Am I Ever Really Alone...? {OPEN}

[Evelyn Groust]

Evelyn stared in frustration upwards, counting the number of boulders left that she would have to ascend. Already her legs felt like jelly and she felt like she’d been walking for god knows how long. And her pale skin was damp and sticky with sweat. If she was smart she could have used her earthen powers to perhaps make the trip go a little faster, although she couldn’t figure out how the power of talking to trees was going to help her much in this one. Sighing she forced herself to continue, humming a tune to some unknown song in her head in hopes that it would make the trip go slightly faster.

Most people that went to the trouble of travelling to the springs went because they had some minor injury that the wanted healing for, or they went to give gifts to the Gods that were rumoured to live among the hot water and bubbling steam. Evelyn had bought a small millet cake with her that she would give to the gods, but she didn’t really have the same deep belief in the gods that the rest of her family did. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe it was more she didn’t believe that a single being could bring all of this into life. She felt that they contributed to it, but nature mostly did its own thing. As if protesting to this inner statement she had just made her foot caught in a vine and Evelyn went tumbling to the ground. Scowling she picked herself up off the ground and kicked angrily at the rock, which did nothing other than make her toe throb along with her knee. Gritting her teeth, she set her gaze straight ahead and continued up, stopping for nothing, no more determined to reach the top than ever.

After what seemed like several hours, but was probably only 15 minutes, Evelyn reached the top, panting and sweating the basically crawled over the top of the last boulder. ”I really need to work on my fitness” She whispered to herself between breaths. Despite her previous comment about not believing in Gods, she couldn’t help but quieten her voice and her tread; this place did certainly feel like a presence roamed the uneven ground. To make the scene even eerier, was the apparent lack of people, usually there was one or two pilgrims up her, seeking enlightenment, or some fat old Lord bathing in the sacred water. Evelyn cherished the alone time, she had always felt self conscious stripping off the bathe, and the time alone meant she would not have to worry about anyone seeing her.

Evelyn walked slowly towards the small shrine situated to her left and placed the millet cake at the foot of the dark brown stone statue, she murmured a prayer with her eyes closed and then moved away. Glancing from left to right to make sure that she was in fact alone, she let the loose cotton dress she had on fall to the ground, it made a stark white ring of material around her feet. Evelyn gasped as the cold winter air, immediately took a hold of her skin. Biting her lip she looked around searching for the nearest pool.

Evelyn sighed in relief as column of steam rose from her right, she ran quickly barefoot across the warm black rocks and slipped into the boiling water. She closed her eyes happily as the water instantly thawed her naked body. "If I'd have known it would be this nice I would have come sooner." She murmured to herself.

[Cory McQuiggin]

Cory stood at the bottom of the path with her hands on her hips. With cold eyes set up the peek of the path, she bit her cheek in silent pondering. Along her fingertips and across her palms were deep gashes and scrapes from her many odd jobs. The heels of her feet were dry and cracked from neglected care. Did she believe in the power that the spring holds? No bloody way! But, she discourages many ideas and she is proven wrong multiple times. There were times when she cursed her curiousity- this was one of them. She knew deep down she didn’t truly believe that some hot, bubbly water could heal wounds of the flesh. However, her curiousity in the myth grabbed her by the collar and yanked her to where she is now. Her gaze watched a determined man tried climb up the boulders. He started climbing 5 minutes ago and he is only half way up. But, even from here, Cory could he his determination, pain, and strength. She felt envious. She took his raw dedication as challenge to her. Why, she could easily climb to the top in just five minutes. She had the aid of air on her side.

Jumping up on the first boulder, Cory graciously jumped from one to the next. There appeared to be no effort on her part as she moved up the mountainside with ease. Then again, why shouldn’t she? She grew up on the mountains. She knew how to manipulate the wind to glide her along. She was just as quick as continuous as any creature that dwelled on the rocks. Her short hair whipped around in the wind and a smile crept upon her features. As she passed the man, she gave him a small wink and salute before bursting into laughter as she quickly pranced over the last boulder. Her landing was silent and nothing indicated that she even landed a jump, except for a small layer of dirt scattering away from her.

