abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] you got a shock to your system

[ As promised, the portals to Nocwich open the weekend before Sylvain's birthday which means that spa trip is in order. Something that feels like it's happened an age ago despite it being a few days, mostly because of the rift that's developed between two-thirds of their group in the meantime and said rift being one he finds himself firmly on one side of. If Claude's been a bit busier than usual after it, perhaps that's just coincidence. It's what he'd say if asked, anyway. That makes it count to something close enough.

But that has no place here right now; for today, Claude's determined to set all of that aside. It's done easily enough in his mind considering he's no stranger to smoothing over situations of all kinds. Granted, those situations might've been vastly different than this, but he's convinced now will be no exception when they arrive in Nocwich. A brief change in scenery will surely help rather than being nowhere but the usual places in Cadens until they take a trip through that new portal to Aquila next. ]

Good thing we arrived a little earlier than planned since it looks like everyone's got the same idea today.

[ People around them seem to be heading into the spas closer to the square's center and near the arrival points, but fortunately not moving along with them to one of the more expensive ones they're headed to as a group. Today's all about a little luxury, after all, so while the other spas might be fine they won't do for a birthday. On this he's pretty sure Hilda at least agrees, and he puts on a wide smile while looking over at the two of them nearby. ]

I'd hate to think of any of us missing out on getting buried in hot stones, especially since Sylvain loves overheating.

Edited 2023-06-05 14:03 (UTC)

[ Normally that would get a roll of his eyes at the good-natured ribbing but Sylvain's in too good a mood to bother right now. His grin is open and easy, his bearing relaxed in a way that is obvious to both of them. He drapes one arm about Hilda's shoulders, tucking her in against his side as he playfully leans on her. ]

The things I put up with for you two. [ His teasing tone gives away that he doesn't find it that much of a hardship at all, actually. ] I'm going to remember this and drag you two swimming up here for Hilda's birthday next year.

[ Polar bear swims seem like a warranted threat, since they keep trying to make him melt. ]

Honestly, I'm more looking forward to a massage. I could use one after moving all that stuff. Hey, think we can convince Claude to let them paint his nails? [ He casts a wink at Hilda, all while still grinning at Claude, as if he can't overhear every word of that. ] I feel like we should all match in a festive Gautier Green for the day.

[ Hilda, for all of her posturing about being sweet, can be incredibly petty when situations call for it. Thankfully the continued renovations and moving into the new place has created a productive outlet her anger, reducing it to a roiling simmer. That and she's got enough sense to try and keep some kind of lid on it for Sylvain's sake. She's just pointedly not speaking or looking directly at Claude and focusing on the day of pampering ahead.

As Sylvain's arm is tossed over her shoulders, she instinctively leans into his side even though she shoots him a sharp side-eyed glanced at the suggestion for her birthday outing next year. ]

You two can come up on your own. I'll be sitting in the hot springs eating grapes.

[ Hilda's gaze remains fixed firmly on Sylvain, not bothering to turn her head towards Claude as she hums in faux thought. ]

He's painted them before in the past, but who knows now. [ What was that about keeping a lid on it? She breezes past the comment like nothing was ever said in the first place before grinning and casting the briefest of glances towards Claude while still not actually looking at him. ] I'm sure he'll do it since the birthday boy is asking so nicely.

[ There's an immediate look of apprehension on his face over going anywhere in Nocwich in winter and especially anything near ice water. His thoughts on that mirror Hilda's, really, since no amount of fondness is going to make him willing to do that when there's perfectly good hot springs to lounge around in.

Before he can ask if that's a favorite Faerghus pastime, Hilda beats him to speaking yet again. His gaze falls on her fleetingly, just enough to be aware of that rift once more, before he shifts it away. Claude resists the urge to roll his eyes - because that'd be giving in to giving her a reaction, wouldn't it - but there's still the smallest tell in the barest tense of his jaw in annoyance before he laughs. Maybe it's not quite the nothing he's going to carry on acting like it was. ]

Don't give Sylvain any ideas when I have a reputation of being difficult to uphold. But, [ now he's going to hold up his hands in mock appraisal as he squints at them for a second, ] it's been a minute since the last time I stopped in for a manicure while here so count me in. I'm sure there's something close enough to the green you have in mind to make it happen. Now the real question is, manicure before or after everything else?

[ Since after all and in the name of pampering plus celebrations: why limit themselves to only doing a few things? The more they can add to the list, the better. ]

[ Sylvain's steps don't quite stutter, but his gaze does flit between them sharply for a moment.

