songerein | { summer beach episode 2023 }

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{ summer beach episode 2023 }

SUMMER BEACH EPISODE

Thanks to the Dreamsortium's aggressive advertising in town and around the Wildlands, the Forever Dreams resort's grand opening is a bustling and lively one with both dreamers and local fae alike coming by. Even the dragons from Dragefjell are coming down to enjoy luxurious sunbathing.

Just remember, only the first night is free! After that, one must either pay or help fulfill some "odd jobs" around the resort for the Dreamsortium.

More details on everything can be found here.

I. FOREVER DREAMS RESORT

A. Resort Amenities. Everyone will have a room to stay in, though there are also camping options for those who might want to stay outdoors.

🧑‍🍳Outdoor Dining. There are outdoor kitchen patios that are available for guests who would like to prepare their own food, however while the resort will provide with some ingredients, guests will have to bring their own. Perfect for those who try their hand at fishing and want to enjoy their catch. Just beware of the sea gulls that will try to pilfer anything left unattended.
♨️Spa and Massage. Need a break? Relax those sore muscles? The resort boasts only the best and have a special spa for those who can gather and relax with a drink and snack. They have also hired friendly dragons and orcs who specialize in providing the best massage possible.
🦀 Crab Shuffleboard. There are some shuffleboard courts setup that are said to be more unusual than normal, which is quickly revealed by the usual round "discs" used for play. The discs work well enough regardless…until at some point legs appear to reveal they are strange little crabs! They are sturdy little ones so some consider their traveling as part of the game, but others might want to catch them. (Note, they are not normal crabs and are Karka hatchlings.)

B. Animal Control. Unfortunately the construction agitated and displaced a few of the local creatures in the area, and while most have just moved on, others are less willing to leave their original habitats. Some are making it work, while others are hostile. Perhaps creating a newer, better habitat will make them more willing? Or figure out ways to coexist.

🐍Sea Snakes. Completely harmless, these aquatic snakes would nest in the tall seaweed that grows near the beach by the resort. Most of them were able to be relocated in other places, but there are some patches that haven't been moved because of their nests. By now the eggs have hatched, but the babies are still hiding out. Help move them to a safer location!
🦦Seaweed Otters. The otters prefer the clams that can be found in the shallows which is why they can be found lounging about. They're cute and friendly, but also mischievous, stealing other food and toys from beach goers. Although relatively harmless, it's dangerous for them. Good news, the same types of clams can be found further down. Catch the otters and guide them towards the new location. Alternatively, have them try different foods from other areas of the beach to encourage them to move elsewhere.
🦉Pineapple Owls. Pineapples are popular to serve, but harvesting them has been difficult. There are some owls that are dive bombing those who try. It doesn't help their eggs look like small pineapples! Help locate the affected trees to mark them and find empty trees to safely harvest from.
🦀Karka. KARKA ROOOOOLLL. Appearing by the coves on the edge of the Wasteland, these giant, monstrous creatures have a tough outer shell that is difficult to penetrate and requires using a special acidic solvent that somehow the Dreamsortium are able to prepare quickly. They appear to be very agitated and while they mostly stay where they are, some will come close to the resort to attack. Maybe returning some of those "little crabs" from the shuffleboard courts would help…

C. Beach Fun. There are some casual fun beachside activities that everyone can partake in! For those who didn't bring their own, towels and beach chairs are available to rent.

🤿Snorkeling. Grab your gear and do some snorkeling in the clear shallows around the resort! Might make a new finny friend or two.
🐚 Shell Collecting. There are a number of beautiful shells, and they say the large conch shells will whisper a dreamy tune that could help one sleep. There are also contests and requests to collect certain shells.
🏐 Games. Various games are set up, such as beach volleyball, watermelon smashing, water balloons and water guns, and the return of the fruit slicer, where one must slice a barrage of fruit with only dreamotion.
🍈Melon Dodgeball. A new game that's becoming an explosive hit is a dodgeball game using special melons. These melons are sensitive to the temperament and dreamotion of the players, so the more tense and energetic they are, the more likely they will explode and splatter their target instead. Still counts as out!
🐢 Boating. The turtle shell boats are back! Toting large clams shells big enough for two people, these giant sea turtles will happily pull people for either a relaxing cruise, or a fast paced ride through the water. Small sailboats are also available to rent.

