songerein | { Summer Beach Fun }

SUMMER BEACH FUN

After a week of frenzy as everyone in town prepared for the weekend summer beach fun bash, the beach is now teeming with activity as everyone shouts in joy at seeing the beautiful white sands and clear waters. Blankets are out, tents erected, music and refreshments out on covered tables, and spirits are high as everyone has fun enjoying the new place. With the beach surrounded by jungle forests, it feels as if they stepped onto a tropical island getaway. And when night falls, it will be a time to relax and just enjoy the night sky, now graced with the new two moons.

Note: This log is open to everyone and doubles as a "Character Intro" for new characters who were just accepted this round. As a reminder, new characters are welcome to carry over their TDM as forward dated to the earlier days of July so that they're not really "new" if players wish to do so! Starting fresh is also acceptable. Please put Character Name | Canon in the subject line of your toplevel.

The log has two parts, with the first portion focusing on the beach party and the second half the same evening for the moon viewing. Any questions can be directed here.

I. BEACH PARTY

For those who don't have any beach attire or equipment, worry not! Swimwear, towels, umbrellas, changing tents, and anything else beach goers might need to enjoy the day out in the sun. Only thing lacking is sunscreen, but surely something with dreamotion or magic can be used as an alternative. Food and refreshments are also provided, some out fishing for some fresh catches or setting up some barbecue. There are a lot of activities both in and out of the water, so have fun!

A. Beach Games. There are a lot of games that can be played on the beach, and some may introduce activities that they're familiar with from their world. But there are three notable games that have gained popularity on the sandy shores. Just be careful not to litter or these seemingly cute and cuddly sea otters will rush out from the water and throw or smack anyone with the trash.

Water Balloon Fight. No teams, just an all out brawl. Buckets of balloons filled with rainbow colored water can be found scattered all over the beach so a battle can happen anytime, anywhere. Once hit, the balloon will explode into varying different colors, dying the person colorful shades from mundane to neon bright that will last from anywhere to a few minutes to an hour. Despite being stuck a splattered rainbow, it will leave everyone feeling festive and fun.
Beach Volleyball. There are a few nets set up for anyone to play with, and while it doesn't have to be volleyball, there is one section that is having very heated matches. Dreamotion is the key factor, people encouraging everyone to put on their "best fighting spirit." This is leading to the "ball" turning into more of a flaming ball of fire as players spike it and send it hurtling over the net at breathtaking speeds, some jumping tens of feet in the air to try and return the ball. This also means that sometimes the ball will fly out of control, so watch out! Maybe help put out some stray fires.
Fruit Slicer. While standing on a platform, participants will have a variety of fruit thrown at them and using dreamotion only, they must slice or destroy the fruit before they're hit or miss five. It starts off slow and easy before it escalates, getting faster with more fruit as time goes on. This results in a lot of messes as some go a bit extreme and instead of slicing, fruit explosions happen instead. But anyone can give it a go, just be careful if watching! Might get fruit juice splattered. For those who manage to make cleaner (sanitary) cuts, the fruit can be served out or even processed to make juice.
Sand Art. Sandcastles are overdone—why not try and make unique sand sculptures instead? Tools are provided, and dreamotion is encouraged to add some extra finesse. Some may even use their dreamotion to make their creations move with…varying results. It is sand, after all, not the sturdiest of materials.

B. Water Fun. Out in the water are more games and activities, with some inflatable tubes and other items that can be used out in the water. Sure there's just plain swimming and snorkeling, but there are more exciting things available as well.

Turtle Shell Boats. At some point, giant colorful sea turtles that are large enough to carry one full grown adult emerge from the waters, toting even larger clam shells behind them. They're big enough to fit two people, and the turtles offer (yes, they speak!) to pull anyone around the shores for a fun ride. Those who are skeptical will soon see that the daring ones will prove it a safe ride…though it can get a bit bumpy and the turtles are fast. It'll feel just like riding on a motorboat going at full speed, so hold on tight! Anyone who falls in the water will be rescued by the turtles.
Windsurfing. Sailboats are still under construction (though there are certainly some strange mockups around), but windsurfing is a current hit for what's available! Smoothing out large planks of driftwood and making makeshift sails, people are out on the waters riding those small waves with some helping out by creating wind via dreamotion. In fact, there are requests for anyone to help conjure wind or make the waves bigger. So if some are not as daring to try it out, perhaps they can lend a hand instead. Just be careful—too much wind might send the windsurfer flying into the air!
Snorkeling and Diving. For those who want to do some exploring, some basic gear for snorkeling and short distance diving has been prepared, though some could try and use dreamotion to take them further. Those who can transform will have an even easier time to swim and venture underwater. The waters are beautifully clear and at least in the shallows whatever marine life is around is friendly, some even waving or hiding in their coral homes. If there are any mermaids around, they're staying hidden. There must be something in the water keeping an eye on the new visitors, as whenever someone tries to go too far away from the breakline the current will suddenly push them back. Some may even see strange shadows in the far distance…but who knows what it could be. Anyway, this is the free for all swimming and exploring prompt so enjoy! Feel free to come up with whatever you think could be found between the shallow waters and the coral reefs that serve as a surf break before people are shoved back by the current.

