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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[Ithaqua tilts his head, blinking up at him, and thinking. Then he places a hand on Urianger's arm.]

Share it with only me from now on, hm? [He's just being silly. He knows no one would given in to such a silly, selfish-sounding demand to monopolize anyone's talents.

He's simply expressing how much he likes such flowery words.]

[It's a request that catches him by surprise, with only a sound of disbelief escaping him for a moment until his mind catches up.]

Thou dost flatter me. [However...] I may compose verses for thine ears only, but pray understand I cannot restrict myself beyond that.

Heheheh! That request was not made seriously, thus you needn't take it so.

[Now he pats Urianger.]

Even I am not so foolish enough to request that of anyone... Though I shan't decline if you want to recite to me a verse you have composed only for me.

Ah. [His shoulders sag as the tension leaves him. Now he just feels a bit silly.] Thou hadst me convinced for a moment.

[So convinced that he did not see it for the obvious flirtation that it was.]

Regardless, I intend to keep my word. When next we meet, I shall have a verse prepared for thee.

Heheh! [The conversation gets better and better-- he's gotten to tease Urianger, and even gotten a good deal out of it.] I shall hold you to that, if you truly do insist.

[Then he pats Urianger's arm again, this time more insistently... because there's a sight unfolding before them, the way the sky takes on more colours, fading from the orange just around the sun to a deeper red, to purples, pinks, blues, and then the deep, inky night.]

[Listen..........

Actually nevermind, Urianger's attention is immediately drawn toward the sunset. A gentle sigh escapes him as he takes it all in. For just a precious moment, he's able to disconnect himself from the worries of the wizards' mission and feel at peace. Better yet, he's getting to share this little slice of peace with a comrade.

Huh. Could this be his mana area?]

'Tis magnificent. [And yet he turns his gaze away from it for a moment to see Ithaqua's own reaction.] Wouldst thou agree?

I would. Many would say that's the beauty of nature, but words are often not enough to describe nature.

[Ithaqua has leaned back onto his hands, just so he can crane his neck and see the sky. He's smiling at the sight of the sun giving way to stars, genuinely smiling rather than the grins or sneers he often had when he had terrible intentions towards the person he was facing.

Then again, with a mask on much of the time, who would even know what his expressions are?

Urianger, now. He's the only person to see Ithaqua like this.]

[Would that he knew just how fortunate he is to see two rare views this evening.]

Verily. So sayeth the phrase, "words don't do it justice." Try as I might to put this sight into words, the one who I describe it to would be far better off seeing it for themselves.

[His eyes drift back to the sunset to soak up that sight while it lasts.]

I thank thee for accompanying me.

[Ithaqua thinks Urianger came quite close to it with his words... but he agrees, in the end there's nothing anyone can do to compete with or capture the sheer spectacle of nature. They can come close, but not enough.]

I should be thanking you. After all, you invited me here. [Even if they both had the same idea. Urianger just asked first.

Then he lies down on the blanket, mussing up his hair.]

This sight and the company are worth staying for.

The gratitude is for accepting mine invitation.

[But it's not a competition. No matter how things played out, the result would be the same. They'd both be here, enjoying each other's company and a wonderful evening view on top of it.

The sun dips further beneath the horizon, intensifying the shades of red and purple as darkness takes its hold over the sky. Soon, another amazing view will reveal itself: a blanket of sparkling stars and yet to be known constellations.

Urianger smiles down at Ithaqua as this takes place.]

Hast thou located thy mana area yet, Ithaqua?

As a matter of fact, I have. [He doesn't exactly want to recount the day, unpleasant as it is... and he wouldn't want to go back to that specific spot, either. Thankfully, there are a number of forests here, with more clearings than he can could to choose from.]

A forest clearing where I could have a view of the clear night sky. Thus, any forest could carry my mana area-- except, perhaps, the Eastern country.

[But he shall stop rambling about himself now, and focus on Urianger instead. After all, the question was asked for a reason.]

Why do you ask?

[Urianger closes his eyes for a moment so he can envision it.]

That soundeth lovely. [Opening his eyes again, he turns his gaze to the ever-darkening sky.] On a distant planet, I once said to a friend that there is comfort to be found in the stars. Though these stars may not be our own, the gentle warmth of light doth persist.

[It's heartening that it seems to be the case here as well.

As for why he asked...]

I believe I have found mine as well, in this very moment.

Oh? [Ithaqua sits up so he can look Urianger in the eye better and give him all of his attention.]

