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"Hmm...now that I'm thinking about things, maybe it would be better if you were lost in the woods for a week. That'll miss the ship, right?" Teased Aleksi even though he would actually be worried sick if Shierra were to disappear into the mountains alone. "I would just have to get lost with you." He mused playfully before letting out a soft chuckle at the 'decent' aspect. "I suppose decent is better than nothing. I would hope that it would be a bit more after so much time together, I'll just have to work harder. Let's gather our supplies and meet at the front, I'll pack a lunch." Aleksi was not one to be put down by the playful bantering, if anything it made him even more determined to do his best to woo the foreigner who had swept into his life like some summer storm. The mage made a quick work of the supplies in the kitchen, slicing meat and cheese with some fresh bread for a small picnic once they were finished in the hotsprings. He even snuck in a few pieces of chocolates, the delicacy stocked in the kitchen from the nearby village store ever since his last visit with Shierra. He had made certain to keep it on hand since Shierra had a fondness for sweet things and he had a fondness for her. The very thought brought a small smile to his lips, Aleksi whistling as he finished packing up the meal and grabbed his own change of clothing for the springs. There would probably be towels and such there, but he wanted to be prepared just in case. It had been a bit since he had last visited the springs, but he knew the area well and the constant stream of visitors to the area would always keep such places flourishing.

And then once everything was packed and ready the mage was standing at the front porch of the cabin to wait on Shierra, a satchel hanging over one shoulder while he wore his casual clothing for the trek across the mountain. An open laced shirt, comfortable leggings into his standard boots and a light leather coat in case the air was cooler around the springs. There was no need for any weapons, the flames dancing just beneath his skin all the protection he needed in case some wild animal decided to venture into their path today.

[Aleksi 16]

"In the opposite direction perhaps. Who walks into danger?" Aleksi replied with a chuckle before going along his way. Maybe he would since he was already courting danger after all. He was even going into the woods despite the playful jabs about murder over the last few weeks. The very thought brought another chuckle to his lips even as he greeted Shierra, taking a moment to look over her and appreciate the outfit. Seriously how was he supposed to behave when she kept looking lovely no matter the attire? The mage simply shook his head before gesturing for Shierra to follow him. He knew better than to offer an arm, she would more than likely cut it off than accept it.

The path was decent enough, a worn dirt path that curved through the woods leading to the outer edges of the village that was at the base of the mountain. It wasn't completely level with the village, the main entrance to the springs giving an overlook from its higher vantage point, but it was close enough that someone could easily travel between the two places without worry. "The seasons are starting to change again, the leaves are changing colors." What was it? Late summer now? Aleksi resisted the urge to sigh. That was another sign that the time to return to Matori was quickly coming for Shierra. They wouldn't have much longer together, would they? Either way it made him more resolved to enjoy their remaining time together, even if it meant taking some risks and seeing where things went from there. "The springs are right up this path. You holding up alright?" He dared to ask, looking over his shoulder towards his companion who had hopefully been following along while Aleksi for once quietly guided them while lost in thought. Up ahead would be a gate with a building for supplies and entrance fees, the springs bringing in too many visitors for the owner to ignore such a profit. It kept the area clean though, which was far better than what it was before when it first was found by travelers.

[Aleksi 17]

"That's unfortunate." Teased Aleksi. "I would have gladly carried you the rest of the way." He smiled towards Shierra before continuing on ahead, not waiting in case she decided to toss something at him for more flirting. Now that they were here he did try to behave a bit though he took a moment before answering her question. "I can ask and see. I think there's private springs that you can rent, we can share right?" Aleksi looked towards Shierra mischievously before darting inside, the mage talking to staff and handing over coins so that he could get the wooden passes for the springs. Honestly, he didn't like the larger areas that were more open. Too many earthlings and not enough room for enjoying the warm water, especially on busier days when there were simply too many gathered together for his liking.