D. Special Businesses. Some of the local businesses are putting up stalls on the beach!

🍷 At Day's End.Two days a week during the month of July, At Day's End will have a booth available at the beach resort! The bar and winery's offerings include a number of fine drinks and cocktails designed with summer in mind, such as: the Champagne-like Dew of the Ether; the luck-changing, naturally cold Azure Omen; the floral and sweet Divine Retribution, available with or without alcohol; and the minty and light fruit punch, Dawn in the Wildlands. Other drinks will also be available at the beach stall, though in limited quantities compared to the town's location.

Much like the services provided to patrons of the establishment proper, van Zieks will be available to provide cooling through his personal dreamotion abilities, though in exchange for passing out pamphlets or helping him serve drinks. He can't do anything about sunburns, though, you're on your own there.

🌸Wild Harvest. There is nothing unusual about the Wild Harvest's stall, and at a glance, it is exactly as you'd expect. There are flowers for the taking, set decoratively inside a vase beside a stack of fliers for any new dreamers who don't know about the establishment yet. A list of names that seems to be a sign-up for something called You Be the Chef also sits in front of whichever staff member may be running the booth, and if asked, they'll happily speak about the contest.

There is a grill set up with sticks of freshly grilled kebabs, also for the taking to sample, and nearby, a wooden-looking slide of sorts has been set up. Those who have visited the Harvest in recent weeks will know this is for the nagashi somen, or flowing noodles, for anyone who'd like to "catch" them. Chopsticks are provided, as well as the complementary dipping sauce.

In addition, as a dessert, there is also a station set up with cups of shaved ice for passersby to create their own Summer Dreams. Various toppings, condensed milk, slices of fruit and fruity syrups are provided. Even emoji-fruit with positive emotions are used! And if patrons are unable to infuse their sample with their own positive dreamotion, the staff is more than happy to assist.

II. ATLANTIS

At some point during the grand opening, some merfolk will surface and wave at the beachgoers. With reassurance from the Dreamsortium, anyone who wishes to visit the underwater city Atlantis may do so and will be given a special potion that will allow them to transform into some kind of merfolk or aquatic creature. They can last for several hours and will automatically bring them back to the surface before it wears out. Enjoy~ And beware the sirens.

A. Around Atlantis. The city is vast at the bottom of the ocean with so many things to see and do, with numerous shops opening their doors and the locals curious to meet their land based neighbors. So much so, perhaps another visit will be in order. For now, here are some highlights, and for those less inclined to try the potion, they could try and figure out a different way down there. Surely someone with enough dreamotion talents can come up with an idea?

🎣 Jellyfish Hunting. A favorite game of the Atlantians, there are special schools of jellyfish that swim around the city that come in a total of five different colors: blue, pink, yellow, green, and orange. If one catches at least one of each jellyfish, a small chest of jewels will be given as a prize. The jellyfish are friendly and harmless, though they might still try to sting out of defense.
🍴 Look at this Stuff. A young mermaid has been watching the "landdwellers" for a while now and has started to create her own collection of items only found on land. She asks any visitor she encounters whether they have or could find some trinket to add to her collection.
✨ Glowing Coral. The city is filled with beautiful, large coral patches and large reef gardens, especially just outside the city. Of particular note are special coral that sing, and one particular group of merfolk request some help in harvesting these to be used for everyday purposes in the city. Visitors are welcome to gather some for themselves—with careful moderation of course. As long as they are cut properly and kept in sea water, the coral will continue to thrive and potentially grow.

B. Temple of Saudade and Hiraeth. An ancient temple that is partially submerged just outside of Atlantis, and there is an indiscernible melody or song that can be heard faintly throughout the temple. The merfolk are still excavating it to find what all is within it, but it's a difficult endeavor due to the effects of the temple. It has a large amount of dreamotion energy and there are certain areas where people can become trapped in an illusory vision of a memory or unrealized dream with a very strong emotional tie to the individual. This will make the individual more emotionally reactive and must be calmed and talked out of their illusion. If the emotion is strong enough, whatever the character is seeing or wishing to be real will form.