Things have been... tense in the apartment over the last several days. Moreso, even, than the days he'd first noticed it just after they'd moved in. He'd hoped the two of them would work out whatever this is that's happening and get past this, but it doesn't seem like that's the case.

Or, he's guessing, Claude's trying to pretend nothing happened while Hilda continues to pretend she's just fine.

How did he end up the mature one of the group? There's something seriously wrong with that realization.

But he bites his tongue for the moment because he's already tried to step in and mediate once and that had gotten him exactly nowhere. And since neither of them had been inclined to clue him in at all as to what was going on, he does his best to ignore the strained undercurrents he could feel battering the edges of his awareness.

The fact that they'd both agreed to come celebrate his birthday had to count for something, right? Maybe it would help... ]

Reputations are being ignored today, thank you very much. None of those allowed. Besides, depending on what all we want to do, they could probably squeeze in those manicures at the same time as something else, too. [ He nudges Claude with an elbow while still draped around Hilda, keeping himself firmly in the middle to separate them. ] Did you have something in mind to try? What have you two been craving?

[ Just because she's irritated doesn't mean that she stops paying attention. The slightest jaw clench she sees feels like a silent victory in the worst way, but Hilda really didn't care that she was playing into the worst version of herself. As tempting as it is to keep on the offence, she moves on reminding herself that she isn't here to fight with Claude, let alone pay any more attention to him because they're here for Sylvain.

The thought alone prompts her to put down her proverbial fists. She has to wonder though if Claude had mentioned the fight to Sylvain at all because she certainly hadn't and had no plans to. She didn't want to get him involved, nor was it his business even if they were living together. Maybe she would consider moving back to the inn. Aquila might even be nice.

Thoughts of moving can wait though as the discussion about spa treatments practically makes Hilda melt in delight. ]

A massage would be amazing, or maybe a pedicure? Or a full body scrub! I think the impromptu mountain adventure is still on me and I can really get on board with having someone just scrubbing all my troubles away. [ She blinks up towards them. ] But if either of you want to have some alone time or do something else, that's fine with me. It's usually just up to two to a room for massages anyway.

So a better solution is disinviting yourself instead of asking if they can add another space? I doubt think they'll care if we all pile into one room or move to another one so we can all fit.

[ That question basically flies out of his mouth nearly the same second Hilda's finished talking along with an incredulous tone to make it clear that's a Ridiculous idea. Sure, they aren't talking - which is totally fine as Claude reminds himself yet again like nothing about that bothers him whatsoever - but the insinuation he hears in that is somehow worse. It's not supposed to be the point of today to be split up even if there being no chasm between them (two of them) is a mere illusion. One he's willing to keep going rather than drag it into today, even if it's just for today.

Rather than continue with that, Claude just shrugs. Hilda can do whatever she wants. It's not like he cares. Besides, there's more important things to focus on anyway, like actual plans rather than silly ones about not enjoying this together. ]

That'd make it easier for all that multitasking anyway, I bet. So far I'm hearing... massages, scrubs, manicures and pedicures, what else? Maybe now's the time to try that mud thing I've heard so much about. Might be good before or after the scrub, however that's supposed to work.

[ This... was getting awkward. He was officially uncomfortable. Sylvain's glance darts between the two of them as Hilda makes excuses and Claude's tone sharpens in response.

Okay, maybe coming out today like this had been a mistake after all... ]

There's a mud thing? They make you pay to do things with mud? You just need to wait for a rainy day and you could do that for free.

[ He knows that's not the point, but maybe he can still divert them before things spiral worse. ]

[ Claude's throw away comment is met with an icy glare from Hilda. She's all but ready to launch back with a snippy comment about how he'd be so quick to put space between them after their little spat (neither descriptors were true), so why was he getting annoyed at her for suggesting alone time? Her offer should have been a gift.

But she bites her tongue - quite literally - in an effort to stop that intrusive thought from being hurled at Claude, and chooses to completely skim over it instead. Maybe she would ask for them to fit in an extra bed, especially if she knew it would irritate him somehow.

Hilda masks her huff of annoyance with a playful eye roll, pulling away slightly out from under Sylvain's arm so she run a little ways ahead towards the entrance. ]

It's not just mud, it's fancy mud! There's special minerals in it and they've collected the water from the springs in the mountains to mix in with it that should help with muscle aches. Perfect for a post-move, right?

[ That glare shouldn't feel like a small victory. It really shouldn't, but that doesn't stop it from being one anyway. Whether it's foiled whatever she had in mind or not doesn't matter, though Claude doesn't miss the way she's quick to move ahead. At least the spa's close so it'll be something more of a distraction.

