Respite from Expeditions

Log Info

• Title: Respite from Expeditions
• Emitter: Skielstregar
• Characters: Skielstregar, Vaera, Irshya
• Place: TarRaCe Bathhouse
• Time: February 13, 2022
• Summary: Skielstregar and Vaera take a break from all their adventuring at none other than the TarRaCe's famous bathhouse. Irshya, the ever present pool shark, tries to bite sith tail to no avail. She blunders, forgetting to not bring up a topic that Skiel warned her about, but it's quickly forgiven. Irshya dozes off while the other two converse, and eventually end up leaving before it gets too late in the evening, and too cold outside.

The TarRaCe, Bathhouse. Evening.

The nights as of late have not been restful. Especially after a certain (mostly)silverscale was a part of the progenitor vision nightmare. Plans were made, and an outing figured out.

And henceforth, one of two makari enter the bathhouse. A massive, lumbering figure, though his footsteps were careful against the tile. "Every time thisss one comesss here, they fear they are going to break the floor," Skielstregar says behind him, the man in a simple white shirt and bathing shorts. Thanks to a certain whitescale, they weren't hard to find.

The main pool is serene, steam wafting lightly from its surface, the odd bubble burbling up from piping that circulates water and air. Inviting all to come and settle in its warm depths.

A little shadow floats near the bottom of the pool, drifting slightly in some unseen current.

Skielstregar slows his gait as he reaches the edge of the main pool, his attention focused on the entrance as his back is to the waters. "Yesss, thisss one knowsss the pantsss are hard to put on, there isss no russsh," he calls out to whoever it is as his large tail sweeps into the water slowly to test it.

The disturbance of the water causes the shadow to become alert, and shortly afterwards, it is chasing it as it sweeps across the water.

"Could always just pretend you're female Skielstregar, It would save having to deal with bathing trunks, and not many could tell the difference." A voice grumbles from away where the changing areas are, before the red makari steps out in a pair, looking rather thin, and heavily scarred without their usual large coat. "You won't break the floor, it's not sandstone or shale. It'll be fine, giantborn come here all the time."

Skielstregar grins and gives a loud, barking laugh that echoes through the house. "They could! Though thisss one feels asss if they can't passss asss that very easily."

The man himself had some scars on his arms and a shoulder, but most were covered by a wreath of shiny silver scales. "But thisss one'sss little talonssss..!"

He clacks his talons against the tile. "Ssssoftskin feet are different than talo- ack!"

He goes rigid, then looks over his shoulder, lifting his muscled tail out of the water to see what he accidently fished out of it.

A wee blue form dangles from about midway down the Silverscale's tail, dripping water. It looks suspiciously Irshya-like. She giggles lightly, gnawing on his scales a little, before dropping back into the water with a little splash.

The shadowy form swims about the pool's bottom, increasing in speed until the water begins to move about the middle.

"It is still solid stone. Sandstone is rougher and able to be scraped, but ah-"

Vaera blinks when she sees the small goblin dangling from Skielstregar's tail. The red makari chuckles. "Ah, very good, you fished the owner of the baths out of them. I do believe that makes you the new owner of the tarrace, if the softskin tales I heard bear any truth." She muses, joining him by the side of the water. "Shame you let your catch go though, so that was a short lived rule."

Skielstregar blinks, then laughs even more as the pool shark gets away. He slaps his knee. "Darn! And thisss one wasss going to make a snow pool all for themssselvesss!" he mentions with a snicker before walking over to Vaera. "Need thisss one to be a crutch when you take it that off?" he asks, glancing to the prosthetic leg.

Irshya surfaces just then, and snorts. "Irshya knows how property works. Catching her is only good luck, it does not transfer her ownings to you."

The pool shark begins to lazily circle the pool, floating on her back and letting the self-generated current move her about.

"Also, the tile is actually thin, but attached to sturdy stone underneath. It could be cracked if you stomped hard enough, or used a heavy pointed object."

"Ah, so it is proper business here." Vaera chuckles. "Do not worry, it would be hard to do a better job running this place than you, so it would not be a good idea, anyways."

She looks to Skielstregar, and then back down to her metal leg. "Is that so? Sounds like an excuse to hold on to this one, Skielstregar. But it is lucky this one does not mind anyways. You make an excellent crutch, Skielstregar." The red makari says, before finding a place she could sit down. "And I was wrong on two accounts, that is unfortunate. Just be careful, you should not crack any tiles unless you are jumping up and down on them several times. If it does not break your talons, first."

