Apr 04 04:34:17 106 PA

From Chronicles

First thing in the morning, the pool is often quiet and still. There is an odd peacefulness in swimming in a pool alone, or at least with few others. The few ripples of the water and the quiet of the room bring with them some serenity. Enjoying that serenity and peace is a red haired woman in a black one-piece suit that zips up to her throat, leaving shoulders bare. She has her hair pulled back into a high pony tail, thoughtful brown eyes studying the ceiling as she floats, aimless, relaxed, in the water. Her lips curve into a small smile, the droplets clinging to her lashes.

Tirzah emerges nervously from the change room. She had come out of curiosity, never being to a pool before. The white and red suit she bought made her feel a little self conscious. She chose this hour for relative privacy, but rethinking it it may have been wiser to come during the peak hours and go unnoticed in the crowd. Gathering her nerves she wades into the pool and starts to relax a little.

Caliopa's gaze remains restful for the moment, letting herself float for a moment before sighing and rolling over, her awareness of time passing showing in her expressive features. "Mornin'..." She murmurs the greeting, a quick friendly smile curving her lips, brown eyes warm, before she pushes off the side. She swims a couple of quick lengths, without style or skill but effectively enough to pass through the water. As she comes to the end of those, she pauses again, near the other woman, to dunk her head back, using the water to draw the strands from her face.

Vyvian enters the pool area with a casual, easy confidence. She's left her cloak, boots and gear behind, leaving her normal, lightly concealing leathers. Still hasn't decided to pick out a suit yet, but that hardly stops her. She approaches the edge of the water eagerly and directly and, with nary a glance, save to make sure her chosen diving spot is clear, dives into the water. It's a casual diver's entry, done as naturally as walking, as is the strong, swift underwater stroke that sends her gliding through the water rapidly. From one end of the pool to the other, a touch to the side, lithe flip turn and smooth stroke in the opposite direction. Though she curves upward at the halfway point and breaks the surface of the water with a toss of her head and an easy, husky laugh. It's clear she has a fondness for this, it shows openly and is clear in how eagerly she went for the water.

Tirzah steps back reflexively at the forwardness of the other woman. Being out of her literal element didnt help her social stature. Wrapping her arms around as she wades and reaches comfort with the water up to her armpits. She lets out a meek "Hi." to the other girl at her approach. She relaxes a bit more when she sees Vyvian emerge and dive in, drawing attention from herself.

Caliopa draws back at the reaction of the other woman, letting her alone, as she turns towards Vyvian. A bright sunny smile curves her lips and the greeting she calls to her is friendly, warm. "Vyv! Ain't seen you in a bit. Alls shiny?" She settles herself in the shallow end of the pool, half floating, half leaning on the side. She watches Vyvian's movements and the smile widens into a grin, appreciation at the pleasure the woman shows.

Vyvian looks towards the sound of Cali's voice, the turn of head naturally translating into a smooth, reletively swift stroke to draw near to the other two. "Hey there, honey," she replies with a gaily lean to her husky voice. "Ole Vyvy is feelin' fine now that there's some swimmin' time. Ain't nothin' better." She grins broadly at Cali, showing off those small, sharp teeth. Though then she looks to Tirzah and notes the stiffness and uncertainty in the girl. "What's the matter, honey? Anythin' wrong?" As ever, such questions are given with a simple truth to the concern within them.

Tirzah shrugs lightly at the sudden spotlight on her, making her shrink a bit. "First time." She explains simply as she starts carefully testing herself in the waters. Bobbing a bit, drifting, she slowly gets a feel for her movement in water and relaxes a bit more. At least its warm, she thinks to herself, knowing that shivering would make her look much more meek.

"Seems real natural to you, I guess." Caliopa observes with a warm smile for Vyvian. She reaches up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, as Vyvian speaks with Tirzah. Understanding dawns and she shoots a sympathetic look at the woman. "All got to have a first time sometimes." She comments, jumping up onto the side and reaching up to wring water from her hair. "I oughta get to the garage, things don't fix themselves." Regret is carried in those words.

"All my kin take t'water. It's how we is. Can't really cut loose 'til the snows go. Find a nice, clean lake an' ole Vyvy can really show ya somethin'," she replies to Cali before looking to Tirzah. "First time here? Or first time swimmin'?" Openly curious as to the state of the young one. Then back to Cali as the woman speaks of departing. "Already? If ya gotta go, that's ok. Don't be wokin' too hard, though." She grins broadly, that toothy expression sent Tirzah's way after a moment.