C. Sirens. While not targeting the visitors swimming through Atlantis, there are sirens and other hostile fae that dwell in the ocean depths that don't take too kindly to the visitors. Stray too far from the safety of Atlantis or drift too deep into the shadows and they may appear to either harass or downright attack. Their songs are not as effective while someone is in merfolk/aquatic creature form, but they do have some effect to at least try and lure them for attention. Those who are afflicted with nightmares or have more nightmare energy will also be more susceptible.

❄️ Christmas Carols!? One siren in particular may be familiar to those from around Christmas. Called "Sirenia Caviary," she is one of the more "friendlier" sirens, but her voice wails through the waters as she is suffering from writer's block. Help her come up with new Christmas songs and the sirens may look more favorably on everyone.
🍌 Treasured Bananas. One reason why the sirens are hostile towards outsiders is due to a recent "plunder" of their precious chest of bananas. Seasalted Bananas are a delicacy and hard to come by since bananas are not found underwater. Bring some bananas to the sirens and their mood may improve.
♻️ Underwater Cleanup. Another reason for the sirens' hostility is the amount of trash and litter that has accrued both during the construction of the resort and the large influx of visitors thanks to it. While it wouldn't be enough to make them as friendly as their Atlantian cousins, clearing out some of that trash would at least make them less inclined to attack and chase upon sight. The collector in Atlantis might also find some use out of the items.

D. Thieves. There are some suspicious individuals (pirates) that appear around Atlantis trying to steal various treasures and items from the city and from the temple. Try to stop and catch them–but even if they are caught, they somehow escape. There is always an odd "click" and "buzz" sound before they disappear in black smoke that has a hint of nightmare energy in them…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Naminé does tend to appreciate her personal space. Even with it maintained, though, she's not inclined to continue on her project, and sets the half-made bracelet aside to fold her hands together on her lap instead, gaze downturned.

What is she supposed to say? There are many things, she imagines, that she ought to - but where to start or even if she should eludes her. In the end, he does her the favor of taking the first step; her head raises slightly when he speaks, acknowledging it, though she doesn't quite turn her head. ]

I... I am now.

[ It took a while, physically speaking. Her regrets might be a different matter; those are harder to excise. ]

But Master Ira-- [ Finally, she peers up at him, although it's with a frown. Her voice lacks the edge it had that day during the battle, and there's worry there instead. ] ... I'm the one who should be asking that.

I am glad to hear that.

[He's relieved to hear that, and that she seems to be back to herself. Even though it has been some time now since the fight against the Story Eater. These things take time sometimes.]

And, I am alright. Recovery took some time, but every day has seen an improvement.

[ It's not that she isn't glad, too, to hear that he's doing better, but-- there's a clear uncertainty in Naminé's expression as she hesitates, mouth pressing into a line. One of her hands curls at the bottom of her ribcage almost thoughtfully, and finally she admits, ]

I'm glad that you've recovered as well.

[ Except - as much as she wants to doubt herself, she knows what she sensed; even through the cloudiness of her own memories of the battle, she recalls her missteps. ]

But are you sure--

[ She's still at a loss for how to phrase it - for how to apologize when she hasn't even begun to explain her true nature to him. (Not to mention how to apologize further for that particular failure.) Her breath catches, gets let out as a fraught sigh. Quieter, ]

That is, are you sure you haven't felt... anything out of the ordinary?

[The answer should be yes.

Though, Ira has not really made the connection. He just knows he has dreams sometimes, of moments in his life that he is so certain have occurred but he cannot say when or where from. People he knows but doesn’t. Memories that might not be his.

But with the way that Namine seems to be curling in on herself, he hesitates. The dream world is an odd place. It might not be connected to her.]

No. Nothing that I would consider odd, anyway.

[Perhaps a white lie is what is needed here.]

[ For a moment, there's a flicker of confusion on her face. Surely she wasn't mistaken when she felt something shift under the influence of her powers those weeks ago. But the more she thinks about it...

How can she really be certain of anything from that day, with so much of her magic flowing through her own mind as well? She's had cause to wonder if her powers would even work properly on the minds of others here to begin with, and Ira has no reason to lie - does he? Or at least, so Naminé thinks; of all the adults in her life, he's seemed the most trustworthy so far that's come from their worlds.

So gradually, the strain in her expression relents into something closer to hesitant relief. Mouth still pressed into a line, Naminé emits a cautious, ]

I... see.