Aleksi was quick, already grabbing some of the standard towels to carry out in a wooden bucket for them, and it was only a moment later when he emerged to face Shierra again. "Only one private one left. Are you willing to share or should I sit out here like a lost duruf just waiting around?" His gaze was ever so innocent, the pleading expression perfection as he held up the bucket with the towels for them in offering. "I heard this one is even medicinal. It should be good if you have any sore muscles or the like."

[Aleksi 18]

As much as he was mostly teasing the thought of carrying Shierra back only brightened his grin more, the mage's playful mood already heightened by their morning banter. It was nice though to get to spend yet another day together like this. If only they could keep vacationing here, ignoring the rest of the world and just living as they pleased. Aleksi had to push the thought aside, even he wasn't like that anymore since focusing on his own path and figuring out what he could do instead of relying on his family's funds. As nice as it would be to just stay here together... He couldn't help reflecting on those thoughts even now as he showed Shierra the towels and waited for her response, the idea about being taken home by another bringing back that smirk. "Oh? Does that idea bother you? I thought you might be happy if someone else adopted me, it's less worry for you." He teased lightly before shaking his head at the creep aspect. "As if! They would immediately see that I'm an innocent and wholesome being, nothing creepy at all." Aleksi protested before gesturing for Shierra to follow him up the path.

Okay, so maybe he hadn't been entirely honest about their limited options but Aleksi had made certain to get the spring at the top of the path. It was honestly the best in his opinion with more privacy and larger than other private ones. It was enclosed like the others, a wooden frame built around the spring to block wandering eyes, and it was only with the key that they could access it. Holding out the brass key, the wooden tag attached to it marking the proper gate, Aleksi twisted the door open and showed Shierra the wooden platform that led out towards the spring where they could go inside. There was a little side area too for changing, if wanted and wooden benches around for just sitting if they needed a break from the water. Herbs, a faint smell of lavender the most prominent thing about them, were planted around the edges of the enclosure. Not that it was easy to see with the steam that wafted around them from the hot waters.

"Alright, ready to go in?" Aleksi gestured towards the little side area for changing. "I can change out here if you promise to not peek at me."

[Aleksi 19]

"Ah, an unfeeling answer as usual." Replied Aleksi with a soft sigh, as if disappointed in the response even though the curve of his lips said otherwise. "You'll just have to hope that you can get into it easily without the key." Not that it would probably be an issue for Shierra, he just hoped she didn't burn the cabin down in the process. He rather liked that vacation home and didn't want to lose it like that. If anything maybe he would just toss her the keys and hope for the best? Not that he planned on being taken away by anyone else as it was, he was simply just amused by thinking about the potential scenarios.

Aleksi nearly stumbled before letting out a soft chuckle as he saw the underlayer of clothing instead of bare skin when Shierra removed her outer layers. I should have known. As boldly as she threatened him even Aleski wouldn't have expected her to do something like stripping right in front of him completely. "I suppose then that it doesn't matter where I change." He replied in return, not resisting the chance to tease her as he started to remove his own coat and unlaced the shirt beneath it. Despite the cooler mountain air the steam from the springs kept things quite warm in their little enclosure which allowed him to comfortably shed his own outer layers before hesitating when he got to his pants. Should he wiggle his hips in the same manner? Aleksi most definitely had not missed that little display, the thought bringing another chuckle to his lips. "Some just bathe with towels wrapped around their waist or chest." He commented with a smirk, the mage tugging his own pants off after a moment.

Thankfully though as much as he teased it even he didn't wear his pants without having some shorts beneath, just in case. After his slow display of clothing removal Aleksi took a towel to place around his shoulders since he all he had on was the shorts once his clothing was piled on the bench. For one who had lived a luxurious life in the city thanks to his father's fame as a playwright there was a bit of muscle, showing that he had actually trained himself to fight just a little bit even if he wasn't completely ripped like some of the others he knew from his training sessions. "Just don't faint..." He started with a playful grin towards Shierra before continuing his statement, "The steam can be overwhelming if you aren't prepared for it." And with that he went ahead and slipped into the water with a splash, the mage not wasting more time since he wanted to get in the warm waters. "It's common to spread herbs in the water for things like sore muscles here. There's a pouch in the wooden box I brought. If you're really daring then we could even scrub each others backs or work out any sore spots with some massaging. Do you have similar things in Matori?

