Come to the River [Closed]

[Gwylligi]

Though Gwyl was far from a weeaboo as many of the people that he had met since he had come into this world were, there was always one thing that he had always envied about the orient, especially Japan. That country had a wonderful gift from the gods in its hot springs and its bath houses. There was something weirdly romantic about those houses where you could meet anyone and be able to leave behind the identity you had outside those walls. It was like getting back to your routes as a species. 

Unfortunately, unless it was a feature of Elder Tales that he had never noticed during his years of playing it, there was no bathhouses in Britain. Not only were they surrounded by that current through the north sea that kept out the worst of the weather effects, but they didn't really have anything set up to have that kind of a spa. Sure, they had saunas and the like, but there was a far difference between getting clean and relaxing in a sauna using those tamed salamanders everyone seemed to go so crazy over. 

Having gotten coated in dirt and pig blood during his training in the windsor forest, he had decided to take care of it before he headed back into town. Now, were this the real world, he would have just caught a taxi and hoped to high heaven that nobody would notice his strange appearance before he could get into his flat. However, with the multiple changes to the world that had happened, one of the better changes was exactly what had happened to the River Thames. 

The river that was famous for running through London had been so heavily polluted for centuries as people had washed their clothes in it and had flushed their sewage into it for centuries. In this world, however, the industrial revolution had yet to happen and so the river that was famed for being so polluted it looked brown had turned back into its crystalline blue origins. That meant, beyond it being beautiful, that it was fit to wash himself in. 

---

The scene would like quite peculiar to anyone who was looking on. A small pile of discarded trousers, belt, shoes and socks were piled in a small bush within sight of the river, both hidden and within sight were someone to actually find them and decide that it was a good idea to attempt to steal them for a prank. Beyond them, there was a single, solitary figure up to his waist in the slowest section of the river. 

Sitting on a section of rock that had been smoothed away by erosion over god alone knows how long, he couldn't help but get comfortable in the river. He had checked, and there were no predatory fish in the section and he hadn't seen anyone whilst slipping through this section of the woods, so he was assured of both solitude and peace from any potential threats. 

Because of this solitude, he hadn't even worried about having something to cover him up below the waist. It wasn't exactly like he had planned this so he didn't have a towel or anything, and since he had to wear those clothes after this he had very little desire to get them wet. Yesterday's mugginess had turned into a slight cold front so he was certain that walking home cold and wet would be absolutely miserable. As it was, he would probably just need to make a fire and camp out here for the night. 

His eye moving slightly to check his clock, he noted that the time was already seven in the evening. If he enjoyed the river for another half an hour or so, then used the meat from the pig that he'd slaughtered to have a meal, then he would be fine for the rest of the night. Sure, he might not have a tent, but if he went back into the forest there would be enough things to use for cover out there that he needn't worry about his lack of a tent. 

All in all, he couldn't really imagine how things would go wrong. Nevertheless, he kept his sword next to him, knowing that the water was too slow to wash it away and that it would be extremely useful should something go wrong. The assurance made him feel all the more comfortable, and as such he slid into the water, his head going under as he attempted to wash those twigs out of his hair. 

-----

WC: 759
AC: 3

[Zyrune]

Lets Play Elder Tales.