Skiel snorts. "Thisss one would be a terrible hossst for thisss. They would knock patronsss over and break many-a-thingsss."

The man blinks, then looks down at the floor and carefully shifts on his taloned feet. "... thisss one doesss not need excusesss for that."

He pouts. Somehow. "Thisss one thinkssss the tile would break firssst, but they will take care."

He, very slowly, moves to where Vaera is and waits for her leg to be removed. "How are you, Irssshya?"

The pool shark giggles and huffs. "Irshya is well! Business is good, the shrines are looking forward to spring, and I am fat and happy."

She snorts, splashing a few drops of water Skiel's way as she floats past.

"You have strength enough to be very helpful, Skiel. You can move and lift things, something that happens often here. And you provide for intimidating protection for those who would seek to cause trouble. You could run such a business, if you had the want."

Irshya eyes Vaera, and grins. "Skiel makes an excellent many things, Vaera." She giggles, eyeing Skielstregar once more.

"Happy I can see, but you look like you are not overeating, Irshya." Vaera chuffs, the red makari beginning the involved process of taking of fher leg, undoing several parts, and the entire thing locking up before she is able to ull it off the bandaged and padded stump.

"Yes, Skielstregar is an incredibly helpful soul, he has done much to improve the state of Mictlan and my camp with his presence. The nest mothers all have seemed happy with the new furniture, as have many other craftsmen in the village. This one thinks he could manage too. They are quite approachable for such endeavors."

Skiel blinks as he's splashed, him turning slightly to skid his tail across the surface to return fire at the gobbo. He squints at her. "The only thing thisss one makesss isss firewood," he shoots back at the pool shark with a slight grin.

The man waits until the leg is removed, and he holds an arm out for the scarred redscale. He rubs his neck though, and looks to the ground. "Ah... thisss one couldn't run a businessss. They haven't the head for that. Unlesss it wassss like, lumber delivery or ssssomething. Thisss one hass the people skillsss for it though."

The Gobbo cackles as the tail splashes at her, and she gives another two volleys as she floats past once more.

"Irshya also meant in other manners, but yes, she could believe him capable of such things that you mention."

She lunges then and attempts to wrestle with Skielstregar's tail.

"You could do it, you just need to practice and learn. Any can run a business in these cities, and all manner do do so." The hunter chuffs. "And in what manners would those be?" Vaera asks, with one brow raised just Slightly as she pulls one arm over the other makari's shoulders, and she looks down over her own shoulder to see Irshya wrestling with the tails. "I am curious."

Wrestling with the massive silver and bronze marked tail was like a cat wailing on a fallen tree trunk. Skiel smiles a bit, not to worried about it and mostly amused, but he rubs his snout as he helps the one legged woman up and towards the few hops between the chair and the pool. "... perhapsss in some yearsss thisss one can give it a try..." he murmurs.

The pool shark opens her mouth to say something in reply, but is suddenly yanked underwater as Skiel's tail moves.

Releasing the tail, Irshya begins to swim around and around with increasing speed, bringing the pool to movement once more.

Vaera chuffs and crouches down by the pool side, until she is forced to let go of Skielstregar's shoulder to take a seat. She idly watches the pool spinning around, curious about what was going on. "True, you have many years to try out new things. It is one boon of these cities and the country side, there is more time to focus on other pursuits. Food is plentiful and able to be supplemented by purchases, so there are many less concerns."

Skielstregar chuffs as the pool shark swims away and around, him helping the redscale down into the waters before he plops down next to her with a sigh from the warmth. "Precessssely. Though, thissss one isss not sure what they would do with all that time. Perhapsss... read into magic a bit more," he rumbles, watching Irshya as he holds onto Vaera's hand under the water.

The Gobbo continues to circle at length, the pool starting to take on an indentation in the middle. Irshya remains submerged the entire time, and after a time, relaxes once more, circling the pool near the center.

The water tugs gently at the two other, larger bodies now in the pool. The current is strong enough to pull at their tails, should they allow them to relax long enough.

Vaera slides all the way into the water with a small splash, and they sigh happily after submerging. "Excellent as always, yes. Though you really can not think of anything to do with the time?" Vaera asks with a raised brow towards the makari this time. She looks to the center as her tail is moved, and she chuffs. "Do you think Irshya wishes for us to join her there, or is she doing it for some other reason?"

