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

[divineth]

[Sure, Urianger's down for a nice little beach trip! A change of environment could aid in his search for a mana area. He's dressed more or less the same as usual, but with lighter colored, lightweight robes as opposed to the usual black. He's adorned with a manner of sparkly gold jewelry as he typically is too.

During the day, he can be found milling around the beach, either wandering along the shoreline or relaxing under an umbrella with a drink in hand (no alcohol for him this time, though). He very notably refrains from actually entering the water until he decides to test his magical progress by walking on top of it. And he actually manages to get pretty far out! But it takes an enormous amount of concentration, so the second something breaks it, well... And if that wasn't bad enough, he immediately starts panicking and flailing because he can't swim!!! Is anyone here good at swimming enough to help pull the pathetic wet elf to safety...?

In the evening, Urianger finds a spot at the bonfire to contemplate a charm to wipe everyone's memories of what they saw earlier-- No, he's honestly still in pretty good spirits in spite of that embarrassment. It seems as though joining his fellow wizards around the fire for some food and conversation is doing wonders for him. Huh.

Late at night, Urianger can be found in one last spot that isn't sleeping in the tent. A white light can be seen a good distance away from the campsite, and further inspection reveals that the light is coming from Urianger. More specifically, it's his focus: a glowing white crystal that's floating alongside his star globe as he looks up at the sky full of glittering stars. Whatever enchantment he's muttering seems to bearing fruit, because those same glittering stars are beginning to take shape around him, dancing and swirling with traces of sand kicked up by the wind. Anyone entering that little field of magic may find it warm and soothing.

He's not completely oblivious to his company, though. He lowers his gaze and offers a smile.]

What bringeth thee hither? Art thou unable to sleep?

Water Walk

[dyingtohealyou]

[He caught sight of Urianger and watched with interest as he performed his spell, which means he also sees when Urianger falls into the water and. Uh.

Nervously glancing around to see if anyone who actually knows how to swim saw that, but also kind of getting up in a crouch and summoning his broom. UH.]

[divineth]

[Fortunately, Kiryu does go out to rescue him! Ahito doesn't have to worry about trying to rescue a fellow non-swimmer.

Once he's done pathetically lying on the sand, Urianger slinks under one of the umbrellas to gather himself.]

[dyingtohealyou]

[...

Heading over to check on him...]

You okay?

[divineth]

[He manages a small nod.]

The only true damage that was dealt...was to mine ego.

[dyingtohealyou]

So you can't swim either, huh...

[divineth]

[Slowly raising his head now... A kindred spirit?]

Aye. 'Tis been an ongoing effort of mine to simply walk upon the water instead.

[dyingtohealyou]

That's... one way of getting around it, I guess?

[Said in the tone of someone who cannot swim but never really thought about doing anything about that.]

[divineth]

As well as a last resort. Full aware am I of the existence of watercraft.

[Naturally, a boat is gonna be way more optimal. But in the event that it capsizes or one isn't available, y'know... It's good to have a backup.]

[dyingtohealyou]

...Do you think we'll need to be on a boat at any point?

[divineth]

[...]

I dare hope not. From mine understanding, the ocean of this star is very dangerous.

[dyingtohealyou]

...Wait, really?

Water Walking

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

[Well damn, Kiryu was having a good time watching Urianger walk on water and then Urianger just fell into the water. There goes the impressive magical scene! The flailing is the sign Kiryu should intervene, so he wastes no time in getting to the water, grabbing Urianger and starting to drag him towards the coast.

Geez, dude, why are you walking on water when you can't swim]

[divineth]

[Bless you Kiryu, you're a literal life-saver. Fortunately, Urianger does his best to not make himself a dead weight as Kiryu gets him back to shore. Only then does he flop onto the sand like a half-drowned cat.]

My... [He coughs up some water before faceplanting again.] My thanks.

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

Why would you go so far into the sea if you don't know how to swim?!

[Kiryu is raising his voice a little because dude, that wasn't the brightest move ever!]

[divineth]

[Noooo he's being scolded. :( He feels terrible about it, to be honest, so he can't help but curl in on himself a little.]

I was keen to test my magical progress. [...] I had not intended to plunge into the depths.

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

Next time test them close enough to the coast if you fall you don't drown.

[Practice magic! But safely, goodness gracious]

Are you at least satisfied with how it went?

[divineth]

[Wow, what amazing practical advice that Urianger somehow had not considered. Sometimes smart people really can be so, so dumb.

As if to answer Kiryu's question though, he tips his head to the side enough so he can pathetically glance up at his savior.]

Nay.

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

Why?

[Is it because you broke your concentration and almost drowned?]

[divineth]

I should think the answer to that question is obvious. I failed.

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

Didn't seem to me like that. You held your own well enough for a while there.

That's hardly a failure.

[Kiryu isn't a tremendously optimistic person but he's sure efforts should be recognized -- and Urianger got pretty far before he fell into the water. That's got to be worth something]

[divineth]

[Uggghhh. Urianger is usually all for an optimistic perspective, but this was so embarrassing.

He grumbles a little and props himself up.]

No matter the progress made, 'twould be preferable if my practice did not result in my needing to be rescued. 'Tis not mine intent to become a burden.

Night

[troublereduction]

[ If it's related to the stars in some way then Day is practically obliged to at least investigate. He...almost envies what Urianger's doing, at least a little. ]

Guess you could say that. [ He's been feeling a bit restless. ] You tryin' something out?

[divineth]

[Urianger really can't fault anyone for being restless, considering everything that's been going on. And to say nothing of that beach scuffle earlier...]

Aye. Since mine arrival, I have labored to harness the energy of this star's heavenly bodies for the purpose of astromancy. However, due to the large difference in said heavenly bodies betwixt this star and mine own, 'tis been a slow process.

[He gently moves his arm and the field of stars shifts with it.]

But I seem to be making progress. Perhaps I shall successfully perform astromancy afore the Western country's mission.

[troublereduction]

How've you been doin' it? I could sorta do somethin' like it back home, but...uh, it hasn't exactly been goin' well for me. [ Day is pretty sure any magic he's done based on the constellations is running off his feelings about them more than anything else. ]