Sink or swim you gotta give it a whirl

[onesyllable]

WHO: Joshua Faraday, Vasquez, Open
WHERE: Around the villages
WHEN: Niddle of December
OPEN TO: All unless marked
WARNINGS: PG, updated as needed

---

Horses are horses are horses: Around the villages

They're horses. Yep. That's what they are. Long legged horses, with weird tails, and patchy things on their backs... and horns. Okay they're not horses, but they have horns, and he's told one day he can ride them, and so he's going to work with them the best he can.

Which means getting them adjusted to a rope harness. One at a time usually, dealing with their attitudes and confusion, and being as friendly and gentle as he can be with them. Often feeding them treats of peaches from a can he found in the kitchen, and trying to coax them into listen and following and not fighting back against him.

It will take days, weeks even, but much as he might be all attitude with much of life, with the kirin he is tender and kind, working the best he can to get them to work with him and not against him.

Cold air and hot headed: Springs

Part of it all is trying to get his thoughts straight. A large part of it is the long hours of working on the homestead that they're trying to put together, working with animals, and land even before the winter hits, and the lumber and gathering that will help them set up their home. So a couple of times a week he grabs a bag with his change of scrubs in it, ignoring the color that does little for him, and heads for the hot spring.

Stripping down in the cold air, hurrying into the soothing warmth of the water. Staying there as long as he can until his skin starts to prune and the ache leaves, not realizing it's more than just the warmth helping.

Eventually he'll rush out of the water, grab the sheet he brought with him to use to dry off and hurrying into his clothes as fast as he can before he loses the warmth of the water.

Homestead: For Vasquez

All that Joshua's been doing is giving him time to think. Taking time to think about what he wants, and how he feels, and what the hell this place means to him and who he thinks he is. What life he wants as well, though that he's focusing on more than the rest. All that he's been doing to tame the kirins, and cope with the land, and work on ensuring the house is ready for winter.

But he can't avoid it forever. Not his feelings and not Vasquez. He isn't going to turn himself into a wolf, after all.

Eventually he heads back for the house, knowing Vasquez is there and heading upstairs to try and find him.

"Alejandro? You here?"

Comments

Horses are Horses are Horses

[ombranera]

"They do not look terribly pleased with their lead." Horseback riding is a noble's task in most of Antiva- light, fragile things that they are, costly to keep, temperamental to a fault. And these seem little different for their antlers and fine airs. Lounging against a nearby fence Zevran watches (from a safe distance) gauging both the animals and the man attempting to break them.

Kindly.

It is not often something he has seen done but- he knows it is not something that is done with such gentleness. Thus his curious regard remains on the man more than the beasts.

[onesyllable]

"You wouldn't be either if you'd mostly been allowed to just lounge about and eat," he notes, chuckling as he glances from the kirin to the man speaking. There's something in his build that reminds Joshua of Billy, and that only brings to mind the knowledge that Billy's dead and not walking around this village either.

Taking a deep breath, he continues on, pushing down those thoughts. "But if they're going to be useful, they need to learn to handle a lead, then we'll work on weight from there," he says, running his hand along the kirin's neck, scritching lightly. "Least I'm hoping it all works. Never known a mount like this, so I'm pretty much learning as I go."

He perks up a bit, giving the man a hopeful look. 'You don't happen to know much about them, do you?"

[ombranera]

"To disrupt a life of luxury in favor of honest work? I cannot imagine complaining about such a thing." He crackles a low laugh, circling about until he could get a good look at these creatures. They are- familiar enough to the small, lithe mounts preferred by Antivan nobles, horns aside. Ever curious and ever cautious he wanders close enough to offer a hand for sniffing. Should he pass inspection, he can't help but run a hand through their manes, head cocked to the side.

"They seem much like the daintier horses of my homeland and the halla of the Dalish, but these beasts in particular? No. I have never seen the like."

[onesyllable]

Faraday laughs at that, more amused than he should be because the man's right. He can't deny that it's true. Who wouldn't resist all things considered?

"Daintier than mine too," he admits, running his hand over the kirin's neck. "I'm told they're rideable when they're full grown but we'll see. Not sure I believe a horse like this could carry me. Hopin' so though. Miss my horse here."

[ombranera]

"Sometimes beasts are hardier than the appear. These have good form-" He rubs gently at the Kiri's ears, smile half formed and fond. "and look as though they will grow into their bones quite well. How is their temperament?"

[onesyllable]

The kirin bobs it's head and nudges against Zev's hand, trying to encourage more caresses.

"They were previously tamed a bit. Another fellow here apparently had them and when he vanished, my roommates took them in. So far they're fairly friendly and willing to come along with me. So long as I'm kind of going where they want to be."

He chuckles at that though.

[ombranera]

"Perhaps you need to sweet talk them? Or offer treats. Incentive for good behavior and obedience." Not that he has any to offer other than continuing to shower affection on this admittedly lovely creature. Part of him wants, a little, for a mount to better hunt.

