[Crystal Gardens] Beat it! (PC Adelyn, NPC Given: Cooking XP)

[Eben Bloodhawk]

Third Cycle in the Month of Melora, in the Season of Winter, Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XV Post Fractum, and the brightening after Eben arrives at The Crystal Gardens...

Eben found himself waking rather early this particular brightening, which was somewhat surprising considering the candlemark he finally made it to bed the darkening before. However, even more surprising was how eager he was to get to work. He couldn't wait to explore his new surroundings and, in particular, tinker around in his new kitchen...well, the spa's new kitchen.

The darkening before had gone well. He had managed to wine and dine his new boss, as well as he new coworkers to the best of his ability, and it paid off in a job at The Crystal Gardens.

As he rolled out of bed - his nice new bed - he stretched and yawned before running a nimble hand through his tousled, blonde-brown hair. Standing, completely naked, in the center of his room, he closed his warm eyes and allowed the chorus of natural sounds, occurring just beyond the walls, to wash over him. Clearly he wasn't the only one up so early.

Okay, time to wash up and get to work, Eben thought to himself as he removed an oversized towel from the top of a nearby dresser. Unfolding it, he then wrapped it around his narrow waist before padding through the door of his room. Pausing just outside, he allowed the crisp, slightly chilled air to envelope him. It felt good, invigorating even.

Hmm, I wonder where the bath is..., he now mused, realizing that a detailed tour of the facility was in order. Well, perhaps it's early enough for me to take a quick dip in the pool, before the others wake.

Continuing along the open-air hall, Eben made his way toward the patio and the pool. Yes, it was winter, and, yes, it was rather nippy out, but neither of these facts seemed to matter to the young Baijani. He liked the cold, almost more than he liked the warmth of spring or the heat of summer. So, a quick dip in the pool sounded refreshing to him.

Approaching the pool, he gave the patio a quick once over to make sure that he was indeed alone. Then, rather boldly, he let his towel drop just before he dove in.

"BAH!" he cried out as he came to the surface, however, it wasn't an exclamation of shock, more an expression of how alive the ice-cold water made him feel.

As he drifted about, dipping in and out of the water, he couldn't help but wonder why the entire pool wasn't frozen over. Although, from what he had heard, the weather of Demios was as unpredictable as its citizens, so, perhaps there had been a recent heat wave. Who knew? Anything was possible...even the fact that Eben wasn't as alone as he had originally thought.

[Adelyn Weiss]

Stifling a yawn with the palm of her hand, Adelyn roamed the perimeter of the gardens by the pool. She did this every early brightening to stretch her legs and wake herself. The brightenings were getting longer, and as the final touches got done that also meant more paperwork and financial matters to take care of. Sitting around for candlemarks on end was nothing fun at all, and experience could have told her that before even taking on the position as manager of the Crystal Gardens. Though truth be told, the job of Aedile required a lot more traveling than sitting in an office.

From a short distance away Adelyn heard small splashing sounds. Instinctively the woman knew no maintenance needed to be done on the pool. Everything to do with the pool was done, except that this season it had not been frozen over because the resort was still closed. Small morning chills ran down the back of her spine, her hair pulled up messily, short strands dangling and tickling her neck. She rubbed her arms together and with light steps headed to the pool. None of the other employees were at work yet, this she knew because she managed the work schedules.

Sharp green eyes peered through exotic flowers and leaves, her body still hidden from view. Adelyn blushed bright red at the sight she saw. Eben, the man she had only met and hired last night, was wading around the shallower end of the pool, closest to her. His back was turned to her at the moment, and she could clearly see he had no clothes on. She did her best to contain her giggles, but her cheeks remained the hottest of pinks. To spare them both further embarrassment, such as the fact that Adelyn was now *staring* at him, she decided to make her presence at least known.

She tried coughing a little, as though she were sick, and she cleared her throat shortly after. In a skin-tight tube top and loose black pants the woman crossed her arms across her chest, and moved forward. "Serale," she whispered awkwardly definitely pretending not to know about his lack of clothing. "You sure are awake pretty early. How ... are you?" Adelyn averted her eyes, looking at the waterfall in the center of the pool, but her eyes naturally wanted to gravitate toward his well-defined body.

