lunaecalamitas | the beach episode (dated before the east mission)

the beach episode (dated before the east mission)

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.

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Full glad am I to hear it.

[He chuckles when asked about his own tolerance for the cold. He can hold out for a little longer...]

I am not particularly amenable to it, though I fare better when I am appropriately dressed.

[He's wearing sleeveless, lightweight robes and sandals. Not exactly winter attire. But Ithaqua is wearing about the same and he's doing far better than he was in the warm sun!]

I presume thy body is regulated differently than most?

Hmm. [He flexes his hands.]

Did you feel it earlier, when we held each other? I am colder than most people. [Though... he was quite hot then, he wouldn't fault Urianger for not noticing.

Then he stands, flexing his limbs. He's ready to leave this spot for Urianger's sake.]

[He has to stop and think about that for a moment because, embarrassingly, there is a lot about that night that he does not remember.]

In truth, I struggle to recall that sensation. However, it explaineth much about thy heat poisoning today. 'Tis a unique trait that shall no doubt aid thee in the event that we visit the Northern country.

[Which will happen much sooner rather than later!

Suddenly, Ithaqua rises to his feet and Urianger finds himself craning his neck up in confusion.]

Thou art finished so soon? I can maintain this magick with little trouble.

[Ithaqua shakes his head as an initial response, and then dusts off any sand that may have somehow gotten onto his limbs.]

You needn't trouble yourself. If you're uncomfortable with the cold as you are, let's not linger.

[Ah. It wasn't Urianger's intention to draw concern upon himself. He makes a sheepish laugh before getting up.]

Very well. But if thou dost require this again, thou needest only ask.

[He makes a gentle flick of his hand, and the mist begins to return to the pails as regular water.]

Let us not succumb to heat once more.

Perhaps an easier solution for both of us would be to cool down from within.

[Ingesting the right liquids, and whatnot. Why did Ithaqua not think of it before? The heat really did affect his thinking, didn't it?]

Such as a cold drink. [Now he holds out his hand for Urianger's.] Shall we find out if there is some juice left?

Hah. 'Twas hardly a bother.

[It's fine. Sometimes you just need some really strong air conditioning to set your brain straight.

With a nod, he takes Ithaqua's hand. Back to the tent!]

But I do agree. Cold juice soundeth like a lovely alternate solution for the both of us.

[Perhaps now, with no gloves or distractions in the way, Urianger can feel what Ithaqua's skin is like. Calloused, yes, but that's beside the point-- he's cooler than most. Not the coldness of a corpse, but a few steps away from that.

In contrast, Urianger feels warm to him-- though he has not had much opportunity to touch others without his gloves. Or even just most clothes off in general.]

It's no wine, but best we keep off the alcohol for a while... And I do prefer having it only in the evenings, heheh. [He also refuses to pull a Solomon.] This way, we shall also be clear-headed enough to speak about other things.

[So it is... Urianger finds himself looking down at their clasped hands as he takes in the sensation. He wonders what sort of species Ithaqua must be to have such a low body temperature. Something to ask over their conversation, perhaps.]

Thou shalt receive no arguments from me. I would prefer a proper conversation with thee as well.

[And he's not like, a lush or anything. The ball was an outlier that should not be counted.]

'Tis long overdue, wouldn't thou sayest?

I do agree. [He's been curious about this elf for a while, after all, but has been too busy training, studying and trying not to murder people to pay him a visit.] Why not have a chat with the gentleman who indulged me with a dance?

And in an environment that suits him better than the ballroom.

[Reclined on a chair and relaxed, he means. Not performing energetic dances and knocking the wind out of his slender frame. Urianger strikes him as a man who prefers exercising his mind than his body, especially with that display of magic-- that could have only come from will and a lot of practice.]

["trying not to murder people" One of these things is not like the others, help.]

And what a dance it was.

[A lot of that night is a blur, but how could he forget their dance? Ithaqua sure kept him on his toes.]

Still, thou hast the right of it. Though I have labored to further extend myself, I do prefer quieter settings if I can help it.

[He's a recovering hermit.]

I do not blame you.

[He prefers the quiet of the woods, himself, but the forest around the manor is too unfamiliar for him to sleep in. And he has no roof over his head in there to keep the sun out of his eyes as he sleeps, either.]