[ Her hands fold one her lap once more, head tilting thoughtfully. ]

I suppose that's a good thing. But... if that were to change-- [ There's a plea in her eyes as she studies him. ] I hope that you'd let me know.

Edited 2023-07-30 20:02 (UTC)

O-Of course.

[He's a little caught off guard by the earnestness of her request. And it takes a moment to find the right words to respond.]

Is...is there something I should be watching out for?

[ Though she considers him a few moments more, Naminé presently offers a nod in response, accepting his agreement at face-value.

... Although the tone of that question might cause her to wonder a few things, too, had she not already decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. ]

It's-- hard to say, exactly.

[ Especially when she hasn't explained the extent of her powers to him, nor is she certain of the real depth or breadth of them herself. (It's tough, being such a strange creature that it's impossible to know yourself fully.) ]

I suppose... something that seems wrong to you, even if you can't put your finger on why. Anything - that makes you feel as though you're not yourself, or that there's something important you're forgetting.

[ That's what she's more afraid of - what she might have caused him to lose. Adding memories, though... that occurs to her less immediately, and as such gets mentally lumped in with not being himself. ]

I see. I will keep that in mind, then.

[He can't think of anything that has made him seen less himself, but he'll have to continue thinking about it. If anything, he's felt more himself while everything else around him swirls.]

I assume this might be an affect after, going up against you?

That's all that I can ask.

[ He's the one that has to stay on the lookout for it, after all; there are only so many in Reverein who know much if anything about his past, so who could possibly correct him were he to remember something falsely?

All her misgivings about that, though, fall away at his question. Hands folded tightly together, Naminé lowers her head before finally nodding it once. ]

Yes... it is.

[ The words come out like a sigh, brimming with regret. ]

Back when everyone was fighting the Story Eater, some things happened, and... I was no longer able to fully control my abilites. To make matters worse, I could really - control myself, either. That's why I tried to keep my distance from everyone, because I knew there was a chance that I might not be able to stop myself from hurting them.

[Ira laughs, a little ruefully.]

I admit, I'm aware of that now.

I was worried that you might end up hurting yourself as well.

You're stronger than I expected.

[ Naminé can't quite find it in herself to muster a smile in return. ]

Master Ira - I'm grateful, but... really, I owe you an apology. If I'd warned you sooner about what I could do, maybe everything that happened could have been avoided.

[ Consequences or not, it's bad enough that she lost control and fought him at all. ]

In the past, my powers caused trouble for a lot of people. I thought, once I came here to Reverein, that it was better if I just... didn't mention them to anyone. That way, no one could force me to use them.

[There's a bit to take in here, and Ira does. From the fact that Namine has unique powers to the fact that she's been used for them. It's, a lot of things. Sad, frustrating. He isn't sure what to say.]

I can understand why you wouldn't, especially if that is a particular threat you've faced.

I'm sorry. I'm not sure what else to say.

[ Grimly, contritely, the lass nods. ]

It... has happened before, a long time ago. Even now, I still feel I have things to make up for because of the past.

[ And plenty of reasons to do her utmost to avoid it ever happening again. This time, she shakes her head with, ]

There's no need for you to apologize, too. You - aren't the one who did anything wrong.

[ Her fingers are laced together, expression serious. ]

And it's not... that I didn't trust you. That I don't trust you. Just - in case you wondered.

Even so. That something like that even happened bothers me.

[These kids have been through so much. When the whole thing could have, and should have, been avoided. But there is a sense of relief around him.]

If you were being used, why do you feel you have to make up for things?

[ Letting out a slow breath, the young lady casts her eyes downward. ]

Back then, I really was afraid of what would happen to me if I didn't do as I was told. But if I hadn't cooperated, then at least everyone else might not have gone through so much.

[ It's hard to say with certainty what would have been the same and what would have been different, but to her, the overall suffering would almost surely have been less. ]

In the end, I was selfish. That's why I have to be more careful now, because... I know how easy it is for me to make a mistake.

[ Like choosing self-preservation over the safety of others, evidently. ]

[Ira nods, understanding, even if he doesn't like it. But that can really be applied to the whole situation.]

And so, with the Story Eater, I assume that was your powers at their most extreme?

I understand a little better now.

[ Naminé's fingers clasp together more tightly before she forces them down to fold her hands on her lap as she hesitates. ]

Well, it is true that I've never lost control like that before. But... as for what I can do...