Hp: 100 Mp:100

▼

Tagged: Gwylligi Wc: 739

[Main Class Level 31] Humming to himself as he walked along the Thames, the half alv couldn't help but feel relaxed. It had been an interesting day to say the least. It had started out like many of his days seemed to, a training session in order to level up the best he could, however he ended up being asked by a party of people of the land to help escort them to their farm, as the number of goblins seemed to be increasing where some of the path would cross. He hadn't exactly known the distance nor the amount of goblins that would have attacked them, but eventually he had managed to escort the group successful to their small home, stayed for some tea before heading back to londinium. Of course it would have been easier to use his teleport function to return to Londinium, however somethings it was nice to just head out and enjoy the evening sun and surrounding area. The sun over head didn't seem to really want to let up despite the time in the evening and for once the druid was ever grateful for his rather revealing Arabian outfit. It was one of the rare days in Elder Tale when he did not wish for more layers and as the heat wrapped around his skin, he couldn't help but wonder if he would tan in this world. He had never quite managed to tan before, than again as a gamer he had been rather a shut in. Despite this, he had a smile on his face as moved. If not for the pile of discarded clothes, the druid might have continued on moving. However the half alv came to a halt and honestly didn't know what to think. He had been so lost in thought that he hadn't really taken in his surroundings nor if there had been anyone nearby. But judging from the pile of clothes that lay somewhat discarded within a bush, he couldn't help but wonder if there had been some kind of attack. It was odd however as the area didn't really seem to have any monsters. A splash of water nearby caught his attention and the druid moved to investigate, only stopping short of the scene before him mouth wide open. Appearing from the water was an incredibly handsome and rugged male figure. Zyrune almost felt the heat rise in his body as he took in the scene of the muscular tattooed man shaking his head as water cascaded down his body that Zyrune wanted to reach out and feel. It was strange how much of a perfect the druid had become since the event, but then again he hadn't exactly gotten much action before and now that he was more attractive as Zyrune, he couldn't help but feel drawn to other strong male figures, especially the one in the water before him. His strong body could have made the druid swoon easily. His strong shoulders, his muscles and height all added to his allure. Whoever he was, he had certainly gained a fan with the druid. Immediately the druid felt his cheeks turn red as he realised that he had been staring at the man, mouth open this entire time. Swallowing with his head racing, he felt like a school girl fawning over the latest gym buff, his mind just seemed to blank and Zyrune couldn't help but breathed a sigh as he imagined the man rising from the water pulling Zyrune close next to his body and kissing him. Yes it had been a dry time for the druid and it didn't make it easier that he had joined a guild where the handsome leader constantly seemed to fault his romance with the second in command. Swallowing the druid didn't honestly know how to break the silence without seeming like a weirdo, but he needed to say something quickly or the man would turn and notice him and then it would be twice as awkward. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath pushing the thoughts of if the man was wearing any underwear away, he coughed. "Care for some company?" The druid blushed as the words escaped his lips. He hadn't meant to say it, in fact it was supposed to be one last thought before he apologized for interrupting the man, however as he felt the blood rush to his cheeks, he wondered how the man would respond.

PYXIS ★

[Gwylligi]

The world under water was serene - something about this world meant that he had been given much higher pain tolerance, so he had absolutely no worries about opening his eyes under the surface. Everything was lit in azure light, his body comforted by the emotionless waves of the river's tide.

His attention slipping for a moment, he was certain that he could hear something through the water but the water distorted it enough that he didn't tell that they were footsteps. Instead, he simply focused on the world around him. The light pierced the water at just the right angle that it almost looked like he was in a bizarre form of heaven. 

As his eyes focused on the beautiful view, his hands moved to his hair, beginning to rummage through them in an attempt to disentangle those pesky little passengers that he had picked up in the woods. Thankfully his hair was quite short so it wasn't like he had a huge amount to comb through, but that didn't mean it was easy.

The mud washed off easily when he brushed it out, but what was more difficult was the twigs. His hair had the unpleasant habit of forming a net to keep those twigs in it, as if they were unwilling to let him feel clean. After a big of tugging, and a a bit of irritation as he felt a few hairs being yanked out along with the twigs, he finally felt assured that he was clean enough to stand back up. 

Which was, as it turned out, just about as long as his lungs were able to hold out under the pressure of the lake. He knew that if he drowned he would just get sent back to the cathedral anyway, but with his clothes over there by the lake's edge, he was almost certain that he would appear there naked and that was not something that he wanted to experience. There were children there for heaven's sake, they didn't need to see something like that.

---

Finally breaking the surface once again like a majestic male undine, he shook the water out of his hair like some sort of wild dog, smiling as he did so. There was something about being in nature's embrace that was unbelievably comfortable, he could understand exactly why the Japanese were so obsessed by it. Though, after a moment or two of being lost in his thoughts, he did begin to feel as if he was being watched. 

Looking over his shoulder, giving a cursory glance to the shore as if to prove that it was just his imagination, he blinked in surprise as he noticed a pink hair man looking at him like someone would stare at a piece of meat.

A warm blush lit up his face as he noticed this, suddenly wishing that he had just drowned and gone to the cathedral in the nuddy. It would have been a whole lot less embarrassing than being the subject of a gaze like that. Why was he staring so much? 

When the man spoke, he turned around properly, a hand covering his crotch as he did so in an attempt to save some of his dignity. The man's silent question about what he was wearing was answered pretty quickly without him even having to know he'd asked that. 

"U-uh, I wouldn't complain, but I'm.. uh... not decent.." Under any other situation, he would have welcomed the company - he always loved meeting new people, but this was a bit beyond his comfort zone. What the hell was he supposed to do? Maybe his nudity would disencourage the man? 