[Eben Bloodhawk]

"Serale," Eben quickly called back in return, slightly startled by the sudden salutation. "I'm doing well, thank you," he calmly replied as he made his way across the pool in several long strokes, back toward the side where he had abandoned his towel.

Without any hesitation, the young baijani slid out of the cool water, promptly gathered up the oversized cloth, and swiftly wrapped it around his exposed lower half. Had he just given the young lady an impromptu show? Perhaps he had. However, as he glanced over at her now, she appeared to be more interested in the waterfall in the middle of the pool, so, perhaps she hadn't seen much at all. Regardless, it mattered very little to him. Modesty was not one of his stronger traits. If she saw something, she saw something.

"So, Mistress Weiss, I know why I'm wide awake and ready to take on this new brightening, but what brings you about so early?" Eben questioned her as he approached, shaking the water from his damp hair. "The party broke rather late; I had figured most would be sleeping in. Granted, I would imagine someone with your physical attributes requires very little beauty sleep. It just comes naturally," he warmly noted as he flashed her a bright smile, while tilting his head back and forth a bit to allow the water in his ears to easily escape.

Moving even closer to Adelyn now, Eben looked down upon her and gazed at the natural beauty he had just complimented her on. Her eyes were breathtakingly beautiful. Like two jewels, blazing away inside of a priceless sculpture. Her skin was utterly flawless, so smooth and luminous. And her lips...were...

"Mistress Weiss, if you would be so kind, I would greatly appreciate your company in the kitchen this brightening," Eben suddenly stated, snapping himself out of his far too obvious ogling before it got him into trouble. "That is, if your schedule permits such an endeavor. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the Chef has his talents too, but he isn’t as nearly as much fun to be around."

[Adelyn Weiss]

With piqued interest the young woman watched Eben take long strokes to his towel. The water, she knew, was beyond refreshing this time of brightening and it made her want to join him in the pool. With a half smile she envisioned herself splashing around and having a good time, and perhaps there would be time to enjoy herself in the pool during the less busy hours of the resort when it finally opened come Spring. "I'm glad to hear it!" she called out to him.

Upon his exit Adelyn turned her head away politely, placing a hand on the the back of her head, pretending to play with her hair. The dark mess hung wavily down in strands, signs she had just woken up herself. Her heart began beating faster as he neared her, water still glistening on his exposed chest. She nodded slightly, thanking him for the compliment. "Managerial duties call me at all times it seems. And I just couldn't stay in bed any longer. With such gorgeous scenery who can't help but want to wander?"

Each and every one of his movements flowed with a natural comfort as she spoke. The man's eyes were intense, and they were definitely traveling up and down the petite woman's body. She could feel it. Adelyn's emerald eyes never left his, and finally the two met eye to eye. Something in him changed and he blurted out an invitation.

Her lips turned into a teasing smile, "I'd like that very much, Eben. Though I worry you won't be allowed in without some clothes. Recently I discovered baking to be a passion of mine and if I can watch you cook I might also learn a thing or two. This will give us a great opportunity to get to know one another and spend some time without the large group. I like to know everyone at the resort and that usually takes some one on one time! I'm delighted you asked." She covered another small yawn. Her stomach made a small grumbling sound shortly after. "And it seems I could go for some food, too!" For a small woman she certainly knew how to appreciate food.

Adelyn began walking toward the restaurant, and heading in the direction of the kitchen and sweets shoppe. In that hallway further down were suites, the one closest to the small bakery belonging to Adelyn for now. "Forgive me if all the details I shared with you last night are a little foggy. I believe your suite is across from mine, yes? After changing we can begin!"

[Eben Bloodhawk]

"Mistress Weiss, I only cook in the nude in the privacy of my own home," Eben joked with her as they walked side-by-side toward their rooms. "So, yes, you are correct. I will need to slip into my uniform before we meet to share our skills in the kitchen. Some one-on-one time sounds perfect to me," he added with a wink.

At this point, Eben ducked into his room, letting his towel slip away before he was able to kick the door closed behind him. His brisk swim had hit the spot perfectly, and now that he had some stimulating company joining him in the kitchen, he felt completely invigorated and alive.