Less of a chance to talk. ]

Yeah, what Hilda said. [ Right back at ease as he absently stretches his arms up overhead behind his shoulders as if in anticipation or maybe to test the soreness built up there from working on archery with a vengeance the past few days. Both exist, so they both count. ] Oh, and it's warm, by the way, before you get any ideas about this fitting into your cold weather mountain plans. Way better for muscle aches since I don't think we'll be walking out of here with anyway.

[ He means to step forward himself, but before any of them reach the door or even reach out for it an attendant holds it open for them with a welcome and instructions that the changing rooms are just around the corner if they'd like to do that first before selecting the day's services. ]

It's still mud.

[ He points this out to Hilda with a smirk, egging her on a little. Trying to keep the mood playful and light.

He might have said more, but there's an attendant holding the door open for them, so he bites it back. He doesn't actually want to get them banned from the spa before they even start, and insulting their fancy mud probably doesn't make the best first impression.

He smiles charmingly at the attendant instead before steering both Claude and Hilda towards the changing rooms with a grip on each of their arms. ]

We'll do that, thanks. Be right back!

[ Frankly she'd love to hear less of Claude talking particularly because it had nothing to do with what the topics he had been avoiding. She loves to play the short term memory card, but she's unlikely to forget the words they had exchanged any time soon. She's granted her moment of reprieve as they're swept towards the changing rooms.

She makes a beeline towards the awaiting robes, focusing her attention once again on the pampering that awaited them. Without much of another word to the pair of them that she claims is encouraged by the gentle, soothing atmosphere, Hilda dips into the changing room.

When they all emerge later her hair is up in an artful bun, slipper on her feet and already looking miles more relaxed than she had moments before. Attendants are there waiting with cups of chamomile tea as they're lead to the waiting area to choose their treatments. With a moment to themselves Hilda shoots Sylvain a cheeky look from over the rim of her cup. ]

So we're doing the mud baths, right? We even get a little discount if we all decide to do it.

[ The robes are a welcome sight, a promise of something better like that relaxation they'd originally planned to be built in to this day. It's easy enough to strip off his clothes to exchange them for whatever plush material the robe's made of and Claude swaps his boots for slippers next. Maybe there's some kind of calming enchantment in everything, since by the time he inhales and exhales slowly before pushing open the door to return to the main area he feels better.

The tea's something he accepts with a smile of thanks to the attendant offering it to him, though it mostly stays in his hand while he surveys their surroundings as they make it back to where to go next, depending on what they choose. There's a book resting open on a counter he peers over to read curiously; on the pages displayed are more treatments than he could've guessed possible - including some ones involving magic which have him raising an eyebrow.

They can wait for a moment since he glances up supposedly in Hilda's direction though it's more like his gaze roams over her in passing on the way to somewhere else. ]

Should we go mud baths, scrub, then massages? Then we get something everyone wants to do on the list. [ He might be still be vaguely annoyed with a capital A somewhere beneath it all but that's not a good enough reason to not make sure everything's still included, and so he gestures to the book. ] Looks like beyond the upgrades we can add to everything as we go, there's even a sauna we'll have to fit in somewhere.

[ Sylvain's the last one out of the dressing room. If only because he needs an extra moment to take a few deep breaths and try to let go of some of his own mounting stress. It's more difficult than normal, especially when he gets waves of unexpected animosity from the pair of them. Logically, he knows it's not aimed at him. They've been sniping at each other for days now and none of it has held the familiar playfulness he's used to from both of them. No, this has had an edge to it, honed and vicious and aimed directly at one another.

But that doesn't quite stop the instinctive flinch anytime their words slice deep and despite his efforts to try and stay out of this, he still feels firmly rooted in the middle of it somehow.

He huffs out one more soft exhale before bringing his typical smile back to his face, sauntering out to join the other two once more. Even if he makes a face at Claude for bringing up the sauna. Gross. ]

If you insist. We can start with the mud baths and then the other things and see what we're still up for after that? [ He glances over at Hilda, as if to make sure she was okay with that, too. ]

[ When Claude is the first to emerge, she notes that he's opting to use the her own, "looking at someone without actually looking at them" technique. Refusing to engage or even acknowledge it however, she decides to channel her calmness into enjoying her tea until Sylvain breezes into the waiting area to join them.

The time it takes Sylvain to join them feels longer than it should take someone to disrobe, and her gaze skips towards him only to find nothing amiss for the time being. To be honest, she had been expecting more of a fight from Sylvain when it came to the mud baths and the saunas. Instead of the convincing she thought she'd have to do, she gives Sylvain an encouraging pat on the arm which might seem a little too enthusiastic for someone who is about to submerged up her neck in fancy mud. ]

I'm proud of you, Sylvain! Mud baths and a sauna in one day? Talk about preparing for a new year the right way.