"I-I'm sure there's a few good spots downriver, right? Plenty of space for everyone, if you're looking to get away from the town. I mean, join me if you want, but..."

Oh god, this was probably the first time in his time in this world he felt awkward, and he was clearly getting tongue-tied. He didn't even have a chance to notice that pinkie was actually pretty cute.

Giving a moment's examination to the boy, he began to notice a few things about this stranger. First of all, he seemed like a half-alv, and a pretty effeminate one at that. Perhaps it was one of those female players who played male characters? It'd explain their choice of hair color. Secondly, he actually was pretty cute, or at least cuter than the average musclejock that occupied the melee classes. Probably some sort of caster. 


WC: 751
AC: 3
Total AC: 3 + 3 = 6

[Zyrune]

Lets Play Elder Tales.

Hp: 100 Mp:100

▼

Tagged: Gwylligi Wc: 510

[Main Class Level 31] Care for some company. The druid wanted to die, literally he wouldn't mind if the ground swallowed him up. He had just blurted out something stupid and embarrassing to someone who was quite attractive and literally the picture of a greek god. Blinking his eyes, his face burned with embarrassment as he could do nothing but watch the man, unintentionally letting his gaze roam over his picture perfect body. It was strange how fast Zyrune found himself attracted to him and yet he felt like putty. The man could literally do anything he wanted and Zyrune wouldn't have had the power to resist him, those eyes, those abs. He felt his entire body groan as he watched the water fall from his shoulders. The druid's body went rigid once the man replied, suddenly fully aware of how in touch with the water he truely was. And although he wanted more than anything to see the man's body, he pushed those urges down and turned on his heel, allowing the man some privacy was the decent thing to do, right? "I don't mind." The druid found himself saying. "It doesn't bother me." Lying through his teeth was not helping and yet he couldn't will his mind and body to do what he wanted. He wanted to run, to leave, to take one last look at the man in his glory and just run back to Lonindium and bury himself under the covers. However when he continued talking, the druid couldn't help but blush even more when the man invited him in. WASN'T HE NUDE? Swallowing he nodded to himself, he definitely wanted to stay with the man, at least admire him some more and yet he couldn't help but feel like a huge pervert. Maybe it was best he leave, he didn't even know the man. He had been focusing on the man's pile of clothing for a moment but when the man failed to respond he couldn't help but look over his shoulder briefly only to realize the man was staring at him. Jumping the druid turned around once more. He couldn't help but notice the man was red in the face, it was cute. But yet he knew it was because the druid had possibly embarrassed the two of them beyond anything else. He was hesitant and his body must have been pure red by now. His heart beat against he chest and yet he strangely wanted to join the man. He never really did anything crazy and this was just about as crazy as things were going to get. Taking a deep breath, he removed his upper body clothes and his hat letting them fall to the ground, feeling ten times more vulnerable than before, his lean body on display for the world to see. Placing his hands on the hips of his pants, he hesitated, still unsure if the man wanted him to stay or go. "I..I...I'm sorry," The druid stuttered unable to think. "I can leave if you want." He bent over reaching for his clothes unsure what to do.

PYXIS ★

[Gwylligi]

You know, Griff sure as hell wasn't a psychologist, but he was able to tell when other people were telling him obvious bullshit. It seemed that this was certainly one of these cases, as there was a sudden stiffness to his posture. He wished he could know what was going through the man's mind right now, because it sure as hell wasn't something that he came in contact with regularly. 

Using this momentary reprieve from having to deal with anything, Griff took the moment to check out the man's information. As he looked, it seemed that both his guesses were right on the money. He was definitely a half-alv, and he was a caster type - specifically a druid. What else he noticed was the fact that the man was ridiculously stronger than he was. A level 57? A wicked smile crossed his face - this man would kill him in a single hit, and yet he acted as if Griff had unlimited power over him. It was weirdly exhilarating. 

Deciding that it would be impossible for him to slip out of the water to grab his clothes without being seen, even with Zyrune's back being turned to him, he would have to come up with an alternate solution. It was clear that if they just continued standing around like this Zy wasn't going to get the wash he wanted and he wasn't going to get to finish his bath without feeling guilty, so instead he decided to check on his inventory. 

