[color=9BD9E3][center][h2]Arden Gaothaire[/h2][/center]
[center][sub]Interacting with: Bree [@Ellion], Adorabella [@eclecticwitch], and Sorrin [@WeepingLiberty] [/sub][/center][/color] 

Arden’s smile remained as Bree poked fun at her responses. If only Bree had known what she really meant by not being used to the situation at hand. A small part of her wanted to tell Bree about who she was raised to be, but there was a bigger part of her that was afraid to. Arden had never opened up to anyone about how she lived as something she was not. Even after she was apprehended and forced to live the remainder of her time until she was Reaped in Prisel Aldentine, she never spoke about her life beforehand. The Gemmenite women who looked after her for that year would ask her questions that were always met with the same silencing glare. And yet, the thought to tell Bree had momentarily crossed her mind. There was something about the woman that was drawing Arden in, something that made it almost [i]too[/i] easy to trust her, to [i]like[/i] her. 

[color=9BD9E3]”I'm not used to being gawked at, I mean. Although I do appreciate your sass.” [/color] She retorted lightly with a chuckle that morphed into a sly grin. 

The thought of it being the eve of her wedding night had not pried its way into her mind. She mostly had been preoccupied with the immediate happenings and the intricacies of how the Drakkan behaved. Arden knew what was to come next, though she paid little attention to it. She didn't want to dwell on the sick thought of becoming the bride of one of those monsters, and more so, what would eventually be forced intercourse; the hairs on the back of her neck stood up at the idea. She swallowed back the fear that accompanied the thought of becoming a bride and focused her thoughts on what her purpose of being there was. She knew the road ahead of her would be difficult, to create change in [i]their[/i] world was a dramatic shift from creating it in her own world. Was it even possible? She wouldn't let it get to her, she would remain strong and do what she needed to in order to meet her goal, even if it meant moving at a glacial pace. 

The sound of Bree's voice snapped her out of her thought, she was commenting on her purpled abdomen that was indeed, very sore. Bree's offer came next, Arden’s face washed over with shock at the kind gesture. She wasn't accustomed to such pleasantries, she was always the one offering them. A soft smile returned to her face as she began to shift toward Bree. [color=9BD9E3]”If you wouldn't mind, I would be most grateful.” [/color] 

Bree returned to the pool from her ledge ad Arden drew closer. Arden brought her back toward Bree and allowed the woman to begin massaging through her hair with the bar of soap. It was relaxing, the feeling of Bree's hands pressing against her scalp. She had always had short hair, this was the longest it had ever been, and there was something strangely calming about having another person wash her hair for her. A breath of relief escaped her lungs and her body relaxed. As she sank backwards, her bare back met with Bree's breasts. Arden’s face flushed at the feeling of them touching her skin but she remained in place, enjoying the feeling of Bree against her and the feeling of her head being massaged. She barely heard the woman's caution, but she had heard enough to snicker. 

[color=9BD9E3]”I know which battles to pick.. It might seem stupid, but what you can learn from their reactions is sometimes worth a bruise or two. I'm willing to take a strike for the many if it means the others know just how far they can be pushed, or rather, just how much we are needed.”[/color] Arden’s voice was calm as she spoke, as if it carried the wisdom of a leader. 

After a few moments another Gem had joined them, this Gem had brightly colored hair and an air of positivity about her. It was matched by her recommendation for [i]encouraging[/i] the others to enjoy the hot springs and have some fun. Arden chuckled at the thought, fun in a place such a this. The Gem wasn't wrong, keeping people's spirits alive in times of tragedy was important. Rallying for such was an act that Arden was used to, but she knew there was a time and place for everything. Although she was almost certain the Drakkan guarding the door would not interfere, the bruising on her stomach kept her cautious. 

[color=9BD9E3]”As much as I would love to, I think it's better I wait at least a full day before I cause more trouble.”[/color] She laughed a genuine laugh. [color=9BD9E3]”Besides, it's not everyday someone else is willing to wash my hair for me.. And this is a pleasure I cannot deny.”[/color]

It seemed as though they appeared welcoming, as their group of two had grown almost instantly to four. The second Gem that had joined them, appeared to know the first one. This one apologized for her intrusion, offering to move away if needed. Why this girl thought she was being a bother made Arden laugh once more. 

[color=9BD9E3]”Don't be silly, you can stay. I suppose introductions are in order. My name is Arden, Arden Gaothaire. You might recognize me from yesterday’s display of brute force.[/color] Though her statement was dark, she said it with a mocking tone as to bring an air of lightness to the situation. 

[color=9BD9E3]”and this is Bree, she has better manners than I do.”[/color] Again, she spoke with playfulness. [color=9BD9E3]”What are your names?”[/color] 

[Hider=Summary]Arden and Bree make skin to skin contact, oh boy! Arden makes quips about her situation and speaks to the newcomers.[/hider]