[ She's reluctant to admit it, and yet-- she owes him the whole truth. ]

I think that some of that power didn't belong to me at all. I've certainly never seen it manifest in quite the same way. [ Courtesy of Morgan le Fay, naturally. ] Still, I... can't say that I was using all of what I can normally do, either. Actually, I was trying pretty hard to hold back whatever and whenever I could.

[That is. Slightly terrifying the more Ira thinks about it. But he has enough tact to avoid saying that.]

I suppose I wasn't exactly making it easy. But, in some ways, we can be confident in your affinity for magic.

[A weak laugh, trying to find the silver lining.]

Though, if that was you holding back, I'd be worried about you going all out.

[ Despite her own keen awareness of how terrifying it, in fact, is, Naminé can at least appreciate his discretion. Nodding solemnly, she doesn't quite muster a laugh to go with his. Her mouth is too tight to smile, troubled as she is by the whole matter. ]

Yes... I suppose that's true. Some types of magic come more easily to me than others, that's why - I've been in need of a teacher. ... And why I was relieved when we were able to separate without anything worse happening.

[ Because if she'd been forced to try to use more of her innate abilities instead of quite so much of the common types of magic, that would have lead to even more trouble, she's sure. Her eyes flick up at his last words, hesitating-- then drop back down. ]

That's something we can both agree on. [ Of all things, Naminé might actually be most afraid of herself. ] I've spent most of my life hoping that it never comes to that. I don't... know how far I can go - what I can really do if I try. And-- I don't think that I want to, either.

It is worthwhile to know your limits.

[Though, usually that comes with pushing yourself too them, and learning how to work beyond. But that doesn't seem to apply here, and Ira is reluctant to push it.]

I apologize for pushing you then. I was worried about your safety, but perhaps I didn't need to.

[ The lass looks solemn about the whole matter, head tilting slightly as she acknowledges, ]

I know. For most people, it's very important to learn what they are. I can't say that you're wrong, but... at the same time, I'm afraid that the only way I can discover them is by going too far.

[ Further than she's comfortable with, that is. ]

What's worse is... that I would need to hurt someone else to do it. [ With a narrow, firm shake of her head. ] I can't bear to be responsible for something like that.

[ Of course, there are risks to not finding out, too - but in any case, she's quick to respond to his apology. ]

No - there's no need to be sorry for that. Honestly... you were right to be concerned. That day - I didn't have enough control to fully protect myself, let alone anyone I met, and I did end up getting hurt a few times. Maybe there wasn't anything either of us could have done about it, but... I'm still grateful that you wanted to look after me.

That's understandable.

[And so very sad and troublesome. It's a weight that doesn't need to be placed on anyone's shoulders, much less Namine's.]

I am sorry to hear that you got hurt. I never wanted to go that far.

Even if there wasn't anything I could have done, I'm glad that I tried though. I just can't leave a friend in trouble, no matter what it is.

[ It's good for her to hear that he understands; she's never had much in the way of guidance from an elder (or in general really), so it's easy for her to worry at times whether she's got the right of things in her own mind. As for his apology-- she's quick to shake her head. ]

You didn't hurt me too badly. Most of the injuries I did get at the time were from the Story Eater's monsters.

[ So that's hopefully that off his conscience if it was there to begin with. And although she'd been resistent at the time - Naminé can muster a wan smile now in the wake of that word. ('Friend.') ]

I'm happy to hear you say that - that we're friends, after everything. Your heart was in the right place, I think. [ With a bashful breath of a laugh-- ] We're all safer with you around to look after us, most of the time.

You weren't exactly yourself that day, so I don't want to hold that against you.

[But he's able to return the smile.]

I do hope so. Or at least, you can trust me to do that. I hope we don't have to go through something like that again.

[ Her smile remains - weak, but honest as she tucks her chin slightly, gratefully. ]

Thank you.

[ She holds back the thought that occurs to her, that she's more inclined to blame herself than he is; it seems best not to burden him with her own guilt, for one thing. ]

Mm. I hope so, too. It all... could have been much worse, I suppose.

[ So she's glad they got out of it as well as they did, honestly, and she's not eager to try their collective luck again. ]

{ summer beach episode 2023 }

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