Jan 11 23:52:25 106 PA

From Chronicles

Finding the gym has been a blessing - not that he does not get a work-out ... working, but that is work. This is more fun. Alistair is doing some weight-lifting. Nothing horribly impressive right now though, just a general sweat-out.

With the evening coming steadily on, people are starting to clear out of the gym, but the diehards linger on and the low din of physical workout remains steady. But Vyvian isn't in that area.. at first. No, she emerges from the direction of the pool, striding through the gym proper with a little bounce to her step and sway to her hips. She draws a few eyes with her bold choice of swimwear, a fact which she seems at least somewhat oblivious to as she buffs along her arms lightly with her towel. Once again, she gets a bit sidetracked along the way, passing words with one or two recognized regulars prompting her path to veer into the weight training area, her befuddled attention span not immediately alerting her to this fact.

Caliopa arrives quietly, her hair bobbing as she walks. She pauses as she leaves the changing rooms, glancing around the gym quickly. Seeing Vyvian, her face lights up with a warm sunny smile and she turns her footsteps towards the weights area, calling out a greeting. "Vyv!" She lifts a hand, waves as she approaches, her face lit up by the warmth in her smile.

Completing his set of exercises, Alistair lets the bar settle and sits up, setting his legs down on the ground. While there have certainly been stranger things to be seen, his attention is drawn to the lizard woman as his hand reaches for a bottle of water to drink from; her name is Vyv, at least if the other girl is directing the greeting towards the lizard woman. He takes a sip, and, as Murphy's laws would have it, causes himself a little coughing fit. After it is done he quickly glances about, embarassed slightly. Oopsie.

Vyvian turns about as Cali calls out to her, unknowingly providing what eyes turn her way a good look from a few angles. Of course, while some respond with approval, there are always those who lean the other way. A low scoff here, a set of evil eyes there. But she's blissfully unaware, flashing one of her toothy grins towards Cali. "Hey there, honey. Didn't think t'see y'here," she calls back, content to let the other woman come to her as she tosses back her response, rustic verbiage mingled with a husky tone and soft emphasis on her 's' sounds. If nothing else, her voice gives off an easy warmth of tone.

Pausing as the man chokes on his drink, a hesitation in her step as she glances across at him, Caliopa is quickly reassured the man is breathing just fine. "Reckon I need to work off Rasputin's food. Gonna turn into some sorta barrel if I ain't movin'." There is no sign of this on her figure as she joins Vyv, her sunny smile unfaded. "Headin' out of town soon with Sage, goin' to look for somethin'."

Alistair smiles sheepishly at the red-haired girl and stands from the bench, collecting his bottle of water as well. He moves aside to let the next person use the bench, and takes a few breaths. "How embarassing" he murmurs to himself, also noting the various looks that Vyvian is given. His chin dips a little, his brows hiking up a touch when his gaze goes over those faces that don't appear too friendly.

Vyvian looks with Cali when the woman's attention shifts towards Alistair. Of course, while he's smiling at Cali, it don't keep Vyvian from giving him a casual wave and a grin. One that is both casually warm and full of a good number of sharp little teeth. Contrasts are a wonderful thing. After that, she is drawn back to Cali by the woman's words, the first note responded to with an obvious lack of understanding. "You ain't lookin' like no barrel, honey. Could use some more muscle on ya, but you're lookin' just fine." she asserts firmly. "I remember you was talkin' 'bout goin' out b'fore. Ain't nothin' dangerous, is it?"

Caliopa is oblivious to the less friendly looks that Vyvian gets, the sunny filter on her senses working full out today. The coughing man gets a curious look, a tilt of the head and a warm smile but her attention returns to Vyvian quickly. "Not that I know of, but seems everythin' turns out that way these days. Even the fete..." A flicker of sadness, and the smile dims at the thought of that but returns determinedly.

Alistair waves back at Vyvian. Sheepish - yes, because that is a lot of teeth! Oh my. Maybe that is what is upsetting the others? The women don't seem to care, so it mustn't be a big deal. He steps closer then and when he finds a suitable moment, he interrupts. "Ah, excuse me, Ladies; would either of you happen to know if there are basketball tournaments here?" After all, if there is a court ..