Tirzah nods slightly, her arms loosening from the clutch around her torso as her apprehension passes. "Both, actually." She explains with a little trepidation. "And this suit, feels a little snug." She adds to further explain her nervousness. Though its a perfect fit, perhaps she's not used the closeness. She looks to the other girl apologetically as she announces her need to go. "Thats to bad." She laments. "Sorry about me being nervous." She offers, not wanting her first impression with her to be a complete write off.

"Ain't no such thing as workin' too hard." Caliopa replies with a quick smile, reaching for her towel as she uncurls from the side of the pool. "I'm Cali. Caliopa, but only my pa calls me that. Don't worry, Vyv'll sort you out in the water, she is real good..." She shrugs off the apology with a sunny smile, unbothered by it. "Folks can be wary here, 'n' sometimes things ain't what you see." With a wave, she turns, heading towards the changing rooms.

Vyvian focuses on Tirzah and sets her feet, which causes her to rise out of the water some. Having been floating before, letting her legs relax. "Oh, that's too bad, honey. Swimmin' is just the best thing ever." Said with an honest belief in that. She pauses, considering Tirzah's garb. "Well, I'd say t'take it off if ya ain't comfy, but folk 'round here don't take t'that too well. Looks like it fits though." Funnily, she says the lot of that in all seriousness. "Wanna try in the deeper water with Vyvy? Y'don't gotta worry, I won't let ya go under."

Tirzah thinks about it a bit looking down the pool to the deeper waters with a slight tremble. She takes in the pool and pauses a moment. Shaking her head mostly to herself she giggles. "I'm being silly. I can hold my breath long enough to walk to shallow water and probably back. Sure." She says with a slightly forced smile. She still feels a good degree of trepidation, but shes ready to face it.

"Mebbe.. walkin' ain't so easy in the water. All 'bout swimmin'. But Vyvy's got ya, honey." The lizard woman grins broadly. "You seen me b'fore, yeah? I can get ya t'safe waters quick. Strong too." She extends an arm towards the girl. "Y'just take a nice, firm hold and stick close t'me and we'll have a little adventure." Said with an easy warmth, not a bit of judgement or looking down to be seen in how she interacts with Tirzah. "Won't learn ya t'swim, but first thing y'gotta do is get comfy in the water."

Tirzah nods in agreement. She's noticed that already at armpit level, which was the reason for her lingering trepidation "Yeah we've met in the gardens and I was the flamboyant lass out with the undead. We had a girl talk in the gardens, helped a lot. I think that's most of why I'm here now. Trying something new." She explains as she lets Vyvian guide her to the deeper waters. Talking really more as a distraction than a debrief, as indicated by the nervousness in her voice.

"I remember you, honey," Vyvyian assures Tirzah. She'll keep talking too, her voice remaining warm and ever so friendly. "Was wonderin' a bit how things went with that Sebastien fella, now that y'mention. Figure ole Vyvy might have t'stop playin' with him now an' then if y'get close." Slowly they'll drift towards water that's neck deep, then further, the floor of the pool soon requiring tip toes to feel while keeping one's chin above water. Vyvian will provide a relatively solid place to grip then, she treading water with a casual ease.

Tirzah keeps a firm grip on Vyvian as the water gets deeper. Fighting the instinct to clutch at her friend she nods at the mention of Sebastien. "I wouldn't call us close yet. We're open, exploring. No commitments or expectations. Just letting what happens happen. I made him dinner the other night. We had a lot of fun. Still a lot of talking to figure him out though. But I'm in control." Getting curious at her mention of playing she raises an eyebrow. "And what playing is that

Tirzah keeps a firm grip on Vyvian as the water gets deeper. Fighting the instinct to clutch at her friend she nods at the mention of Sebastien. "I wouldn't call us close yet. We're open, exploring. No commitments or expectations. Just letting what happens happen. I made him dinner the other night. We had a lot of fun. Still a lot of talking to figure him out though. But I'm in control." Getting curious at her mention of playing she raises an eyebrow. "And what playing is that?" She queries without any tones of jealousy

Vyvian chuckles huskily and murmurs, "Nothin' serious, really. Flashin' a lil tail an' teasin'. Vyvy gets lots of looks at times. Ain't no harm in givin' those that wanna look somethin' t'look at, y'know? An' he likes t'look." She grins broadly at Tirzah. "I ain't done nothin' with him yet. Tend t'let 'em show when they wanna have a lil more fun. Vyvy can come on a lil strong when it comes t'that sorta thing. Lotta guys seem t'not like that." And she talks on about this as if it were the most natural thing in the world, the bottom of the pool becoming completely inaccessible. At that point, she'll pause and drift there with Tirzah. "How y'feelin', honey?"