Skielstregar shrugs some. "Thisss one isss not usssed to... ssso many thingssss that could be done."

At the question, he's already letting himself float and get dragged some into the center of the pool. He smiles a bit, and gently tugs her hand.

With Skiel letting himself be pulled along, the pool shark becomes fairly animated. She works to keep the pool circulating, while also pestering Skiel with pokes in places he's not watching.

The Gobbo also tickles at Vaera's good foot. However hard that may be considering the scales.

Vaera snorts as her foot is tickled, the red makari letting herself float alongside skielstregar as they are dragged closer to the center of the pool. "Yes, there are many things. Though I would at least imagine this one would factor somewhat into those years, hopefully." They teases.

Skiel shifts a bit and tries to bat at the pokes, but is too slow and lumbering to catch the pool shark. Round and round the slowly go, silver and red scale. He squeezes the hand, and his gaze goes towards his floating feet. "... yesss... thisss one thinksss you would factor into... into such yearss... what are, um, ideasss you can think of for sssuch time being ssspent?" he mumble rumbles.

Irshya emerges and clambers up onto Skielstregar's shoulder, settling there wetly.

"Lots and lots of hatchlings.", is her helpful suggestion on how to pass the time.

"This one would like to speak to the elders of Mictlan." Vaera admits. "Then, this one could build some more permanent buildings there, that may feel more permanent. A place for this one and you. And, aside from that, this one can think of many things for spending time. Going places like this with you, among many others. And-"

She is caught up by the gobber clambering onto Skielstregar's shoulder, and the red makari freezes up, before she sighs. "This one does not know if that would be an option, or one they would wish to explore."

Skielstregar acks as there's a shark sitting atop his shoulder, but at this rate, he's just a floating silver barge. He sighs, accepts his fate, and nods to Vaera. "Yesss, sssomething permenant might be better sssuited for the People. Thisss one would like that. What places do you have in mi-"

He blinks. Realizes what Irshya said, then scowls at her, a single dead silver eye affixed. "... that isss well and fine, Vaera," he says slowly, squeezing her hand. "Thisss one thinksss it issss out of the question for them asss well."

Irshya wilts a little under Skiel's gaze. "Sorry.", she says softly.

There's a little splash as she dismounts, and floats about the pool at a slightly different speed compared to the Sith.

"A gathering hall, a place to cook indoors and share stories and the like would be nice." Vaera chuffs. Only to see Skielstregar glaring at Irshya, which makes her sigh and pat the silver makari on the shoulder. "It is alright, Skielstregar, this one can not be too angered or saddened by the suggestion, and Irshya did not know." She admits, before looking for where the gobber was floating. "This one, had a family before, and children. They do not any longer."

"A gathering hall sssoundsss to be a well idea." Skiel chuffs, watching the gobbo fall away as he turns his attention to the redscale. He didn't seem... very guilty about his stern look. "That is the thing. Thisss one told her not to bring up hatchlingsss."

"And Irshya is most sorry for doing so.", the Gobbo says mournfully. She slowly eases up to Vaera, her expression downcast. "Skiel did say, and I completely disregarded it. I'm sorry."

"Ah. I see." Vaera notes, and sighs. "It is alright, this one forgives you, Irshya. Do not let it get you down. This one imagines that an owner of this place has a lot to keep on their mind."

"But, please be mindful in the future. It is a sad subject, one this one does not wish to dwell on overly much. They have the future to look to, now."

"You are forgiven," Skiel says without hesitation, the scowl he bore now melted away. He nods towards Vaera, letting her speak on the subject. "Like gathering hallsss, and ssswiftclaw ssstablessss," he tries to pry in a joke to lift things as they all coast about in the waters.

The Goblin's expression is still morose, and she returns to floating on her own, while the Sith speak of permanent buildings on Mictlan's hallowed ground.

Vaera sighs, and she reaches out to pull the goblin close and into a hug. "Honestly, this one does not wish to see you sad, or Skielstregar either." The red makari chuffs, before letting Irshya go. "It would be nice, if they were willing to allow it. There are stables, yes, but some more permanent storage for the stables would be good, too. To keep the swiftclaws out easier, with less guarding necessary."