Vyvian bobs her head in reply to Cali. ""Good then, got too much danger goin' on. Wanna see ya'll gettin' back nice an' safe." Then, of course, Alistair comes up to question the two. So of course, Vyvian turns about to face him, her head canted slightly as he asks his question. "Oh, I dunno 'bout that. I come mostly t'swim. Too cold t'be swimmin' out there for a bit, after all." She grins again. Teeth, yes. But also that indomitable positivity. She glances back towards Cali. "You know, honey?"

Caliopa turns, her smile brightening as the man speaks to them, a glance towards Vyvian, clearly assuming he is there mostly to speak to her. "I reckon someone must play. Ain't never known anyone to do it though..." She shrugs lightly, slipping her hands into the pockets of her workout trousers, "Oughta be a piece of fun, but I ain't sure how you play it..." She glances between the two again, biting her lower lip, thoughtful.

"Aaah. Swimming can be fun; are you a fast swimmer?" Alistair asks of Vyvian, and, turning his attention to Caliopa he nods, "Oh, well, you dribble the ball like this" he shows with his hand in the air, "And then you shoot it into the basket, and you get points if you make it." Realizing his gesturing is probably silly, he smiles and clasps his hands together behind his back. "My apologies, I did not mean to interrupt."

Vyvian shakes her head a little as well, looking back to alistair. "Don't know m'self," she agrees with Cali. "Heard 'bout a buncha games.. like baseball and football and.." She pauses, her brow crinkling a bit. "..Deathball?" She's uncertain, even a bit disturbed just bringing the sport up. Though with Alistair asking her about her swimming, she finds a grateful means of leaving such uncomfortable things to the side. "Oh, my kin take t'water like most take t'walking." She then shakes her head. "Ain't interruptin', honey. Not at all."

Caliopa's smile widens into a broad grin, amusement shining in her eyes, watching him dribble a ball that is not there. "Looks real fun..." Caliopa's expression doesn't suggest she is laughing at him though, and when he clasps his hands behind his back she shakes her head. "Ain't interrupting at all. Jus' chattin'." She holds out her hand, offering it to be shaken with a broad smile. "Cali. Caliopa really but only my pa calls me that."

Deciding to stop by the gym before the fog takes full effect, Sage wanders into the gym and makes her way towards the changing room. It takes a couple moments before she steps out of the change room in her normal work out clothes. As she walks out, she looks around to see what places might be free up. As her gaze drifts, she notices a couple friends and begins to walk over towards them. "Hey..." She calls over to them.

Alistair extends his hand to Shake Caliopa's, returning the gesture of greeting. "I am Alistair. Pleased to meet you, and you as well" he smiles at Vyvian too and he will offer his hand to shake with her also. "You must be the most radiant persons in town" he comments, his attention then grabbed by someone else issuing a greeting in this direction.

Vyvian takes the hand readily, grinning broadly as she gives a nice, firm shake. as might be hinted by her build, the female has a good deal of strength. She's also warm, rather than the cool as one might expect from the scaled ones. "I'm Vyvian, honey. Or Vyvy if y'like. Ain't too particular, me." She releases his hand and adds, "You're a sweet one." Then Sage comes and calls over. She lifts a hand and waves towards the other woman. "Hey there," is sent back and the wave translates into a motion for her to come closer.

Sage's call gets a response and Caliopa lifts a hand, waving to her, reclaiming her hand from Alistair. His comment about the girls brings a brilliant flush to her cheeks and she ducks her head. "Uh, that's real ... a real pretty thin' to say." She glances at Vyvian, her uncertainity of how you are meant to react to comments like that showing on her face. "You new in town?"

As Sage walks closer, her gaze drifts between her two friends and an unfamiliar man. She smiles towards her friends, before she looks to the man to consider him. "Another new person?" She asks, looking to her friends for confirmation. She turns her attention back to the man, "I'm Sage." She offers by way of introduction. "Vyvian the natural swimmer" he smiles, and adds "But it's true, no one else seems quite so ... happy" Alistair explains in general, wondering for a moment if he picked his words carefully. What a pretty blush that girl has. He looks to Sage then, and extends his hand, "Please to meet you Miss Sage. I am Alistair."

