Closed The Pig and the Seductress [Caela]

[James Bishop]

Spring 26th 514 AV

Bishop opened his eyes and blinked several times. His mind slow to confirm that he was awake. Noises all around him. The splashing of water. 'Rain?'. Females giggling and some invested in a conversation about a young man. Some raised disappointment about their husbands and sons. Bishop opened his eyes fully, eyes focused slowly upon the people gathered around him. None of them seemed particularly interested in him, but once he confirmed that they were of the opposite gender his interest in them grew many fold. It took several moments for his sluggish mind to understand that he was looking at naked women. Their exquisite details hidden under the beneath the water line. That was when the man noticed that he was submerged in water to his chin. Warm pleasing waters that put warmth into his limbs. None of them looked to be in the prime of their youth, but Bishop never cared much about such trivial things.

The confused man looked around, trying to guess where he had woken up this time. More importantly, where his clothes lay. The thundering head ache he felt did little to help him figure out his whereabouts. Sluggishly he remembered the hot springs. A place he may have visited in the past, but it held no specific memory for him. As his memory tried to locate where he was in the world, he noticed something disturbing. Everything between midday on the 25th until now was a large black void. Had he accidentally voided part of his memory using magic? Bishop dismissed the thought as silly and instead blamed the ale. One or ten too many. It was a small miracle that Bishop had not been mugged. He clicked with his jaw and a sharp pain erupted from his chin.

A finger traced along his jawline and when it reached his soaked beard he felt the pain. Someone must've punched him in the face. Perhaps he had been mugged and left for dead in the hot springs. Though now he noticed his clothes scattered over by a wall. He saw the lumps that indicated that his pouch of assorted coins and his pair of daggers were still present.

"A bar fight then." He mused to himself. Apparently loud enough that several of the nearby women in their mid thirties or early forties looked at him with confusion. James levelled his eyes on the ladies. Once he felt a bit more sober and less confused, he might go for one of them - as they said: with age comes experience.

Ledger-5 sm to get drunk the day before.
-5 cm to be admitted to the hot springs

[Caela Dorin]

x

It was still early in the day when Caela made her way into the Springs. She was hoping to have little company in the common spring but in a city like Sunberth, little company could mean five people or more normally. Female company was fine, easy to relax around but male company... she could never let her guard down around men, not when bathing. She'd pay and look into the spring. If she didn't like the company then she'd leave despite the money she'd pay. Copper mizas weren't that difficult to come by so she could just turn around and leave if it was necessary.

Handing over the coin for the common spring, the dancer moved on, creeping into the bathing area. Through the steam that rose from the pool, she could make out the forms within it. Women mostly but not solely. There was a man amongst them, one who looked very relaxed where he was. He looked asleep but Caela was sure that he couldn't be. He would surely have slipped under the water and drowned at this stage but maybe she was wrong, maybe he was really asleep. Regardless of what condition he was in, the presence of the women made her feel safer. She knew nothing about the women but they just looked like a group of friends, wives, gossiping together. Not really a threat.

Satisfied, she stripped quickly, her back to them. Her clothes were folded quickly but neatly, her knife tucked away between the folds of the cloth. When that was done, she walked quickly to the pool and joined the women. Their conversation faltered slightly at the sight of her, some shooting envious looks her way as they took in the supple, youthful body of the dancer. Their conversation resumed again as she settled into the water, the more enviable areas of her body hidden beneath its surface. There were cheap soaps and rough sponges within easy reach of the pool and Caela snatched one of each to start scrubbing hurriedly under the waterline.

As she began her washing, her eyes flickered to the man who to her horror had his eyes open now. Her eyes darted away from his own but she still watched him from the corner of her eye. No way was she going to take her eyes off of him. There was some distance between them but she was still uneasy. She didn't like the fact that they were sharing the same room, let along the same bath. Panic welled within her as she caught words from the other women that suggested that they'd be leaving soon. She couldn't leave now, it'd almost be like defeat but she didn't want to be left alone with this guy when the women left. The panic made her freeze, lost in indecision.

x

[James Bishop]

Bishop heard the soft sounds of water splashing as one of the women began using the rough sponges. He wasn't sure what he was most annoyed by, the sound that grated in his ears or the fact that she used soap that further blurred his vision under the waterline. When he saw the woman in question, he forgot about the old saying about with age came experience. For this woman looked stunning. Absolutely beautiful. A hungry smile came upon his lips, but he still diverted his gaze from the woman. She looked decidedly uncomfortable and he did not want to scare away wonderful new prey. Especially not now that his thoughts had begun to play with her golden hair.

It seemed that fate was kind to him today.

His groggy lack of focus fell upon the older women, still a decent back up plan, though compared to the main course he had just discovered, they seemed dull. Their conversation, dull, sounded a bit agitated as once more they gossiped about insignificant things. He needed to be rid of them, the back up plan did not appeal to him as much any longer. Only the main course interested him. Out of the corner of the eye, the prize still washed herself, though it seemed as if she froze. He furrowed his brows in confusion. Had something slipped by him, in his current state that was not unthinkable. Bishop ducked his head under the water. Trying to freshen himself for the daunting task of taking down the wonderful prey on the other side of the hot springs. Rubbing his eyes and somehow managed to come out of the water looking more harrowed than before. His hair was a sleek mess as his hand absent-mindedly went through it and pushed it back against his scalp. The other hand reached for some soap as well. His terrible coordination seemed to spread most of the soap around him into the water rather than onto his body. Still, occasional splatters touched his body.