The rest? Remains aware he has no true space to mind such a thing.

[quinientos]

The box had turned up two days ago, but Vasquez has been keeping it under the bed, waiting for the right time. Faraday hasn't really been around so much, but he thinks that he'll come back and then he can give it to him. This is more than the words he'd used earlier and he thinks that it's a gesture he needs to give.

Digging out the box when he hears Faraday's voice, he settles it beside him, calling out with a, "Here!" and trying to figure out if he leads with this or if he sees what Faraday has to say first.

[onesyllable]

Hearing Vasquez's voice, he smiles and heads towards his room. This floor is theirs, Bobo staying to the first floor, and he's comfortable with having this space for themselves.

He pauses in the door, giving a nod. "There you are. Now that one of the hor... kirin have yanked me into the mud, I'm going to change and wash these scrubs. You want me to take anything of yours?" He's still not sure why they're called scrubs, but he's learning that ite's because he can take a lot of mess on them without cleaning, but not pone leg marred with mud.

[quinientos]

Vasquez feels like God has handed him a perfect opportunity on a platter and he'd be an idiot to ignore it. Sitting forward and up a little, he holds up his hand. "Don't leave just yet," he insists, because maybe he doesn't have to just wash the scrubs.

He definitely should, but he doesn't have to get back into them. "I have a gift for you," he says, still not sure why this got addressed to him, but maybe someone knew that he's trying to show Faraday how much the man means to him.

[onesyllable]

"Oh not sure how quick I'm going to get on it," he says, having spent the day preparing things for the kirin and all, but knowing he won't want to wait too long. Going to take a while to dry in front of the fire.

"Wait, you've got what?" He seems a bit shocked, canting his head and peering at him with an arched brow. "For me?" A smile slowly curves his lip. "You did?"

He's not sure what he thought of that, because they've had that talk, but he isn't sure where he thought it might go. He definitely wants to spend time with him, have this home together, and he's glad for this place giving him that chance. No matter what this is about him dying or not."

[quinientos]

This feels nervewracking and this is coming from a man who faced down Bogue's army. Why is it this that makes him so nervous? Maybe because it means so much. Either way, he drags out the box (opened, of course, because he may be feeling generous, but he's still nosy), and sets it on the bed in front of him.

"I don't know if I did, but it came to me with my name on it, but it's all yours," he guarantees, seeing as Faraday won't mistake the clothes inside.

The clothes he wore when they first met, down to the shoes.

[onesyllable]

"Where did it come from?"

He asks that before he even moves in closer to open the box, blinking as he lets the lid slide down onto the bed, forgotten as he sees the clothes within.

"How'd you get my things?"

Confused and not even accusatory, just uncertain with things he's been told by others. Even as he moves to brush his hand over the vest, looking up at Vasquez.

"Somehow you got this? For me?"

Cold Air and Hot Headed

[plate_builder]

One of the first things Reeve intended to invent if he could get the parts, power, and supplies was central heating. There wasn't too much cold going on here, not in the grand scheme of things, but still, it was a sort of modern luxury that he would appreciate, and perhaps others might enjoy as well. For now, though, he was pleased to find what was available, and that included this lovely hot spring. There were some up in the Icicle area back home, but he'd never had a chance to enjoy them.

In fact, time for any sort of soak was usually lacking. Work often heading down from his office, taking a quick shower in the gym, and heading back up. It wouldn't have been inaccurate to say that Reeve had little use for the apartment he maintained, other than the polite fiction that he had a life outside of work.

"Good day," he greeted as he noticed a man approaching. Was even so kind as to keep his gaze averted as the man stripped down and slipped into the water. It was only polite.

More than that he might wait to offer. People might just prefer to be left alone when bathing.

[onesyllable]

Everyone keeps assuring him this is for everyone, and while it's not the most common thing Joshua's done, he's aware of bathhouses and even visited one or two. Only difference is this one is outside.

So he's only slightly hesitant stripping down and heading into the water. He is quick to strip, darting into the water to get under the surface. He gives a nod, and then realizes maybe he's been impolite.

"I'm not intrudin' or nothing, am I?"

[plate_builder]

“Not in the slightest. While I am hardly used to such arrangements from the size I fear it would be impolite to monopolize the heat.”

Well he had done saunas before when doing meetings, which could be quite awkward, but this was more than fine. This was most definitely a new experience and one that he would admit to reveling in. Not only because chances for a concealed weapon were dramatically reduced. Surely there was an honor system that said that, at the very least, if you were going to kill someone near a hot spring like this that you do it outside to avoid harming the water. If not, there should be a rule.

Still jumping at ghosts, Reeve criticized himself.

“Long day already?” he asked. A harmless question, clearly inviting conversation if the man was willing.