Vyvian chuckles huskily and bobs her head to Alistair's summary of her. "That's right, honey. can't speak for other folks, but the way I see it ya can't just go 'round bein' all down on everythin'. Plenty in life t'enjoy, even if it's just a lil swimmin'." She looks to Cali and gives the woman an encouraging sort of grin. Whether she grasps what seems to trouble the woman is questionable. Bt she does look back to Alistair and wonder, "What'd y'do 'round here, honey?"

"Folks let thin's get to them. Ain't no call to be all downfaced over stuff when there are real nice things happenin'." The sunny smile flashes at Sage, nodding a reply to the question. "Vyv made him choke!" She blurts out, before the blush deepens and she bites her lip, stopping abruptly. "Uh. I mean, ..." She trails off, giving the other women a helpless look, falling silent.

Sage smiles faintly as she reaches out to shake the man's hand briefly, "Nice to meet you too." She replies, before chuckling softly to Cali's comment. "Did it have anything to do with..." She trails off as she gestures to the attire that Vyvian sports. An amused look coming to her features, "Or did I miss something?" She looks back to the man as if expecting him to have the best answer.

"Oh; I forgot, I am new here" Alistair replies to Caliope's earlier question, "And, I ... need to find work. I was helping with the lands outside of town, but not everyone has need for someone to carry things to market or till" he explains, nodding his head; he pays attention to Sage then as they are shaking hands, and at Caliope's explanation he blinks, his cheeks reddening just a touch, then deeper at Sage's insinuations, probably merely proving that yes, his mind -can- go there. "Ah, no. It just went down the wrong hole ... the water! I mean the water!" he breathes out, fighting down the deer in the headlights look on his face. It doesn't take him too long to regain his composure at least.

Vyvian looks to Cali with a soft bemusement in her expression. "Made who choke?" she asks, mystified by the shift in topic. Then, of course Sage indicates her current attire, the scaly amazon glancing down at herself, then back up the Sage with a casual grin. Of course, as Alistair does a little word stumbling the grin broadens. "Now now, honey, don't ya worry 'bout that none," she assures him. "Ain't like ole Vyvy minds a lil attention now and then." She even reaches out to casually ruffle the man's hair lightly before she flips her towel across her shoulders, a hand gripping either end.

Caliopa's cheeks don't fade, staying pink as she finally twigs onto Sage's insinuation, biting her lower lip. "Seem I don't open my mouth withou' makin' it sound wrong." She comments softly, glancing between them all. "Him. Alistair." She explains to Vyvian, her mouth curving into a smile once more at the easygoing style she uses to responds to him. "Uh... What type of work do you do? Sage here got a piece of land, 'n' there was a bloke had a farm out there..."

"You must have a strong back then." Sage muses softly as the man speaks about carrying stuffs and tilling. Then she glances over to Vyvian, "I've noticed." She comments, bemused, before she turns her attention back to the man as he stumbles in what he meant to say. She breaks out in a cheerful giggling, "The water..." She manages to utter before giggles, "Right.."

Oh it is such a trap. Alistair's eyes dart back and forth for a few moments as he listens, and he perhaps wisely decides to take a pause before answering anything. "I - yes, I have a strong back, I also have a horse. "I'll do just about anything that is helpful ... plant, harvest - whatever works. I suppose I could also entertain, but I need more practice."

"Don't worry, Cali, honey. Ain't no harm done," Vyvian declares, one hand leaving off the towel to reach out and give a light shoulder pat. Then the hand returns and she looks towards Sage, then Alistair as he speaks. Up until the last, that is. Her brows rise when he speaks of entertaining, her subtle grin a bit more sly than her usual warm one. "I'm thinkin' mebbe you might wanna say a bit more 'bout that, honey. Lotta ways t'entertain folks."

Caliopa looks blankly between the two women, one giggling, the other grinning, her expression puzzled, utter incomprehension. "Reckon that'd be nice, havin' someone workin' 'n' entertainin'..." She comments slowly, turning to look between them, sure that something is going over her head but not spotting it. "I...don't get it." She finally admits.

Once she's managed to rein in her giggling, Sage takes a couple calming breathes as she tries to hold back another burst of giggles. She has entirely too much amusement in her features, though. "Then, you may be useful in helping me... but, we'd have to wait for the snow to melt away." She comments, before glancing to Vyvian with a grin on her lips now. "I'm sure he has a number of ways...." She comments, bemused. Then her gaze shifts to Cali, "Perhaps I'll try to explain at some time..." She comments, sounding faintly amused.

