Flashback (TD) Down Here It's Wetter (Sybel)

[Ricky Maze]

Down Here It's Wetter Spring 16th, 510 AV Ah yes the breeze was one that felt great, as the sunset finally met it's match with the night and sank under the ocean's horizon. Like a giant burning bubble that glittered across the surface of the ocean, it soon died down as the evening brought forth it's usual nighttime occurance. For Ricky this night was perfect for a late swim, the weather had been fair and warm as Summer met it's end of the cycle. Now fall would bring it's warm tempatures down to cool, until finally winter settles in once again to bring about the cold. Ricky sat up at the edge of the docks, with Odis panting as he sat close to his master. Both enjoying the air as the salty breeze had softly caressed the city, bringing a pleasent balance of warmth and coolness to it's denizens. Such weather was indeed perfect for a swim, but Ricky was unsure if he did or not. As his feet felt the pleasing comfort of the wet water below, the sea felt like it was enticing him. Asking that he join in and let it carry him away, let him get lost in it's depths with fantasies of swimming with the fish. He remembered such a thing before, only he knew not how to swim at that time. Now he had nothing to fear, mostly, when it came to swimming, all he needed was the right persuasion to dive in. The first time he ever swam was with a friend, even though she basically shoved him in he had no hard feelings. Without the right push he would never have learned, and as he now wondered upon such a fond memory his mind lingered. Occupied with wonder's at to what she may be doing, and if she too had been thinking about the memories she has made. It was hard not to look back on such fond times, when everything seemed so simple because at the time he was naive. Learning and growing without yet knowing how the world truly worked and it's dangers that lies within, yet as he still barely knew any of that he learned well. For he has made it this far in his life. Now he just had to keep continuing. As he moved his legs back and forth in a smoothe motion, the water felt relaxing as it swirled around his ankles. Content with the thoughts that occupied his mind, he enjoyed the view the star's provided as they began to dot the sky.

[Sybel]

The weather had been clement for days, an occurrence Sybel wasn’t altogether comfortable with. Though she’d traveled extensively, she found it difficult to truly adapt to the differing regional climates. Eyktol ran hotter, drier than the rest of the world. Humidity, rain and easy sunshine were not things she could really get used to. They just weren’t normal. Then again, “normal” was a subjective idea. People regarded her with wide eyes in the telling of massive sandstorms and blistering dunes. It lead her to believe that perhaps, when it came to “normal,” it was just another way of saying status quo. Sybel moved through the lively crowds, being propelled by the momentum of those surrounding her. Twilight was painting its usual tapestry in the sky, the rose and turquoise hues making love on the horizon. The air was a mixture of pleasant and not-so-pleasant odors; baking bread, armpit, perfume, and wood smoke. Each mingled in varying degrees, creating an altogether new scent that represented Zeltiva itself. It was a city smell, she reflected. The smell of many people, crammed together. That above all, was a characteristic Sybel would remember. She wore her usual white blouse, the laces only slightly undone. Her bottom half was clad in fitted cotton shorts that clung to her muscled thighs. There’d be no skinny-dipping that night, not with so many watchful eyes. Instead she planned to swim in her clothes, enjoy the semi-cool water and hopefully become refreshed. There was too much path dirt clinging to her hair and skin. It was the closest to a bath she could come. As she was swept alongside the bodies around her, her eyes focused on the street ahead, scanning for the various turns she’d take. The buildings were monuments to human greatness, she mused. They reached up to touch the sun, brush the cheek of the stars. After the Valterrian, humans proved yet again their resilient nature. To break them down was only to ensure they’d rebuild. To kill them meant their rebirth. It was all very poetic, as she absently drifted toward her destination. Sybel took a special pride in being a human. They lived as brightly burning flames, creeping down their wick until each one finally went out. The docks were just ahead. She was sure to pick an area free of vessels. After all, it was very difficult to swim around boats. They had a way of disregarding small, fleshy beings. Grinning at the silly metaphor, she slowly approached the end of a pier. Movement caught her eye. She turned to see a dog, crouched next to his owner nearby. Chuckling a bit, she knelt down and gestured for it to come to her. “Here boy,” she intoned with a smile. “C’mere cutie!” Her secret dog voice, revealed. Yes, Sybel spoke to animals in that crooning tone of voice that identified her as an animal lover. She was loathe to admit it, but pets put a quivering in her otherwise selfish heart. “C’mere boy!” "Does he bite?" She asked the man politely. He was a burly sort of fellow, with close-cropped brown hair. For some reason, he didn't strike her as the imposing type.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky had not expected another person to come along, although he should've considering Odis was a people magnet with his cuteness. This one was a woman around Ricky's age though, and she looked like the type that loves animals. Odis was immediately drawn to her when she called, Ricky only offered his humble grin when he saw her. "Not at all, a big softy he is." He assured her as Odis went to her with sniffs to identify her scent, she was more than friendly in his book as the dog soon went to kissing attempts with her. Ricky wasn't sure if this lady was a fan of slobbery dog kisses, but he wasn't going to tear Odis away from her. If she were to object then Ricky would call Odis, and the pup would happily oblige with his master. Well, should being the more appropriate term; as he has never had trouble with the dog listening before. She had a exotic sense about her, one that Ricky was not able to put his finger on. He could only assume that this lady was a foreigner, as plainly obvious as it was. Where she was from though he would have to find out, as he too was already curiously interested in this woman. Standing up he walked over to Odis and the lady, the dog practically adoring whatever attention she would spend on him. Ricky grinned widely at the dog, clearly this woman was a person Ricky was capable of trusting. Usually when Odis would meet someone he was Ricky's indicator, telling him to be cautious of this person or that he can relax when meeting this person. His excitement with her was equal with her interest in him, with gave quite a bonus in Ricky's eyes. He did what any proper gentleman would do, held out his hand in a gesture of usual introduction. "My names Ricky, and this is Odis." He spoke humbly to her, keeping the same friendly smile from earlier.

