Mikael left the training room with a contented sigh. His muscles faintly ached from his exertions over the past hour - he'd tried to tackle seven opponents at once using the magical suits of armour as foes - and he knew he had earned a break. The dull throbbing in his limbs called out for a soothing soak in hot water, and the layer of sweat on his skin yearned for the same.
With that thought in mind Mikael headed straight for the Sanctuary's relaxation area. Entering the large, plushly furnished room he strode towards the doors on the far wall, ignoring those that led up to the Sanctuary's many balconies and instead opening the one that revealed a corridor descending into the depths of the cliff.
He grinned as he set off down the staircase, knowing that it may have looked slightly foreboding but in actuality was nothing but. The steps did not continue for long, the baths not particularly deep in the core of the Sanctuary, and soon he was standing in a short corridor with two rooms off to each side.
Opening the left hand door, he stepped inside, quickly removing his clothing and placing it on the rugs that covered the floor. He was always amazed how comfortable this room was, particularly given that the Cohort used it merely as somewhere to store their belongings when they bathed. He did not know why there was a second room on the other side which was used for the exact same purpose, but it amused him to note that each member of the Cohort had a favoured side. He always used this room, as did Lucinda and Ria'torr, yet Kristine, Melissa and Quintia always changed in the other.
Smiling with the silliness of that, he stepped back out into the corridor and strode nakedly towards the baths. They came into view, the sight taking his breath away as it always did. The large natural cave glowed with the light that shone in through the openings around the ceiling, though some of the lamps dotted around the walls had also burst into life to provide a little extra.
The baths consisted of two pools. One was significantly smaller than the other, and also significantly warmer; it did not allow for much in the way of exercise, but was incredibly relaxing to rest in. The other pool was much larger, and was more for swimming than simply enjoying a soothing rest.
Deciding that he would like to unwind with a small bit of exercise, Mikael made his way towards the larger pool. Reaching the edge, he dived in, allowing himself to sink to the bottom before kicking his way back to the surface. Despite the natural appearance of these caves, the floors and walls of the pools themselves were completely smooth. He smiled to think of all the luxuries and comforts that the Gods had provided their holy warriors with in this Sanctuary.
He swam briskly to the far side of the pool and back again, repeating the motion a few times. Despite the dull ache in his limbs that cried out to rest, he knew one of the best ways to wind down was with a more gentle exercise rather than simply stopping completely. With that thought, he always found swimming a particularly relaxing yet still energetic form of action.
After a short while, he made his way to the edge of the pool and pushed himself up onto the edge. There he rested a moment.
Then he heard the sound of a door, and he turned his head to the entrance of the baths and smiled as Kristine wandered in. She was, of course, completely nude, and Mikael couldn't help but appreciate the sight of the gorgeous blonde's naked body.
Her blonde hair was loose and long, falling straight to her back, and her large breasts looked fantastic on her slender, lovely form. She looked amazing, as always, and Mikael chuckled to himself as his cock unsurprisingly stirred at the sight of her.
"Hello Brother," she smiled sweetly as she saw him. "Exercising?"
He nodded in response, not looking away as the paladin moved towards the smaller, warmer pool.
She laughed at his silence and lowered one foot into the bath. "I would think you had seen me naked enough times by now, Mikael, that you wouldn't look like a horny teenager every time you set eyes on me."
"Given your particular appetites, I don't think you can criticise me for enjoying the sight of a beautiful naked woman," he grinned.
She laughed again as she swung her other leg into the water, and then the sound became a moan as her whole body was submerged. Briefly she disappeared beneath the surface, before reemerging and settling against the side. As she did so, her eyes rolled back slightly, clearly luxuriating in the the wonderful feeling, and Mikael's cock twitched again. Her eyes did that when she climaxed, too.
"So what brings you to the baths?" he said, considering whether he should join her. He was certainly horny enough to appreciate her company, but she looked so relaxed in the hot pool that he didn't want to simply stride over and get her attention. Even so, the cool water he floated in did nothing to alleviate his burgeoning hardness.
"The desire to unwind," she sighed happily. "And you?" She turned her head to him, her piercing blue eyes meeting his gaze.
He shrugged. "I was exercising and training my combat skills. I thought it would be nice to relax after all of that."
"Then why are you in that pool?" she said with a slightly bemused smile.
"I felt like a small amount of exercise more wouldn't hurt."
Kristine laughed sweetly. "Fair enough. Well, feel free to join me when you're ready. I'd certainly enjoy your company."
As she settled down in the pool and closed her eyes, Mikael decided to join her. He pushed himself out of the water and moved towards the smaller pool, then lowered himself in opposite the paladin.
The hot water felt exquisite as it swept up his body, but even more amazing was Kristine's body beneath shimmering beneath the surface. The blonde did not even open her eyes as he settled down in front of her. Even so, the corners of her lips twisted into a small smile.
"I didn't think it would take long," she murmured, then sighed with happiness.
"Oh?" Mikael responded. "You thought the allure of you was too much? That I'd be unable to keep away?"