"You know what I love about this place." Bishop said to no one in particular as the water dripped from his chin. "How free people are in here. No clothes separating us consenting adults." For some unknown reason, the women looked to him, most with disgust in their eyes. Too prude to consider sleeping with him on a whim, but not enough of a prude to stop them from getting naked and climbing into a hot spring with him. Odd women. But he didn't let that knock him out of the game. It did seem to knock the women out of the game as their looks to one another spoke volumes about their intention. The closest ones eyes did not waver from Bishop who in turn just leant back against the edge. Eyes calmly looking back at them. His half-starved torso visible over the water's edge. Poor soul looked like he hadn't had a decent meal all spring. The women, quick to get out of the hot water made some wonderful ruckus that Bishop enjoyed. The sly smirk on his lips when he used the confusion to slip under the water line. Though would the prize notice that he had gone? Or would she first notice when he suddenly emerged from the water in front of her. An arms length or two away - Bishop took in a deep breath of air. He would have emerged closer, but apparently the supremacist still needed air to function and the warm water was decidedly unpleasant against his face.

"Hey there love. I hear this place also rents out a private bath. What about you and I go check it out." - Bishop was too hung over for any sleek comments and subtle plays with this woman.

[Caela Dorin]

x

Caela's anxiety increased threefold when the man actually spoke. Her fears were confirmed; he wasn't a good sort to be around when naked. The looks on the faces of the other women mirrored how the dancer felt though she'd definitely add uneasiness to her feelings of disgust. She didn't want to be stuck her if the women left, not alone. She wasn't sure if he'd understand if she said no.She had a feeling that a lack of consent wouldn't mean anything but she didn't want to find out for sure. The girl scrubbed faster, her skin turning a deep pink as she scoured her flesh. The women were abandoning her! They'd be gone before she was done at the rate she was going so she considered leaving while she was only half clean. A glance in the direction of the man made her plan go out of her head. Where the man had been was just water. He was gone!

Where on Mizahar could he have gone? she wondered, glancing up at the departing crowd of women. He wasn't among them so he hadn't gotten out of the water to follow them. They'd already clearly rejected him and they were in a group whereas she was alone.

Gods he's under the water!

It was only as she realised that that he chose to pop up above. The young woman went to scream but she also tried to hide more of herself under the water at the same time. The sudden rush of hot water into her mouth, choked off her scream and left her coughing and spluttering. When she recovered from her coughing fit, she tried to move away from him, hoping to put some more space between them. If she could get enough distance between them then she was hoping to escape the bath unscathed. If he followed her though, she was going to end up panicking.

"I wouldn't share a private bath with you if you were the last man on Mizahar," Caela hissed back at him, moving carefully so that she didn't give him an eyeful by bobbing up above the water. "You can just go to hai, all right? You aren't getting anything from me so you can just go back to your side of the pool. In case you don't understand that means I want you to stay away from me."

x

[James Bishop]

Predatory grin on his lips as the woman reacted instinctively. Moving away from him as he begun his advance. Her scream did not escape her lips, instead a gurgled cough came from her delicious mouth as the water washed into her mouth. A sign that fate was on his side? He did not care - whatever happened, happened. But a distant spark of him wished that this woman was his to play with for the day, for she did look pretty. The water dripped from his cheek, hair gathered in spikes that lay flat against his scalp. He slid a hand through the hair. Apart from a couple of stubborn strands, his hair lay flat against his head.

Bishop heard her words. Harsh. Cruel. Unwarranted. He faked a hurt look. Deceptively felt her words sting him deeply as if she had wounded him with a dagger. A hand against his bare chest as he stepped away. Blue eyes upon a visage, did not stray to her private areas. Such things would come later. There was a rumbling of a chuckle choked in his throat. It was without any humor.

"Hah, Hai is a boring place, lacks the finesse of Sunberth." A tongue licked across his lower lip as teeth bit against it, what a wonderful specimen. "Silly woman. I do not want anything from you..." Bishop's smile was genuine as he took a simple breath in. Heated air entering his mouth. Eyes still upon the visage of the woman. Then the chuckle reemerged. "Sorry. That was a lie. I do want something from you. But only in return for what I want to give to you." A sultry look upon his face, the prize would not escape his claws. Despite her desperate attempts to create distance between the two, he would have her. It was the play of fate. Why else had he awoken here to such a goddess naked before him? The steps agonizingly slow as he neared the woman. On his toes nearly. Time was not of the essence until she might turn to flee.

"I can give you something you want~" The voice sultry. "A touch that will make you shiver with delight. A brush that will make your knees weak with pleasure. A kiss that you will never forget..." Nearing for every word spoken.