[Sybel]

The burly man grinned at her reaction. "Not at all, a big softy he is." The dog came bounding over immediately, sniffing her face tentatively before licking her soundly from chin to temple. Laughing, she sat down on the splintered wood of the dock, running her hands through the adorable animal’s fur. He seemed to absorb her affections, clearly enjoying himself. Her long legs dangled half in the steely water as she sat. Wiggling her toes, she visibly relaxed and enjoyed the sensation of the ocean. After observing her for a short time, the dog’s owner spoke again. "My names Ricky, and this is Odis,” he said by way of introduction. “Sybel,” she replied smiling. “It’s nice to meet you both.” Her eyes were serene. She never knew quite what to say after a brief introduction, so instead she occupied herself by petting the panting created seated next to her. His fur was fine and short, with a thin sheen of oil. Perhaps he’d gotten a bath recently, or perhaps she could infer that this was not their first seasonal swim. Whatever the case, he was a surprisingly clean dog. “Who’s a good dog?” She cooed. “Odis is a good dog. That’s right. You’re a good dog.” She rubbed his neck vigorously. Of course, doing that for too long would be even sillier than she was sure she already appeared. After a few more seconds, she wracked her brain for the follow-up. “So, do you live here?” Her voice broke the silence. “Or are you just visiting?” Always a safe enough inquiry. Anyone could be a traveler in Zeltiva. It had a very diverse human population. Of course, she knew better. He was too familiar with his surroundings to be new to the place. Perhaps six months, maybe a year into his stay even if he was a visitor. But if she hadn’t asked anything at all, he might think she was commandeering his best friend. The water sloshed and she moved her feet to and fro, creating small ridges in the surrounding surface. She admired her handiwork with each ripple, the liquid adhering wetly to her toes. Any variety of water still fascinated her if it was in large quantity, even then. Some things you just never quite adjusted to. Her roundabout thought process was a wonder, at times. They’d never admit her simple-minded self to the University, she thought with a smirk. But that wan an unkind thought.

