Where the water runs deep! [Marc]

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

It was about ten in the morning, when Zahira entered one of the gyms in the central area of Gotham City. Today just happened to be a day off work. As with wintery weather and most recent the blizzards. It was around the time, the museum closed for a week or maybe two. Although Zahira still had paper work to do here and there, but there was more free time. Rather than use this time for leisure, Zahira used most of it for chasing down leads and of course training. To keep trim and healthy. She had stronger senses, but she still was human. She had to have discipline. Usually she would do more training at the park or even at home, but it was cold out. It was also good to switch up the routine and one thing she surely enjoyed. Swimming. Zahira had never really been to a gym until Gotham, but she had mostly fell upon this gym by accident… A good accident it would seem… As the egyptian beauty entered the building. It was rather low key today, least for now, a couple people, perhaps because of the weather… Although once inside, it was certainly warm. Dry most of all. Of course not for long… Zahira swiped her card and headed straight for the ladies changing room. Met with perhaps one lady, maybe two. Otherwise, it was rather quiet. Stripping down to her black snake skin patterned bikini. Slipped on a casual pair of black shorts and a loose dark grey tee, bunched it a little to the side. Exposed her torso. Zahira dressed in the dark tones, perhaps to not to stand out that much and keep to herself. She wasn't one to point to herself, but with that said she did take pride in keeping her body in shape and well toned. She was expecting to sweat. To get a little bit wet. She wasn't really sure in what order, but she certainly had the time.

Putting the rest of her belongings into a locket and secured that, along with her glasses. She'd be a little blurry to begin with, but they often cleared doing her training. Slipped a pair of cheap sneakers on and hung a towel over her arm, plus a water bottle in her hand. Checked, she didn't need anything else. Leaving the changing room. Zahira decided before hoping into the pool. To warm up a little. So she headed to where the treadmills were, least one of the machines she knew how to work… Mostly… She didn't exactly go to a gym back in Egypt… Placing towel and bottle down. Zahira motioned and tied her black hair back in a loose pony tail. Flicking on the buttons. Soon Zahira fell to the gentle beat of the machine. Starting at a slow jog and slightly build up from there, not too high, least for now. Feeling the adrenaline start to kick in. The little beats of sweat. Kept her breathing in check. Zahira kept at that for the next ten minutes. It defiantly aided in waking her up and warming her muscles… Though she did desire and ached a little to get into that pool… To swim. She was normally used to rivers. Lakes, but well given how cold its was, not to mention it would get a lot more heads turning. A pool had to do, she had to say, perhaps even better, apart from the length, but this one certainly was a decent size. Plus heated… Yep, she was defiantly ready. Switching off the machine down to a walk and then to a stop. Taking a deep breath and catching it. Picked up her towel and dabbed her forehead a little. Her neck. A light sip of her bottle and off Zahira hopped to the pool. It wasn't far at all.

Through a door and a small passage way. Another door and Zahira was in the pool room. It was a little like walking into a large team room, it was so nice and inviting. Huge pool. A spa or two. A few chairs and space between. Plus smell of chorine! Zahira was certainly getting use to that. Making her way to an empty chair. Though from the looks, there was a lot of them. It was most relaxing when it was this quiet. Zahira smiled humbling to herself, before placing her towel. Bottle down on the chair. Slipped off her sneakers. Placing them, closely beside the chair. Slipping her shorts down from her dark toned legs and lastly lifted her top off. Put them on the chair and headed for the pool. Nearer to the deeper end. Came down to the edge and took a seat. Dunking her legs into the pool. Up grew the warming sensation hitting every part, tickling and with the desire for more. Smiled a little warmer. Feeling. Hearing the soothing ripples that broke on the surface. Swirling her toes ever so subtly, felt it between every toe. Reaching an arm up, Zahira pulled out her pony tail and place the tie on her wrist. Ran her hand gently through her hair and tousled it lightly. Before Zahira made that move and pushed herself off the edge. Into the water, fell momentarily deep. Sank into the warm water, before reaching the surface. Taking a deep breath.

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Music:TLC - Come on Down!
Clothes:Gym gear/Bikini/2

[Deleted]

The cool weather had been grating on his nerves. As had his Realtor. There had been nothing that had crossed his desk that he had found, worthy. Each condo, penthouse, or apartment had been lacking. And while he had tried his damnedest to enunciate correctly, his wants were still not being met. So instead of saying the wrong word, he had increased his visits to the gym. The one thing that his rooms at the hotel did not have to meet his standards.

Instead of the track this morning, he had opted for the water. Laps always quelled the storm. Business back home had been flourishing. His parents and sister were well. He had several crates of wine shipped, and was expecting their arrival with relish. Perhaps a bit more networking, and he would be able to offer an opener, or a tasting for his product. Perhaps even open a bar, or tasting room. With his skills, the sky was the limit. Too bad he had not met the right people yet.

Sluicing the water, each stroke into the chlorinated water reminded him he was not in Europe. While it was a lovely establishment, it was lacking in accommodations he was used to. Ah, America. But even this new country had its benefits.