Skielstregar sighs, his mood back to the way it was before when they entered. He was one that didn't hold grudges. "Thisss one triesss not to be," he intones.

He grins some. "Yesss, it would be well. Thisss one doesss not mind living in a tent. Speaking of ssstablesss, Wyrmere did well on an outing. They did not, erm, run away that time, at leassst."

The Goblin's expression improves slowly, however she continues to cling to the red makari after being released.

"Irshya does wonder, though, if that may weaken the ancient wards. Perhaps one might consider permanent buildings outside the bones? Build a town. And fortifications. Irshya thinks it will be needed."

"I can not think why building, buildings, would affect any wards around the place. Perhaps you know something I do not, as none told me of any specifics. But most makari do not live in tents, even if they are alright with it." Vaera sighs, returning to hugging the goblin that does not seem to try to leave.

"They did, did they not? They listened to almost all commands, even if they struggled with interpreting some. This one is glad they were not harmed in the process, as well."

Skielstregar closes his eyes as they go about, nodding his head a few times as he reaches out to pat Irshya on the head once. "Yesss, we do not. Perhapsss it isss something with buildingssss and nature," he shrugs. "Thisss one knowsss not why. We would need to consssult with the Ssshamanss and Keepersss."

He bobs his head, the large man finally coming to a halt as he hits the corner of the pool and gets stuck there. Though, he didn't seem to mind. "Yess, yess they did. That sssort of sssituation wasss perfect for them. Ssstressful, but unharmed. Wait until they grow big enough for you to ride upon!"

The pool shark goes quiet for a time, until the wee one lets out a tiny snore. Asleep in Vaera's embrace.

"Perhaps, but I should figure it out. This one just wishes to improve the lives of those in Mictlan if they can, how they can. Though, we still need to get a larger tent in the mean time. One big enough to walk around in, both of us." Vaera chuffs, patting the gobber on the head, as they seemed to have fallen asleep. She looks to see Skielstregar stuck, and chuckles.

"That will be a bit of time yet. But it would be nice to have a mount again. It would make trips to and from Mictlan much easier, and less painful on my leg."

Skielstregar chuckles. "We can mossst certainly find one here, easily," he rumbles, watching the gobbo doze off. "If you tire holding her, let her sssink, she can breathe underwater."

He nudges himself out to follow after her, only to stop coasting and finally sit back upright, dead silver gaze watching the scarred redscale. "For certain. Thissss one asssumesss your lassst mount wasss a sssswiftclaw asss well? Thisss one, loathe they are to admit it, never learned to ride one. Only horssses. The oruch tribesss taught thisss one."

Now that one thinks about it, he never actually has taken a swiftclaw before out on a guild mission. It was always a heavy horse of some kind.

Vaera sighs, and sets the gobber adrift in the pool, until they sink to the bottom. "It feels odd to do that, but if you say it is alright, perhaps they need some rest." The red makari chuffs. "As do we, which is part why we came here. There has been much going on, that a bit of rest does one good. And you still need to work on getting the last of those old scales gone."

"Yes, this one had a companion before, another swiftclaw." She states, before sighing again. "I know not what happened to them, so this one simply hopes they were able to return to the village, before everything that happened. It is a much more comforting thought, than the alternatives."

Skielstregar shrugs, and points to his neck. "Ssshe hasss gillsss," he mentions with a light sigh. "Exactly. Thisss one thinksss if they give it another week, thisss one should be fully sssilver!" His tail sways in the water as he smiles.

The man 'ahs' and bows his head, squeezing the hand in his. "Yesss, more than likely. If thisss one'sss sssister can make it through the wildsss, thisss one thinksss your swiftclaw can as well."

His head ker-plunks against the water, his snout sticking out. ".. thisss one isss glad we made it through that fey-place. Thisss one isss sorry for losssing their head back there."

Vaera nods, and leans against Skielstregar, poking one of the scales on his chest lightly that was remaining. "It will not be long until you shine brightly in the sun, yes. And, you are right, this one imagines they would have. It has been many years, they would be alright there."

"The red makari chuckles, and then sighs. "Yes, that was more than a bit strange, but everyone is alright, and the nymph was restored. Hopefully things will be better there, now."

"Do not worry about it Skielstregar, things were strange there, and there was a lot going on. This one imagines their own injuries did not help things. But you did a good job there, do not let it be hard on you."

