaos, there's no innovation. Stagnentation breeds disease in water, while making it flow helps keep it from fouling, right?" she thinks... and she glances over to Sarah.

    "A visit might do you good. I can think of no more chaotic place than Nivix."
Guest Sarah   "I'm sorry. I forget, sometimes, that this is your natural form." Sarah gives a faint half-smile, though the expression is a little on the sheepish side. Normally she tries to be more conscientious about her allies than that, but she rarely sees Yunomi in that form.

  She shrugs. "I suppose one could argue that life itself is chaos. Life is unpredictable, and it will amaze and astound in its determination to survive. Things of a more orderly nature value stagnation and constancy. Life itself contradicts these qualities." A faint smile flickers across her features. "Those qualities are also represented in the True Runes. The Circle Rune is a bastion of constancy, while the Rune of Change does exactly what one would think. It heralds shifts."

  "Something like that, yes. Water must flow. If it remains in one place, it stagnates. It may be that it does not flow quickly, but it is moving, all the same; as a river must reach the ocean in time." Sarah reaches up one hand from the water, gesturing faintly. A strand of water rises from the surface, separating itself, undulating like a miniature river as though it were flowing downhill. "Even slowly, it still moves towards a purpose." The water splashes back into the basin as she releases it. "Leave it sit for too long, and it becomes unclean."

  She half-smiles; the expression almost cryptic. "I think so, too. I look forward to the opportunity, in any case. I will inform Master Luc as well."
Yunomi Stadler     Yunomi is rarely seen in this form. Last time she was... it was a different position. He wanted to know what she really looked like. And she showed him. But he was gone now, whatever left was at the bottom of the sea.

    But he watches in rapt fascination as Sarah explains the runes, and watches as the water flows, watching the strand of water curl on itself. She almost reaches up to touch it, but she contains her enthusiasm. It's rude to interrupt someone else's presentation.

    As she turns back, she changes again, and this time it's back to a human, though with the rounded, wriggling ears at her head. She purses her lips a moment as she considers, her arms crossing over her belly beneath the water.

    "Aa." she agrees thoughtfully. "I don't think I've ever met Luc in personj."
Guest Sarah   "Likely not." Sarah lets her eyes half-close. "Master Luc does not venture beyond Toran Castle often, these days, and when he does it is to deal with Harmonian business as the Masked Bishop. Of course, I handle most of his work in Harmonia, so he only takes a hand in things when his presence or authority is needed. Ostensibly, I am only his aide," she explains. "While I have the authority to act or speak with the Masked Bishop's authority, there are times when that is not sufficient."

  She pauses. "A Bishop of Harmonia is one of its high statesmen. You might consider them generals; they answer directly to High Priest Hikusaak, and they have the power to control Harmonia's armies. The only people who would question a Bishop's orders would be another Bishop." She reaches up both hands from the water, rubbing at her temples. "I am not well-loved in that place, and I have never been. Sufficed to say, Harmonian politics are exhausting."

  "But enough of Harmonia, unless you wish to learn more of them. I should be happy to introduce you to Master Luc some time, although I must apologise in advance for his manners." Sarah frowns, slightly. "He has little care or use for social mores." A failing that Mistress Leknaat no doubt found exasperating, to some small degree; at least Sarah was willing to abide by such things. "While some of it is simply his personality, I am confident that some of it, too, is the work of the Ashen Future."

  With a yawn, she pulls herself upright, waiting a moment to let the water go -- and a slight effort of will simply /dismisses/ the water, and thereby dismisses the need to dry off. Cheater. Taking one of the nice terry-cloth robes, she shrugs into it, folding her arms. That's pretty nice. She'll have to ask Saber if she can abscond with the robe when she goes home. "In any case, I believe it would behoove me to return. Master Luc will be wondering where I've gone, and I have a little work to do before I can retire for the night. It was good to see you again," she adds, with that faint little half-smile. "I'll have to make arrangements to visit Nivix. It sounds interesting."

  With that, she inclines her head politely to the tanuki, padding back around towards where she left her clothing to change. And, because she's fond of efficiency, to teleport home once she's changed and said her goodbyes to the hostess.

  It beats calling a taxi.