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]

[He barely stifles a laugh. Ah... he shouldn't, he shouldn't. Even for him, that's a little mean. But he'll keep that in the tab of things to share with Barbatos later.]

The brother did, yes. Unlike the beauty, the brother was insecure and secluded. But he loved his sibling. So he gathered his courage and followed the magic into the town, and just barely caught the mirage of a shopfront before it vanished. In its place flew a butterfly of brilliant blue, who seemed to linger for him. Speechless, and yet drawing, coaxing him along.

It drew him from the village into the depths of the woods, a sea of flowers at his feet coated in the same bright blue, with a familiar scent. And the further he went, the more butterflies appeared... and the more difficult it became to move.

You will be exactly who you want to be if you stay right here, it seemed to say, in shades of blue. You will always have someone here with you. You will never feel alone. Just follow us. Stay with us.

[jokey]

[Oh dear. Akira's convinced he knows how this one is going to end. He gasps! He jumps in his seat (rock?)]

Bro! Don't do it!

[Resist the sussy butterflies and live...!]

[impacter]

[LOL... He eases Akira back down in his seat with a wave of his hand, carefully pinning the fishing rod against his legs as he does so.]

You're going to scare all the fish away with reactions like that. Maybe I should save the ending for another time?

[jokey]

[At that, Akira settles, slumps and pouts.]

Nooo... Don't do that. You're just getting to the good part.

[The whole story has been good, but shhh. He wants to hear the conclusion!]

[impacter]

[He chuckles lightly, taking a second to readjust the rod in his hands.]

Mmm, then where was I...

The brother, of course, felt his heart stirred by the speech of the butterflies. For his confidence was low, and his view of himself constantly in question. To give in to the phantom whispers and remain somewhere where he felt he could belong was a temptation he felt crawling at his mind.

But within the same grove of thick trees and blue flowers, he found the beauty. Entranced, entrancing, in a dance among the butterflies, who praised incessantly. How beautiful you are, they cried. How perfect and graceful. We will always be here to remind you of how incredible you are! And the beauty sank deeper into vanity, all as the butterflies coaxed. One with such charm should show the world how much we love you. Can't you bring us more? Bring us more to love you, to love us.

The brother grew uncomfortable at the thought of so many. But it was that discomfort that helped him to regain clarity. Were these butterflies malicious, out to rob him of his sibling?

Or were they simply lonely?

[jokey]

[A group of shadows emerges from the ocean's depths and curiously circles their bobbers. In a show of masterful angling, Akira doesn't let his excitement stretch any further than the playful smile tugging at his lips.]

Lovebombing butterflies, huh? I know the kind. Well? Does he fall for it?

[These fish look pretty sizeable. With any luck, he'll haul in a big one.]