Soothing Thoughts|Sensatiamens, Sensatia

[Darastrix]

There it is, Zira thought as he spied Mikasi's home shop. He'd been a little hesitant at first, when Schuldig had told him that he was gifting him with a mental massage. He liked Schuldig, but given the priest's tendencies, he was never quite sure of his intentions when he suggested things like massages, mental or otherwise.

Schuldig had just laughed and assured him that he wasn't throwing around innuendos that time, and that this was for Zira, not him.

"It's relaxing," he'd told him, "and Mikasi's just about the best there is. He's the Mind healer I told you was working with Filly, so you know he's ethical. I sure as fuck wouldn't trust him otherwise. You'll probably like him; calm sort, gentle 'touch.' Trust me, you'll love it." Schuldig had grinned then, and poked him gently in the ribs. "And it won't even tickle."

Zira smiled faintly and rubbed his side at the memory as he paused at the door. He debating knocking, but it was a business, and he should be expected, so he let himself inside. "Healer Mikasi?"

[Kender Bard]

Mikasi wasn't in the main room but he did descend from the upper level fairly quickly at the call. ~Hello~ he greeted. ~I am Mikasi. Welcome to my home and shop.~ He tilted his head. ~I don't recognize you; are you new to the area or just visiting?~

[Darastrix]

"Just visiting," he replied, inclining his head politely. "My name is Zira Wintersong. I believe you're acquainted with Schuldig, from Khelek? He told me he'd arranged a...mental massage with you for me."

[Kender Bard]

~Ah!~ Mikasi exclaimed, giving a small nod. ~So you're Zira. Schuldig mentioned you and told me to expect your visit. Please, have a seat.~ He gestured to the long lounging chairs. ~Yes I'm quite well acquainted with Schuldig though I don't believe more so than you are, if what I've heard is true.~

[Darastrix]

Zira reddened a little at the comment and glanced away from Mikasi as he sat, smoothing down his feathers. "Ah, what have you heard?" he asked.

Oh, he was going to kill Schuldig. Provided he didn't die of embarrassment first, anyway.

[Kender Bard]

~That you are his confidant and possibly one of his dearest friends~ Mikasi remarked with an effort to not grin at Zira's obvious discomfort. ~You are his emotional support. All glowing, positive things.~

[Darastrix]

Oh! Zira relaxed then and smiled at Mikasi. "I never would have guessed I would be, back when I first met him, but yes. I'm fond of him myself, whether in spite of or because of how outrageous he can be, I'm not sure. Usually, he comes to me in Anarlina, but the past few times, when Filly was here this winter, I went to Khelek."

[Kender Bard]

~Filly told me some about you as well, though not in a direct manner~ Mikasi explained. ~She knows very little about you. Well! First I usually allow my customers to select which incense, if any, they'd like to have me burn while I work.~ He selected several and offered them to Zira to sniff.

[Darastrix]

Zira selected a cinnamon incense; Zack loved using cinnamon oil on his feathers and in his hair, and as a result, the scent always helped Zira feel calm and content.

"I don't know Filly well, either," Zira said as he pointed out his choice to Mikasi. "My husband is much better-acquainted with her, but he doesn't really know Schuldig well."

[Kender Bard]

~She didn't mention your husband, at least not that I can recall~ Mikasi admitted as he took the incense and set it nearby, lighting it. ~Now for this procedure, you don't have to let down your shielding but I find it easier and most people find it more pleasant if they do. Will it be a problem?~

[Darastrix]

Zira shook his head. "Not at all," he replied, closing his eyes as he let his shields slide away. "Honestly, I find it easier to let them down than to bring them up."

[Kender Bard]

~That's a refreshing change~ Mikasi replied wryly, touching his own signs as he settled into his chair. Within moments, his mental presence was gliding over Zira's mind and the healer was expertly applying his 'touch.' ~Have you ever received a mental massage?~

[Darastrix]

Oh. Oh, that's nice, Zira thought as he shifted to actually lounge on the lounging chair, though on his side rather than his back.

~Not really, no,~ he told Mikasi. ~I've felt...caresses, I suppose you could say,~ he added, thinking back to his first encounter with Schuldig during the Winter Festival, ~but nothing sustained.~

[Kender Bard]

~I've taught a small handful of other people the art~ Mikasi said. ~They haven't quite reached my level but I thought it'd be good to spread the knowledge. It's so important to mental health to be relaxed now and then. My mother taught me that, though she was a physical masseuse. I'm glad you're enjoying it.~

[Darastrix]

~No knowledge this beneficial should be kept secret,~ Zira murmured in agreement. ~Queen Dusk and some of the Love priests practice physical massage as a temple service. Loving Touch, they call it. Aside from just being relaxing, Dusk says that touch is important, that it creates a connection between people and helps us feel loved.~