One of the first things she spotted was a shrine. In the back of her mind, she felt obligated to say a prayer, but her stubborn ‘prove me wrong before you turn me right’ attitude made her turn her head. Her attention was turned to the sheets of steam wafting up from the springs. Oh, didn’t they look inviting! Most of the baths looked a tad bit crowded for her liking, however. Not that Cory was ashamed of her figure; she just didn’t want to be in the same pool with the rich lords and the depressed and hopeful souls. Knowing her, she’ll just say something utterly foolish and offend them one way or another. Spotting a spring in the distance with only one other person, Cory picked up her pace. Stripping off her vest and dirty blouse to her trousers and bag of gold, Cory slipped into the spring with unblemished pride.

“If I'd have known it would be this nice I would have come sooner."

“Are you sure about that?” Cory asked, sinking deep into the water, “I mean, if you did find out sooner, who would say that your curiousity or belief in this place will bring you any sooner then destined?”

Looking at the girl, Cory figured that she must’ve come across too strong. Holding out a hand in greeting, she tried to start over:

“Hey. I’m Cory. What’s your name?”

[Evelyn Groust]

OOC: SO SORRY! I haven't replied, I've had exams and haven't had a chance to log on as I've been studying like crazy...sorry again.

Evelyn sighed contendetly and let her naked body slip further into the water until just her nostrils and eyes were above the steaming water. She stayed like this for a while until the steam that rose from the water made breathing too difficult and she surfaced up to her shoulders. Such was her content at having this beauitfully warm pool all to herself, that she completely failed to notice the female form that undressed behind her and sprinted nimbly over to the pool. It wasn't until the women spoke that she realized she was there, and when she did she nearly leapt out of her skin, and the peace that had previously completely engulfed her was broken. The water spread away from her body in large ripples before reached the rocks that surronded the pool and disappearing. Holding one long fingered hand to her chest she caught her breath back and turned to the women with a smile. "Oh I'm sorry, what did you say I was in a different world."

Evelyn tried to keep eye contact with the girl, but found herself a wee bit self concious about being naked with another woman. "I'm Evelyn...Evelyn Groust." She tilted her head slightly and studied the womans face, slightly watery grey eyes met her own gaze and surronding the eyes was a pretty face framed with pale marble skin. The vain section of Evelyn narrowed her eyes, wondering if this woman was considered as pretty as herself? And at this thought Evelyn couldn't help but look down at her reflection in the now still water. Shaking her head she turned her attention back to the woman. "Cory? Did you say, what a unique name!" When Evelyn said this, she meant it with no intention of sounding nasty or snide, but she realized as she said it that it sounded like she was being horrible to her, and she blushed as her mistake.

Evelyn was slightly disappointed actually, she had been rather pleased when she had scaled the mountain and noticed that she had been completely alone, and now the presence of this female slightly ruined her wishes, but still Evelyn was a social creature and she supposed she would have bored quickly of the silence and no other people. She shrugged inwardly, guessing it was just one of those 'the grass is always greener on the other side' situati0ns. Either way, it was just simply wonderful to soak in the water. "So Cory, what brings you to these springs? Pleasure or business?" When she said this she was referring to the Springs so called 'healing' powers.

[Cory McQuiggin]

"I'm Evelyn...Evelyn Groust."

It was then that Cory felt like she was being judged. This was no unusual thing to her. Sure, she could be beautiful if she wanted too, but her boyish attitude usually dims her feminine elegance. It was a pity in its own ways, but a pretty face doesn’t usually get the good money. Cory’s grey eyes watched with curiosity as Evelyn glanced down at the water then back to her. Did she realize that Cory was a Zrak yet? Or was she just being compared still? Cory clicked her tongue. Maybe coming into this spring was the wrong decision. Not to say that she wouldn’t be judged by the nobles and such, but at least the nobles knew that it was expected of them. This woman, who was she to judge? Judging by how nervous she was, Cory figured that she was at the same spot of the food chain as her.

Then the comment of the name hit her. Oh, did it ever hit Cory hard. She took pride in her name. Her mother and father blessed her with it and it was her ‘mark’- if you will- on the world. She’ll admit that it sounded a bit..odd. But, all the more to be recognized. However, Cory didn’t say anything. She let the comment roll off of her back. This girl beside her was shy and is probably a bit nervous at the moment. A slip of the tongue, maybe? A small waver in the voice?..,But that is not to say that it didn’t sting all the same. A thought of leaving fluttered through her mind and danced with eagerness. But, then Cory’s ego came into the way. She’s a McQuiggin, is she not? How would it look on the family name if she just got up and left? Not very pleasing, I’ll tell you that. No, she shall not give in and she shall show this Evelyn chicky how proud and civil her family name truly was.

"So Cory, what brings you to these springs? Pleasure or business?"