C. Crabs vs. Lobsters Dance Off. Music and dancing is a must have for any beach party, and there is a section of the beach designated for just that. They may not have stereo speakers or high tech lights, but who needs that when they can just make one's own instruments with coconuts, reeds, acoustic guitars, and use dreamotion to amplify sound? But at some point, everyone's groove will be thrown with an army of raving crabs emerge from the sand followed by dancing lobsters from the waters. After some brief claw clacking and spitting insults at each other, now everyone is pulled into the feud and must help prove which crustacean group is the best. This is done either by wearing either a crab or lobster costume (where did they come from no one knows) or turning into a crab or lobster to fit in (also mysteriously done). Fortunately individuals conscripted into this feud only have to stay for one round and can leave the "stage" to turn back to normal.

II. MOON VIEWING

That same night a moon viewing party is planned as it would be the best time to look at the new two moons that now grace Songerein's night skies. For those who stick around, tents and sleeping bags will be provided for those who didn't bring their own to experience a fun camping trip on the beach. It's a little chillier at night, so campfires will also be found around. With a much more relaxed atmosphere there's not as much going on, but there are still a few highlights for people to participate in.

A. Social Mingle. With everyone unwinding, it's an easier time to just sit on the sand and stare up at the stares with some warm food and a good drink in hand. Just be mindful of the drinks, especially the alcoholic kind. They seem to be more flavorful and potent when under direct moonlight, causing one to reminisce about their home more than usual. Or feel more tipsy and daring than they normally would be.

B. Storytime. Some might feel more inclined to share stories while on the beach, especially if there's a campfire going. Spooky stories, stories about the moon, whatever one feels like sharing they will find that their words will "come to life" in the air. As soon as someone starts speaking, little twinkling lights will drift in and dance in the air, forming moving pictures to help illustrate the story.

C. Night Kites. Special kites illuminated with glowing beads that will grow brighter the more dreamotion is channeled into them are available for anyone willing to try and fly kites in the dark. There are standard shapes and then there are some that take after various sea creatures, making them seem like they're alive. There's enough wind at least, and if not dreamotion can help give a good burst to get them going. The beads make for colorful light displays, but be careful! People are running around in the dark after all, with only the moonlight and whatever light sources around to guide them.

D. Moon Lanterns. Later in the evening, attention is called to an area where some fae are showing how to make paper mache moon lanterns. The construction is easy and it is encouraged to use dreamotion to strengthen it, filling it with whatever hopes and dreams the individual may have. After lighting a special candle, the lanterns are to be set into the water where they will drift for a small distance before slowly rising up into the air. The lanterns will follow the moonlight and it is said they will eventually reach the moon and those hopes and dreams will be blessed, more likely to come true. Is it real or not, who's to say—but it's a nice little touch to end the evening.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Susato finds herself happily exploring the beach after coming up from a swim. Her floral two-piece is wet, and her hair is so drenched she has to let her hair loose, tying those ribbons around her wrist, and as she walks, her sandals leave tracks in the sand.

She stops to admire Shigeru and his work when she sees him. Though she doesn't recognize him on sight, she does appreciate the sand dragon he seems to be creating. She smiles, casually and carefully placing the flower she'd been carrying roughly by the dragon's head. ]

There! Now she is a mighty female dragon.

Edited (sand dragon has a gender sorry!) 2022-07-11 00:02 (UTC)

[ Shigeru appreciates the assistance and the accessorizing. The dragon seems to appreciate it too as those sandy wings unfurl and it gives a big breath of sand through its nostrils. He might huff out a laugh before turning to regard Susato. ]

I think she likes it, thank you!

[ Susato is startled by the dragon's movements. It held quite impressively as a statue! Could've fooled her. But she's also a bit surprised by the notebook. ]

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize...

[ She's used to her kimono sleeves. She feels so naked in her swimwear, reaching for what looks like air, though what she intends is her notebook. ]

Can you hear me?

[ Shigeru does startle a bit as he watches Susato also get startled?! He's sorry he hadn't meant to surprise her like that!

But when asked whether he can hear or not he nods and gives her a thumbs up in reply. ] Yes I can! So no worries at all!

Ah. [ Well, that's a bit of a relief. She visibly relaxes with a nod, no longer reaching into sleeves that are not there. Luckily, she is looking over his written words, and the familiar handwriting distracts her from the fact that she doesn't know what that thumbs-up gesture means. ]

The way you write looks familiar to me! Have we spoken before?

[ "Spoken"--well, he knows what she means. ]

[ Shigeru will blink and shrug his shoulders?! ]

Maybe! I did make a post about teaching sign language? Did we talk during that by any chance?

[ Susato's face seems to light with recognition. If that wasn't enough confirmation, she also gives him a nod. ]

Oh, yes! It was... um, Miyata, correct? Mr Shigeru Miyata.

I'm Susato Mikotoba.

[ Shigeru beams brightly back at Susato and nods. ]

Yes! That's me! It's really nice to finally meet you in person! Just Shigeru is fine too! [ No need to be so formal after all. ]

[ She blinks, taking a moment to read over his note and give him a thoughtful hum. Old habits die hard, but if he insists, maybe... ]

Alright... Shigeru-san. [ She alternates between English in Japanese conventions pretty freely... but Shigeru sounds closer to Japanese. ] I apologize that I haven't been able to attend any lessons until now. H, How have they been?

{ Summer Beach Fun }

sand art!

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