Turning his head from the water, goggles in place, it was breath, stroke, kick, exhale. Breath, stroke, kick, exhale. The structure of it, the economy of movement, the fluidity. He enjoyed it all. Especially since few cared for the water in such frigid temperatures outside. Approaching the wall, he arched down, momentum carrying him forward, feet hitting the wall; coiling, springing. And then the return to the pattern; each muscle cutting through the water, very little resistance, even given his swim trunks in lieu of a more form-fitting speedo.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

Such warmth spread throughout Zahira's body, now that she was deep within the heated pool. The chemicals were something still to get use to, but other than that, it was just about soothing. Her dark hand ran over her now wet hair and face, feeling the water run down her cheeks. Her neck. Zahira's feet were a decent way from the floor. Floated easily. Circling her toes. Her feet ever so subtly. As well as her hands. It really felt nice to just run her fingers through the water. Just enough and start with a gentle. Nice swim… Almost… Maybe… Not far from the corner of her eye, there was another figure in the water. Male, it would appear. Zahira really only took notice after he had pushed from the nearing wall, swimming past her. Close and was met with the spray of water. Whether intentional or not… It was something Zahira would and could very much shake off… It was only water. Hand ran over her eyes again. A mild tingle. Her vision was… There enough… Enough, now she noted the man's strokes. Just feel the ripples of his muscles pulling through the water. The speed… It certainly caused a itch… Zahira smirked to herself. Even though she liked to remain mostly hidden… A little competition never hurt…

Zahira sank back down in the water, holding her breath. Diving would have helped, but well she was already here. All she really needed was a little push. Feeling her feet and toes push her from a wall. Her body emerged now cut through the water. Not with great speed, but defiantly smooth. A few feet behind. As Zahira reached out her arms for the more freestyles stroke. Treading herself through the water. Taking a couple of breaths to the side, but the benefit Zahira had, she could hold her breath a lot longer. Feeling the build of strength in her core. The stretch and work of muscles. Really feeling them warmed up, as her speed naturally picked up, with the fine kicks behind. Pushing her through the water as if she was slithering through it. Certainly not rough, she probably didn't have 'perfect' technique, but she certainly had a natural kind of way. Closer, Zahira came in range of the mystery man. Meeting him in seconds as they met the opposite wall. With that turn and push now. Zahira fell through easily. Kept with the man's stroke for a bit, before stamina pushed her that bit further. Further. Least Zahira felt she was swimming freely now. The water skimming over her dark body, encased in warmth. Kicked that last extra bit of speed… Enough until Zahira reached again where she had began. Reaching out a dark hand at wall and lifted herself up. Softly smiling to her, a silent little laugh, but hey… That sure felt mighty good no matter the reason. She could really go for more laps, hmmm. Then again, she wasn't entirely ready to just get this over and done with… Dark eyes mildly looked out for the man, but as soon her eyes went elsewhere.

Pushing herself onto her back. Pushed her feet against the wall again. Pushing herself into a back stroke. A comfortable back stroke. Her ears just under the water, blurred sounds. Created the feeling of stillness. As if encased, but with eyes wide open to the space above. It hardly felt completely closed in. With the steady slow stroke, Zahira felt all her muscles relax. This really was such a leisure, she could afford to enjoy, even if it was for a little while. Nothing more than her body and water. Air here. A little sight there, even though from the lights above, it sure played tricks with her blur. Mixing colours and shapes. With the ripples. Vibrations Zahira more or less knew where she was, but slowing down her senses. Her mind, she could almost feel like she was continually floating to no where and everywhere.

[Deleted]

Focused is an understatement. While the other lanes are sporatically filled and emptied of lap-swimmers, few have been there in longer durations, or in decent times. He is currently on lap 57, of a planned 240. The time spent in the pool is refreshing, and rejuvinating. It not only serves to center him, but to provide motivation for the remainder of his day.

It is only when he is mid-lane does he notice the splash and entrance of a slim figure. Not willing to break his pace he executes another turn, flipping beneath the water's surface to return where he was. Perhaps she would want to pace him, perhaps not. But for now, he has things to do, and no time to spare. But the strokes of this newcomer are nothing to be ashamed about, and possibly impressive. But the longevity of her time in the pool will show the true duration of her physicality.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

The rhythm of Zahira's strokes remained constant. Her stamina certainly wasn't in question, but then she had only just gotten started. There was little planning, just training. Swimming of course included. Carried through the water with each stroke she took, her back floated above the water. Blurry enough she could almost feel the rest of the place cease to exist, even for just that split moment. There was little counting. No lap mark she was trying to reach. Go until she stopped. Pushing a little harder with her strokes. Just to pump up the speed, but otherwise almost coast through the water. Hardly aware of the walls when she did meet them and turned back to keep stroking. It was almost easy enough to just feel like she was swimming in a lengthy river, somewhere back home… Feel the tickle of the smell of sand at her nose. The deep sun, although it wouldn't be hot now, but it really wasn't hard to imagine. Dark arms fell into the water. Her dark black hair flowed somewhere beneath her. Along with her dark shape. Her dark lips humming a subtle tune, perhaps something less heard of in Gotham, but a tune nonetheless. She was in the zone. Her zone. Going up and down, how ever really long, she was more or less not keeping time. It could have been five minutes. It could have been twenty minutes, when mostly hear echoes, save for the sharp sound of a diving board. Broke her just enough from her concentration. Her eyes catching more glimpses of the room around her. Taking the few last back strokes to the wall. Coming to a halt. Taking a breath. Running a hand through her hair, easing the water from her eyes.