Alistair seems to be getting it, at least enough to clarify: "I can play the piano. I'm not very good yet though." Looking back at Sage he nods, "But ... nothing in the winter, yes?" he frowns faintly, "I wonder what else I could do during this time, then ..." he shrugs his shoulders a little and smiles, "Ah well - no need to stress out over it."

"Oh c'mon now, Cali. I'm sure y'can think of a few ways a male could entertain a female," she prompts, narrowing the gap a bit for her without completely removing the need to put two and two together. A casual slyness lingering about her expression and husky voice before she regards Alistair with a bit more seriousness. After some thought she notes, "Well, I heard there was somethin' goin' on out there, actually. Some farms that might be hirin'," she notes. "Just a rumor, though. Dunno if there's truth in it. But mebbe y'could take a look."

Standing around in the gym, Caliopa, Vyvian, Sage and Alistair are talking. Some amusement lingers on the expression of the girls, whilst Caliopa mostly looks puzzled. Vyv's comment brings a wrinkle to her forehead and then, suddenly, as if a bulb goes on, the penny drops. And along with it, a wave of brilliant red in her cheeks. "Oh! OH!" She gives Alistair a look of embarrassed horror, catching up with the other's conversation all in one go.

"Well... we do need a greenhouse at some point... but I imagine it'd be more pleasant to make it in warmer weather too..." Sage comments when prompted by the man, before she becomes thoughtful for a moment. Amusement flickers back into her expression as she glances to the lizard woman, then the redhead's reaction comes. She can't help but giggle at the woman's expression. She gins as she glances between Cali and the man.

Alistair's jaw drops slightly at the continued insinuation, looking at Vyvian, then at Caliopa. But he just said he plays the piano! Alistair facepalms, because explaining further can only take the rabbit further down the hole. His cheeks do burn brightly now also. He looks up at Caliope again and shrugs apologetically, "It appears we are in intersting company, or rather, I have found myself with interesting company."

Vyvian chuckles huskily as she glances towards Cali, a hand lifting again to give her a light nudge to the shoulder. "S'alright, honey. No harm done, really." She gives a more natural, warm smile to the woman to reinforce this before she looks to Alistair and grins broadly. she releases the towel, letting it hang about her neck as her other hand reaches out to lightly jab at his shoulder. "Just a lil fun, ain't no bad meant by it at all. Mebbe you can play somethin' for me sometime. Ain't never had much talent for that sort thing, but I like t'listen."

The blushing continues and Caliopa drops her gaze down, avoiding Alistair's. "Uh, reckon I best get alon'. Garage's got a load of work on." The words are mumbled almost, a glance shot at Alistair swiftly before she glances between the two women. "Uh, I'll see you guys later. Nice meetin' you, Alistair..." The agonising embarrassment shows on her cheeks and she almost bolts for the door.

Making a soft noise of contentment as the conversation seems to have hit a delicious low point. Sage tries to compose herself, "Well, if you have musical abilities... perhaps you could talk to the people in the Alibi... they're looking for someone new to be a DJ. Not exactly the same as playing piano.. but..." She offers, trying to bring the conversation back into respectability. But, her body moves in a silent giggle. She reaches over to touch Cali's shoulder gently. "Sorry if we were being... mean." She decides on the word instead of something potentially more appropriate.

"I'm not taking offense but ..." Alistair explains to Vyvian, then watches Caliope run away; he migth even be wanting to pout; but he inclines his head politely and smiles at her, "Thank you; it was a pleasure to meet you as well. Perhaps we can um - have a more tame conversation another time" he suggests, and looks back to Sage. "I suppose I might try out."

Vyvian sobers up just a little as Cali bolts for the door, the scaly amazon looking after her with a bit of worry. "Ain't nothin' but a bit of fun," she murmurs, not loud enough to carry far. Her expression slipping into the thoughtful for a moment. Though the talk of the other two is quick to draw her back to distraction and her mood buoys back up easily. She grins at Alistair and shakes her head slightly. "Y'don't gotta hold nothin' back 'round ole Vyvy, honey. Mebbe for other folks, but I ain't one t'hold back none and I ain't 'bout t'ask others t'do it. You just be you 'round me an' that'll be just fine."

