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

[impacter]

Ah, hello, Ahito.

[why doe she suddenly feel like he's being watched by a very familiar little cat...]

This is not somewhere I like to be if I can help it. That's all.

[dyingtohealyou]

And yet you came anyway...

What's got you so worried?

[impacter]

What can I say? Akira has some very convincing puppy-dog eyes. [He'd rather be uncomfy for a few hours than listen to Akira call him ancient 50000 times.]

Worried? Mm, I wouldn't call it that. How should I put it...

Do you know that feeling of dread that's happened around our work site this last week? It's similar to that.

[dyingtohealyou]

He seems to have that effect on people...

[Can't relate.]

...There isn't some kind of curse here, is there? I don't sense anything.

[impacter]

No, not quite. It's more residual than that. Like an old wound aching.

Have you been to the ocean before?

[dyingtohealyou]

Nope. My city's landlocked.

[impacter]

Then you should go enjoy yourself while we have a moment to breathe.

[dyingtohealyou]

No, no, it sounds like something interesting. You should tell me more about it.

[impacter]

About what? The ocean?

We'd be here all day if I did that.

[dyingtohealyou]

No, I want you to tell me why it gives you the creeps, specifically.

[impacter]

When you ask like that, you know you're just going to make me question your intention, right?

[dyingtohealyou]

It's it's enough to scare a great wizard like you, it sounds like something we should be concerned about, doesn't it?

[impacter]

You flatter me. [Flat. He knows Ahito won't ever mean it.]

So long as you don't go out and do anything too stupid with your magic, then I'm sure you'll manage just fine without me.

[dyingtohealyou]

Why, is that what caused you to have problems with the ocean?

[impacter]

Nope. I just dislike it.

If you get in trouble out there, I can't guarantee I'll be of any help. So don't be reckless.

[dyingtohealyou]

Like I'd want your help anyway.

[impacter]

I'm aware you don't.

I still don't want to see you drown.

[dyingtohealyou]

I'm not even planning to go out there, so I'll be fine.

Is your beef with the ocean something that would give others power over you...? You sure clammed up real fast on it.

[impacter]

Then I can rest a little easier, I guess.

Not especially. Not any more than someone getting a hold over you just because you don't like magic. I just don't particularly like talking about it.

[dyingtohealyou]

Oh, so you'd rather I keep harrassing you instead?

I can do that.

[With glee.]

[impacter]

[...




you know what he probably deserves this for something he's done in his life. It's fine.]

Are you really so bored?

[dyingtohealyou]

Do I have to be? It's not like you've ever needed an excuse for coming after me.

[impacter]

Can't I enjoy seeing your progress?

[dyingtohealyou]

In magic?

Nope.

[impacter]

[Aw... too bad, he will anyway.]

How about just in general, then?