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

[jorunna]

[ They can pick up on Ithaqua's pride at this point, so maybe in turn he picks up that Comet wants to feel useful when they can? It all works out.

He'll have to sit down or kneel for Comet can reach, but there are those blankets under the umbrellas for some barrier against the sand. With a good spot (hopefully with shade) and comfy position, they gently towel dry Ithaqua, starting with his hair. They're humming a little song out as they do it. ]

[leewards]

[Given the height difference... Ithaqua does understand that he needs to sit down or kneel down for Comet to help him. Thus, he sits down on the blanket, legs outstretched before him as to not get sand on the blanket. And then pulls his hood down-- reluctantly, but he does so.

Though he does relax, mostly thanks to the song they're singing.]

What is that song?

[jorunna]

[ Whatever notes Comet may make out of seeing Ithaqua like this, they won't say. They're gentle, patting his hair (and the damp hood!) gently to start. ]

My mom would sing it to me. I used to be bad at sitting still to get my hair combed.

[ As kids are. ]

[leewards]

[Ithaqua blinks, silent as he attempts to think about what he could say right now.]

... Ah. [How eloquent.]

Mother had somehow managed to make me sit properly by putting a mirror before us so I could see what she was doing.

[jorunna]

[ Comet wonders if he liked his mother. It sounds like it, so Comet holds out something in front of Ithaqua's face. ]

I have a small one. It's my amulet, but you can borrow it if it works.

[leewards]

[Now Ithaqua is simply confused by this gesture, namely, the reasoning behind it... but knows it's not something he wants. So he shakes his head.]

No, you needn't do that. I've long since passed the need to wriggle around while someone is combing my hair. [Not that... he has anyone...]

[jorunna]

[ They nod, even if Ithaqua can't see it. ]

I had much longer hair growing up since it wasn't never cut, so it always took a while.

[ Dust, tangles, dust caught in the tangles... ]

If you trust me that you'll look fine, then I'm glad.

[ Ithaqua doesn't seem the type to care much about those things at least, so they resume the humming and toweling! It doesn't take too too long, just enough so that his hair isn't dripping wet or getting in the way. They'll sit on the edge of the blanket next to Ithaqua when they're done. Arms tired... ]

[leewards]

[Ithaqua shuffles to make sufficient space for them... and then decides, why the bloody hell not.

He places his head in Comet's lap and arranges the rest of his body into a contented loaf.]

[jorunna]

...

[ Comet's surprised but remains quiet, petting Ithaqua. This is fine. ]