[log, closed] Making the best of a situation, Day 185

[heiresy]

Characters: Aymeric, Estinien, Francel, and Haurchefant
Location: House 188 (Only the bathroom remains of this apartment--a shower, attached tub, a sink, and a closet. It's cramped, but it's livable--and the hot water works!)
Date: Day 185, Evening
Summary: Four elves in a tub, rubadub dub.
Warnings: Nudity and sexual themes.


[As they explore, trying to find shelter for the quickly approaching lock out, they come to an apartment. It is in shambles, but the bathroom is in excellent condition. Aymeric tries the water. While not hopeful, he is pleased that the water runs. He is ecstatic as it starts to come hot. He shuts the tap immediately to preserve what amount there may be.]

Whilst not ideal for space, it should meet our needs tonight. I have been craving a hot shower and a warm place to sleep. This should do both well enough.

Your thoughts, gentlemen?

Comments

[haillenarte]

[francel's modus operandi whenever it comes to any new building is to find a quiet corner and fade away as best as he can.

as things stand, he... has too many corners to choose from. four men in a single bathroom? that is cramped. that is hella cramped. francel shuffles awkwardly into the space between the sink and the closet, wondering how the hell he's going to put his sleeping bag anywhere in here.]

It should be time for lockdown soon, so I doubt we've any choice... but I do find this wants for privacy, Ser Aymeric...

[heiresy]

Aye, but with such a small room, we can string the extra blankets from the hooks and rods without suffering the cold. One of us can take the bath, two alongside the bath if we open the closet, and one by the door.

[He mentally blocked out their bodies. There was barely any room to spare. they would be cuddling with their backpacks and one another for sure.]

It will be close quarters, but I believe we will make do. Have you a preference, Lord Francel?

[haillenarte]

[it might be strange after all these weeks traveling together, but he still tends to lock up and find himself dry-mouthed around aymeric — especially when he's being directly addressed. francel shifts uncomfortably and keeps his eyes firmly fixed on the floor.]

No, I can sleep anywhere.

[heiresy]

Don't be shy, my Lord. We are soldiers, used to the discomforts that come with it. If you have a preference, let it be known to us.

[And even with his many dealings with the Lords and Ladies of the high houses, he still found himself posturing a bit. He, too, grew up with the same luxuries. But he liked to think that he, Estinien, and Haurchefant were more capable of handling discomfort without complaint.

Especially Estinien.]

[haillenarte]

I've truly no preference, Ser Aymeric.

[francel rubs the back of his neck, looking between the tub and the sink.]

...If it will help narrow the options some, I suppose I would sooner sleep closer to you or Lord Haurchefant before Ser Estinien.

[kind of harsh, saying that when estinien is in the exact same room, but hey, the feeling is probably mutual.]

[heiresy]

[He takes that and tries to minimize the damage of it.]

Very well. Estinien may take the bath. The three of us shall take the floor.

[And really being in one another's space. Depending on position, the one taking the space by the door would likely be a pillow or a foot rest.]

Once we have bathed, we will lay down our bedding. We can't know how much hot water there is, so let us treat the room as a bath house for now. Modesty be damned.

[haillenarte]

...A bathhouse, you say.

[ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh halone have mercy on his poor gay soul.]

I... see. Well, it will be most... refreshing to be rid of all this grime and soot. Would... Will you be bathing first, Ser Aymeric?

[heiresy]

If we are unlucky, we may run out of water before we have all had the chance. I think it would be prudent to try to wash ourselves with some simultaneity.

[Without proper warning, spurred on by his excitement and his worn sense of modesty, he undresses down to his waist. He sets the water for the shower, then races the warming of the water to unclothe himself.]

I've had enough of this place's cruel trickery than to trust that it wouldn't run cold sooner than we would like.

[haillenarte]

[francel takes in breath like a man long-suffering some fatal illness as he continues to stare resolutely at his shoes. he still hasn't unpacked.]

Very true, Ser Aymeric. Very true. Warm water is such a rarity in these parts.

[heiresy]

[Aymeric steps in an sighs happily at the hot water on his skin. There is no bath curtain, so the water flecks off him and onto the floor. He forgets himself for a moments, but comes to and looks at Francel with his eyes on his own shoes.]

Oh- Mine apologies, Lord Francel. I should be turned towards the wall, shouldn't I? [He does so, shielding his privates from Francel, hoping that some of the burden is lifted this way.]

I suppose this carries a different weight for you.

[haillenarte]

No, not particularly. Lord Haurchefant is most fond of performing calisthenics while unclothed in the snow.

[it's never exactly comfortable, though...]

'Tis my duty to avert mine eyes, and not yours to hide yourself.

[heiresy]

Mayhap I would agree with you on a different day. But I implore you to act quickly with the possibility that we will run out of hot water ere long!

[He continues his washing with gusto. The grime literally washes off him, leaving a visibly cleaner skin in trails of water.]

There are no duties here save to clean ourselves for the close sleeping we will be doing.