Cory tilted her head back and sunk lower into the water. “I guess it’s a bit of both, love. Basically, I just want to see if I can challenge the Gods. To be honest, I’m not sure if I buy all this bubbly gossip.” Cory lifted a hand out of the water. Where her hands were hard, they had softened. The cuts of her hands became wrinkled and the cut of the skin was difficult to spot. She raised a brow. Someone strong in faith would immediately pass of the look at the magic properties of the spring…but Cory wasn’t convinced. Her hands look the same when she sits in a bath for too long. She let her hand be submerged underneath the water again as she faced Evelyn.

“What about you? Are you a believer or a rebel?”

[Evelyn Groust]

Evelyn sighed, relaizing that she had offended the girl she gave an off-handed smile and caught the girls gaze. "I didn't mean to offend you, I'm very sorry." Evelyns happy nature cringed at the idea of someone not being her friend, and she suddenly felt quite awkard. She looked back down at her hands underneath the water noticing that her usually pale skin was beginning to get quite red from the water and she contemplated getting out before her whole body turned completely beetroot, but the chill wind that brushed her cheeks was too off putting to even put a toe out of the boiling water. "Well that is a tough question." She said said, a thoughtful tone in her words. "I suppose I have been bought up to believe in the Gods of the Land, but at the same time I really just believe that the Earth is too beauitful for any mind to comprehend, so maybe some unknown force gave it a push start, but I truly believe the Earth grows and heals itself." She paused considering her own words. "But thats not to say that I do not pray or offer gifts to the Gods. I guess I feel as if I am betraying my mother if I do not fufill her beliefs." To the end of this sentence she added a hearty laugh. "Rather silly I suppose believing in something for someone else."

A heavy awkward silence filled the air, and Evelyn instantly regretted speaking of such sombre things as religion, it is always a wet blanket on a good conversation and so Evelyn quickly changed the subject. "So where are you originally from Cory? I myself am a Bawliel child, but I do enjoy to travel, my feet don't really like to be constricted for too long." Again she couldn't help but study the womans face, call it a quirk of hers, but she never forgot a face and maybe it was this intenese curiosity that cause this, but never the less Evelyn picked a few little details that would ensure she would remember the girls face.

Evelyn watched the girl study her hands, and unconciously began to do the same, although she didn't have any scars to begin with, she noticed her skin always seemed softer after bathing in the pool, she always felt refreshed. "Yes, I'm not sure about the 'healing' qualities, all I care about is that the water feels damn good compared to that bloody cold wind." She laughed and closed her eyes, letting her head fall back to rest upon the black rocks behind her. Suddenly from the inky depths of the pool a huge bubble rose and broke on the surface. Evelyn jumped back in suprise and settled again as the steam released from the bubble swirled around her, sticking to her skin and setting her whole body off in goosebumbs. While the rest rose quickly into the air and disappeared. Evelyn sighed and again and closed her eyes once more, deciding that she would enjoy the water as much as she could until the heat became to stiflling.

[Cory McQuiggin]

Cory sank lower into the swirling water as she listened to the other girl talk. Boy, she didn’t pause for reflection, did she? Slowly, Cory’s mind slipped into a haze, and by the time she emerged, an awkward silence filled the air. Trying her best to act casual, she hoped that the girl didn’t ask a question and Cory was too dazed to reply. Not only would that be embarrassing to the girl, but Cory would look rather foolish as well. But, as such thoughts started to surge in the pit of her stomached, they soon ceased when a question arose.

Since Cory was one who believed that the past is someone’s treasure, she was one who didn’t reveal too much about it. Her past was her secret, why would she reveal such a serious thing to a stranger? However, Cory was also a woman who was raised with manners. To not answer this girl after she so kindly revealed information about her would be rude and unkindly.

“I grew up in the mountains.” Cory sighed, her eyes fogging over with a dreamy look. “But I travel a lot as well. I basically go where’s there’s food, shelter, and a decent job.”

How long has it been since she left home? Surely more than a couple of years. She was naught but a young girl when she took her first steps into the mysterious world that was laid out beyond her home. A smirk played upon Cory’s lips as she thought about the fear that her younger-self quivered at during her first adventure. Such fear had long banished from her being.