[Aleksi 20]

"You're right. Perhaps nothing at all is best instead of any towels." Teased Alkesi in return, that smirk lingering on his lips as he adjusted to the warm waters and let out a content sigh. This was something he had missed in the city, while a warm bath was nice there was just something different about an outside spring. The crisp cool air against his exposed skin kept him from overheating while the rest of his body melted into the warm waters, a perfect combination. It was so nice and relaxing that for a moment he had nearly forgotten his offer, not expecting Shierra to actually go for it. Aleksi blinked and tilted his head before chuckling. "I do prefer to make it out of this afternoon alive so I can promise that." He reassured her before carefully slipping through the waters and reaching for the wooden box he had left lingering by the smooth stones surrounding the pool. He was afraid if he didn't focus on that instead of Shierra then the trap of her trying to entice him would be far too successful. After flicking the clasp open, Aleksi took some herbs and started to scatter them about the pool. The faint aroma was earthy with some floral scents that mingled with the lavender, not unpleasant but there was also a tinge of something medical in there to help with any aches and pains.

"Do you truly want me to scrub your back?" Aleksi asked after another moment, holding up the sponge that he had pulled from the box as well. "I don't mind as long as you promise to not maim me afterwards." He teased lightly as he waited on her answer and slowly took a few steps closer as he waded through the water. Thankfully the steam would help hide some of their bodies, Aleksi relying upon that to help him keep his word that he wouldn't peek or try anything else.

[Aleksi 21]

Aleksi chuckled, his own expression thankfully hidden by the steam and from Shierra since she had turned away. The mixture of emotions there took even him by surprise, the hybrid having to take a moment to close his eyes and calm his heart before moving forward. He managed to take his time with the sponge, allowing it to soak in the warm water and herbal fragrances, and by the time he turned back towards Shierra he felt resolved enough to make it through this without misbehaving. "We'll see about that idea." He responded finally, the quiet movement of the water announcing his approach. "I'm partly afraid you would take the chance to strangle me from behind and hide the fact that this ever happened." As he spoke he slowly started to move the sponge across her skin, Aleksi taking care to rub away any tension there. And in typical Aleksi fashion he couldn't simply quietly do anything, his own nerves keeping his mouth moving for fear that he would be tempted to do something other than speaking. "Your back muscles feel so tight. You really have to learn to relax more." He teased as he continued making circles across the skin there, the hybrid only slowing down to scoop up water to rinse across her back. "Is your life back in Matori so hard that you never learned how?"

[Aleksi 22]

Ah, well maybe a trip to the springs was all that they needed. Aleksi let out a soft chuckle at the reaction, the mage being careful with how he scrubbed her back and keeping true to his word to not peek any further than what was necessary for the task at hand. "Is that so? Feels strange that you would be in such a rush to head back." He replied with amusement as he allowed the sponge to slip from his fingers where it splashed into the water so that he could actually work on massaging her shoulders. Hopefully it wasn't too bold of a move though he was certain that Shierra would blow him out of the water if he stepped out of line. Aleksi was confident though in his skills and not simply doing the motions to try and get away with additional touching. The hybrid actually had some experience when he was younger, always helping his mother out whenever the illness wore her body down so that any massage was a blessing against her aching shoulders and neck. His thumbs pressed against her skin, tracing circles across her shoulders towards the center of her back and it was only when his hands met towards the center that he paused. "Hopefully this is alright too." He murmured quietly, letting the heat of the steam hide the thoughtful expression that crossed his own features at the intimacy of the moment. Once again though he was reminded that he was in a situation where he wanted to get closer to someone that would be a world away within the next few weeks. It was such a bad idea and yet he couldn't help lingering in the moment, Aleksi resting his hands lightly against her back as he waited to see how Shierra would respond.

[Aleksi 23]