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

[revengier]

Curiosity, mostly.

[ Because Solomon is right, there's a big difference between searching for answers and happily stumbling upon them. ]

I haven't had much time to read in the last few years. I feel like I'm catching up on all the time I've missed doing it.

[impacter]

It's hard not to take advantage when life finally provides you the freedom. I'd say it's fine to make the most of it.

[Be free, small nerd.]

You're used to a more cautious existent, correct?

[revengier]

...In a way.

[ Is the mafia exactly a cautious sort of job? Perhaps it is, since he gets by on intimidating everyone who would cross him. ]

I have a lot more free time here than I've had with work in the last couple of years.

[impacter]

You do have a very no-nonsense demeanor about you. But if it's needed for its time, then there's not much getting around it.

Have you enjoyed it? Being free from that burden, even if it's only for a short while?

[Even if it's just under the weight of a totally different burden but shhhh.]

[revengier]

[ Has he? It's a loaded question, but a good one nevertheless. Sure, there's the impending end of the world, but that feels like something hazy and far off, something he doesn't have to worry about so much right now. ]

...I have, surprisingly. [ A pause. ] I expected to stay focused on learning magic so I could assist with the problems here and be on my way.

[ That hasn't happened. ]

[impacter]

I wouldn't be surprised if many of us shared that sort of sentiment. Especially if that was the type of nonstop environment you were used to... it takes some getting used to, when life changes so suddenly.

[He lets his own weight tip back against the blanket, laying himself out on his back with his hands folded against his stomach.]

Experiences and bonds can go a long way towards growth, though. So it's good to hear your expectations are being challenged.

[revengier]

[ He adjusts his position so that Solomon has more room on the blanket to lay back. ]

You're probably the fifth person to talk to me about bonds.

[ Why is the protag getting protag-speeched? He doesn't mind, though. Not really. ]

I didn't have much time to keep up with my friends back home. [ By design. ] It feels like I have nothing but time to do that here.

[impacter]

[Thankfully he is pretty skinny and a frail and delicate old man uwu, so Kurapika should find he doesn't need to adjust much at all.

Solomon lets his eyes drift close. God, it sure is hot. Is this man still out here clothed with long sleeves? You betcha. He's in so much pain.]

I imagine not having clients will do that rather fast in your life of work. Was your mission into the castle a little more of a return to form for you in that regard?

Besides the ghosts, of course.

[revengier]

[ For once Kurapika is thankful he didn't cover up as much as this guy, though he gets it. ]

Hm... it wasn't, actually. I'm not used to working with others.

[ He's a solo kind of guy, or at least someone that fairly compensates the allies he works with so that he doesn't feel obligated to protect them. It's easier when it's a business transaction. ]

It was... strange, afterwards. I'm used to heading back from a job on my own or with my driver.

[ Who knows by now not to speak to Kurapika. ]

[impacter]

In that, perhaps, we might be the same.

[Which is why he knows his next statement may be a little hypocritical in his heart.]

I hope the teamwork wasn't too bad in the end. From what I've heard from your teammates, it was a rough experience. Perhaps there are parts that are better handled if you don't need to shoulder it alone.

[revengier]

[ He breathes out through his nose, long and steadying. ]

It wasn't so bad, particularly when it came to the aftermath. I was tired after everything, so... it was nice to not be alone.

[ As much as he hates admitting it, it's the truth. ]

[impacter]

That's good to hear. Maybe your teammates felt similarly about your own company, too?

[Those he had met from Central all seemed to be a similar pattern... personable and conversational enough, but quick to withdraw into their problems. Maybe there was something to be said about having someone to withdraw alongside you.]

[revengier]

Perhaps. I don't like to ascribe feelings to others, though.

[ In other words... he hopes so. ]