Caliopa gives Sage a quick look, shaking her head. "You weren't mean, I jus' ain't that quick on the uptake, not over...um... that." She is talking, walking backwards towards the exit, "Pleasure too, Alistair... reckon that'd be nice..." Almost at babble speed, her smile quick to show, but the pink cheeks remain as she vanishes.

Sage nods faintly to the man's comment, but there's a mischievous gleam in her eyes that she seems to contain. "Take care." She calls after her friend as she departs, before looking back to the man. "Yes, you'll always be in interesting company with Vyvy around..." She says, glancing over to Vyvy. "In a good way... usually." She adds the last part as a tease to the other woman. Then she takes a breath, before hmm'ing softly. "I probably should get to exercising before too much longer.." She adds thoughtfully as she manages to put mirth aside for the moment.

Alistair waves at Caliopa, and chuckles softly at Vyvian, "Sounds fun. Next time I am here I might join you for a swim" he suggests, then hms, "Though I do not think I can give you a work-out, not in the water" he muses, and nods also to Sage. "A pleasure to meet you, perhaps we can talk about work later, then" looking hopeful, he inclines his head politely.

Vyvian chuckles huskily at that and gives her head a nod. "Won't mind that none, honey." Though she pauses then and can't help but let a slyness return to her expression. "Wouldn't mind ya tryin', but I'm thinkin' the others at the pool might object some," she notes. She glances at Sage, giving her an amused look before she says, "Good seein' you again, honey. You take care out there when y'go lookin' for that missin' thing ya want."

A soft smile comes to Sage's lips as the man addresses her, inclining her head. "It was nice to meet you too... and perhaps we can." She comments, pursing her lips briefly. Her attention drifts to the lizardwoman next. "Yeah, if we're lucky, it'll take a bout a week." She comments, "Hopefully things will go smoothly. And, if you two want to work out with me... feel free." She offers, "If not, take care." She says, before turning to walk towards the exercise mats.

"Hein?" Alistair blinks, getting it moments later after he should have. "Aaah, oh - I... not in public!" he replies - the girls here are so forward! Gosh! Well, some girls. "I think I'll remain here for now, or ... go home, maybe, yes" he nods. It has been a slightly shocking evening.

Vyvian gives Sage a light wave and grins at her. "No worries, honey. Take care." She then looks to alistair with a broad grin. "Y'don't want me t'come along, do ya?" Yes, she plays and she's amused with it, though as ever that amusement is the soft sort. More trying to laugh with than at. "Since y'ain't doin' it in public an' all."

Pausing as she walks away, Sage looks back over her should. "Oh... Vyvy!" She protests before looking to the man. "I didn't mean /that/ kind of work out myself." She amends, before giving Vyvy a look that's a cross between a mock glare and amusement. She ends up chuckling softly and shaking her head for lack of anything better to do as she turns away and resumes walking to the mat. Once she finds a spot on it, she begins to stretch out her muscles.

"B ... but you said!" Alistair protests at Vyvian, and he starts losing track of it all. "Oh, you can come along any time ... uh" he ponders a for a few moments, and takes a breath, smiles, "I should get going. It was fun meeting you all. Thank you for the company; and have a good night!"

Vyvian tosses Sage a grin over her shoulder, but lets the woman go for now. She favors Alistair with a warmer, less sly version of her grin, taking a step forward to gently pat him on the shoulder. "That's alright, honey. You have a good night now. Might be seein' ya 'round. Though sometimes ole Vyvy can be a bit overwhelmed with this place. So if ya see me first, don't be a stranger. Best me gettin' back t'my den b'fore gets too dark out too. Sweet sleep, Ali." She turns then to make her own way off, heading for the changing rooms. Of course, given her tendency to sway hips and tail when she walks, following eyes aren't uncommon. And as per the usual, she tend to be blissfully unaware.

Since the others seem to be heading out and it is starting to get later in the evening, Sage will settle for a light toning exercise session where she works particular muscle groups by holding certain postures and repetitive motions. Tags: alistair, caliopa, sage, vyvian