The conversation then moved onto the chilly air. Cory gave a loud laugh. Although she tried containing it, it was a useless task. To Cory, wind was never cold or warm. It wasn’t vicious or calm. She controlled the wind, and thus, that is what it was: Just wind. It bends and shivers to her sheer will and obeyed loyally. Wind, on its own, didn’t have the decision to be such varieties- there was always another reason that makes it so. Closing her eyes and tilting her head back, Cory focused. The she shall change such ‘cold winds’. Capturing the air that was warmed by the springs, Cory cycled it around their spring. Wisps of fog fluttered around them in a faint dancing scene. No longer was the wind one that cut by you and caused a shiver- it was no now that warmed the very soul.

“Are you sure it’s as cold as you say it is? I actually find it quite pleasant.” Cory sighed, wondering if the girl beside her was smart enough to catch on.

[Evelyn Groust]

Evelyn found herself getting more and more interested in this girl as she spoke about her past life. She was especially interested when the girl spoke of travelling, perhaps she had found a friend in this girl? It was not often she spoke to people and they admitted to enjoy travelling. Most days people resumed to stay in their own clan, travel was dangerous what with bandits and the clans being constantly at war. But her feet couldn't stay in the same place for too long, they yearned to feel sand between its toes, springy grass underneath and hard road. They weren't satisfied with feeling one constant land type. Maybe this girl shared the same views as herself?

Evelyn sighed and shifted her weight to a more comfortable position, although the water was deliciously warm, the rocks that surronded the pools were not as inviting. They prodded and poked her back, she felt like they were personally demanding she leave. Like she had intruded on this private secret place and they were trying to convince her to leave. But she couldn't even consider dragging her body from the blissful water. All the cuts and scratches that her body had previously bore, had seemingly disappeared and for a second Evelyn actually considered the healing properties of it. But she scowled and shrugged off this thought, she didn't want to think about gods and spirits right now. She just wanted to relax.

She sunk deeper into the water, neck deep, so only her face was stung by the wind. But as she closed her eyes, she noticed the wind had noticeably dropped. Her eyes snapped open in surprise until they located the girl next to her. Evelyn grinned as she did in fact catch on. "Well thats certainly an interesting talent." She smiled to herself, knowing now that she would definatly be friends with this girl. They were both alike, they could control some element of the earth, it was something that seemed to draw her to creatures. She felt comfortable using her talent around those who also had something special. "Well I can't do anything like that, but I can..." She paused, realzing there was no need for words she could simply show her.

Evelyn lifted herself slightly from the water and swiveled her torso so she was facing the light scrub on the left of them. She lifted her hand and gestured casually with her index finger. After this movement a long tendril of creeper broke itself loose from the tree that it was wrapped around. It snaked along the ground towards the pair stopped a few inches from the girls, and then from the tip a unnaturally large white flower blossomed into life. She grinned, there was nothing better than showing off her talent in front of those who would actually appreciate it. "See?"

[Cory McQuiggin]

"Well I can't do anything like that, but I can..."

Cory watched with a mix of amusement and curiousity as the girl swiveled around to face a shrub. Her grey eyes focused in small delight as she soon caught on what was going to happen when the body beside her gestured to the greenery. Although she knew very well that there were souls that were in a bond with the elements of the earth, this was the very first time Cory had ever met one. Her past, until now, has only been swarmed with that of Zraks in relation to the elements. How curious it is that she finds such a sister in blood here, of all places? Maybe healing powers is not the only mystical talents that these blessed springs have?

"See?"

Cory floated across the steaming water to get closer to the blossomed plant. It’s pedals radiating a holy glow. By nothing but instinct alone, Cory reached out to touch the pedals. Her fingers brushed the velvety white and a small sense of shock began to overwhelm her being. Since she resided high up in the mountains, the flowers never bloomed bigger then her thumb. So, to let her sights settle upon a being that could easily fit in the palm of her hand was something intoxicating. But it wasn’t only its size that sent a tremour of excitement along the length of her arm. No, it was the fact that it felt oddly supernatural…almost like she not only felt it’s physical state, but it’s entire being. Could this be the effect of the water? Retracting her hand, Cory settled deeper into the water and slinked away until she was back to her previous position.

“Interesting,” she sighed, holding up her hands so not only that she could see, but her newly found ally could be witness as well. “Perhaps I have been proven wrong, eh?”

There was not a scar, nor blemish that decorated Cory’s soft hands. They were as pure and clean as if she had never worked a day in her life. The sight of it caused a rumble of laughter to barrel past her pale lips. So, she had challenged to the gods and lost. May this be a lesson to be learned.

“What about you? Have the gods beaten you in the friendly challenge of faith?”