Chapter 85 - New Bonds Part 4

White and gold, marble pillars stretched to the ceiling. The walls were done with sea glass while the floors were pure white marble. The ceiling seemed to be enchanted as rays of soft subshine scatter downwards. People were walking everywhere while some were lounging in a common area, drinking cold teas, yoghurt or water. A solid, white desk was stationed just a few feet in front of them. They walked up and a young man watched them. He had a long, strong nose and square jaw. Dark brown hair with whisps of gold. His fair skin looked soft and we'll maintained while his eyes looked like two pools of sea green water. "Evening." He greeted them with a nod and the girls greeted him back. "First years?" He asked and they all nodded.

"Great.... So rules are posted on the walls in the change rooms but just in case you don't read them... no running, no eating in the baths, shower before you go in the bath and stay in your gender's section. This place is always open so come whenever you feel like it." He said robotically. While the girls broke out into an awkward sweat. "Is that it? You won't give us a tour or anything so we don't get lost?" Halina asked but the young man gave them an indifferent shrug. "I just volunteer here, I don't actually work here... so no." The young man said nonchalantly.

"Even if you volunteer there are some expectations from you correct?" Talisha asked but the young man rolled his eyes. "You would think that but it... looks... like.... my.... shift... issssssss done. You're on your own now." He said as he put up a sign on top of the desk and walked away. "Self service. Is that a wise choice Mister?" Talisha asked with raised eyebrow. The young man turned to face them. He eyed Talisha and smirked. She was very tall, only standing at a 5 foot 3 inches, so he walked up to her, bent down a little and looked her in the eyes. "Icarus, my name is Icarus Saladin and yes I think it's plenty wise."

Talisha smiled the most heart warming smiles that even Icarus blushed a little. She raised her white hand into the air and turned it into a fist. It one swift movement she brought it down and pounded the countertop. It cracked in half under her strength causing Icarus to start sweating bullets. "Right... since I'm off duty why don't I give you a tour." He said with an awkward laugh. Talisha brought up her hand and slightly covered her mouth as she laughed. "That's very kind of you! Please lead the way."

....

"You saw the common area at the front, most people are there after a bath to relax and drink. That's the bath entrance, the left is always for women and the right is always for men. Do not get them confused. You would be surprised how many times people are tricked into going into the wrong ones. It's sad really.... Here are the change rooms the men's is here at the corner and the women's is at the opposite corner. There is a shop at the back if you get hungry or thirsty but there is also vending machines scattered everywhere. Veranda is way over there. Great place to watch the night sky with some tea. Robes and towels are in the change room so make sure you get changed into a robe. Towels are in the bathing area. Done, enjoy your time." Icarus said quickly before he made his hasty escape.

"Well that was interesting...." Talisha said as the girls nodded their head in agreement as they watched his body disappear into the men's bathing area. "Well he was done for the day so I guess he really wanted to relax." Halina said as they walked into the change room. "Or he is just a slacker." Talisha said with a dead pan face.

They walked inside and saw that the locker room was pretty simple looking. Light orange cream walls, white stalls with curtains for them to change in, a wooden bench, a giant mirror with sinks and marble white countertop. Some toilet stalls, rows of metal lockers and a wall with robes and slippers. They quickly approached the lockers but hand no idea how to open them up. "In-struc-tions." Edlyn said as she pointed to the first locker. "Anti-theft protocol. All lockers are equipped with magical energy detectors. Place your hand on the panel directly under a the green handle of the locker. Release your magically energy slowly and calmly so that doors can recognize their temporary owners. The handle will then turn red to show the locker is occupied. Please leave your valuables inside the locker anything left out is not our responsibility." Talisha read out loud.

"So I guess we just follow the instructions and do this." Halina said as she placed her hand onto the panel. The all watched closely and heard a click. Halina moved to open the locker. Inside was woven basket for clothes, a shelf for shoes, and a side pouch for valuables. "Well that was easy." She said as she closed the door and watched the handle turn red. She placed her hand again over the panel, opened the door and closed it again. The handle turned green. "We should grab our robes and change before we select a locker." Talisha said as she walked over to where the robes were hanging.

"Enchanted bath robes. One size will always fit all." Talisha said as she grabbed a robe and pair of slippers. She walked to a changing stall, quickly changed and came out. "It fits so well and it is so soft." She said as she hugged the robe. "It also seems the slippers change to foot size too." Talisha said as she showed off her foot. The girls moved to

get changed into their robes and placed their stuff into the lockers. "Let's go." Edlyn said as Halina and Talisha followed.

Ariana was a little hesitant to leave the change room and stayed behind as the girls left without her. There was no one else in the change room and Ariana steeled her nerves. She walked up to the big mirror and turned so her back was properly reflected. She slightly unfastened the robe's belt and slid the robe down mid back. She pulled her hair to the side and was instantly shocked. Her scar was gone, the only thing on her back was her birth mark underneath her shoulder blade. "Ariana?" Edlyn called out. Ariana quickly pulled up pulled her robe back up and fastened the belt.

"You o-kay?" Edlyn asked as she slowly approached her. "It's gone…" Ariana said with a blank expression. "What is gone?" Edlyn asked. Ariana looked at her with shaking eyes. "Cayden said there was a scar on my back… was… but now its gone." Edlyn quickly moved behind her and pulled down her robe far enough so she could see. "It's real-ly gone." Edlyn confirmed. "What do I do?" Ariana asked, hoping to get some guidance. "Bathe, it does not mat-ter, know one real-ly knew a-bout it so you will be fine." Edlyn said as she helped Ariana put the robe back on. "Okay… bathe…" Ariana said absentmindedly.