Removing his neatly pressed uniform from the dresser next to his bed, he began to suit up. Rather quickly he discovered that the pants were a little snug, clinging to his legs like a second skin, however, he still found a way to fasten them at the waist after a little tugging and fussing, stretching and smooshing. Next came the jacket, which, more so than the pants, was far too small for his ample upper body. He was barely able to get it around his broad shoulders and he nearly split the sleeves as he worked his massive arms into them. Buttoning the garment was completely out of the question.

Hmm, this isn't going to work, is it?

Stepping out of his room, he took two steps across the open hallway and proceeded to knock on the door to Adelyn's room.

"Mistress Weiss," he called, before the door even opened, "we seem to have a problem here. Perhaps I would've been better off simply wearing my towel."

[Adelyn Weiss]

Sweet laughter rung in the hallway as the pair walked together to prepare for some fun work in the kitchen. "You do know you may call me Adelyn? Something about the ring of the word 'mistress' when you say my name makes me want to laugh. Or I'm not accustomed to hearing my name in that fashion." In her head she couldn't help but think, "He really is a character. Something else, entirely. I've never spoken to someone like him before." The thoughts brought a quick smile to her lips.

Looking back at him before entering her room she noticed he had dropped his towel before even closing the door all the way. Her cheeks turned red, and she shook her head, laughing to herself. Working with Eben would prove more than interesting, it'd be a challenge to stay focused! She entered her own room and proceeded to take of her white top. At the same time she slipped out of her sandals and ran to the dresser. For the first time Adelyn would be sporting her own chef's uniform. This felt oddly like playing dress-up, but while in the kitchen the woman felt the need to look professional.

Buttoning up the bottom half of her own white jacket Adelyn heard a knock at the door. This distracted her and she simply forgot to do up the last few buttons at top though not much could be seen. She moved to open the door recognizing Eben's voice. The door now open, Adelyn met Eben's gaze. Trying hard not to laugh Adelyn let him in.

"You're right... I guess I did not take into account a man of your physical build to have applied for chef. It's not so typical, I guess." Her soft delicate hands reached over to see if she could button the jacket, but the material slipped from her hands and she found herself touching his chest. She didn't think she could stand any more awkward moments like these with the man. Perhaps the suns were beginning to rise, but it was getting hotter in her room.

Her mouth opened to speak, but for a while no words escaped her, "Well... I... I mean it's not usual to do this, but we could certainly cut off the sleeves. Or make them short sleeved. This just won't do." Adelyn frowned, and her eyes traveled to his pants. They too looked a little on the tight side. "Are the pants a no fit as well? For now you can wear your own clothes until we get another uniform made for you. Or do you think cutting the sleeves will make the jacket fit?"

Rather than removing her hands entirely from his chest Adelyn had let them slide down so as to feel his rock hard abs. The woman could not bring herself to look him in the eyes after that.

[Eben Bloodhawk]

Eben suddenly found himself needing to pull away from Adelyn, for the issue with his tight pants was quickly growing into a much bigger one. Turning away, ever so slightly, the young man simply removed the ill-fitting jacket and held it before himself, skillfully covering up his new found issue.

"Well, if you don't mind, I think that's exactly what I'll do."

His eyes traced over her form now and he noticed that she too was showing a fair amout of skin, having not fully buttoned her own jacket. His eyes drifted, just a bit, until finally he realized that he needed to remove himself from such stimulating company or his issue was going to take a turn for the worse.

"I'll...see you in the kitchen...in a little bit. Okay?"

Not waiting for a response, Eben quickly took his leave and returned to his room, just in the knic of time.

Yeah, these pants are not going to cut it. I hope she doesn't ask why they're split in two when I return them to her, because I'm not sure I'm going to get them off any other way!

[Adelyn Weiss]

Eben pulled away. Adelyn blushed, realizing perhaps she had crossed a boundary in touching him as sensually as she had, but the movement came so naturally. Embarrassment creeped over her sunkissed cheeks. The woman shyly averted her eyes as he removed the jacket that had unfortunately not fit him. She felt bad to an extent, but it really had not occured to her to order muscular build uniforms. "I'm so sorry about this! Just bring it right on back to me and I'll take care of it for you." Adelyn tried a more reserved tone, thinking she'd done something wrong.