Tirzah trembles a little, her instincts are really driving her up the wall. "I'm ok.." She manages. "Mentally I'm pretty calm and confident in your ability. My body though, has another opinion. Its really weird now that I analyze it. I supposed its comparable to the fear of fire most species have." She explains, trying to calm her nerves while keeping diligent control of her reflexes so as to not panic.

Vyvian nods and slowly pivots, offering her other arm to Tirzah to firm up the grip that is shared. "Natural I suppose. Heard some don't take t'water well. But there ain't no danger here." She grins broadly. "So ya ain't too serious 'bout the guy? Don't figure it bein' too easy t'find out more 'bout someone than y'could see in a few talks. Though I suppose I ain't never tried t'know no one like that." Her shoulders shift in a casual shrug.

Tirzah raises and eyebrow and snickers. "My experience is limited, but from my understanding 'serious' is a matter of opinion. I think the more strict would call us serious. But to me I don't have a lot invested in him yet. Not until I know more. As for knowing its a matter of the right topics. Reading between the lines and pealing back layers to expose the real person. Its the type of parlay that makes some nervous, prying deeply and exploiting slips. But he takes it in sport. We're a game, and we enjoy it."

Vyvian grins broadly at that. "Dunno.. guess mebbe ole Vyvy ain't that much for talkin' like that. Tend t'judge folk by how they handle themselves. 'round me. 'round others. Actions speakin' louder than words an' all that. Wouldn't know the first thing 'bout layers and peelin' 'em." She pauses a moment, then offers, "Y'let me know when y'start thinkin' it's serious. Vyvy don't like messin' with males that others got their eye on. Ain't the right sorta thing t'be doin' t'no one, yeah?"

Tirzah nods in agreement. "Sure, sounds like common courtesy among friends." She pauses, the topic had ended letting her attention return to the depths below and her still edgy instincts. Not quite ready she rushes into another topic. "So Sage mentioned your looking to go treasure hunting?" She she inquires with a nervous shake in her voice.

"Treasure huntin'?" Vyvian seems mystified by the concept. Though it takes her only a few moments to make a connection. "Oh, nah nah. Not exactly.. well sorta." She grins broadly. "Plannin' t'try and mine up some pretties t'sell. Guess y'can call that treasure huntin', though I was hopin' I might find a lil somethin' lastin'. Ole Vyvy, she knows how t'dig, just like she knows how t'swim. Still tryin' t'find out what's goin' on with the land. Don't wanna go diggin' only t'learn I got a find on land that ain't open t'diggin'. Someone else could snap it up all legal-like."

Tirzah nods in understanding. "Yes Sage had made that distinction. You'd be digging for gems and such. She mentioned it when I said I enjoyed treasure seeking. Its a simple slip but I thought it worth asking about. Are you a bit of a geologist then?" She asks with focussed curiosity. Letting her instincts clutch to the topic instead of her friend.

Vyvian continues to tread the water lazily as she responds, as at ease as she would be on firm ground. "Dunno what a geologist is, but I know how t'dig an' make sure it takes. Tunnels and rooms and all that. I know gems pretty good too. Can eyeball one an' see if it's any good or not most times. Ain't no expert or nothin', but I figure mebbe I got a shot at gettin' somethin' good." She grins broadly. "If not, ain't no real loss, since it ain't like I need no tools. Just some good lumber for bracin'."

Tirzah frowns slightly at that, wondering if Vyvian knew what she was getting into. Her own knowledge of geology was comparable, but from her memory of Denma's conversations about it it was a valuable skill for this sort of venture. "Well not exactly Vyvian." She explains. "A geologist could look at a track of land and from its features derive what digging would be like and what gems it may hold."

Vyvian listens to what is said, though she starts off with a bit of bemusement, followed by a hint of disbelief. "Y'mean one of these.. geologist sorts could just look at a patch of ground an' tell what could be under it? Sounds kinda farfetched, honey. Y'sure 'bout that sorta thing? If there was a sort like that 'bout, could be pretty useful, if all that's true. Findin' a good spot b'fore seein' if it's open t'dig would be grand." She grins broadly.

Tirzah shrugs a bit as the subject gets closer to speculation on her part. "Well assuming a patch is a pretty small area geographicly speaking. I think they look at larger portions, true tracts, a couple acres or more. They look at the area and see the present day evidence of its long term history. And with that they can tell what's likely to be encountered there. From what I understand the events of a lands past greatly affect the sorts of stuff you might find there."