Yours, too, is an area where you can see the night sky?

I shall have to experiment further to confirm it, but I suspect it is not specific to the environment.

[He glances back toward the horizon. Now twilight, the sun is completely gone, but the sky is no less beautiful.]

Since we began to observe the sunset together, I have noticed a change within myself. [He brings a hand to his chest.] I feel invigorated with replenished mana.

This moment of peace that I share with thee... I believe it to be my mana area.

Eh?

[He freezes. He's not sure what to say about this, not just because this is the first time he's heard of a moment being a mana area, but also a mana area specifically requiring a person involved?

With him?]

I am your mana area? [Excellent deduction. No notes.]

[With a nod, he turns to Ithaqua.]

Aye. Long have I believed mine allies to be my strength. It appeareth that the magick of this star is in agreement.

...Of course, this is merely a strong suspicion of mine for the time being, but in my heart I would like it to be true.

... Oh. [He's still a bit stuck on the fact that Urianger is comfortable enough, comforted enough by his presence to even trigger the effect of a mana area.

He flushes when he realizes he's been staring for a while, and looks away, picking at his nails.

What does one even say about that?!]

I'm... honoured.

[Well, that was unexpected. It's Urianger's turn to place a hand on Ithaqua's shoulder.]

Pray believe it was not mine intent to embarrass thee, but I do consider thou a friend and ally. How could I not?

[He's usually the weirdo who takes a while to understand. Rarely does he click with someone so easily like he has with Ithaqua. It's something to treasure.]

[Ithaqua blinks down at the hand on his shoulder, and resists the urge to rub at his cheek. This is embarrassing, he needs to get a grip, but the fact that Urianger is this comfortable with him...

Who is? So few are. Unspoken in one case, but so explicitly mentioned here that he doesn't know what to do with himself.

He slowly nods at Urianger's words, but wishes he could tug his hood down around his head.]

I've never been a source of comfort to anyone in my adult life. [Which was by design-- who cares about friends?] To hear that I am a friend, I am that kind to you?

Then I understand that this hath come as quite the surprise.

[Urianger's just as surprised to discover this about Ithaqua. He can't help but wonder why.]

But I speak true. I understand that we still have much to learn from one another, but thou hast made quite an impression on me. I am not blind to how I am perceived- to the natural barrier that my idiosyncrasies put between myself and most others. But thou? Thou hast embraced me from our first meeting.

[And while he doesn't remember all of it, he remembers enough. Why else would he have stepped forward to help out today?]

Thou art indeed kind, Ithaqua, and someone I wish to spend more time with. If thou art amenable, of course.

[After all, he owes Ithaqua a verse now. They need to hang out at least once more, right?]

Well. [He gives himself a good knock about the head-- mentally. Get yourself together, Ithaqua. You are an adult.

He'll have all the time later to process this. For now, he should pay attention to Urianger. He takes the elf's hand off of his shoulder, but not to brush it off, but to hold it properly.]

There's no where I'd rather be tonight. If I did not want to, I would have been long gone, returned to the manor and brooding in my bed. [Then he manages a smile, a return to form.]

[Urianger's own smile brightens as his fingers curl around Ithaqua's hand. He's pleased that Ithaqua's smile is back- that he's been well received. It always feels nice to be able to forge a new friendship.]

Full glad am I that thou didst decide to remain. Thy day deserveth to end on a better note from whence it began.

[What with the miserable overheating and conflict with a fellow wizard.]

It's already much better than it was mere hours ago. [Emboldened, Ithaqua laces their fingers together, just to have that little bit of connection.]

If it were someone else and not you who offered? I know the night would have ended differently.

[He's not unaware of how he comes off to others after all, an image he cultivated himself. On purpose.]

You are here, and thus you have helped make this happen, Urianger.

[A bold move indeed, but one that Urianger allows. Honestly, it is what Ithaqua says that surprises him more than the closeness of their touch. Such sentiments tend to, given his track record of impacting someone for the worse rather than the better.]

Then I shall gladly accept that partial responsibility. I shall also pay gratitude to the machinations of fate, for our paths would not have crossed otherwise.

[This whole wizard situation has been confusing and stressful, but it hasn't been all bad. There are some wonderful people among their number who were brought from all sorts of different stars and completely different walks of life. Urianger's happy to have gotten to know another tonight- one that he thinks he has the makings of a kinship with.]

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the beach episode (dated before the east mission)

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