Said scale crinkles under the poke and breaks off, the bronze ones having almost no strength left in them to stay. Skiel rubs the side of his face, slightly embarrased, but smiling. "This one will need a coat to not blind others, though, they will leave it off for you," he winks under the water, dropping into his native tongue now that it was just the two of them.

He nods. "This one hopes so too. It seems like it will be just fine there. Especially after all of.. that. It strains this one's mind to think about the places we went."

He takes a deep breath. ".. no, it did not help. This one was... overheating. And the tight corridors and the smoke and seeing something rip at you just... ugh, made this one's anger flare so much. It was one of those times this one did not have a good grasp on it, and they apologize for it."

Vaera chuffs, and nudges Skielstregar in the side of the head. "That is good. This one does not mind being blinded by you." The makari teases, before she stops and looks back over the water.

"It was, a lot to take in, that place. There was so much going on, and much of it made no rational sense. The fey wilds are, well they are not a wilderness like this one knows. They have never been underwater, and able to breath before."

"No, it is alright, Skielstregar. you fought off many foes, and if you were not there, things may have gone worse. And you did not give in, in spite of it. That is great strength."

Skielstregar blurbles some water, him lifting his head some to see Vaera properly. ".. a-ah. Well, um. O.. okay." Embarrassed again.

From his sitting spot on the bench, he gently tugs the one legged woman over towards him. "Yes... it was strange to breathe the water like that. And, well, it wass hard to focus on any urges, as there was so much going on. They are just more frustrated that they did not snap out of it when they needed to."

His gaze goes into the waters, watching the shadow of the gobbo that rests beneath it. His throat bobs, and his fingers curl a bit tighter around Vaera.

"Well, you offered, Skielstregar." Vaera chuckles, floating over as she is pulled, and moving into his lap with a quick swish of their tail through the water. "And this one would not wish to turn down such an offer."

"That is why you learn to rely on others, Skielstregar. They can help when you need. Telamon, Ravenstongue, Shilde they are all dependable. But, I understand. You will get better about it, you need more practice, and I believe in you."

Skiel pauses as his space is filled with the thin redscale, his embarrassment multiplying threefold, but he carefully wraps his arms around her. "... okay," he intones.

His gaze stays on the on shadow in the pool. "Yes, this one is aware. When it comes to magical things, this one leaves it to those shamans. They are better suited for that. And... this one thanks you for your belief in them."

Whatever was on his mind, he finally finds the words to utter. "... earlier, this one... wants you to know that being with them, um... certain things might be out of the question."

Vaera curls up in the lap, and wraps her tail around one of Skielstregar's leg. "See? It was a good offer, and happily taken." The makari chuckles. "Of course this one believes in you. They have good reason to, having seen your growth over time. It is not unfounded."

She falls silent though, and looks back to Skielstregar. The hunter squeezes his hand back. "Of course, this one wants to be on the same page about their relationship with you, as much as possible. So if there is anything you need to tell this one, feel free to do so."

There's a small smile that pulls at Skiel, and he gives a quiet, happy sigh as he rests his head against her shoulder. ".. a good offer," he murmurs, patting the tail on his leg. "And of course..."

He takes a quiet breath, and lifts his head some to watch the redscale. "... just... know that if your mind changes about... building a nest, this one will not be able to, erm, provide," he admits quietly, awkwardly. "... just... thought it was... important to know early on. Due to... being what this one is. Was. Sort of still is."

A pause. "N-Not to say they don't find you- uh- you know...-!" he flounders.

Vaera chuffs and nudges Skielstregar's snout as he agrees, before she continues listening. The red makari regards him for some time. It continued until he finished speaking and was floundering. She chuckles loudly, continuing for some time before turning to hug him. "That is, that is, possibly good news, Skielstregar. This one was worried, if they were with you, that they may deprive you of the ability to raise a nest as well." She begins to explain. "They are, unsure if they are capable of such, after everything that happened, and was done. They doubt it. So, even if you do find this one desireable, as you were saying, it may not be possible."

From all their time together, Skiel knew that chuckling was a good thing. A light sigh leaves him, and he easily hugs her back, himself starting to quietly laugh. ".... this one... is relieved," he admits. "If things were working, it wouldn't be out of the question, but it is what life currently has dealt us."

He nudges his snout against hers. "... a nest is what you make it, this one has learned. Just know that this one is glad to have to you, no matter the circumstances. We both are tattered and torn."