[Ricky Maze]

He watched her in awe as he withdrew his hand, thinking the handshake a approach that wasn't really that necessary, she was actually giving Odis more attention then Ricky had anticipated. Impressive really as people would usually give part of their attention to the dog, she however appeared to love Odis already; and Odis loved her back for such attention. It was a pleasing sight to watch, as he enjoyed seeing Odis receive such attention. The only person who would give that much attention was generally Ricky, everyone else would look uponly on Odis with a smile if he was lucky; some would pet him a bit but nothing more really. When she asked about Ricky though, he couldn't help but laugh a bit as he knew she was starting a friendly conversation. "Lived here all my life," He confirmed with a smile as he still watched Odis, "Ye look like ya've been places however." It was an obvious observation, one that made him feel rather stupid for pointing out. He was carrying the conversation on though, as she no doubt was also trying to keep the silence at bay. "Ye a traveler of a sort?" Why was he being asking another pointless question, a better one being "where have you been to?" would have been much better. Hiding his vexed expression behind a mask of a friendly grin, he awaited for her to answer now. The light was on her, as he was obviously mucking his part up. She had a business like appeal to her now that Ricky focused more on her, his mind wondering what her trade was. She seemed like the type to deal in clothing by her sense of fashion, but it was too soon to assume such things. Ricky would learn in a matter of time, as he had no where else to be. She probably had no where else to be as well, otherwise she would not have come here. Or maybe she did have business here, or was taking break from business she was tending to? Ricky was unsure of himself; just knowing that she was now giving Odis the love the dog always craved. He too swished the water with his feet, the fluid motion of the water as it wrapped around his ankles when he moved brought ease to his mind. Being a fisherman he had always relied on the ocean, had always felt connected to it. Yet he also had a respective fear of the ocean, for it was unpredictable to the unwary. Not that his pa was unwary at the time, but that ship he departed on was still gone. Meaning no trace or return. Nothing. Such is the way of the sea, it can be cruel to those who don't revere it. Content with his thoughts though he returned his gaze to Sybel and Odis, watching the two adore one another.

[Sybel]

Ricky watched her intently as she lavished affection on his dog. Of course, where else was he going to look? But it seemed to me more than that. He must be sizing her up. That made sense; after all, they just met. Almost shy, she focused on the furry creature beside her as they spoke. "Lived here all my life," he responded, somewhat amused. "Ye look like ya've been places however." Was she that obvious? Certainly she was in other parts of the world, but Zeltiva had fooled her into thinking she blended. That obviously was not the case. Maybe it was her skin, always some shade of gold. Her cheeks were seldom ruddy, her flesh never fair. She would always stand out in one way or another. Except in Yahebah. The one place she’d rather not be. “Yes,” she answered, seemingly absent. “I’m just visiting.” Her narrow hands rustled the canine’s fur one last time, until she patted him on the butt and sent him back to his master. “Go on, Odis.” She whispered, grinning. He was a very faithful pup. "Ye a traveler of a sort?" She nodded thoughtfully. “I am indeed,” she said with a wry face. “I travel for thrill and as a profession. But mostly for thrill.” Sloshing her ankles about, she worked to dispel the reflection looking back at her. “It is…” She trailed, at a loss. “Thrilling.” He continued to eye her speculatively, perhaps looking for some hidden explanation in her clothes or adornments. There wasn’t anything to ascertain by looking at her, unless he was acutely aware of the Benshira race. That was possible, but unlikely. As far as she’d seen, people could guess but they were never really sure. Only in Eyktol was her background readily identifiable. Then again, it was rare to see a desert-dweller near an ocean unless they were fleeing in terror. Large bodies of water could be sort of intimidating at first. “What do you do to make money?” She asked wistfully, noticing the last remnants of the sunset. The very horizon line was smeared with crimson as night fell, the burning sun leaving just a smudge of color in its wake. Sunsets were always beautiful no matter where you stood. So long as you could get a glimpse, you knew there’d be something after, another day to look forward to. Well, you thought you knew. “I mean,” sighing, she shook her head. “What is your craft?” She amended.

[Ricky Maze]