[haillenarte]

[okay, that's a point. if francel is going to be sleeping beside — or nearly on top of — aymeric, it'll be rude to not bathe! but all the same...

now he's between a rock and a hard place. he finally lifts his gaze from his shoes, but only to shoot an anxious glance between estinien and haurchefant, and then to aymeric. what to do, what to do?]

I... do not mind washing with cold water, but...

[he fidgets with his bag.]

...Would you truly not mind my company in the bath?

[heiresy]

It does not bother me, friend. Communal bathing is perfectly common; it needn't carry any stray connotations.

[He turns back around finally, mainly to put his foot up on the edge of the bath to wash his legs. ]

Even with your leanings, it isn't like washing up beside a woman. I am uncertain I would be able to do that even if I had to.

[haillenarte]

[your leanings. aymeric probably doesn't mean anything bad by that, but it still stings, somehow, to hear aymeric (an attractive man) put it that way. your leanings. he might as well have said something like your little problem.

really, what francel wants is for people — least of all attractive men — to just not talk about it at all.

regardless, your leanings irritates him so much that it's part of why he steels his expression into something cold and neutral as he begins removing his bliaud. hat, gloves, jacket, pants — for the complexity of his outfit, he can get it off his slender frame fairly quickly.

some of his clothing is pretty gross. he frowns.]

...If there is still water after we have all bathed, I do believe I shall try to clean some of this. Have you any garments that need washing, Ser Aymeric?

[heiresy]

I will be washing everything that I have as well. I won't object if you wish to help me.

[Many hands makes light work and all that. He kneels in the bath to wash his hair without spraying everyone in the room.]

We should run the hot water as long as we can. A steamed room would be a lovely change. We could open a bottle of wine as well! Fury knows I've been carrying it around for moons by now.

[haillenarte]

...I suppose I have a wine glass we might use for that purpose.

[or so he says, a little more tersely than he might normally. with his gaze fixed everywhere but in aymeric's direction, francel slips into the bath alongside the somewhat more built man, with a bar of soap from his own supplies. he starts washing at his nape, like a lot of people do; he rolls his neck in appreciation of the hot, deliciously comfortable water.]

[heiresy]

I've made you irate with me.

[He finishes washing the shampoo from his hair and stands up out of the water. He misses its heat already, but he refuses to be greedy. He goes to the mirror and lathers his face. He figures he should shave before he starts growing a beard worthy of the Archbishop.]

[he glances towards Haurchefant, pitying him in his vigilance. He had noticed that his own vigilance had died down somewhat, but it did not concern him.]

[haillenarte]

...I am not... irate.

[the fact that aymeric has left the tub makes francel relax somewhat; sure, everyone can still see him, but he feels comfortable enough to wash himself more thoroughly now.]

You did nothing wrong. You have never done anything wrong.

[heiresy]

[He has to laugh, just a little.]

If only everyone in Ishgard were as ardent a supporter as you. I have my faults, Francel. You needn't suffer me if I act tactless towards you.

[haillenarte]

[francel sinks into the water, vaguely hoping that the suds from his bar of soap will help conceal him a little.]

...I doubt very many in Ishgard could so much as name your faults.

[dravanicide]

[The response Aymeric gets is a flat look, and a tone that bears resemblance.]

I see not why you ask of my thoughts. If you wish to bathe, then do so. Scant do you need mine input.

[He's fine being a greasy animal, tyvm.]

[heiresy]

It is likely that we will need to spend the night here. I ask out of courtesy.

[You know, that thing that you never use.]

I do wish to bathe, as we all should. When do you think the next time we will have hot water will be? This is truly a rarity.

[dravanicide]

Not all men must needs rely on such a luxury to get by.

[Cry him a river, Aymeric. He can deal with cold water just fine. Even if he's secretly a little glad for the warm water. He's just being grouchy because that's what he do.]

However, by all means take advantage of it if you must.

[heiresy]

I shan't be taking advice on what you consider a luxury, Estinien. We should all wash now. Not simply for comfort, but for our health.

[And sleeping in a hot room with a sweaty armored man was totally about comfort and health.]

Many claim that cold sinew is brittle!

[Please just wash I am begging you.]

[dravanicide]

Mmn...

[He doesn't seem convinced, and with a sly glance towards their company, he continues.]

Mayhap. I am not concerned with the temperature of the water, but I will acquiesce that it may be in my best interest to rid myself of this grime.

[He may be stubborn, but he does know that there is some health benefit to cleanliness. And if they must stay here, he may as well take advantage of it. Just... he doesn't have to enjoy doing it, is all.]

[heiresy]

[He decides to bowl over any hope of Estinien backing out of washing up.] Excellent to hear that, Estinien. I would be happy to assist you in cleaning your armor and underclothes as well before we rest.

[Ok maybe thats a little weird. Still. He still can't believe that he has to have this conversation so often with Estinien. It was like trying to convince a child that knows bedtime happens right after bath time.]

