While camping, mornings are always a bittersweet experience. The peaceful sounds of nature, the soft rays of sunlight peeking through your tent, coupled with sore backs, bug bites, and a thin layer of dirt on everything you own can lead to mixed feelings. Yue had been the first to wake, she ruffled her red hair, itching her scalp as she let out a stifled yawn. She looked down upon her companion with a warm smile.
Despite how rough she is, Naz looks so cute while sleeping.
Of course, their new companion was adorable as well. The way he would latch on to Naz, holding her arms as if he were afraid he would somehow lose her in his sleep.
Such sweet children,
she signed to herself,
if only they could love themselves as much as they loved others.
"Alright, c'mon you two, time to get up" Yue nudged them both awake. She was met with grumbles and groans as the pair refused to rouse. "Welp, your fate has been sealed." Yue went outside the tent, and began removing the supporting poles, collapsing it on top of her friends.
"Fine, fine, we're up, gods above Yue I'm tired, Soren is hurt, couldn't you just give us a few more minutes?" Naz whined.
"I'm alright, I'm sorry for not getting up faster, it's my fault." Soren crept out from the collapsed tarp, as filled with blame and self-doubt as ever. Yue shook her head, clicking her tongue at them both.
"Come now, we have things to do, if there was a hobgoblin in that cave, there might be more dangerous creatures around than usual." Yue digs through her reagent bag. "Now due to the amount of magic I've expended, I can't keep our wards up for another night, so we need to book it back town, double time!"
Naz took in a deep breath and nodded. While Yue has been a bit pushy in her methods, she was right, they had to get moving. The trio packed up their camp and began their journey back toward town.
It was a grueling hike, by the time they made it back the sun was beginning its descent. Their muscles ached, their legs burned, and they all were thick with the scent of sweat. The trio returned the goods to their contractor and collected a hefty payment. "Tomorrow, spa, go," Yue declared as the three of them dragged themselves onto the bed in Naz's room. "Then, we get a room at a good fucking inn".
Naz agreed, they could afford a bit of luxury, Yue had raised a fuss about the hobgoblin being there and managed to convince the contractor that a bonus was required.
"Ok Yue, tomorrow, the bathhouse, a new inn, whatever you want" Naz agreed as she drifted off.
It was not till noon that the party woke. Their muscles were sore, their backs stiff, and the dirt thicker than the day before. It was time for warm water, soap, and massages. The party made their way through the bustling streets towards the service district. There, one could find restaurants, brothels, magical tattoo parlors, and most importantly, "The Sacred Rose" a large bathhouse that boasted medicinal waters, private massage chambers, mixed baths, and fantastic service, if that is, one can afford their fees.
The building's interior was softly lit, and the shadows of candles danced across white marble floors. Floral scents drifted through the air, defused by enchanted flowers with unending petals that drifted from the ceiling, floating upon the water. "Wait here for a moment" Yue said, she then turned and left Soren and Naz to awkwardly wait for her return. From afar they witnessed her discuss something with the receptionist, before placing a large amount of gold on the counter.
"Alright, Soren," Yue approached the small elf, "I booked you an hour in the medical bath, it should help make sure everything is in tip-top shape. Afterward, you can meet us in bath 6."
The elf nodded meekly, uncomfortable with the amount of coin being spent for his leisure. "Thanks Yue" he whispered softly. "I guess I'll see you guys later" the poor boy looked almost afraid to leave. He had been by Naz's side for the past 4 days, and had perhaps grown too dependent on her company.
"Hey, look at me" Yue bent down, meeting his eyes. "It is just gonna be for an hour, ok, we won't go anywhere. Trust us alright? Meet us at bath 6 when you are done." She ruffled his hair. "Now go, the medical bath is for your own good, doctor's orders."
Yue was right, he should trust them. Soren felt guilty, as while he knew he was not worth much, he should trust Naz and Yue not to be cruel to him. Despite all his weaknesses and shortcoming they had been nice to him, he admonished himself for doubting them. "Ok, will do," Soren said, trying to add some pep to his voice. He turned and left, being separated from the girls for the first time since meeting them.
The girls watched the elf walk away, admiring the way his hips moved as he strode.
"Elves..." Yue whistled.
"Elves." Naz said, nodding in agreement.
Yue redirected her attention back to Naz as Soren rounded the corner. "Alright, come with me, I rented us a massage room!" She grabbed Naz's hand and began dragging her down the marble halls, their boots clacking against the stone.
"Who did you get to massage us? Someone with strong hands I hope, I've got knots tighter than a monkey's fist." Naz complained, rolling her shoulders. Yue led her into their room. It featured a padded table in the center, a shelf containing various oils and scents, and a small side table with a collection of candles on it.
"I never rented a person, just the room," Yue said as lit a few of the candles. "I'll be taking care of you."