"Oh me? Well I'm a fisherman really." He confirmed as Odis then gleefully returned to his master. The dog was now happy to have had such attention, as he now laid against his master with a wide doggie grin. He could tell that she was trying to keep the conversation at a friendly pace, to help avoid the awkward pauses that would sometimes follow through with strangers. Yet to Ricky she was already on the verge of becoming an aquaintance, after watching her treat Odis with all the love he could ever ask for. He watched the sun finally die out as the last of it's light set beyond the horizon. At last the evening had truly begun as night was doomed to follow, and all the workers that would wrap up their jobs would soon be going home to call it a day. Ricky wasn't going to let the conversation just die out like the sun however, no instead he would keep it flowing so that the two would surf past the stranger danger business. He knew she was a woman of class in whatever trade she was involved with, being a traveler made him guess she could either be a merchant or entertainer. Yet he was still not yet going to assume. "I grew up learnin to fish actually. Been somethin my pa passed on to me." He kept his friendly smile going, now organizing the thoughts in his head. Finally he had a question he could direct that wasn't so blunt, as he would now be broadening the topic a bit more. "What about ye? I'm sure yer parents left ya a good job to be travelin so much, eh?" He asked humbly with a bit of enthusiasm, keeping his friendly smile and naturality flowing. To some it may be something casual when he did this, others may think it odd that he was trying to be so friendly. Whatever they all thought though they really didn't seem to understand somehow, what Ricky would do was only what he felt natural. Given the circumstances with Sybel though it was more then being natural, what he was trying to do was keep her entertained. Possibly by conversation, but if not then surely what he was planning earlier. Yes she no doubt could do for a swim like he did, to feel the embrace of the cool salty water as the ocean would welcome them. OOC : Congrats! You just help me broke 50k with this post, props to you Syb! Oh and the amount of words I needed to hit 50k was in the first sentence, if it wasn't that obvious already.

[Sybel]

"Oh me? Well I'm a fisherman really." He replied jovially. Fishing wasn’t an athletic skill, so she was surprised by his answer. His arms were corded with muscle, thick and capable. He wasn’t the type she’d imagine with a springy pole and skein of wax. Yet his face spoke otherwise, wearing a sunny expression. He seemed like a simple sort of fellow. The world needed more of his type. "I grew up learnin to fish actually. Been somethin my pa passed on to me," he continued, maintaining an open smile. Night has completely fallen, the star strewn sky become a deep obsidian blanket. The air was mild like a warm caress. It was closer to a summer night than spring, but there was no denying how pleasant it felt on her skin. "What about ye? I'm sure yer parents left ya a good job to be travelin so much, eh?" Ricky inquired politely. That was such an innocent question, yet it always left her with nothing to say. “I have no living parents,” she said flatly. “And the work is sporadic. But I enjoy what how I choose to live, all in all. I would prefer nothing else.” She smiled. That at least took the edge off. “I wouldn’t take you for a Fisherman,” she carried on, obviously trying to change the subject. “You look very active and as far as I know, fishing is a relaxing activity.” She hoped he would take it from there. It wasn’t much to go on, but getting a conversation started could be difficult. Once the ball was rolling however, it would get much easier. “So,” she persisted. “Are you here to fish?” That was a silly thing to ask. If he were, he’d be prepared with a rod, line and bait. “I wouldn’t think so.” She revised. “What brings you to the docks on such a mild spring eve?” As she spoke, she leaned back to peer up at the inky blackness above, the moon like a broach hanging upon the breast of the sky. Some stars clustered together like anxious little children, while others stood prideful and alone. With a rueful smile, she noted how they had that much in common; she was the lonely star too. But those that stood alone also shone the brightest, and that was a comforting thought. When she looked back, her lips were upturned but her eyes were sad. It was silly to feel bad about the cards life had dealt her. She’d been blessed with a sharp wit and a beautiful face. But forced solitude could be a painful burden, even if she inflicted it upon herself. The good news was that anything beat being saddled with her relatives. She met that idea with a shudder. Yes, she was lucky for certain.

[Ricky Maze]