There suddenly came a firm pull. Grab at Zahira's wrist. A hand. Her dark eyes immediately looked and saw a rather tall, decently built man. With the faintest frown, at the attempt at freeing her wrist, but his grip from strong and if in other cases she'd probably be inclined to certainly take action. Zahira was then met with his deep voice and not entirely happy either, loud enough that most probably would have heard it. "Are you done yet? I need the lane." Zahira could blink, because looking around there were free lanes, just further down from the centre. So much for trying to stay hidden, but maybe it was less about her and just more the fact this guy was a jerk. Woke up badly, who in the world knew. "No, I'm sorry… But, there are other lanes" Zahira spoke from the end of the pool, in the water. With the hints of her arabic accent, as polite as she could without pointing out the obvious. Maybe a little, but he didn't hold up from the grasp at her wrist. This she did not like, nor being told in such a manner, but she remained composed. "I need the centre for my training. Come on, just move over." Ah, right! He was a swimmer by the sounds. Athlete, though how this required her lane, she was less than sure, than she was sure he just wanted what he wanted. Despite anyone else. Possessive. There was for the moment just the cold stare, blink from her eyes, shake from her head and before she could speak.. "Move over, bitch or I'll make you move." The foul words fell out of his more than foul mouth, pulled more firmly at her wrist. Really wouldn't be taking no for an answer, her eyes lingered at his hold, his crude eyes. Just the subtle curl at her lips, but hardly anything she was truly thinking was bubbling. Save the look. Motion of discomfort. In her other form, it be easier… She could only let it go for so long. Not when it was a reminder of what she had left behind. "You really want the lane?" Zahira asked simply.. Of course it was, he nodded and fuming. That was clear. As her eyes partially stared him down… Well, if he really wanted it… Why not, but let him have it?

[Deleted]

He would have missed the whole encounter if he hadn't breathed in a near-lungful of water. Surfacing he noticed the exotic beauty in the lane beside him not quite chatting with some aggressor. Setting his jaw, he removed his goggles and waded to where they were conversing.

"There are other lanes. Take one, dive in, and leave her be."

The other man was about to speak when Marc narrowed his eyes. "She was here first, and doesn't throw a bitch-fit because she didn't get what she wanted. MOVE!" The last word was barked, and his head inclined to shoo him off.

"Miss, please take my lane. At least there will be an immovable object between you, and him, if he does decide to return." Shaking his head slightly, he lifted the lane buoy and stepped beneath it, holding it for her to go under as well.

Only after she started swimming again would he replace his goggles and make sure the other man was not trying to start anything else. It seemed that as fickle of a thing as which lane to swim in brought out the worst in some people. A sad notion, truly.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

The near stare and the tight grip around Zahira's wrist. As if by chance she could find her own way out, maybe make it even look like a normal slip, but before Zahira could even make an action. Do something… In came a voice. A figure. The man she had faintly caught glimpse of earlier. Coming to the rescue? As dark eyes fell upon him, a little unsurely, but she also gave up with the pull of her wrist. Not so giving in. Just backing out on any attempts she may have had. Perhaps playing a little victim would work and she certainly didn't mind his man's attempts. No, not attempts. He certainly sounded certain, not that she really needed anyone resorting to violence on her part, but it seemed this burly man at her wrist was taking the hint. Even so much so he let go, more threw her wrist free. Bringing her wrist to her chest, just above the water, as her other hand rubbed at it a little. It was less because of pain, more just relieved to be free. Who really liked to just be grabbed and grabbed by such a person, in such a manor? It certainly wasn't by choice. Even more relieved once her… She really wasn't sure what to call him, but he managed to shoo the terrorist. "Thank-you… You didn't…. Still, thank-you!" Extended her gratitude in as simple of a way she could with her arabic accent, perhaps he didn't have to, but he did help nonetheless, expressed a subtle smile. She half expected that be it… Zahira most certainly did not expect what happened next.

He offered up his lane? Perhaps chivalry was not dead. Maybe that was a stretch but, it certainly circled in that realm. A genuine charm, was rare. She could certainly defend herself, but she couldn't form words to really say no to this. Besides she really didn't want to draw to much attention to herself. Her dark eyes played shortly on the buoy raised. He stepped under and into her lane. Not wasting time, Zahira half walk, half swam under the buoy into his lane. An interested smile softly came to her lips when she listened to the sound of his voice. Not that she was entirely slow, it was just not a situation she had been in. Interacting one on one, was something she avoided, unless of course she was showing them the bottom of her foot. "Again, thank-you… Excuse me, but are you french?" Rather kindly Zahira thanked him again, with subtle timid gazes and subtle smiles. Motioning into the new lane. Perhaps she should have said more, just unknowing. Zahira brought her hands to the pool's edge and pushed herself out. She wasn't leaving, she just needed a moment. Perhaps to breathe. Running a hand over her dark forehead and hair, catching the water that dripped. Before mindfully rubbed at her wrist again, in silent thoughts, far less about the pain, there really wasn't any. Before she dropped to her lap. Brushed some dark strands behind her ear with her other hand, before she politely asked if he was french. Taking from hearing his accent, she was mostly sure. Perhaps a quirk in her smile broke through. A slight knowing smile. Because she did like France. In fact she could recall quite vividly memories of a vacation there with her parents when she was much younger. "Je m'appelle Zahira!" She did know a little french, if indeed she had been correct. Zahira extended an introduction as well as a hand.

[Deleted]

Watching the man leave, his eyes narrow and then widen to the darkhaired beauty that was getting hassled. "Let me see your wrist. If he has injured you, he can be escorted out." Gently he reaches out and runs his thumb along her wrist, quietly gauging her reactions along the way. Seeing no injury, he presses a kiss to her wrist, before they swap lanes.

Raising a brow, he again offered her a welcome. "I am. New to Gotham. You yourself are...from Egypt?" she spoke some French, accented as well. Walking against the water, he watches her sit on the edge. It made sense, being accosted, to want a break. Leaning his forearms to the edge of the pool, he introduces himself as well. "I am Marc. And if it is of any ease, I do speak the English tongue."