[ All that is to say, she's definitely ready to get this relaxation journey on the road. ]

We can end with the saunas. That's probably best, right?

Probably.

[ In reference to the plan since it makes enough sense to him, what little he knows of what's the best way to go through a full spa schedule, so why go against what Hilda's suggested? Disagreeing can always be saved for later. Maybe.

Claude's about to add more to that, like maybe that they don't really have to do the sauna if the birthday celebrant is truly that opposed to it, but before he can speak one of the attendants comes to whisk them away to where the mud baths are. The room has a few individual tubs - though it's a row of them and not just two, he notes with some petty satisfaction - but then: even better is that there's one giant tub they can fit in together with plenty of room to spare. They're told of all kinds of benefits from the treatment he's only partially listening to though there being some powdered herbs added in catches his attention again.

Just in time for crawling right into their vat of mud waiting for them, though before anyone else can move - ]

Wait, you get in first. [ As he elbows Sylvain he's grinning, and for once that's not an act. ] I want to see your reaction to this since I think we should both get to appreciate whatever it is. Happy birthday, right?

Who thought this would be a good idea again?

[ There's a playful note of trepidation in Sylvain's tone as he side eyes the giant tub of... mud. It's still just mud. He doesn't care what else is in that, this feels like the antithesis of what a bath should be.

He spares a moment for a pang of sadness that Felix isn't still here, because his opinion on this entire thing would be hilarious. But since it's just him, he'll have to be ridiculous on behalf of his missing Faerghans.

And himself too, he guesses. Which is why he casts a smirk over his shoulder at the pair of them... and promptly drops his robe in a puddle on the floor to step into the giant vat of mud completely naked. At least they get the full affect before he buries himself in mud? ]

[ The tentative peace that had been silently brokered between she and Claude feels more fragile than tentative. Barbs and thorns outlined every word passed between them and even though he hadn't said anything when they were shown into the room, Hilda could feel the smarm oozing off of him. She refused to let him get to her.

At least Claude's next suggestion is one that she actually agrees with. She'd urge Sylvain along if he needs it but ever the good sport, begins to move towards the tub without prompting from them. There isn't any real reason for her to be shocked that Sylvain is naked underneath his robe. Technically they all are due to the nature of their treatments and the spa encouraging 'being one with nature'. Nakedness isn't something that she's particularly uncomfortable with as long as it's people she's knows well and trusts. By definition, Sylvain fit that bill, and as for Claude, well it wouldn't be anything new to Claude.

But none of those things stop the pink from blooming on her cheeks at the sight of Sylvain's incredibly chiseled ass or having it dawn on her – very belatedly – that they'd all be naked, together, in the fancy mud. In any other circumstance she would have been thrilled. But as it stands, she finds herself suddenly torn about which way to go. Before she allows Claude an opportunity to be snarky (and before she loses her own nerve) she lets out a breath, quickly following suit. Her robe is discarded, laid a little more neatly on a nearby high table before slipping into the mud. Her arms barely manage to cover anything but remain crossed over her chest until she's submerged anyway. ]

See? The mud isn't that bad, is it?

[ Just some pals (her and Sylvain) and one guy (Claude) in a tub full of mud together. This was fine. ]

[ There's a playful eye roll from Claude over Sylvain's anticipated complaint even as said complainer steps forward. The smirk's a nice little warning of what's to come before the robe slips off, and, well. It's a nice view. A very good one, rather, maybe something closer to excellent, and look: if he's going to be afforded the opportunity to appreciate it, Claude's not going to squander it by doing anything but.

That's almost distracting enough that even as Sylvain sinks into the mud it takes him a second to register Hilda stepping forward and the flutter of her own robe. This wouldn't be an unfamiliar sight to him either, but hesitation he reads as discomfort certainly is. Not a second later he averts his gaze if it's somehow because of him; this falls under something he doesn't want to tease over when there's no guarantee it'd even land as anything to lighten the mood. Despite his own mood, he's not oblivious to that. ]

I'd better catch up before Sylvain decides to pry himself back out of the mud before we get to enjoy any of it as much as the view.

[ Nothing to be shy about here on his side of things as far as he's concerned, so that means starting with shedding his robe without any fanfare. It also includes shamelessly taking his time with setting it onto a chair and confidently striding the short distance to climb in himself. There's some intentional distance in mind as he takes a spot on the other side of Sylvain. ]

Don't appraise it until you've been in here for a while, or 'not that bad' will be all we'll ever get you to admit. You gotta give it a chance first!