He began to rapidly browse through his "bag", mentally going over item after item before finding exactly what he wanted. Though he was no tailor, it was pretty much impossible to avoid getting at least some regents of other subclasses when you went around doing low level quests, so he had a fair few pieces of ore from underground sections and a few herbs from his forest experiences. Finally, at the bottom of the inventory screen, he found exactly what he was looking for.

It wasn't exactly very ceremonious, but this was what he was looking for; A reel of cloth that he had gotten from killing some bandit person of the land for a quest before the game was turned real. Though he very much doubted the original programmer had intended for it to be used this way, it was a godsend right now. 

Summoning it, seemingly from out of the ether, he quickly wrapped it around his waist as a make-shift towel, hiding his.. well, his genitalia. However, to do so, he had to remove his hand for a moment and he just had to pray that Zy hadn't taken that moment to look over his shoulder. 

---

Now made more secure by being clothed, even with something as minor as the cloth wrap around his legs, the blushing and flustered feeling died down quickly. What did he have to worry about now? He walked around topless usually, so really it was only his crotch that he was worried about one way or another. 

"You can turn around now." he said, before realizing how strange it sounded that he was giving him permission to do something. Really, if anything, he should be thankful that the man had enough courtesy to turn his back at all. It seemed, as easily embarrassed as he was, he had a good heart behind it all. 

That being said, for all the things it pointed out about the boy's character, it did make one thing abundantly clear; This guy was either a girl trapped in a boy's body as was apparently so common, or he was gay. This wasn't a bad thing at all, Griff himself tended to find everyone attractive in one way or another, so he was probably... what did they call it? Pansexual? Not that he'd ever really had an opportunity to explore it before the accident, and he couldn't really feel anything afterwards. 

Part of him instinctively wanted to play with the boy's obvious sensitivity about this little choice of his, and were he as intoxicated as he usually was, he would probably do exactly that. But he had had the courtesy of being nice about it, so he deserved a free pass from a mind-game for now. Though, it did remind him of the fact that he was more inexperienced than this boy probably was. 

"So, your name's Zyrune? Well, as I said, I'm fine with you coming to join me. The water's great, and since you gave me a moment not to be so stark we shouldn't have an issue. Besides, the roman's used to share baths all the time, and if it worked for them what can I complain about?"

----

WC: 783
AC: 3
Total AC: 3 + 6 = 9

[Zyrune]

Lets Play Elder Tales.

Hp: 100 Mp:100

▼

Tagged: Gwylligi Wc: 448

[Main Class Level 31] Swallowing his mind raced as he stood with his back turned to the man, burning a hole into where his clothes sat. However he seemed to relax somewhat when the man seemed to be okay with Zyrune joining him. That either meant he wanted some company or didn't realize that Zyrune had been saving the mental image of his body before he turned. Taking a deep breath, the druid undressed continuing to keep his back turned to the other adventurer. This meant that he was in the nude for a second, but he decided to ignore it best he could until he had equipped a small vanity brief that was part of another set of clothing he owned. It was perfect as it allowed him to get it wet without ruining his clothes. As a shaky breath past his lips, he held his palm out towards the the direction where he came. Somewhat further along several mushrooms sprouted on the ground and he smiled breathing a sigh of relief. Shrieker echo was one of his currently under used skills and would be perfect in alerting both Zyrune and the other adventurer to anyone else that may happen upon them. Another deep breath to calm himself and a mental note to try and ignore his rapidly beating heart, he turned refusing to look at the man's body for fear that he would chicken out. With his eyes trained to the waters edge, he approached it steadily, dipping a toe into the surface to test the warmth of it and to his surprise it didn't seem that particularly cold at all or maybe it was due to his level that he didn't feel it. Either way, the druid closed his eyes and jumped forwards, a splash of water signalling his submergence. He held his breath, eyes closed for a moment enjoying the sensation of water surrounding his body, before rising to the surface and shaking his head as if it was some hair swish commercial. Using his hands to throw his hair back and remove the water from his eyes, he let out a gasp as the fresh water relaxed his body. It was only when he felt his cheeks redden slightly, did he look over his shoulder towards the second adventurer. swallowing, he moved somewhat closer so that they could talk with ease. "Yeah Zyrune." He gave an innocent smile and breathed a sigh of relaxation as the sun warmed his skin. "Is this a habit of yours, bathing naked in the hopes innocent strangers will happen upon you?" It was meant as a a light hearted joke, but with the tone Zyrune used, it sounded far more flirty.

PYXIS ★