This was a timid wildflower, he noticed. Gotham was populated with women, mostly demure and genteel, from his experience thus far.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

There was some hesitation in the threatening man, but he moved off. Not before he glared and mostly glaring at Zahira. Way to come for a nice relaxing swim and possible end up getting an enemy out of it. She really couldn't say she understood the logic, but then again she wasn't really an athlete, despite she kept herself in as top shape as she could and mostly mind her own business. Taken back a little as her rescuer, if thats what she could call him. Spoke and reached out. When had mindfully rubbed her wrist. Letting it go and he moved towards it. "Really its…" Zahira began speaking softly and her natural reaction was flinch back a little, call it being a little nervy about being touched and even less used to such gentle touches, but he did find her wrist. Despite she pulled away ever so slightly, but either he stopped her or she did. "Fine!" Zahira then finished softly as her dark eyes fused a little in surprise. Unfamiliar and yet familiar sparked a little in one, watching his thumb graze her skin, it set shivers through her pulse and cause goosebumps against her skin. Recalling the past bruises. The beatings. The very tight grips against the same wrist. Not that she hadn't soldiered on from it, she was here wasn't she. Then of course one could assume she just ran away. But in all of past bruises there was little tenderness. Even less as he did something even less expected. Kissed her wrist. Zahira blinked a little and paused momentarily. Hardly even in the state to know whether or not she liked it. Naturally flinched and pulled back. "Thank-you!" Returning in kind, her eyes shifted then from his hand on her wrist, to eye contact, least briefly enough. Being the timid creature that she was. Taking her wrist back and slowly making the swapping of lanes, half hiding a slight smile.

The offer had certainly been another gesture she'd not expected and truly couldn't know the right motive, but she ended up taking it. Keep civil and keep to herself as much as she possibly could. What good was it for someone to truly get to know her? Then again Zahira hadn't really even had much of the chance to know, least only one experience that had truly be counted as a nightmare. Call it being cautious, but then was some tug. Whether she was aware of it or not. As she slipped her dark figure out of the water and sat at the pool's edge. Just for a moment, collect her bearings and well, perhaps talk to the mystery man beside her. Making this reach was certainly something she didn't often do if at all, but call it partially out of her will. Plus there certainly was a little perk feeling he was french and he then confirmed it. Zahira catching herself from smiling to much. Tracking her eyes from his to the rippling water. New to Gotham, he was certainly new, but certainly observing. "I am! Originally from Cairo, though more recently resided in Alexandria!" Zahira responded in suit, whether he picked it up from her accent or her look, he guessed right. Adding a little detail, the basics, there be little harm. Although she had certainly travelled throughout Egypt far more than just between two cities. Visited many of the tombs. Discovering the many deep and hidden secrets. Egypt could be a dangerous place now days, but it certainly had its beauty. Perhaps it was only a matter of time until she returned, but there was still things to be discovered in Gotham…

"Marc!" Zahira repeated as she motioned to shake his hand. His name was short and to the point. Offering a subtle smile in her welcoming, despite she could be the timid wildflower, there probably always be that wall. Not to just protect her, but the people she meets. Though there was still a tugging interest right now, she wasn't really aware of what to do with it, Zahira was just going with it. Sitting calmly at the waters edge and gently sway of her feet in that water. "And you speak it well. I know a little french, but certainly not fluently." Zahira could add a warm smile in her complimenting how he spoke English, certainly seemed a go and perhaps that would be easier. Though Zahira could pride herself in being a little cultured from places to places, perhaps she was being daughter to an adventurer, but she certainly couldn't say she was fluent. Adding a subtle shake of her darkened wet locks, with a simple look. Suggesting she may not be able to keep up with that kind of conversation, but she would probably try. "What part of France are you from? It is a beautiful country!" Taking a little more comfort in her seating, taking a subtle gaze as Zahira extended. Asked curiously where in France he had been, if was safe terrain she was sure. Her eyes floating back over the length of the pool ahead as she commented openly a little how she felt about France. "I travelled through the french alps, a few years back… Utterly breathtaking. Especially the Vanoise." Adding simply she had visited. A few years back, many years back when she was a child with her father, but it certainly wasn't something she'd easily forget. Smiling subtly, before shifting subtle eyes on Marc as she committed and shared.

[Deleted]

Marc laughed, a hand and arm leaning near her so he could maintain eye contact while she spoke. "Much warmer than the Gotham climate. Such a change in customs, too. You've done well, save for several more uncouth unsavories." He shot a glance at the man now buffered away from her who had started to swim.

He noted she was fit yet timid. Exotic as well. Even her words said as much. And bubbly. Perhaps the flower was blooming. For him that was not hard to do. Lean in, show that he was open and open to sharing. As they shook hands he was careful to keep his balance, and to not pull her either.

"I am from wine country. My family owns a vineyard so I have been lucky enough to learn several tongues to make the ease of liquor more smooth in certain circles. I speak English as to not try you on my native tongue." His blue eyes crinkled at the edges in a tease.

"The alps are quite beautiful. And challenging." As any woman, it was a fitting description. He stood a bit more straight in the water, motioning to his goggles.

"I was going to swim several more laps. And then would you care for a coffee? My treat."