[onesyllable]

Joshua chuckles at that, nodding as he moves to slide into the water. At least then it feels a bit more comfortable, below the surface and settling in against the curve of earth against his back.

"Been handling these horse like creatures and they're a lot. But better than dealing with this place and everything I keep being told," he says, making a face as he leans back against the edge. "What got you out here?"

[plate_builder]

“Mind if I ask what a horse is?” Reeve asked as he closed his eyes and settled into the heat of the water further. It would be good to have a name to put to a thing if he were to see one.

Ah a good question. Why was he present? The heat and relaxation from the water. The way it cleared his mind to think about this place and his role here and a project he was already considering.

“I used to soak in my tub to think. Haven’t had a chance in a while. Figured it would do so since the opporunity presented itself.”

[onesyllable]

There's a lot of changes in this world that Joshua is adjusting to, but hearing that question is the first thing to really leave him confused and stunned. Standing there, staring at him in such stunned silence.

At least for a time.

"You don't know... Your world doesn't have horses?" He shakes his head, realizing he needs to clear this up because this man obviously needs to know what they are.

"They're four legged animals, big enough you can ride on them with long legs. They have strong teeth and stronger legs. They can save a man and get you through nearly anything." He just kind of blinks. "You really have never seen anything like that?"

Cold Air and Hot Headed

[mediumhoodie]

Kat broke through the underbrush into the area around the hot springs just as Joshua sank into the hot water. She paused for a moment and then tilted her head in a silent hello.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Her fingers and arms are covered in dirt while her short hair sticks to the back of her neck. Kat had spent most of the morning working and she wanted a warm dip in the springs to rinse off and heal the thin cuts running down her arms. She'd recently gotten a bird-like kitten from Alex and it had decided that her arms were it's new scratching post.

The hot springs had healing properties and Kat had been using them while also training the kitten not to accidently scratch people.

I lost this somehow. Sorry

[onesyllable]

Glancing up, eyes widening a bit as he realizes that he's not alone. Stunned a moment though he manages to give a nod. "Sure. Course you can," he says. "I mean, none of this is private land or anything. You okay though?"

He nods at her arms, frowning. "Looks like you had a run in with something." Not yet knowing about the springs and what they can do, worrying the sediment in them might burn.

That's cool

[mediumhoodie]

"A bit." Kat exhaled a tired breath as she peeled away the first layer of her clothes. She kept her underwear on and sank into the warm heated water. "Someone I know found a wounded peacock cat. I've been taking care of her but her claws are sharp." Kat exhales an unsteady breath as she lets her arms fall beneath the surface of the water.

"I don't come here often but I've been told that the hot springs have healing properties. I thought it'd be better than getting an infection." The supplies at the hospital were so low and Kat didn't really want to test whatever effects the peacock cat had. There was something about it that relaxed kat and that worried her.

She wasn't a 'randomly relax' sort of person.

[onesyllable]

Joshua knows most of this place is new to him, but there's time when he feels as if he's making the mistake of still trying to assume that this is normal. Normal to what he knows. None of this is normal, and that's a new one.

"A what cat?" His nose wrinkles, head canting and considering that. "What is it? A baby tiger?" He's known a few barn cats, but never really dealt with them so he doesn't know what they can be like.

Though then she goes on about the healing properties, and he can't help but to perk up then. "This water?" He splashes his hands back and forth through it, curious about how that feels, if he would feel it if he needs it. "What all can it heal?"

[mediumhoodie]

Kat's mouth curved into an amused smile. "I thought it was strange too." She admitted as she gently cupped some of the hot water and poured it along her scared arms. It didn't take long for the angry red lines to pink and begin to heal.

"It's a fairly normal cat but its tail is like a peacocks. There is something in the oils that is... pleasant but I've been trying to avoid touching it until I'm sure it isn't harmful." Kat has had a few giggly afternoons thanks to the euphoric properties of the oils that can be found on the peacock cats tail feathers.

"I haven't tested it too much but I'm usually here for sore muscles and things like this." Kat shifted and moved close enough for Joshua to take a look at the cuts on her arms. They'd usually take about two weeks to fully disappear but with the water, they were closed and already fading.

[onesyllable]

For a long time Joshua just sits there, quiet and watching what she does. Taking in how the water cascades over the wounds, and then over skin with little marks at all. His jaw hangs, mouth gaping a bit as he just stares. Not even being weird about a lady as undressed as she is, but the magic of the marks leaving.

"So all of these things, they're not just weird looking, they're magical?"

Of all of this, including being apparently back from the dead, this is the part he's been trying to ignore the most. That it's not just weird animals that look like nothing from back home, but that they're beyond odd.

And that included the water he's sitting in.

Slowly he runs his fingers through it, letting the water drip from his fingers as he tries to get his brain to wrap around it all.

"I... I can't..." He sighs, shaking his head as he sinks back against the wall of the hot spring. "All of this is so odd to me. Not sure what to think of it."