Written Wonderland

Xavier tried to calm his racing heart, but he was quickly getting very excited about this opportunity, and honestly, he wasn't going to pass up an invitation like this! Still, he should be careful about engaging in agreements. His grandmother had taught him well.

"Of...course, yes. Later is good. Sorry if I've...overstepped, Xavier, I got caught up in our conversation. Anyway, I'd be happy to meet you when you're free to discuss it further. There's a tea house not far from here that grows their own hibiscus," Saryf said, only boosting Xavier's excitement such that he was trying very hard not to bounce with excitement. "Unless of course there's someplace you had in mind?"

"No, no," Xavier said, realizing he was answering two questions at once. Still, a big smile lit up his face, and his fingers squeezed Saryf's shoulders with bouncing sort of taps.

"I'd love the tea house!" Xavier said, maybe a little too loudly. He giggled. Quieter, he said, "My shift ends in a couple hours if you want to meet there after?"

Maybe he was rushing a little headstrong into this, but he almost couldn't help himself.

Saryf reveled in the sound of Xavier's smile as he agreed to meet in a couple hours. Xavier's massage tempo changed once again; now a pleasant and bouncy mood coursed through his hands and into Saryf, who relaxed into the feeling.

Saryf could manage to wrap up his current work in a couple of hours and then meet without issue. The chariot he'd driven here rode flawlessly; the issue with the bearings had been thoroughly fixed. Fielding a potential alchemist could be considered part of his work, so he didn't even need to be coy about where he was going during business hours. His team would be pleased at the possibility.

"Excellent!" Saryf made sure not to match Xavier's volume. He was pleased to hear excitement in his tone, but was starting to recognize that too much noise would breach protocol and make Xavier feel self-conscious again. Saryf kept his voice quiet and calm.

"It'll be on me so feel free to treat yourself. Whatever you want. I'll consider it a business expense, so don't worry about it. And...thank you for this lovely massage as well. I feel better already!"

[[OOC: We could move to the Tea House if you like, or we could stay here if there's more you'd like to do here ]]

The relaxation of both the bath and the massage proved to be a much needed break for Saryf. Wrapping up the rest of the day felt like a breeze having given his muscles some reprieve. He left early, the rest of his team fully capable to handle what remained of the day's work.

Saryf entered The Falcon and The Flower and selected a table on the balcony. The architecture of this place wasn't quite similar to the bathhouse's, but it matched it in aesthetic elegance. Far from modest or plain, imagery of falcons and Horus decorated the establishment, along with an artful depiction of the sky on the ceiling. The balcony was accented with Hibiscus flowers, for which the teahouse was known for. Saryf could spot the entrance from where he sat; and he'd be able to wave down Xavier when he arrived.

Saryf put in an order for tea and treats for two; and instructed them to wait until he was joined to serve them. He kept the menu at the table and on what would likely be Xavier's side. Now, all there was to do was wait. Saryf relaxed into his seat, allowing his cheery excitement to reveal itself across his smiling lips as he enjoyed the cool breeze on the balcony.

Having made a plan, Xavier buzzed internally with excitement but tried to focus on the massage. Eventually though, he knew he should let Saryf enjoy the remainder of his bath on his own. Xavier had already been a little indulgent in making his guest feel comfortable and at ease, and he had some wash to do before he left for the day.

Pulling his legs out of the water, he waved a goodbye and went into the back rooms to clean up.

Xavier thought he caught a glance of Saryf getting out to get dressed, but he turned his gaze, giggling a little to himself.

At the end of his shift, Xavier bumped into matron Chanti and giggled again.

"What was it this time?" Chanti asked. Xavier smiled up at her, closing his eyes.

"Just a little shoulder rub," Xavier said, a little out of breath.

"Uh-huh," Chanti said, and he could tell that she didn't believe him in the slightest. After a moment, she put a hand on her hip and looked toward the door. "Just don't get too involved with those racing types. They gamble on more than chariots." Xavier's facial features fell momentarily, but he finally waved Chanti off a little.

"Don't worry, Chanti," Xavier said, having gotten to a first name basis with her over the past few months. "I'll be careful."

--

Xavier dried himself off, slid his adornments over his head, grabbed his satchel, and went out onto the road outside the bathhouse. The gardens around the area were well-tended, and it was a moderate walk before Xavier could hear the sounds of the bustling market. He smiled as voices crashed like a wave over his ears.

It wasn't far to the hibiscus tea shop Saryf had mentioned--Xavier knew the one, though he didn't make a habit of going there. It felt exciting to be treated to something like this.

Xavier glanced over at the sign: The Falcon and the Flower. Yep, this would be the place.

Ornaments and statues of Horus dominated the space, and Xavier took a breath, offering a quick, silent prayer to the gods as he crossed the threshold and entered.

He looked around for Saryf, looking forward to seeing the man again, even if they were both now fully dressed. Saryf spotted Xavier quickly and waved him down. His new acquaintance looked so relaxed and collected--that bath really had done him wonders. Saryf's smile was wide yet still soft at the edges.

"Ahlan," Xavier said, trying to be casual. Or should he be more formal with someone who might offer him work? Xavier wasn't sure but was more interested in treating this new person as a friend until told otherwise. He slid into the seat across from Saryf, grinning widely himself. Under the table, he pulled his knees together a few times, his excitement needing an outlet.

"Xavier! Ahlan!" Saryf reveled in the familiarity of the greeting, letting his tone carry a playful and joyful reception.

"I hope you don't mind," Saryf said as Xavier slid into the seat, "I took the liberty of ordering some things to start, but feel free to peruse the menu yourself."

Saryf admired the beautiful smile on Xavier's face, the way his bubbly personality was palpable. Saryf wasn't one to plan what he would say in advance. He found himself wondering if such a tendency would come in handy in such instances, though. He didn't want to rush this; and certainly didn't want this to feel too serious and business-focused. He also wanted to give Xavier a chance to get comfortable and accustomed to the space and his company. Xavier had already given Saryf a soak earlier in the day, but Saryf was pleased to soak in Xavier's soft radiant energy once again. He felt at ease.

"Hopefully the breeze will be a nice change of pace. The heat of the baths is great, but I thought a change of pace might be a relief."

"Xavier! Ahlan!" Saryf said, his excitement plain. Xavier blushed and looked down, but his eyes quickly popped back up to the man in front of him, blushing deeper as he realized it was still easy to imagine him without any clothing.

"I hope you don't mind," Saryf began, "I took the liberty of ordering some things to start, but feel free to peruse the menu yourself."

Xavier clocked the menu in question but decided not to take a close look at it. He could always order more later, and he was excited to experience what Saryf had chosen.

Saryf added, "Hopefully the breeze will be a nice change of pace. The heat of the baths is great, but I thought a change of pace might be a relief." Xavier giggled, getting the impression that Saryf had given quite a bit of thought to this despite his breezy, calm attitude.

Xavier said, making conversation, "I do love a warm breeze!" He put his elbows on the table, trying to settle and ground himself. For having just come from the bathhouse, Xavier was wound up!

He looked up at Saryf, trying to contain his smile. "No, really, though, I love this place. It's somewhere I come when I want to treat myself. I love everything I've had here so far." He was itching to learn more about Saryf's offer around the potions, but Xavier thought he would give it a moment to come to the surface again. For now, he was simply enjoying the sensation of Saryf's company.