"Aye it is repaxing, but sometimes a strong arm is needed for a good haul." He assured her with a chuckle not noticing the distant sadness in her eyes, he didn't want her to think he was staring really so he wanted to avoid that. Staring can make others uncomfortable, especially if they were women, unless that person wanted attention. Sybel, as beautiful as she was, did not seem like the sort who would want the attention, and it wasn't in Ricky's nature to bring forth any unwanted discomfort. Instead he continued as the conversation started to pick up. "Honestly though I'm actually more built like this because of my pa, he was a real sailor compared to me; where as I have a respectful fear of the ocean." He recalled the day he learned of the news, remembering his father had been lost with the ship. When Sybel admitted both her parents were dead he felt rather bad for bringing them up, but he could also understand the feeling she must have felt. The feeling of being alone when you no longer have anybody, it must have plagued her mind too. It did his for the longest time, filling him with the long unending desire to just give up. Lose all hope you have in life. Yet it was because of Odis that he was able to slip out, without the dog he surely wouldn't be where he was today. When Sybel continued the conversation he snapped back into reality, rather thankful that she had done so since he was nearly losing himself in his memories. "What am I doin here?" He smiled big as he remembered what he first came here for, it was to practically go for a swim; that is until he became lost in his memories again. He had always had a bad habit of remembering the goof day's, instead of trying to live each day like his father once taught him. Remember this instruction he was given though was something he didn't usually look upon, and as he did now he could feel a sort of change in his heart. "Well today I was plannim on goin for a swim, hadn't done it in a while and Odis could do with another bath." He patted the dog affectionately, "Ruff ruff!" Odis barked in agreement, he loved the sea just as Ricky did. Perhaps even more than Ricky really, which is could be considered odd for a land born animal. Ricky looked to see if people were all still busy, surveying the area of the docks as his next idea was one he wouldn't normally do with just anybody he'd met. The coast seemed rather clear enough, nobody that was out wrapping up their business would notice them. With a smirk at the thought of his idea he stood up, removing his vest as he dropped it near his feet. Odis stood ready and waited for his master to jump in. He was already halfway to being naked now, all he needed to do was lose the lower half of his clothes: before Ricky would continue with his idea though he would run it by with Sybel first. "The coast is clear if yer up for a swim, I was gonna strip down to my bareness if ye wanna join. Or not." He gave a humble smile and a wink, a friendly if not seductive gesture that he had made up his mind. He was going to wait for her answer before continuing, as to avoid any awkward discomfort he may bring to the lady.

[Sybel]

He was keeping it light, which suited her fine. ”Aye it is relaxing, but sometimes a strong arm is needed for a good haul.” He laughed a bit, which put her more at ease. “I could imagine.” She laughed in kind. “I’ve no real fishing experience, so you’d be the specialist there.” Sybel intimated. “Always thought it would be a useful skill though.” The ambience at the water’s edge was beautiful, peaceful. With such great atmosphere, it inclined her to be in a better mood. ”Honestly though I’m more built like this because of my Pa,” he said. “He was a real sailor compared to me; where as I have respectful fear of the ocean.” At the mention of his father, Ricky too seemed sad. Maybe he had the same emptiness in his life, she mused. There were too many broken families in Mizahar. It was a dangerous world they lived in. The mention of her family seemed to put Ricky in a wistful frame of mind. That confirmed her suspicions to an extent. Of course, having just encountered one another, it was too tentative to broach such a personal subject. Perhaps if they continued to speak it would come up. Sybel had already reconciled with her young life after much angst and misdirected frustration. Still, it would be nice to be there for someone with a similar issue. That was assuming she was correct in well… assuming. She had this terrible illness – being wrong. Everyone seemed to be coming down with it. ”What am I doing here?” He seemed amused. ”Well I was planning on going for a swim, hadn’t done it in awhile and Odis could do with another bath.” Odis barked in agreement. She raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? He seemed pretty clean to me.” Sybel gave the happily panting dog a wink. He was such a cute animal. Ricky glanced back over his shoulder, surveying the harbor behind them. What was he planning? Seeming satisfied, he got to his feet and began to strip… Her eyes widened somewhat as he got to his pants. Luckily, he paused. ”The coast is clear if yer up for a swim. I was gonna strip down to my bareness if ye wanna join. Or not.” He smiled and winked, issuing a little challenge. She cleared her throat, deliberating. Well, if there was no one around… Why not have a little fun? She gave him an arch look, got to her feet and in one sinuous motion stripped off her dusty shirt. “Let’s do this.” She replied, peeling off her form fitting shorts, revealing her thickly corded thighs. It was sort of odd, standing completely nude in the middle of a normally populated harbor. Her body was especially supple in the cool, nighttime air. But life was what you made of it. Stalking to the deep end of the pier, she shot him a final glance before diving smoothly into the water below. The chill caught her abruptly as she submerged. It was alarming. The water hadn’t exactly been tepid as she’d soaked her ankles, but once fully engulfed she was practically frozen. It would take a little exposure to adjust. With long strokes her swam back to where he’d surely have entered the water, slicing through the rippling surface like a knife. Swimming itself was an enjoyable activity, but skinny-dipping with a complete stranger added a new layer of spice. Breathless, she treaded near where they’d be sitting. “How is it?” She called, searching the area around her for the gentlemen she’d just befriended.