[4]

[before_wisdom]

[Asma could use a bit of relaxation. After everything in the forest, coupled along with the tiring experience of just being stuck here... well. Asma never got much of a chance to relax in Faudrin - hardly anyone did - but she isn't doing anything now and it isn't as if she has any given tasks while in the keep

Comments

[brynkitten]

[ Bryn had been keeping to a few locations lately. Her room and the kitchens had been the main two. The messages on the slips of paper had disturbed her, and in the end it had seemed prudent to simply stay where she felt safe.

Over time though, that restless stir-crazy feeling had taken over and Bryn had found herself wandering the Keep's grounds. That was how she happened upon Asma at the thermal pools. With a hesitant smile, she spoke up.]

Hello!

[before_wisdom]

[The water ripples as Asma shifts to look over at Bryn. She offers her a look that... isn't really a smile, but definitely isn't a frown, either.]

Hello, Bryn. How have you been faring?

[brynkitten]

[ Bryn can handle neutrality. She's used to that, and often interprets it to mean that at least they aren't displeased to see her and/or want her gone. ]

Well enough, I suppose. I've been...keeping to myself lately. And yourself?

[before_wisdom]

Adjusting. [Yep. :I

...]

Care to join me? [There's plenty of room and, hey, these things are damn relaxing.]

[brynkitten]

I understand completely...

[ Bryn gave Asma a slight smile and nodded, but at Asma's question she showed obvious hesitance. ]

Ah, I didn't bring a swimsuit with me or anything...

[before_wisdom]

[Neither did she, Bryn.]

I don't think one is necessary. [Nudity was never much of an issue in Faudrin - they never ran around naked, but it wasn't frowned upon or taboo to see someone else in the nude. Of course, that isn't to say she doesn't realize that some people may be uncomfortable with being naked in public.]

Of course, you don't have to join me if it would make you uncomfortable.

[brynkitten]

[ She's noticing Asma's lack of swimsuit now, and Bryn looks away with a nervous smile, then shakes her head. ]

Thank you for the invitation but...I don't believe I'm quite brave enough for that, Asma. May I...sit with you instead?

[before_wisdom]

Of course. I have no arguments against company.

[brynkitten]

Oh good. I haven't seen much of anyone lately and normally I'm quite used to it but today I found myself...wanting company of my own I suppose.

[ She paused a moment as her eyes were drawn to the tattoo at the base of Asma's neck. Bryn had seen tattoos before, or at least, she'd seen pictures of them but never in person, really, and never on a woman. As she took a seat, she leaned in with some curiosity. ]

I hope you don't mind but...may I ask you about your tattoo?

[before_wisdom]

[Asma absently taps the tattoo on the back of her neck.]

This one, yes? It's a sign of adulthood. Everyone in Faudrin gets it once they turn sixteen.

[brynkitten]

[ Her eyes widen. How fascinating. Bryn had only learned of other cultures that had tattoos as part of their traditions. She had never met anyone from them, or seen them. ]

It's quite striking...

[ Bryn finds herself oddly fascinated by it and leans even closer to look. ]

What does it symbolize?

[before_wisdom]

[Asma closes her eyes and leans back. Don't worry, though. She's still listening to you, Bryn.]

It's a symbol of adulthood, it acknowledges readiness to serve the village as an adult and to face the dangers of Faudrin.

[brynkitten]

[ She tilts her head to the side. ]

What sorts of dangers are there to face?

[before_wisdom]

[Asma is silent for a moment.]

...A fair amount. The terrain is dangerous, full of hidden caverns, swamps, and rivers with deadly currents. Many of the animals are quite dangerous, as well.

Death is an expected occurrence, so we must always be prepared.

[brynkitten]

[ It sounds extremely inhospitable. A few years ago, she would have doubted her ability to handle such a place, but the last few years she had lived in the mountains. It had its own dangers which she had gotten used to.

Of course, Bryn hadn't actively done so realizing that death was an expected occurrence. It had just seemed a possibility. ]

That's quite different from the approach my people take on coming of age.

[ She gives Asma a smile as she ducks her head. ]

I think I'd much rather face Faudrin, all things considered.

[before_wisdom]

[Asma lets out a noise that almost sounds like it could be a chuckle.]

So I have been told. [In regards to the coming of age thing, anyway.]

I would not make that decision so quickly. Faudrin has a habit of taking people by surprise. [Even her, and she's lived there for 37 years.]