[dravanicide]

If you so wish to, little will I stop you.

[Because he won't likely do it, to be honest. Silently, with an air of reluctance, he does begin to peel off his armor, first his helmet, before moving on to his gauntlets.]

You must be in agony.

[heiresy]

[He gives Estinien a strange look]

How do you mean?

[dravanicide]

To be denied your usual luxuries for so long, I fear you suffer worse than us all.

[His tone makes it obvious he's teasing at this point.]

[heiresy]

[he pulls his vial of birch syrup from his bag. it's almost entirely finished.]

It is quite the opposite state of affairs, Estinien. I have indulged recently, but I won't be able to soon. Praise our luck that we still have wine.

[dravanicide]

Little did I mean your need for sickeningly sweet swill.

[He says, gesturing to the bath. Aymeric was a cleanly fellow, so he imagined having to sit in own filth for so long was rather upsetting for him.]

We only have wine because of my diligent guarding, if not for that, we would have ran out long ago.

[heiresy]

[He laughs with the gesture to the bath.]

Yes, I do love bathing. Just like most of society, really. We should open a bottle and share it amongst our fellows. It will be strenuous on the nerves to be so cooped up all night. We may as well make it a joyous occasion.

[He was already looking in the closet and the mirror cupboard for soap and supplies.]

after bath time;

[haillenarte]

[the good news is: francel doesn't try to pick the hairs out of the drain. that'd be gross.

the bad news is: francel is, indeed, still quite seriously collecting everybody's hair, and it's become a compulsion he can't quite suppress — even though he knows that in a room this cramped, someone will probably notice. after showering, he'll be found crouched on the floor beside the tub, picking up stray hairs. disturbingly, he has almost full locks of everybody's hair at this point, tied by thin lengths of cloth he stripped off his canvas drop-cloth from the museum.

naturally, he has more of estinien's hair than anybody else's; his bundle of aymeric's hair appears to be the smallest, but only because aymeric has less hair for him to collect to begin with.]

[dravanicide]

[Some further bad news, at least for Francel, is that his collecting does not go unnoticed. At first, Estinien thought he was seeing things, but once he begins to watch the young lord, his worries are confirmed that he is indeed collecting the hair.

And not out of simple courtesy to clean the bath, no, he seems to be hoarding the hair. Estinien's own specifically...

Silently he approaches him, his feelings a whirlwind of uncertainty. He doesn't know if he should be mad, disgusted, horrified, or maybe all at once. Perhaps it's the mixture of it all that leaves him unable to figure out what it is he's feeling.]

What in the seven hells do you think you are doing?

[Estinien's tone is low and dangerous, and the look of disgust tinting the angry scowl only adds to it.]

[haillenarte]

[the worst part is that francel is acting as if this is perfectly normal behavior. he looks up with an innocently confused expression, looking between his hoard of silky hair and estinien with no apparent guilt.]

Why, what do you mean?

[dravanicide]

You are collecting our hair—why, pray tell, do you have so much of mine?

[Crossing what distance there is, he will be aiming to snatch Francel's collection if the boy doesn't act fast enough.]

[haillenarte]

[francel backs away like a cornered mouse, which seems to take him a great deal of effort, because there's still hair left on the floor that he wants...]

...You have more hair than anybody else.

[he says, in a tone that implies there is an obviously attached to the end.]

[dravanicide]

[Estinien does not stop his approach, aiming to corner Francel if he can.]

That matters not. To what purpose do you collect our hair?!

[His disgust is more evident now, his voice growling with each word spoken. First his recording of him and the others working half naked, and now this? To what depravity has this boy fallen into...]

[haillenarte]

I... was not aware I needed a purpose?

[there's only so much space in the room for him to move to; once he's cornered, he shoots pleading looks at aymeric and haurchefant.]

...You weren't using it...

[silverfuller]

[Haurchefant silently watches from his position guarding the door and smirks.]

[heiresy]

I mean, we weren't using it...

[Aymeric doesn't really want to involve himself in this. It is weird and unseemly, but harmless. Francel needed a hobby anyway.]

Upon Arrival

[silverfuller]

[Haurchefant takes his usual station, standing against the door with his broken shield on his arm and the fireplace poker gripped tightly in one hand.

It's probably unnecessary but he's heard of monsters opening doors and he's seen them open windows. He'd rather not risk it.]

I'd like to bathe as well, but when I do I feel it would be best for someone else to guard the door.

We know not what sort of horrors track our footsteps in the dark.

[haillenarte]

[francel looks over at haurchefant with an expression of concern, sinking lower into the water as if it might mask his worries.]

I suppose I and Ser Aymeric can take up the watch once we are finished. You will take your time once you do bathe, won't you, Haurchefant?

[heiresy]

I shall take up your post when you bathe, Ser Haurchefant. I have been in good spirits and energy lately. Pray rest well and relax. I will move quickly so that you may retire for the night.

[He claps Haurchefant on the shoulder and gives him a reassuring smile.]