Birthday Wishes

[Ankh]

Active Spells: Pulse of the Living World, Aura Perception, Organic Resilience, Doppelganger

Ankh opens here eyes and for a moment feels a sense of panic as she looks around and doesn't know where she is. The room is heavily masculine, and the bed is not hers. She rolls over to look at the clock and bounces into West's sleeping form. She smiles as she remembers now, who's room this is.

She sits up and stretches, sliding silently out of bed, trying not to disturb him. She grabs her robe and pads softly into the bathroom, closing the door quietly behind her. At four thirty in the morning, she highly doubts she'll wake him with a shower, but she makes it a quick one just in case. She has an appointment today at five thirty and she does not want to miss it.

Dressing quickly in the bathroom, she steps out silently and slips out of the room. Once in the living room, she grabs her keys, writes him a quick note and heads out the door. She is 18 today and she made an appointment with Sacramento's high end spa. She looks forward to the relaxation and massage she knows waits for her as she drives there.

[West]

~~Narration~~

Ankh pulls up to the Bellagio Day Spa on Galleria Boulevard. Driving by, one would think it were an exotic car dealership: Mercedes, BMWs, Aston Martins, and Bentleys adorn the parking lot. Two cars really stand out. An exotic looking race car painted a hideous shade of orange tinged with peach, and a Volvo station wagon. As early as it is, apparently Sacramento's elite start their mornings here.

After her car is valeted, Ankh checks in. Past the reception, a plush dining area can be seen, dotted with women. Some wear chic day wear, some the signature robes of the spa, and some in plain old sweats. Designer sweats, though. Mimosas and crepes seem to be the favorite, although quite a few tall drinking glasses appear to have water or tomato juice in them. Closer inspection, particularly by smell, would reveal that they're neither water nor plain tomato juice.

With her appointment confirmed, and a slight curious look given her by the clerk upon inspection of her driver's license, she is turned over to an attendant.

He's hot. Hot enough he doesn't have to take his clothes off at night for fading past prime trophy wives to tip hundreds of their negligent husband's dollars to.

"Hello," he greets Ankh with a warm smile. "I'm Steve, is this your first visit?"

[Ankh]

Active Spells: Pulse of the Living World, Aura Perception, Organic Resilience, Doppelganger

Ankh nods, looking around.

Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all. Who are these people?

"Yeah. I take it your the resident eye candy?"

[West]

~~Narration~~

"Uh," he squawks, "Yes, at least until an audition pans out." From his poorly concealed surprise at Ankh's words, she knows this won't be any time soon.

"So, we serve breakfast, and with this lovely weather the pool will be opening in two hours," he starts his spiel. "The indoor pool is already open, and of course the hot tubs, sauna, and massages are always available."

Steve apparently likes to list the things that require little clothing first.

"Then there is the salon, for manicures, pedicures, facials, and hair styling. Pilates, yoga, and spinning instructors are also on hand. Did you have anything in particular in mind to start your day with us?" he asks.

(( Wits + Comp -3 please ))

[Ankh]

Active Spells: Pulse of the Living World, Aura Perception, Organic Resilience, Doppelganger

Ankh raises and eyebrow as she notices Tyria at one of the breakfast tables, then turns her attention back to eye candy. "And what do you do here, exactly?"

[West]

"I show our guests around the facility," he replies, "especially visitors."

He leans forward slightly, "Although I am going to be a licensed masseuse soon." Steve's tone is a mixture of conspiratorial whisper and invitation.

[Ankh]

Active Spells: Pulse of the Living World, Aura Perception, Organic Resilience, Doppelganger

Ankh smiles brightly at him. "Really? Looking for a guinea pig by chance? Or are you not allowed to practice on "visitor's"? Why don't you show me to the massage area then. That's what I really came for anyway. Maybe a hot tub soak later but the rest of it I can do without really."

[West]

~~Narration~~

"Sounds perfect," Steve replies with a smile.

He leads Ankh through a hall to another area, with doors of rooms. Out of one door comes a matronly looking woman, who closes the door on a small Asian girl who is delicately snoring. She gives Steve a questioning look, to which he shakes his head slightly. She returns the look with a slight raise of her eyebrows and leaves.

Steve shows Ankh into a room with a massage table, motivational posters, and music playing. Towels and a robe are on the table, and a console with a tray containing oils, and other bottles are evidence of the room's purpose.

"Just prepare yourself and then push the button," he says, showing her a button on the side of the table. "Unless you would like assistance changing?"

[Ankh]

Active Spells: Pulse of the Living World, Aura Perception, Organic Resilience, Doppelganger

Ankh raises her eyebrows at the question. "You're kidding right? I mean, assistance changing into what?"

She begins to wonder if this was a good idea at all now. Maybe she should hjave just stayed home in bed with West.

[West]

~~Narration~~

"Into your towel," Steve replies, giving her a puzzled look. "You disrobe, lay on the table, and cover yourself with a towel," he explains. "Afterward, you put the robe on, or your clothes, depending on what you do after this."