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

There was a rather stiffly feeling that came over Zahira, just subtly washed over her as Marc approached. Leaning an arm close beside her. She flinched as she naturally would do, her eyes shone not so much out of unease, merely unexpected. It was just easier to keep people at a distant, but she was finding herself in a more one on one kind of situation. Simply running wasn't an option. Wasn't exactly her style. Even his laugh was unexpected, but evidently felt more genuine than anything else. Zahira couldn't say how often she had laughed in the past week or even in the past year. Zahira tilted her head a little at Marc's words. Were they carefully chosen? Either way she smiled subtly. "It is!" Zahira responded simply regarding Egypt being different in its climate. It was a change. "Then again the desert can get cold… Quite cold! It snowed this winter in Cairo… I do miss the scenery. The ever changing landscape" Zahira added as her dark eyes looked more at Marc directly. Not so much direct eye contact, whether she couldn't or wouldn't was another thing entirely. Noting that even though Egypt could be extremely warm, it could also be cold, in it own kind of way, from Zahira's own personal account, although she didn't see the snow first hand, that was a rarity for sure. Mentioned she did miss it, there was certainly something to be waking up in a world not much separate from an ancient world. Counted for all the times she had found herself in the middle of 'no where', it was beautiful and dangerous place. With high chance you could get yourself lost, but she liked the mirages and the shifting sands. She did good in adapting. "Thank-you. The change has certainly been welcoming… I find jerks like that to be unfortunately an international custom!" Gently Zahira thanked him, least from as little he attest from, but Gotham was certainly a change she was in need of more than she had known. Her eyes brushed down to her wrist. To Marc, following his eye contact to the brute some lanes down… Simply it just wasn't a Gotham thing. It was in part reason she came here. To escape and to seek.

Zahira certainly was the timid exotic creature that she was. The woman that she was, though certainly there something that allowed a little conversation. Though as open as it was, she still was quite guarded. Perhaps it could little or great effort to truly knock her walls down… Some could certainly try. Marc leaning in. The way his arms were relaxed, his whole demeanour, certainly expressed someone more open. Calm. Collected. Charming. Being gentle as he shook her hand. Someone could certainly get wrapped into this… Mostly it was just uncharted territory for Zahira, alert enough with the common interest that was France or perhaps even more broader, travel. "I've tracked through some of the vineyards. Understatedly beautiful. What is yours called, if you don't mind me asking? Can't say I've really required such a taste for wine… " Zahira responded slightly more light to her eyes. Least commenting what she could recall so many years ago, it was always easier when they were fond memories. Although being as young as she was at the time, probably didn't know in detail to much what wine was at the time and now, as she comment she couldn't say she had much experience in tasting it. Let alone enjoying it. With her heightened senses it heightened a lot of things and in most cases alcohol she did try just tasted to bitter on her tongue. Perhaps the conflict with the poison. Crinkled her nose slightly, she did not like champagne, before blushed a little with a smile. Given she wasn't trying to offend his business, she was probably just out of touch of it. "So this is why your in Gotham? Promoting and selling wine? From the way you make it sound, it really takes you on a global tour. That must be really something." Zahira questioned and inquired curiously in her tone, least from what she taking from what he said. In her little effort of sort of piecing together the puzzle. That his business caused him to travel a lot. See the world. To some perhaps travelling wasn't for all, but it certainly drew her natural interest. Always moving. "I appreciate the courtesy… If you do ever wish to challenge that, by all means go ahead. French is often just nice to hear and…. I might just learn something new." Zahira remarked in response as Marc teased, as though French may overwhelm her. Although as her dark eyes played him back more softly, you often pick up thing more simply by what you hear and even feel. Zahira could only imagine where they'd be if she'd spoken to him in her native tongue, well her other native tongue.

At Marc's response to the French Alps. Zahira simply smiled. She was defiantly not the type to back from a challenge as timid as she seemed and as timid as she was. When push came to shove. She really could leave her mark. "I wouldn't mind revisiting one day. I love an adventure." Softly Zahira's smile grew a little, as her eyes brushed over Marc and recalled the French Alps. A place she could revisit. One day. She loved traveling. Exploring. Though she wasn't as in the means to so easily, she'd have to work for that. For sure…"I don't… Know!"Zahira honestly responded firstly as Marc offered to share, coffee? Shifted her eyes a little and thought about it. There was certainly a large part of her, going no, no. As if danger signals, but there was a small part, merely feeling, what was the worse that can happen… Possibly everything, as Zahira amused herself… Then simply made up her mind, why not. "Make it a tea? Then sure I would love one!" Zahira pointedly yet kindly asked, with ever subtle hope in her eyes. Not that she needed to explain her choice, but mostly down to discipline. She had plan for more working out, too much caffeine just may undo all that. Nodded subtly with a simple smile, she could be down for that… Although it was almost a guarantee no one has really ever offered to buy her a beverage. Heck, let alone anything, not that she was feeling the flattery greatly. Just a different observation. Last thing she was given was either a weapon or a black eye to match. Hmmm, different life. Zahira motioned to stand where she had been sitting. In preparation to dive and do more swimming

[Deleted]

As he first drew near he noticed her flinching. Her own stance was one of defensiveness. No doubt has the dark-haired beauty been accosted before. This angered him deeply even as he smiled at her. Tried to give off a relaxed yet protective stance. It would do no good for her to go off on him for no reason. As she spoke he raised a brow. "I had not heard it snowed there. That is something to contemplate." Nodding to himself he filed away that tidbit to look into later. "The sand. The landscape is quite different than this jungle of concrete, people, and skyscrapers. Makes me yearn for the rolling hills and grapes of my home."

As they continue to banter, his eyes go from ice blue to warming a bit as well. "You are quite welcome. I have noticed those I have met here in Gotham have been quite different. Then again certain men feel entitled. I am not one of them. I thank my Mother for that daily." She had taught him well. His father, too. And of course his younger sister. Even the memory of her brought a roll of his eyes, and smirk to his lips. "My family's name is Dahlmaine. The Vineyard goes by Chevalier Cellars. Or Chevalier Vineyards. Or even by Dahlmaine vineyards. But we are seeking to brand ourselves as Chevalier Cellars here in other continents. Easier on the tongue, in a way." He winked at her at the pun, hoping his subtle humor would at least make her smile again.