Awkward Skiel pause. "... there is no /if/ about that..." he mumbles quietly.

Vaera rumbles something happily deep in her chest, as she hugs Skielstregar as tightly as she can muster. Both out of happiness, and out of support for what was shared. "If they were, then this one would be willing to consider it. But, this one is happy to just enjoy your company. This one, there may not be peace on a nest in the literal sense, but there is peace, again, this one believes fully. And, there are still young to support in Mictlan, that will not change. This one can continue to help them."

Then she stops, pulls her face away to regard Skielstregar, and chuckles. "You do? Well, this one feels the same about you. It is hoped that has been made clear, by this point."

Skielstregar blinks at the sound that jostles against him, and the sudden tight embrace. A dopey grin crosses his face, and he hugs her back in a tight squeeze. Carefully! "... likewise. This one is... glad, happy, they can bring peace to you. And yes, there is new young to support. This one can help in that way as well."

He pauses too, and pulls back. Blink. Blink. "... T-This one... mostly f-figured it was... was.. mutual. Um. U-Um."

His head sinks some to burble into the waters. "Godsweneedabiggertent," he blurbs out quickly.

"You have brought so much peace to me, Skielstregar, it is difficult to understate how much." Vaera chuffs, holding the hug for as long as she could muster. And then, Skielstregar took to below the surface of the water, and perhaps to his chagrin, Vaera too dipped her head below. The red makari regards him again, and from the wide, slightly unsettling to softskin grin, it was clear she heard what was said.

Underneath the waters, Skielstregar blinks owlishly at Vaera. His maw opens, then closes. Then opens again only to release a few bubbles as they carried away what words he had.

Then, he grabs the redscale in a tight embrace, picks her up, then lifts her completely out of the pool with his arms cradling her like last time. "Okay Firebrand! This one said you are dangerous!" he chuffs, the smile crinkling his dead eyes. "Dangerous, dangerous, dangerous!"

He steps out carefully. "This one thinks we should head back to the Fernwood." A pause in his sudden confidence as he realizes what he said in context. "... smite me Dragonfather. This one is getting tongue tied."

Vaera was finally thrown off balance by being picked up by Sklielstregar, and she looks up and chuckles, readjusting her hug around her fellow makari. And it's followed by a barking laugh as he only digs himself further.

"This one thinks you are the dangerous one, sweeping me off my foot and speaking of such things." The red makari teases. "But yes, perhaps we should vacate the baths, and get dressed. This one will even help you, after my leg is dealt with."

Skielstregar looks to the ground as he carries Vaera carefully, his tell for 'blushing'. He slowly sets Vaera down on the chair where her things were.

He pauses, rubs the side of this face, and looks away. "... we are not lasting the night," he sheepishly admits, hiding his fangs behind a hand. "... this one gladly accepts your aid."

Vaera gives Skielstregar a parting hug before she slides down into the chair, and work on toweling off her leg, so she could re-attach the artifice leg. All the while, keeping an eye on Skielstregar, looking up and down, with a pleased chuff. "And this one is happy to give it. Though, it would be simpler if we could just return to the fernwood as is." The redscale chuckles. "If we are on the same page, it would save the trouble. But the snow is too much for this one, even if it does not bother you in the slightest."

Skiel continues looking away, him shifting on his feet a bit as he towels off. He softly laughs, nodding his head. "It would be. Perhaps this one could magic some speed and whisk you off quickly?" he teases, finally looking back at her.

He does similarly, glancing over the redscale. But quickly goes back to looking at his feet.

He offers a hand once she's got her leg in working order. "... let's go, Vaermiir," he intones, tender.

"It would still freeze my remaining toes off, unfortunately." Vaera sighs, only to find Skielstregar looking back to her. The red makari stops to stretch dramatically, before she goes back to dressing. She takes the hand, and nods, getting to her feet once Skielstregar was sorted. "Very well, let us be off. This one will need to thank Irshya for the baths again another time."

Skiel's eyes widen, then stay glued to the floor after he gets a robe situated. He takes her hand, then mumbles quietly, "... yes... thank her... another time..."

Hand in hand, he leads her out of the bathhouse.

In an adjacent pool, a near silent groan comes from there, followed by a long sigh of relief, then a barely heard whisper. "F-ck-ng /f-n-lly/! Th-y'r- g-n-!"

-End Scene-