Xanadu Weyr - Hot Springs
The warmth that flows from this cavern is almost overwhelming for some, the steam rising from the shimmering pools as thick as the morning fog that rolls in off the ocean. Numerous pools are scattered here and there with ribboned walls that are natural in their construction. The water has a somewhat green cast to it, but it is merely a reflection from the ethereal light which is the glow down here that was so noticeable from the Lower Cavern Tunnel. People can often be found down here washing themselves or just relaxing.
Situated along the walls are various racks covered in fresh towels ready for those who step out of the warm waters. A set of shelves have been installed towards the back wall, allowing people a place to put their belongings while they rest in the pools, and despite the white color that these have been painted, they are cast with that eerie green glow. Then, it's obvious. The ceiling of this cavern is covered in the fluorescent phosphorous matter that glows are made off. The mossy substance almost glitters and appears quite lovely.
It's early afternoon and the hot springs are fairly deserted. In the main pool there are launderings going on - sheets and towels today - washed by aunties and the like for the Weyr. The Weyrwoman is here - fully clothed. What her purpose here is unclear but she seems to be staring at one of the smaller pools which is tinted an interesting shade of healer purple. Hmm.
Healer purple? Surely it's not /still/ healer purple. Maybe it's diluted now to a nice pale shade of lavender. A few bubbles break the surface of the water before waterlogged purplish mop rises up from the water, wrinkly hands working to scrape the clingy strands from her face. Spitting out a bit of water, Kera tries to swipe at her eyes before going back to scrubbing vigorously to get the paint from her hair. She's yet to notice the Weyrwoman scrutinizing the visually pleasing hue of the water.
It's diluted alright. With the water people should be using to bathe in. But Thea has no problem calculating what the original shade of color it took to tint the water the not pleasant hue. Cloudy, murk that the water is, she hasn't noticed anyone was in there either, until Kera surfaces. Purplish hair, hmm? Oh this, then, is also the likely culprit. And she isn't yet seen, so the Weyrwoman backs up two steps and seats herself on a bench, folds her hands in her lap like she's got all afternoon to just hang out in the hot springs. She'll do that waiting with a small smile on her face. This ought to be good.
Kera works to scrape the paint away, using whatever she can, which in this case, is her fingernails. The strands of hair are not cooperating though, they keep slidingaway from her fingers as if they are working to stay the new shade. Splashing a few handfuls of water up, it does little to rinse away the lacquer. She sniffles and scrubs the back of her wrist against her eyes briefly. A quick dart around, seeing the aunties, before she takes a deep breath and sinks below the water again. Her hands working enthusiastically to scrub the paint off. Moving her head back and forth, forcing the water through the strands, she rises again, sputtering. Still clueless that the Weyrwoman has seated herself when the girl can't see her very easily.
Thea can wait. She'll remain silent and let Kera finish her bath. Lalala…humdedum. So many things to be seen to, so little time and yet she lingers as if her schedule isn't pressing at all.
Kera working through the process a few more times she finally gives up the process. No more of the paint is gonna come out unless more drastic measures are taken. Well, at least she scrubbed most of it from her face. Now her face merely has a /healer/ blush to her features. Maybe she'll wear a hat for a while. Reaching for one of the towels, she wraps it around her as she rises. Then another is grabbed which she hurried uses to wrap around her head in a loose turban. When she turns to step out, her gaze freezes on the Weyrwoman, and the rest of her feezes as well. "Well shards." Is muttered before she can stop herself.
For more drastic paint removal measures, Thea will point Kera to the Steward; he knows which chemicals will strip paint residues. Some of them might dissolve hair and remove skin, but again, Jethaniel would know which and surely steer her clear of those. At Kera's panicked greeting, she merely continues to smile that benign smile. "I need a jar of numbweed, extra strength, Kera. When you have a moment, will you see to it a jar is left on my desk?" One hand lifts to forestall questions; she in a terrible hurry. Which is why she sat here all this time waiting for the be-purpled apprentice to surface, right? As the Weyrwoman has heard no complaints about exploding paint or injured folks, she'll act like she doesn't even see the purple. And she's a firm believer of allowing department heads to handle their own crises without her intervention, after all. If she didn't practice that, she'd never have a moment's peace.
This must be what the those wherries feel like when they know those huge dragons are hungry and looking their way. Kera slaps her free hand over her mouth as if she could take back the words that slipped out. A blink or two clears water from her eyes and she nods at the Weyrwoman's needs "Yes'm, I'll see to it as soon as I can." Just as soon as she finds a huge hat. Shifting her feet in the water, the apprentice starts slowly to step out again. Once she does, a quick, nervous nod is given to the Weyrwoman, even though Kera seems to be looking everywhere but Thea for some reason. "Wa.." Her word get's croaked out before she clears her throat and tries again "Was there anything else ma'am?"
Thea must be used to hearing those words frequently throughout the day, for she doesn't bat an eyelash upon hearing them. "Thank you Kera, I trust you will see to it then." The purple skin? Hair? Water? No remarks. Does she even see it? Wherries likely feel the panic sans the guilt Kera probably is feeling right now. Does Thea put her at ease? Nope! "Nothing more, no. Just have it there by dinnertime. Thanks, Kera." And with a cheerful little wave she turns and heads on out leaving Kera free to… encounter the consequences of… purple.
Kera still stares wide-eyed at the Weyrwoman and nods quickly. "Yes'm. I'll see to it myself." Glancing down at herself, she winces as she realizes her hands are still deeply hued and her arms too. A frown grows over her features as her eyes dart around. For once, she's actually innocent, the unfortunate victem of a prank. As Thea starts off, she gives a sigh. "Things just get worse and worse." Is muttered as she starts getting dressed, then it's off in search of something with a deep hood.