"I am in Gotham for work. A friend from Metropolis had said I could seek fortune here. So far I have found bitter cold, fewer smiles, and snow. But I promote and sell the wine. Look for places that would want to offer it in their establishments. It takes me from city to city, at times. But Gotham has caught my fancy, I will agree. I am looking into seeking out a home here." From their banter, he could tell she was traveled. And understood that excitement.

"Perhaps later we could converse in French. It is my first tongue. English is several later down. So I apologize if I get a few things wrong here and there." His hand flipped from one side to the other as an illustration.

As she mentioned tea, he nodded. "A tea then. And I can tell you of many a fine place in the Alps if you are looking for adventure. Or to climb rock and cliff-sides." His blue eyes twinkled at her as he noted she was ready to swim again, making sure she was fully submerged again and unharassed before he re-affixed his goggles to his face and pushed off from the wall himself for several more laps.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

There was a little sense of ease, whether or not Zahira really knew it at the time. Sure there was still a little flinching. A little caution naturally in the back of her mind, that played naturally in her body. Though she was aware enough, Marc was trying. With his smile. Trying to relax and being attentive with ease, but not backing away. That little thing certainly was something to consider. Zahira was so used to being so reserved. So high with her walls, she just expected others to just give up trying. Unfortunately she had just as bad experiences with jerks as she had with the more charming sort of men. The ones that possibly wanted to claim more than her heart, her soul. Work their way in. Manipulate and control. Her dark eyes waved off Marc, to the surface of the water. Perhaps it was a lot. Enough to scar someone, but she wasn't going to put that weight on another. Despite her vulnerabilities and her weaknesses, she couldn't let them get the better of her and she could offer Marc the benefit of the doubt, she just couldn't so much help being cautious. It was much easier to go cliff diving, than expose herself to another… This certainly wasn't so bad. As Zahira eased her dark eyes gently back to Marc. "Yeah, first time in 112 years. I quite imagine it was a surprise to many… For a city that's already pretty much frozen in time, seeing Giza encased in ice, it certainly brings it to a different level…"Zahira enlightened Marc with her response, so it certainly nothing to put it past him for not knowing about the snow. It was quite the rarity, as she elaborated with a simple smile, even her simple glimmer in her eyes, was even a surprise to her. Despite not seeing it first hand, but it certainly painted quite a picture. Shaking her head ever so subtly in near disbelief. "You're right… It definitely is… Different! I guess its natural to feel a little home sick, sometimes… No river, in some cases the pool is better" Zahira remarked, understanding quite how Marc just described it. Not that Gotham wasn't without its beauties, it just really was hard replace the more natural views. Here the view just didn't feel as wide spread, save just a lot of buildings. Lights. Even hard sometimes to see the stars. Smiling softly as she could quite picture what Marc described and missed. Perhaps even so much, a small boy running through the tall winding vines, well, thats what she would have done… Motioned a slight finger to the pool as she mentioned the river. Call that, digging deep for her. With the suggestion that was how she swam before. Certainly no pools, she certainly missed there simply being not start or no end, but humbly jested a little, the pools were safer. Well, mostly. Less chances of being pulled in a river current.

Of course. Pool. River. Which ever it was, couldn't lessen her enjoyment of swimming. Peering casually at the gentle ripping water and Zahira's feet began to swirl through it again. A little more relaxed. The added ease in her toes. As her shoulders loosened that bit, though her hand closed to Marc still laid a little guarded upon her other arm. Glimpsed a little more intrigued as Marc spoke again. A slight smile at his kind response and simply listened, she always listened, despite it seeming she wasn't fully attentive. Her eyes curiously fell a little more directly upon him as he openly stated. "I am not one of them". Bold statement, seeing was certainly believing. Zahira really couldn't place him anywhere herself, she really didn't know him, but perhaps it meant more whether or not he believed it. Though she was a little more intrigued as he mentioned his mother, letting his guard down, thats sort of something she forgets sometimes when interacting with another, they have a family. Though she thought of her own often, it was rare she ever talked about them. "She must be quite a woman!" Zahira remarked subtly and comfortably. Dropping her slight guarded hand between them and rested against the edge of the pool. Careful, but wandered more at Marc's features now. Wandering what features were of his mother. His eyes? In that as she breathed simply, she could possibly believe he had drawn such wisdom from his mother, just as Zahira could hope she had drawn from her own parents. She at least tried to do all she could to make them proud, they were never far from her mind. "Certainly feels more french on my tongue… it has a nice ring to it… Dahlmaine, is nice in the subtle strength kind of way…" Zahira did smile at his pun, although she didn't repeat the name, it probably wouldn't have the same effect, but as she played it over in her head. Chevalier certainly came with the natural french sound. She really didn't know much about wine and the names certainly in most cases probably sounded all to similar, but she couldn't completely dismiss Dahlmaine, she remarked simply with a comfortable flash of her eyes and hint of her smile.

