She takes the offered bath and receives unexpected attentions.

The opportunity to clean up was too tempting. Pursuit of knowledge could wait. "That is most kind of you, Nyctimus."

Dia smiled and gestured. "Come with me, I'll lead you to the bathing chambers." Arimneste followed the other young woman through the rambling corridors of the palace to a large tiled chamber. Deep basins held mountain water for bathing. Another smaller basin next to it was sized so it could be heated by dropping in the rocks warmed in a nearby brazier. Here, at last, were the servants so far missing in the palace: a trio of young girls attended the brazier and urns, ensuring that warm haze filled the air. So, the laconica had made it as far as Lycaon's realm! Arimneste would have also more carefully studied the clay piping that carried water into and out of the baths, but Dia was already urging her on to the edge of the bath and unpinning the brooches that held her draped garments in place.

Following suit, Arimneste removed her own garb and joined Dia in plunging into the bracingly chill water of the basin. "Did you know that Hippocrates has determined that it is best to bathe seated, especially for cold baths?" she asked the other woman.

Dia smiled and shook her head. "But I'm sure the great Asclepiad would also recommend getting out of the cold and soaking in warmer water soon," she noted as the pair moved to one of the warmed basins where the servants could sponge away grime and rub them with scented oils. Dia watched with half-lidded eyes, and Arimneste let her own slide shut as she sighed with contentment. The skilled hands on her shoulders and back felt wonderful after her travels, and the warm water and hot vapor soothed her wonderfully.

She was roused from her half-doze some minutes later by hands rubbing firmly over her large breasts. Opening her eyes, she was surprised to find it was Dia herself, now seated beside her on the bench along the rim of the bath, whose hands roamed over her flesh. It was surprising, but nothing like the grasping, groping fingers of the boys at The Academy. Dia's palms glided over her, pressing lightly but insistently, and the woman smiled encouragingly at her.

Arimneste returned the smile uncertainly, her confusion only growing as Dia bent her head to kiss first one nipple, then the other, sucking gently as her tongue swirled around the light pink peak and her other hand gently stroked the other. Then Arimneste's breath caught as Dia's other hand slid down her thigh to play lightly between the folds of her sex.

She had heard of women sharing love in the way of Sappho, but she had never thought to experience it herself. "Oh! Won't the servants say...?" The olive-skinned woman silenced her by leaning over to press their lips together, her hand now more boldly teasing at Arimneste's virginal sex.

"They have left and will say nothing, of course." Dia, for her part, enjoyed coaxing out moans and further gasps from the lovely guest, but she knew better than to provide any resolution. That wasn't the game she or her brother were playing. Still, she wished Arimneste would be more active in responding. She could feel the tingling ache between her legs. Well, maybe she would get some help with that later. But for now... she took in a deep breath and lowered her head into the water to let her tongue rasp over the nub of the other girl's clit for a few seconds before she came back up for air, smiling at Arimneste's dazed, wanting expression, full lips parted and eyes glazed.

This wasn't all entirely for the guest's benefit, of course. Dia let her hand move between her legs and began to pleasure herself, at least for the moment. Half because the heat in her sex demanded attention, and half because she wanted to be sure to put on a good show for the audience she was certain was watching. Only a few more minutes, however, and she raised her lips from Arimneste's tender skin and sighed herself.

"The others, no doubt, will eventually wonder what's become of us. We should dress and join them for the meal." The lovely, pale Athenian gave her a look of melting lust and Dia couldn't help but grin. Her work was well done. "Later, Aria, later." She quickly rose, dried herself, and slipped back into her clothing while Arimneste just stared after her.