The manor feels crowded, but still, it serves its purpose. [And he can't complain about the neighbours on his floor. Perhaps those below, but sod them.

When they arrive at the tent, Ithaqua lets Urianger's hand go so he can pick up some of the juice hottles, checking closely to see which ones he'd like to have. He knows what an orange is and has had it before... but what is a mango.]

'Tis the simplest manner of keeping track of our fellow wizards, even if it can become a bit...cacophonous at times.

[Ignoring how Urianger lives right below Ithaqua: yeah, sod those lower floor neighbors, though. /s

Anyway, Urianger watches Ithaqua examine the mango juice bottle with confusion for a moment before offering:]

Art thou unfamiliar with mangos? 'Tis a sweet tropical fruit, comparable in composition to a peach or plum in that it containeth a large pit in its centre.

[The keyword is "tropical" and it's enough for Ithaqua to make a noise of understanding in his throat. He tucks one of the bottles in his pocket, and then waves his hand at the selection, so Urianger can tell him what he wants.]

[Sounds like mango is a winner! Urianger chuckles as Ithaqua stashes it away, then shifts his gaze to peruse what remains. What sounds good, what sounds good...ah.]

I shall have the lemonade.

[Ithaqua snatches the lemonade-- at least he knows what that is!-- and hands it to Urianger after helpfully popping it open with a twist.]

Choose whichever place you prefer, and I'll find something to perch on.

[The little act of service doesn't go unappreciated. Urianger returns it with a smile and a bow.]

I thank thee.

[With that, he leads the way toward a comfy corner of the pillow-filled couches and settles down. It feels better than he imagined it would, so he can't help but let out a contented sigh as he politely crosses his legs and watches for where Ithaqua decides to perch.]

[Unlike Urianger, Ithaqua doesn't feel like sitting like a person right now. He gathers some cushions at the foot of the couch, dragging them if he must, and relaxes on them like a particularly gangly cat. Or dog.

Like a big creature that's decided it has claimed the cushions, the floor, and even the couch, with the way he's settled his cheek against it.

And thenhe sighs contentedly, finally as relaxed as can be.]

[Were Urianger not certain that Ithaqua does not hail from Etheirys, this behavior would be not unlike a miqo'te, really. A very tall, frigid miqo'te.

He won't lie. It's kind of charming.]

'Tis more the way of it, aye?

[All cooled down with a refreshing beverage and a comfortable spot to relax. Finally, it's beginning to feel like the getaway it was intended to be.]

This is much better than being outside under the sun, yes. [After relaxing in his stolen cushions, he opens his bottle of juice as well and sniffs. It certainly smells sweet...]

Even being in the water brought a chance of being burnt. I shan't risk that.

[He's waiting to see how Ithaqua does with the juice as he sips at his own...]

A wise decision. Thy complexion is one of the fairest I have ever seen. Thou must burn easily.

[Ithaqua would have to drown himself in sunscreen tbh.]

Such is the fate of one who lives in a place where you must always wear something. However, with how I prefer to sleep and wake, and the climate in the forest, I've not seen the sun in a while. [He's always active during the night, after all.

He takes a sip of the mango... and his eyes light up, eyebrows raising. Urianger did say that it was sweet, but he didn't expect it to be this sweet.

With the sip done, he licks his lips to really think about it-- and hold back from finishing everything immediately. He needs to savour this.]

[Seems like mango has passed the taste check! Urianger smiles into his bottle.]

Nocturnal and regulated to the cold... Thou hast sacrificed much to attend this gathering.

[And just to be miserable for it. Oof. Well, maybe Urianger can offer a silver lining:]

Nighttime in climes such as this are known to be pleasant, with striking sunsets and sunrises. Thou canst enjoy the cool ocean breeze and clear view of the night sky without fear of the heat.

[Ithaqua tilts his head one way, and then the other as he listens to Urianger speak. Then he makes a soft noise in his throat.]

I did hear that watching the sun set from an ocean's shore was the best perspective one could ever get of the sky. [Which was his primary reason for being here.

The other being sheer curiosity.]

I also heard many other things, but this piqued my interest the most.

Thou didst hear correctly. 'Tis a sight most magnificent, and well worth the effort to observe it.

[And as he thinks on it...]

But I would be remiss to not nominate the northern night sky as a comparable experience.

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