I'm giving it a chance! I just don't see the benefits of taking a bath that just makes you dirtier. I still say it just defeats the point.

[ And he will continue arguing that point because a) a bath that makes you dirtier is inherently broken anyway and b) they both get so ruffled over it and their reactions are hilarious. He'd do it just for that, honestly.

But he's relaxing against the side of the tub now, giving both of them a teasing smirk as he stretches his legs out - as much as the tub will accommodate, anyway. He might nudge Hilda's ankle in there somewhere. ]

I can't believe I'm finally getting you both naked and I can't even fully enjoy it because we're all covered in mud. Travesty.

[ Hilda's momentary tenseness and uncertainty seems to sink into the mud along with her body. She, much like Claude, had pointedly not looked at him as he made his way into the tub but by the time he's settled in, she finally decides to look up sending Sylvain a pointed look his way at the nudge of his leg.

The lightness to her voice that seems more natural than it did before is evident. ]

Like how you gave the hat I gave you a chance? Because that one had a clear purpose if you ask me.

[ Several clear purposes is more like it, but no, she isn't going to ever let him live it down that the hat has been lost to the desert sands somewhere. Easier to focus on that than Sylvain's comment anyhow.

It's met with a good natured roll of her eyes as she gives her toes a little wiggle against his legs. Her knees are still curled up mostly to her chest, subconsciously not wanting to take up more space than she feels she's allowed. ]

Well maybe if you came to the spa more often that wouldn't be the case. Where do you think I am most of the time we're allowed to come and visit Nocwich?

[ For his part, he's just going to lightly flick some mud Sylvain's direction both for the latter comment and the all important disparaging of the mud bath. ]

I believe in your very active imagination to help you fill in the blanks there, but that's not what you should be focusing on anyway. The whole point is getting to feel cleaner than ever after this. Think about how great that scrub is gonna feel after soaking in here.

[ And the soaking part he does mean genuinely since it's a pleasant enough temperature that'll help them relax. Well - not so much as a group, considering none of his comments are directed to include Hilda as much as hers aren't particularly overlapping either, but: details. This is still nice. He's going to lean back against the tub in faux thought while stretching his legs out before him and settling a bit further into the mud, unbothered.

(Mostly.) ]

Plus, I'm sure there's something around here that'll work for your upcoming sunburns when summer hits. Better to find out what it is now so you can be ready for next time.

[ Sylvain waves a mud covered finger in Hilda's direction. ]

You can't hold me responsible for the unfortunate demise of said hat at the hands of insane cultists. I was an innocent bystander.

[ That's his story and he's sticking to it.

He doesn't miss the fact that while Hilda and Claude both seem to be relaxing... they're still completely ignoring the other one as if neither of them are here. It makes the conversation a little disjointed, and he's not sure how he's supposed to bridge the gap here.

His gaze flitting back and forth between them, he sinks a little lower in the mud with a slight frown. ]

Something for sunburns that's a little less hat-like would be good, though. Maybe the vampires have an anti-sun potion or something.

[ In response, Sylvain receives a flick of some mud that harmlessly lands just short of him. Fine, she'll let the hat thing rest for now. ]

They've been selling enchanted sunscreen in the markets, you know. I thought I left some on both of your beds a while ago.

[ There? See? She's including Claude and attempting to play nice. She's even going to go one step further and try to actually speak to Claude without any kind of barbs attached which is saying something because it's been nothing but barbs since that night in the Horizon. Not that Hilda is going to actually say his name or anything because Goddess forbid she actually do that. ]

And weren't you growing some aloe on the rooftop garden? That can be harvested for burns, right?

Oh, probably.

[ It's said with the same aloof disinterest often afforded to someone in passing, and a glance Hilda's direction in the further bare minimum of politeness. Again he feels what's become an all too familiar tug of war inside of him of not wanting to talk to her versus the hollowness of not talking to her for the first time in ever. The months apart in Abraxas don't count; this is something else entirely. A choice. Or no choice at all, he thinks bitterly, because it's not a choice when it's the only thing that's left.

Hilda's right it can be used for burns since it was one of the first things he'd learned from Nadine, both in the medicines made to help in Libertas and then going out to the desert to gather a plant for himself. Saying so feels like opening a door to conversation he doesn't want, so Claude's not going to volunteer any of that. Or rather, he's not going to volunteer it now. ]

An anti-sun potion sounds fascinating, though. Maybe we can ask around about it in the markets. That or just any potion to keep you from overheating, because you're in for it once summer starts.

— hilda + sylvain

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