[Caela Dorin]

x

She was terrified of this man. There was no escape that she could see that didn't involve exposing herself. If certain areas appeared above water then Caela was afraid that this pervert would jump her. The dancer wasn't going to risk it but that meant that there was no way out. If she couldn't get out then this man was going to have his way with her and there was nothing that she could do about it. Even the thought of it made her want to cry from terror and frustration at the situation. The only thing that kept the tears at bay was the fear of showing weakness to this man who seemed so intent on having her.

He was watching her face rather than trying to catch glimpses of her naked body and that worried her more for some reason. He was watching her reaction, the young woman assumed. She didn't know if he was watching from some interest from her, or if he was one of those creeps who liked fear but she desperately wanted to get away from him. Tears clouded her vision as she tried to retreat from him, his words and his advance driving her away.

He expected her to want him and she most certainly didn't. Her face was contorted in an expression of disgust and she shook her head back and forth emphatically until her back struck the edge of the pool. Pain lanced up and down her spine and she cried out as she moved towards him unintentionally. As she came in contact with him, the tears that had only threatened before burst forth in hysterical sobs as she cowered away from him.

"Please leave me alone! I don't want you near me!" Her voice one of choked pleading as she hugged herself protectively. If he enjoyed fear in a woman then she'd unfortunately given it to him and if that was the case then there was nothing she could do about it.

x

[James Bishop]

Bishop savoured the moment as the woman continuously backed away from him. Seeking to escape his touch. Escape his lustful aura. Afraid he might do more than speak words of desire? It sent a sliver of excitement down his spine, it had been a while since he had had this much fun through sheer coincidence. His hands stayed to himself, did not reach out and feel what his eyes hungered for, that would be to spoil it. She did not have to show the fear through her expressions, the way she backed away, the small scream when he had neared her earlier. But to push her so far as to actually break down in fear? That was a goal that might be within easy reach.

His desire balanced precariously on a knife's edge. A part of him wanted to indulge himself in her body and let his lust run its course, but at the moment, he was having too much fun keeping the woman in the unknown. The woman made it much easier for him to decide when she accidentally hurt herself and they came in contact with each other. A crooked grin full of mirth travelled across his lips as he saw the tears burst forth.

The woman was so close to breaking down. A small push over the edge and he would either have salvation or damnation. He wouldn't know until Lhex revealed that part of his life to him. She spoke, trying desperately to make him stop. It only drove him for further depths of depravity. She hugged her form and Bishop allowed himself a glance at her body. Although covered, the glimpses that he did see were lovely. A curve exposed here, skin usually hidden under clothing visible there. Bishop enjoyed himself as his right hand finally moved to breach the last measure of control she had. The predatory grin on his lips grew wider, she was trapped, unable to escape. Like the hunter he claimed to be, he went for the kill.

"We both know that is a lie."

Slipped under the surface, brushed by her hip and rested against her lower back. A delightful sliver of excitement was released from his back as he finally touched her body. Soft and hard. Muscles trained. Subtlety had gone out the window the moment he had emerged from the water. Now, he forgot all notions of holding back. He would try to pull her close to himself. Her arms hugged protectively around herself against his chest as he went for the rough, lustful kiss that had been the centre of his desire since he had seen her.

[Caela Dorin]

x

Caela Dorin

The dancer had enough of her mind still functioning properly to see that her shrieking had driven up his lust levels. Her fear of what he would do had helped push him into action. She'd almost encouraged him to do it. She felt like cornered prey about to be devoured by a predator. Thoughts were slipping away before she could grasp them, her terror driving them from her head before she had a chance to think of anything that might help her out of this situation. Her arms weren't enough of a shield to protect her from this pig and yet her hold tightened, arms encircling her torso like a vice. Under the water, her thighs clamped together tightly, trying to defend herself from any future attacks. Caela still tried to move away from him, trying to push herself back across the pool. She didn't want to end up backed up against anything. Then she'd be truly trapped.

His words made her whimper in fear and denial as she shook her head again, rejecting his words as emphatically as she could. But he was gone, under the water where she couldn't quite see him. She froze, breathing erratically as she tried to work out where he was. She wouldn't move while there was a risk of bumping into him under the water. It meant that she was a sitting duck when he popped back out of the water. The young woman shrieked as he touched her, her body went into spasm, jerking out of her control but she couldn't go anywhere as it was. He was able to grab her and pull her close, much to her horror. Tears streamed down her cheeks. There was no way to fight him, no way to defend herself. He couldn't be thrown off long enough for her to make an escape. She could do nothing. Until he kissed her.

His lips pressed cruelly against hers, fierce in the pursuit of what he wanted. Her hands were trapped, her legs weren't likely to be much use but she still had her teeth. She opened her mouth, allowing him access and enabling her to use her newest weapons. Caela attacked him as savagely as she could, snapping at his lips and tongue until she tasted blood. As she attacked, she also thrashed against him, trying to free herself from his grip. Pain might make him let go of her and that might be her only opportunity to get away. She was never going to have a bath again. At least not with a knife on hand.

x