As Marc dived in even more personal, surprisingly very comfortably, Zahira did find herself naturally lean in a little. Listening and being a little more accepting, she certainly found the information, intriguing. Nodded faintly as he mentioned Metropolis, she knew of it decently enough, but not at all greatly enough. Gotham really was the only city so far she had seen in the USA, least first hand… Though this certainly was a long way to come to sell wine, but vast. America was big and seemed to always be growing. There was a lot she liked, but some just seemed almost out of touch with the rest of the world. Smiled subtly and nodded in agreement to the old. With her heightened senses, Zahira was even more sensitive to the cold than the average human being. Thus, she found herself in such a place. Her eyes traced the warmed pool room, filled with the stem. "I'd offer up a suggestion, but I work at the museum. Unless your vineyard is intwined with history?" Zahira spoke up with a hint of subtle humour on her tongue. Innocent humour. In regarding possibly suggesting establishments or a work place. Whilst mentioning her own place of work, it certainly wouldn't be suitable. Although as she asked, for all she knew his vineyard could certainly be laced with so much history. With subtle gleam in her eyes, at Marc with added movement to her simple smile. Before casually running a dark hand through her darker wet hair, feeling more the ease… "Gotham, it certainly does have a rather antiquity feel to it, that I quite like! Even when its hidden darkness, you can sort of feel the history." Zahira commented about Gotham and sort of what took her fancy from it, meaning mostly the architecture. The statues. It certainly could give off that gothic vibe.. Well, it least took her fancy, as she lightly shared, with a brief glance again to Marc. She did see it also from the Serpent's view, not only did she see it… She truly did feel it. The vibrations. She literally felt the life of the city pump through her veins. Only so many could say that… "To settle..?" Zahira asked and partially sort of just stated curiously as Marc mentioned he was looking for a home here. Stability… "I'm not really sure what I'm looking for…!" Zahira's voice spoke and partially drifted as her eyes drifted over the water of the pool. Stopped before she could say to much, although in her words, it was the truth, as the tinge of unsureness sprang in her eyes, but there was defiantly a gleam she was looking for something. It wasn't just work that brought her here… Her father had been from here, she was simply seeking answers. Anything. She couldn't really know if it would lead her to finding a home, or simply even more about herself… Although finding anything out, hadn't really been easy, there was chance she might not even find anything at all.

"I would like that… You must have a lot of tongues… No need to apologise. We don't always need words, to be understood." Surprisingly Zahira was ok with that, even though she couldn't say she was much one for a long conversation unless it dealt with history, that was a natural element, but at this rate she was willing. She didn't mind french and she too knew a couple languages. Couldn't really say which was her first, her parents had different languages. Most other languages she knew, she only briefly from what she could recall from her father's own travels… Zahira shook her head slightly as Marc apologised, she was pretty good at getting the point of things, most of the time. She wasn't perhaps in touch with pop culture which seemed to rule this part of the world, but she certainly had some clarity in how it turned… Zahira nodded in kind as Marc was ok with the tea. "Sure, we only covered a small section of the alps. I'm sure theres a lot I missed… Of course, rock climbing, is to be expected… The cliffs of Gotham, haven't really given me much of a challenge… Though I hear an island off the coast, has some challenge, but haven't checked it out yet!" Zahira kindly responded reassuringly. It was only a small amount she could recall and it was also so long ago. Simply smiled briefly, as she pushed herself to her feet on the edge of the pool. Offered a soft look in regarding to rock climbing. She certainly loved rock climbing, there really wasn't a surface at this point she couldn't scale. It certainly made the building more interesting at times… Although more commenting on the cliffs, she had tried and could be possibly interested in checking out more at some point. Offering Marc a lasting glance, before she drew her attention back to the water. Felt her muscles itching to get back in. With a pointed angle of her arms stretched out and pushing her feet off the edge. Zahira dived and cut through the water. Letting the weigh go and just flowing with ease. Letting all sounds drown out, save the subtle vibrating beat of her pulse. Keeping it steady. Pushing herself through lap after lap. She didn't really count them, she never really did, just a little lost in her own little element again, until it felt about 45 minutes later, perhaps longer. She didn't actually time herself, but eventually she did come to a stop. With merely a brief glance to Marc, before Zahira more promptly pushed herself out of her lane. Out of the pool and made way over to the seat she had left some of her belongings. Grabbing the towel, to help dampen some of the water on her body. Before slipping on her dark shorts and grey tee, tied leaving her toned torso mostly exposed. Before Zahira more diligently dried her hair with the towel, whilst seemingly catching her breath a little. Unsure whether or not, Marc was true to his words. So Zahira lingered.

[Deleted]

"There is history in everything. Even wine." He offered as they bantered back and forth before returning to the water. Her smiles and the looks in her eye were not unnoticed, as she seemed to blossom in comfort before him while they spoke.

"It is a strong name. I thank you for your compliment. Not in a forceful way, but in it's silence, you could say." He spoke more in what he didn't say, in what he did at times. "Perhaps I could join you at the museum. I do think they are understudied facets of a city. Look upon it's history, and you can learn quite a bit. Also venturing to it's restaurants and bars, and builds upon the image." He shifted as they spoke, his feet seeking better footing in the pool.

"To live." He helped. "And I grew up in an area where it was easy to learn, and pick up tongues, as you put it. My family is passionate in it's communications." Which was a truth. And to sometimes speak with a client, you had to come to them, instead of forcefully having them adapt to you." As she showed a return to the pool, he would watch, and then swim himself for a length of time. He would exit the pool before her as he wanted to shower and change without making her wait. So as he stood near the door, and watched her leave the pool and reclothe herself, he would finally, carefully walk to where she was lingering.

"Ready for that tea, Zahira?" He'd ask in French as he offered his arm to her.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