The woman frowned slightly at his words. She had definitely pushed him away, she knew it. "Yeah sure I'll see you there in a bit."

After he left she turned around casually and finished up the buttons on her own uniform. The uniform was in fact a cute formality as Adelyn didn't even work in the kitchen, but instead managed the resort and the manager's outfit was completely different. Paying special attention to her hair the woman took a few minutes, hopefully sufficient time for Eben, and she walked into the kitchen. It looked clean and organized as ever, the pots gleaming like new from the racks.

[Eben Bloodhawk]

As Eben approached the kitchen, dressed in his own, comfortable trousers, leather boots, and adjusted uniform jacket - which was now missing both of its sleeves and showing off his well-defined arms - he paused just outside the main door and proceeded to pluck several brightly colored, beautifully scented tropical flowers from a nearby plant. There was an overabundance of them, so he didn't see any harm in taking just a few. He wanted to make amends with Adelyn for acting as he did. Even as he had departed from her room in great haste, he could sense that he had made her feel bad, and that was the last thing he had wanted. She hadn't done a thing wrong. If anything, she was utterly perfect in her every graceful move and thoughtful word, but somehow he had given her the wrong impression.

Perhaps I shouldn't have pulled away so quickly.

Entering the kitchen, he noticed that she was already there and very much alone. Standing with her back to him, Eben took this opportunity to appreciate her delicate form once more. She looked rather charming in her uniform, now that he was seeing it in full. He wondered how often she would join him in the kitchen. He knew that she had many other duties to tend to, but he inwardly hoped that she would grace the kitchen with her presence on numerous occasions.

Sneaking up behind her now, having remained with her back to him, Eben soon stood a mere foot away. Hiding the flowers behind his back, he cleared his throat, "Ahem."

Waiting for her to turn, he wondered what the right words were for such a situation. Perhaps he shouldn't say a single thing and simply offer her the flowers. Would that be enough to smooth things over? Why were women so hard to read at times? What was too much and what was too little? This could play out so many different ways, it made his head spin to think of them all.

[Adelyn Weiss]

Lost in her own world Adelyn didn't hear the wooden door swing open behind her. She stood with her both her arms down the side of her body, looking very calm and relaxed. 'I hope I'm not over-thinking the situation with Eben. He's a new employee and all... making things awkward now well... that just won't do!' her thoughts were all a jumble. Still she noticed the lack of dishwashers and the top chef she'd grown to love these past few brightenings still not in the kitchen. Really, was it so early? Adelyn hadn't realized until now that she'd been unable to sleep well this month. Small signs of her past troubles were slowly creeping up on her.

A small sound behind her caused her to jump. Turning immediately she was met with Eben's presence and Adelyn smiled readily. Placing her hands on her hips, she laughed, "You caught me daydreaming! Scared me a little bit there. Your clothes is much more fitting now. Your comfort here at the resort means a lot to me." The woman was true in her concern and caring, the genuine warmth playing all over her face, particularly her eyes. The woman was known to have a big heart, and she'd be recognized for it soon enough.

Her smile turned playful, however, when she noticed Eben hiding something. "What do you have there - a secret recipe, maybe?" she teased.

[Eben Bloodhawk]

"Hmm, I guess you could call it that. Actually, I would say it's more of a key ingredient in a rather important secret recipe," Eben replied as he brought the bouquet before him, offering it to Adelyn. "The secret recipe of friendship."

He had to laugh at himself at this point. Even he realized how silly that last statement sounded, but, for some reason, this woman, she...she...she simply bewitched him with her striking eyes, warm smile, and tempting figure. He found himself unable to think clearly; unable to form a sentence that didn't sound like it was written by a sappy poet for a celebration greeting. However, he had to pull himself together and behave like a professional, not a blithering idiot.

"Look upon these flowers as a mere token of my appreciation for your kindness and care. I know you must have a wash maiden's list of things to do, but somehow you have been able to give me a good portion of your attention both last darkening and here now, and, so, I want to thank you for that. I don't think I would be standing here right now if it wasn't for you."