"Well now, Vyvy can't say she understands all that, but if a person like that could be makin' it easier t'find a lil somethin', mebbe I should try and find someone that's like that." The lizard woman takes on a thoughtful air as she considers this. "Though I suppose someone like that's gunna me wanin' t'get paid. Folks 'round here seem t'like gettin' paid for stuff." She focuses on Tirzah again, "Don't suppose someone like that would be wantin' t'get a bit of what gets dug up if they find somethin', rather than up front.. cause that's the sort of thing I'd think is fair."

Tirzah shrugs not really sure at all. "I think that would depend on their confidence in their choice of area. Someone who was near certain the find would be large would be more agreeable to minimal payment and contractual profit sharing. But if they didnt think the land could offer much or doubted you're capability to extract it, they'd be more firm on up front payment. Which while the chances are poorer would probably cost much less in the long run if you do make a significant find." She explains. She looks around at the pool, realizing her anxiety is gone and she's relaxed. "Hey I think my nerves have worn out."

Vyvian grins at Tirzah and gives her head a bob. "Ain't nothin' too it, eh? Just don't be gettin' too ballsy, thinkin' y'can just jump right in. Learnin' the ways of swimmin', it depends on the person. Mebbe some time I can try showin' ya, if you're wantin' t'learn. Good for keepin' fit an' pretty fun once y'get good at it. C'mon.." Vyvian will lean back a bit, legs kicking lazily as she starts to tow Tirzah a bit deeper, having been keeping towards the fringe of the deep end before. "Mebbe I'll go lookin' for a geologist. Dunno where t'find one, but worth a shot t'talk t'one."

Tirzah nods in understanding. Ballsy was the last thing she'd be getting in water any time soon. She considered the option of learning as Vyvian towed her into the deep waters. Not really certain when she'd find time, but keeping an open mind. "Cant be hurtin to just talk to that sort." She adds in confirmation. "I've heard that the city has a few Earth Warlocks in its forces. People like me with my link to fire or air, but linked to the earth. They'd probably be the best sort to ask. Though if they're a greedy sort they may send you on a goose hunt."

"Never heard of warlocks b'fore.. y'got a link too, huh? Figured y'had somethin' like that.. with that elemental y'had there," Vyvian says. "I got me a link too.. though I don't think it's like yours. Can talk t'them elemental sorts, but ain't never had one listenin' t'me.. well, the one I met once didn't seem t'care much." She shakes her head slightly. "But I seem t'talk to air and earth. Y'saw some a what I can do when we was fightin' them undeads. Been getting a bit stronger since then, though." She grins broadly at that.

Tirzah nods in understanding of her friend seeing her as a kindred spirit. "Yeah they can seem pretty rude when folks dont understand their perspective. For the most part folks mean nothing to them. Even the longest lived races are still mortal. An Elemental exists until destroyed. And as rare as that is it makes us look very insignificant with our short lives. I think the only reason they lend themselves to Warlocks is because we intuitively understand them and their world from birth. Its that link that they choose to nurture. Imbuing us with elemental magic and escorting us for short periods."

Vyvian seems bemused by the very idea. "Well, I ain't sure 'bout from birth, but I ain't learned what I know t'do like others that toss about magic stuff. Y'know, in books and all. Just sorta.. came t'me one day." She chuckles huskily and adds, "At just t'right time too. Saved me an' my friends when we was out huntin'." She continues to lazily drift backward through the water, drawing Tirzah along as they converse, going in slow, lazy circles. "Never got no name for what I can do, but been makin' one or two up as I go."

Tirzah ponders that mulling over the difference. "Maybe its that your inherited abilities created the link where as my link nurtured my abilities." She offers with an air of speculation. Before pondering some more. "

Vyvian shakes her head a little. "Dunno, honey. Don't really think 'bout it too much, cause in the end, it don't really matter. What I know is instinct and I'm fine leavin' it there. Though if y'ever wanna see what sorta things ole Vyvy can do, y'just let me know. Though if y'ever need a tunnel or a cave dug fast, y'know who t'call." She grins broadly. "Don't take me too long if I go all out and drain dry. But I don't do that kinda thing too much."

Tirzah nods understanding 'drain dry' though she hadn't done so since she was much younger. The spells imbued to her to date aren't advanced so they cost little, and she wouldn't gain much stacking them "I'll keep that in mind for sure." She pauses, an idea hitting her, she almost lets go in comprehending it. "Hey Vyv, why dont you offer to dig for the city and keep anything precious you find. Surely they;d be eager to explore the possibilities of service tunnels and underground structures, they could be safer for one. Or even more mundane uses like wells and aquaducts to the surrounding territories."

