the beach episode (dated before the east mission)

[fallingsand]

There's a small slice of sandy beach between mountains and wasteland, where the South meets Central, only an inlet of ocean between them, and that is where Bruno has decided to set up camp.

Literally.

He only had a simple tent and supplies for two initially. Tatara had asked if he could join him on his little trip out and how could he say no? Unfortunately for him, Tatara may have decided to invite everyone else, too, so, welcome, everyone, to the beach episode and a chance to relax after a potentially rough week in the City of Rain.

The sand is warm and fine, the water isn't too chilly, and scrubby little palm trees and plant life dot the dunes. Sea birds are the most active wildlife out here, not counting whatever fish can be found dwelling in the depths of the inlet between South and Central or further out into the ocean. It's comfortable enough... unless you hate sand, that is! You don't hate sand, right?

Since Tatara's arrival, more than Bruno's humble setup can be found.

- There's food fit for a picnic and enough bottles of wine for the evening.

- In the evening, a (non-deadly) bonfire will be built and there'll be pillows to sit on for those who don't want to sit directly on the sand.

- A few colorful rough wool blankets laid out under umbrellas meant to provide shade.

- There's still only one sad-looking tent... However! Bruno's gone ahead and enchanted it so that, when one pushes the cloth flap aside and enters, they'll find a much more comfortable setup inside.

And, of course, anything the other wizards have decided to bring! Bruno wasn't expecting a party but now that it's here, he sure can't tell them not to have fun however they want.

Comments

[specialinquisitor]

[Believe it or not, Mòrag Ladair is here! The epitome of not having fun or relaxing has appeared at this, the beach!]

[....in full uniform, and with a look that means business.]

[During the day, the Special Inquisitor eschews any sign of fun or entertainment in favor of patrolling the beach, keeping a close eye out for any monsters, magical dangers, or disasters that might ruin the fun people are having here. This includes people unwisely getting sunburned; we can't permit that, now can we? She's not here to spoil your fun, that's just a potential side-effect...]

[At night, she takes it upon herself to maintain the fire, both feeding it and using magic to encourage stubborn or wet logs to burn more effectively. Outside of that she's watching out for anyone who may have had a little too much [makes the drinky drinky motion], is feeling some aftereffects from their beach exertion, or just otherwise in bad shape. And when those rounds are done, she switches to... another patrol again.]

At night

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

Are you sure you enjoyed yourself when you spent all day decked with the uniform?

[There's Kiryu, sitting to the bonfire! Morag, that uniform looks like it could have gotten so hot, you alright?]

[specialinquisitor]

I find purpose and satisfaction in my duty. Whereas, had something happened to anyone, I would have felt as if I'd let them, and myself, down. It may not be enjoyment to you, but I'm satisfied.

[She's not just saying that, either. Her smile is a bit relaxed, her words easy rather than sharp.]

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

So you were just being ready for anything that might happen.

[Kiryu can understand that, really!]

Usually when I do that people tell me I should let them take charge so I relax a little. Maybe I'll tell you the same thing. You know I can help defend anytime.

[So Morag can take a breather from time to time]

[specialinquisitor]

I have no idea that many would, but if they would rather be having fun, why not yield the defense to those who enjoy it?

Daytime

[dyingtohealyou]

How are you not roasting?

[He's sticking to the shade at least.]

[specialinquisitor]

[At last, a reasonably sensible comment.]

Primarily, I am extremely used to heat. Aside from wielding a fire-type Blade as my partner, Mor Ardain is also an exceptionally hot Titan, and became only more so as it reached the end of its lifespan. This is no worse than the streets of Alba Cavanich at noon.

[dyingtohealyou]

...I can't tell if you're trying to show off or if you really just have zero idea on how to enjoy yourself.

[Ma'am. Please.]

[specialinquisitor]

You asked, I answered. As for the rest, I find satisfaction in a job well-done.

[So it's definitely the latter, in a way.]

[dyingtohealyou]

...What job. We aren't even on a job.

Do you just not know how to not be working???

[MA'AM?????]

[specialinquisitor]

In a realm of unknown magic in dangers that is threatened by apocalypse, do you truly believe that people needn't worry about being hurt or ill simply because they are not on the job? Whereas my duty is to protect those who need it.

[dyingtohealyou]

[Looks out at the beach where people are frolicking without danger of monsters or anything other than themselves

Looks back at Morag.

????]

Protect from what? Tripping over their own feet?

[specialinquisitor]

Are you certain there are no monsters in the sea? No ghosts? No moon rocks? No mysterious tunneling mole creatures?

[This world has... not endeared itself to her, it seems.]

[dyingtohealyou]

The coast looks clear to me. And even if a monster showed up - which is unlikely - we've got every single one of the sage's wizards here who could easily sling some kind of offensive magic at it by now.

[Probably anyway. And if not everyone, the norths at the very least.]

[specialinquisitor]

Including myself, so why take away from those who enjoy playing and swimming when I would enjoy handling a monster more?

[dyingtohealyou]

You could at least try to be social... Have you been looking for your partner at all?

[specialinquisitor]

[Considering the conversation they had just been having, she has to smirk, tilting her head back a little.]

If one thing has become abundantly clear, it is that I have little to nothing in common with anyone else of our number. I don't say that as a bad thing. Perhaps that's fortunate for others. The responsibility of being Special Inquisitor is not something most people would, or should, care to take on.

[dyingtohealyou]

...Are you trying to say you're too cool to work with others?

[specialinquisitor]

[Mòrag gives him A Look.]

Quite the contrary. However, would you particularly care to have, for example, the responsibility of informing families of the loss of one of their loved ones? And to the opposite, if I can handle a danger or duty by myself, it would be cruel rather than virtuous to bring someone into that problem and risk them being hurt. Or worse, thus necessitating doing that example again.

[dyingtohealyou]

...Those aren't necessarily our duties here, though.

[They're wizards here not soldiers.]

[specialinquisitor]

Those were examples from home. I've no idea what we'll be called upon to do here, but if I can save others grief and trauma by doing something I am more used to, why should I not?

[dyingtohealyou]

What trauma. We're literally on the beach on a peaceful day with no monsters around.

[Except for maybe that feathery dragon that is definitely not Robin.]

[specialinquisitor]

In this case, consider it responsibility. If someone must maintain it, why not me?

[dyingtohealyou]

Because nobody needs to maintain it. Because there's nothing anyone needs to be responsible about right now.

[specialinquisitor]

Are we all suddenly immune to danger, then? No possibility that someone might misjudge and find themselves sinking underwater, at the very least?