Eben paused now, feeling the need to bite his tongue before he said something completely inappropriate or utterly stupid, and simply regarded the young woman standing before him. She appeared to be happy. Didn't she? That wasn't too much, too soon. Was it? She hadn't thrown the flowers at him yet, so, that was a good sign. Right?

[Adelyn Weiss]

She blinked a few times in his direction, somewhat shocked at the sight of the flowers. Her face was entirely serious, eyebrows even furrowed in confusion. Why were all men charming towards her? The thought crossed her mind that she hardly had any male friends that didn't attempt to flirt. These small signs of affection had been lost on her before, but the moment Roland Moonstar pointed it out to her she saw it from everyone. And she did not blush, did not think herself so beautiful to be so deserving of the attention.

But Eben was different. She felt something else towards him entirely. Ordinarily the woman was charming in return, playful even, just because it was in her personality to be so. The man standing before her, though, aroused in her a more serious emotion than just play - did she really like him? And so soon? She said nothing for a long time, but just alternated her gaze between his own eyes and the flowers. She sensed the growing sense of awkwardness and reached for the array of colors, the bouquet in his hands.

Even with Ariston, the scholarly gentleman Viskyia introduced to her, who was so vastly different from most men, had only sparked her curiosity and interest, nothing at all like this. But what was this? Long eyelashes met her skin as she closed her eyes and took in the lovely fragrance of the tropical beauties.

Shyness! Adelyn realized shyness was creeping on her, and that personality trait did not frequent the woman too often. She smiled meekly after placing the bunch on the closest counter. She knew this was unprofessional, but if they would be working together at the massive resort well there was just no reason the two could not be close friends. Adelyn moved in closer to him, and she touched the warmth of his body. The girl wrapped her arms around him and hugged him, resting her head on his chest.

Perhaps the embrace lasted too long, but she felt such comfort holding him, like she belonged there. Her face turned strawberry pink when that thought came to mind. "Your words were so touching, Eben! We are definitely meant to be friends. And even after only one darkening I know you're a good person. Now what do you say we get to making some nourishment for one another?"

She looked under several counters until she found a vase, getting herself as far away as possible from the man. Her movements were graceful, but still quite rushed. Water fell into the vase from one of the many small sinks and the flowers fit beautifully. Avoiding his eyes she laughed, "You're funny you know that? Most people don't present gifts of friendship. That's different."

After washing her hands the young woman looked around the kitchen for the recipe book Geoffrey had given her not so long ago to start off her baking.

[Eben Bloodhawk]

Adelyn's initial response concerned Eben. Clearly he had said something or done something - or both - to put her off. Her silence spoke volumes. But then, thankfully, she quickly came around, which put his mind at ease - if only a bit.

"Yes, you're right; I think we should get down to business. There's a morning meal that needs to come together and it's not going to prepare itself. I would imagine the others will be rising soon enough."

Making his way around the kitchen, Eben began gathering the key items he would need to put the meal together. Having utilized the facility just the darkening before, he had a pretty good idea where most things were kept. The morning meal, better known as the rosyun, was a rather easy one to prepare. The most challenging aspects were the items that needed to be baked, such as the muffins and breads, and, from the sound and looks of it, Adelyn was going to take care of both of those.

"I was so relieved to hear that the resort plans on maintaining a resident baker. It will make it so much easier for me to focus on the main dishes," Eben noted as he watched Adelyn flip through a recipe book. “I was thinking, after the morning meal, that this would be the ideal opportunity to practice some of the meals we’ll be serving for the pracenda once we officially open. Chef Given mentioned last darkening that he would be around this brightening, so, perhaps he and I will be able to dabble in a bit of hands-on training.”

At this point, the young baijani slipped out of the main cooking chamber and into one of the pantries. He needed to gather the fruits he would be squeezing for the juices they would be serving with the fresh baked goods. He also wanted to check their inventory of jams and butters.

“Oh, I just remembered,” he suddenly called out from the pantry. “Didn’t you mention something last darkening about opening a bake or sweet shop on the grounds of the spa?”

That's it Eben, remain professional. Focus on the job at hand, but make sure you pay ample enough attention to her so that there isn't another awkward moment between the two of you. Remain calm and play it cool.