Vyvian blinks at the potential for that and considers it mutely for a few moments. "Dunno.. guess mebbe I could do somethin' like that. I like diggin', but I dunno 'bout doin' it all the time. Guess mebbe I could ask 'round a lil an' see what's t'see. Never hurts t'ask questions. If nothin' else, mebbe I could offer up for special jobs. Don't need tools t'dig. Seen some big things 'round. Like, real big ones. Good lookin' for big jobs, but for lil ones, can't do much better than Vyvy."

Tirzah nods in realization. "Yeah I suppose it could get pretty tedious. And the city beaurocracy may exploit you to the point of regret if you're not careful. But it could be profitable. Guess you just have to do your research and weigh your options in the end. Anything can work, given enough effort." She pauses drifting with Vyvian for a bit. "And I have to get busy on finding my own self a lucrative means of employment." She starts, pulling the conversation to her prospects.

"Well, what sorta things can y'do?" Asked by Vyvian at the turn in conversation topic. "Pretty new 'round here m'self and ain't too used t'how things work 'round here. More close with m'kin where everyone pitched in an' everyone got some of the results. Ain't like that 'round here, but ain't too hard t'adjust yet." Tirzah shrugs. "Mostly domestic skills here, being from a village and all. I also have some repair and crafting skills as I hung out with our blacksmith and took a liking to that kind of work. But those and my elemental links got me considering work with that tour company in town. I seem well versed enough to be ideal to them."

Vyvian is thoughtful at that. "Y'mean takin' folk outside the walls? If y'know a bit 'bout findin' your way 'round out there and such, don't sound like too bad an idea. Ole Vyvy's lived out there most all her life, so she knows a thing or two. Findin' my way 'round, survivin' and trackin'. Vyvy knows a lil of this an' a lil of that. I like bein' able t'take care of anythin' I need t'do."

Tirzah nods in eager agreement. "Exactly, I grew up foraging and salvaging from the wilds. Though this tour group seems to offer much more exotic locales. But that just makes me more eager. I love exploring and finding new things." She remarks, her interest in the company bolstered by Vyvian's consideration.

Vyvian grins broadly. "Well, mebbe that's the kinda thing y'might do well doin'. Mebbe I could too, but I don't wanna go too far, I'm supposed t'be here and learnin' a bit 'bout this place. So wanderin' 'bout ain't so good if it takes me away for long spaces. Otherwise, I might consider somethin' like that. Seems a good sorta thing t'do for the likes of us."

Tirzah raises an eyebrow at that statement, perplexed. "Supposed to be here? Sounds like a pretty big obligation. Don't know if I'd be comfortable with that kind of restriction. This city was recommended to me, I explore it as its a good a place as any to start out." She explains, curious about the difference.

Vyvian chuckles huskily and shakes her head a little. "Ain't so bad. Been seein' lots a stuff that I ain't seen b'fore 'round here. And I figure if I get tired of it and wanna go travelin', it won't be too hard gettin' what I want." She grins broadly. "Mebbe I might get the want t'go elsewhere, mebbe I'll just stay here a bit. Ain't too worried 'bout it for now. Besides, if I really wanted to, I could just up and walk off, but it ain't right t'just walk without a good reason."

Tirzah shrugs, the different view quite alien to her. She'd always been aloof most of her life, returning to the village when her pack was full or her supplies low. In fact her recent weeks in the city have been the most stationary weeks since she was much younger. Such a state was not meant for her she felt. She may make this city her home but her spirit would always yearn for frontiers. She shrugged it aside. Then suddenly she notices the texture of her fingers is different. "I'm getting all wrinkly." She says with slightly worried disgust.

Vyvian chuckles huskily and bobs her head, shifting her direction, drawing Tirzah towards one of the nearest ladders from the water. "Yeah.. an' mebbe I should get t'lookin' for some things m'self. Mebbe find a geologist and get a feel for the sort they tend t'be." As they near the ladder, Vvyian draws around to let Tir get a hand on the ladder easily. "Careful now, can be a bit slick when wet."

Tirzah nods and takes care pulling herself from the waters. Outside their embrace she shivers from the cool air. "They never mentioned the cold." She complains lightly before turning back to Vyvian. "Thanks for being supportive for me here. It really means a lot to me." She says, a slight blush warming her.

"S'why y'gotta have a towel for when y'get out," Vyvian responds, kicking back from the wall just a little once Tir is out. "No worries, honey. Y'just consider if you're wantin' t'get taught up on swimmin'. Think there are some towels over there too." She points back to a spot near to the changing rooms. "See y'later, honey." She grins broadly, then lithely dives beneath the water, becoming a greenish blur beneath as she does a few more laps before her own time to depart.

Tirzah nods and scampers off to escape the cold, grabbing a towel and draping it around her thing shivering and wrinkly body without stopping. It was damn cold!