Zahira's body was just that little bit more relaxed. She was generally comfortable in her own skin, that usually wasn't what gave her caution, it was uncertainty. For now though still cautious. Always cautious, Zahira didn't flee. Nor really coil in a corner. She remained much that slightness less darkened figure at the edge of the water. The much clearer water, in so many ways. As dark eyes flickered between her rippled reflection and that of Marc's. Who's pulse was evidently calmer, settled somewhere just a little lower than where she sat. Not that it was a great detail, but in much of a world where men grabbled to be on top, it certainly wasn't nothing either… At the very least from what she had seen… "And when we are passed, it is the history that keeps us alive. Connected… In ways I guess, it is everything!" Zahira nodded. Smiled and added in relevance of history. It was in everything and in ways, was everything, in some way or another. Even wine, she smiled with the faintest hint of childhood memory. "I do… Recall… " Zahira spoke shiftily pausing with the mental note asking herself why in the world was she going down this path, but evidently her tongue didn't obey. "My father bringing home some bottle over a hundred years old or more, he had found…" Zahira breathed a peaked smile as she flickered the very vague memories in her mind, least what she could still piece together from so long ago and from such a younger mind. Just enough to envision the silhouette of his figure coming through the door and his hand dusting off the vintage label. With such a look on his face as if he had almost found the holy grail, it didn't make much sense to her then and didn't make much sense to her now. And perhaps it wasn't as poetic as it played out in her mind subtly right now. "… I don't think it was as good as he expected, but they certainly made good of it, nonetheless!" Zahira then added softly with the hint of amusement and ease in her simple gestures to Marc, least in regards to wine having history. With the suggestion the wine, was either not as good or simply it had gone off, but it certainly hadn't been waisted. Which she had found quite amusing in its blissful way.

Her dark hands rested calmly beside her at the water's edge, with just the faint gripping with her nails… As eyes continually played between Marc and the water, but she was very much aware. In tune. As he took pride in his name, she could respect that and offer a glimpse in her smile as he thanked her for her compliment. Something of course she wasn't going to give unless she deemed it true, let alone worthy. Nodded ever so slightly in the reassurance. Strong and subtle. "Plus, it kind of gives hints to Roald Dahl!" Well, merely in the name, Zahira added with subtle innocence, skim of her eyes, no offence was meant by it. Call her a mild fan. Books, of her childhood, she could at least attest to that. Who couldn't be taken by the people eating giants or the child hating, witches. It was quite the literature. "Certainly, visitors are always welcome… I run the egyptian exhibition, I'd be happy to give you any information I can… Although, I can't say I'd know anymore than you would in regards to the history of Gotham, I'm kind of in search of that myself…" Zahira expressed with a more direct smile and appreciated his words. So long as it was within the opening hours, they were always up for visitors. As made point of mentioning she ran the egyptian section, if he was indeed inquiring in her helping him attaining any information, though suggested she may not be the exact go to person in history relating to this city. Sure there was bits and pieces, but she was almost as new to it, as he was. More prominently as she laid a little mention she was interested in finding out, to which perhaps they could find some answers together, but of course she was more looking for more personal inquiries in how her father and his side of the family truly fitted in this city. Evidently perhaps chance of finding answers about herself in the process.

'To live.' As Marc spoke those words, Zahira's eyes paused more intently over Marc, with almost the sense of realisation. "… Yes!" Zahira responded as her eyes seemingly passed back to the water. With almost a sense, perhaps that was what she was seeking, to live… In general? In Gotham? As her eyes questionably traced the ceiling. It seemed almost like it was yesterday that this city had been a complete mystery, now it could hold everything she needed… Zahira carefully listened as Marc continued with the little more insight to his family. The passion in communication. She wasn't so sure she was as passionate. Zahira could do quite well in the formal setting, such like her job, but not so much personally. Keeping that retracted was easier. Safer. Revealing your cards, was certainly a vulnerability. But, she did take in the understanding as Marc elaborated, in not forcing another to adapt to you. "Adapt to them… I strangely know what you mean." Zahira summarised, as her dark eyes looked more down as she made way to her feet. Least thats what she took from what he said, to some degree. Though she didn't elaborate, but it was certainly much what she had to do also as a curator. With visitors more often seeking something that little bit different. With that last little glance, the focus was soon back not just on the water, but on the path at hand.

Letting the body slip in and skim through the body. It certainly was quite a feeling. A feeling Zahira certainly soaked up. Such serenity, she wasn't going to just give up, but eventually her darkened figure exited the water. It certainly wasn't a wait at all after Zahira regained her clothes, that Marc soon approached her, carefully. Also came the french, which was certainly refreshing and she liked he was a man of his word. There was certainly no leaping out of her skin, though a jolted stare as the goon from before walked on by, but kept walking. Thats a confrontation, best to avoid. "Of course…" Zahira responded as her dark eyes came more direct at Marc and decidedly on more solid ground, as she smiled a little more humbly. As Zahira tucked her water bottle under her arm and with her towel at hand, motioned to dry her hair a little more. Potentially as they made way to the cafe area. Though she was stopped short as her eyes then dropped to Marc offering his arm. Seemed like she was walking into these more often these days, although this one seemed less forced, but still she didn't feel the comfort in taking it… Least not yet at least… Beside, she kind of had her hands full. She looked to Marc more carefully. "Oh, that's ok. I'll be fine, but thank-you!" Zahira kindly declined his offer, hopefully could understand she may need a little more time to warm up to such a gesture, it was in partial a personal thing, but she was also from a place far more conservative, despite what her dress sense was maybe speaking right now. Though she did note it was a kind offer, she added with a subtle smile, but she just wasn't there yet. Before taking in her stride somewhat in company with Marc. Whilst carefully drying a little more of her hair as they went… "How did you care for your, swim?" After that little near silence in their stride, this didn't exactly happen often, or ever, as Zahira did find her voice, offered a sincere smile. Least she hoped she had spoken that correctly in french. Certainly if her tongue had totally betrayed her, he was gonna let her know. Zahira had certainly enjoyed hers, despite the little harassment, she was quite refreshed. Feeling just the subtle crisp chill at her skin, but with a place well heated, she wasn't bound to get too cold, that was certainly a big perk for picking this place. The walk of course wouldn't be a long one, not long after passing through the entrance and making way to the cosy counter. It wasn't long after being asked, that she knew what tea she was wanting right now. "Yes, a Lapsang Souchong, please?" Zahira asked certainly, it was after all the tea for the adventurous soul.