(open) ☀️ beach bonfire party

[niwabi]

WHO: Everyone! You and you and yes, YOU!
WHAT: Summer Beach Party
WHEN: June 23rd
WHERE: Solarpeak Beach
WARNINGS: none for now!

BEACH PARTY

The sun is shining, a cool, crisp ocean breeze flutters across the shores of Solarpeak Beach. There's not a single cloud in the sky, the perfect day to have a party! Whether you heard about it through Yoimiya's network post, word of mouth or just happen to stumble onto the festivities, everyone is invited to Ellipsa's scorching hot Beach Bonfire Party! Grab your swimsuits, sun dresses, or whatever you feel the most comfortable in, and join in on the fun.

➤

Gonna Soak Up the Sun

Through the combined efforts of Sisu, Yoimiya, and the many kind volunteers who lent their assistance in setting up the venue, the beach party is here and open to the public! Upon arrival, everyone will be given a choice of colorful, handmade hibiscus leis or bracelets to adorn for the party. They aren't mandatory in the slightest, just a cute little thank-you gift to those who are attending. After receiving a warm welcome from the hosts, you're free to set off and have fun! Meet up with friends or introduce yourself to new people from distant worlds, the party is your oyster. Of course, there will be plenty of other activities to partake in as well. Venture forth to the fun!

Feeling brave and daring? Sitting on top of the ocean is an inflatable balance beam built especially for water jousting. Foam joust poles and life jackets (if you wish to wear one!) will be given to would-be challengers looking to scratch the itch for a fight. The goal is to assert your dominance by knocking adversaries into the water and be the last person standing. Show off your strength and become the champion of the beach!

Perhaps you might be in the mood for a bit of fun in the sand. A large area of the beach is sectioned off for the grand Sandcastle Competition. Solarpeak residents from all across the city are bustling with excitement, flocking in to watch the artists do their magic, so go wild with your creations and give them a good show! Buildings, any kind of sculpture, or even just a basic castle are all accepted, let your imagination run free. You can even drag a buddy in for a helping hand if your work of art requires assistance. For the winner, the grand prize is a summer gift basket filled with goodies for a nice relaxing spa day at home. Tucked away inside the basket are gift cards to various restaurants in Ellipsa. Don't fret if you aren't interested in participating! Anyone is welcome to walk around and marvel at the competitor's creations.

➤

A Feast for All

The hosts are bound and determined to ensure that no one leaves this beach hungry. If you're craving a cold tasty treat to stave off the heat, a bustling shaved ice stall is here to cool down roasting attendees. An endless variety of flavors are available for mixing and matching, waiting to quench your thirst. If you are feeling adventurous, there are a few questionable flavors on the menu such as Bacon, Durian, Jalapeño, Ketchup, Mushroom, Pickle juice and Seaweed. Try them at your risk or if your palette is "hungry" for something more on the "unique" side.

For those who made inquiries about alcohol, special arrangements have been made! A small pop-up bar has been set up for today's joyous occasion. The bar's pride and joy is a variety of summer-themed cocktails but you can also find other basic liquor or non-alcoholic drinks if your tastebuds are craving simplicity. To go alongside the refreshing beverages, food is also provided at this small establishment. Some of the dishes on the menu are: kebabs with a hint of rum, peach bruschetta, spring rolls, fish and chips, crab hush puppies, and a spicy jalapeño popper dip (you can also ask for the ghost pepper version of this dip if you are feeling brave). All the hosts ask is that visitors to the bar be mindful of the people who can't or aren't interested in drinking.

Decorated across the shores of the beach are tables, picnic blankets, and sizzling hot grills for the designated picnic area. In a similar fashion to the potluck that took place a while back, several tables have been set up for those who like to go crazy in the kitchen or wish to advertise their food business by bringing samples to share.

Time flies when so much fun is taking place! As the last light of day begins to fade, the stars come out to brighten up the night sky on this clear summer day. However, just because there's no more sunlight, doesn't mean the party is over. Far from it! There's still lots of excitement to be had for the attendees who wish to stick around for the night festivities.

➤

A Midsummer Night's Glow

On the middle of the beach, a blazing bonfire burns ever so brightly inside a log fire pit. Eat snacks, catch up with friends, meet new people, or get cozy with others should one be feeling touch starved. In need of an icebreaker? A game of truth or dare or telling scary stories makes for a good way to pass the time. Maybe you'll have a fateful encounter and land yourself a date before the night is over.

With a sky full of beautiful stars, a bustling bonfire, and a large open space, the atmosphere is perfect for dancing. The DJ for the evening is the bright and energetic Aimoto Rinku, here to bust out an array of sick beats with her turntable. There's plenty of fun to be had in a group conga line or grab a partner for a slow, romantic bolero, and dance to whatever music piques your interest. A small makeshift stage is also set up for those who wish to sing, Rinku will be more than happy to work with any potential performers. From upbeat EDM to ballads, all types of genres fill the air with music. Let loose, enjoy the melody, and dance the night away!

➤

Festive Mementos

For one of the hosts, summer just isn't the same without fireworks exploding across the sky. To end the evening with a bang, a beautiful barrage of fireworks paints the night sky in various colors and patterns. As a final gift to the attendees, Yoimiya has prepared sparklers for everyone to play with. There are a variety of colors to choose from, pink, red, blue, green, orange, purple, yellow, etc. No matter what color catches your fancy, with a little flick of the wand, all of them appear like twinkling stars sparkling and flickering across the stick.

To end off the light show, fireworks representing each of the seasons burst into the sky. Blue snowflakes for Winter, pink cherry blossoms for spring, a yellow sun for Summer, and red maple leaves for Autumn. After the vibrant display, a final golden ray of light flickers and explodes into a bright, heartwarming message for all of the guests. "Thank you for attending! You are all amazing! Let's have a great time in Ellipsa!"

(OOC: Make your own top levels, mingle and have fun! ♡)

code

Comments

[monoceroscaeli]

[Wow Aether, that's really sweet of you to say that of him. His chest seems to swell with the compliment of how well he'd take care of a partner. He's got that right, he knows he's a good boyfriend. Thankee, Aether.]

Come now, have a little faith in me.

[At least Aether took this a lot better than the conversation he had with his sister. He'll take that as a win.]

I didn't cause her nor the children any trouble back in Inazuma. I'm hurt, Aether.

[startraveler]

[Another laugh.]

I know you didn't and it better stay this way, Mr. Harbinger!

[It's all just joking, but at the same time Aether can never forget who Childe is and what he focuses his efforts on back in Teyvat. It's difficult to take anything for granted.

Still, he wishes from the depths of his heart that his friends will be happy now that they have one another.]

[monoceroscaeli]

Oh? You should be careful with your words...

[Childe raises his eyebrow at Aether. Trying to figure out the traveler's dating preferences aside, he can't help but feel like this is a sort of challenge against him.

It's not a challenge he'd ever actually take up because he would never dream of hurting Yoimiya, but any chance he can get to rile up someone to try to get them to fight him, he'll take it. Even though he knows Aether is joking! Fighting is fun :D]

...because in my line of work, you might as well be outright threatening me.

[His fingers itch to feel the hilt of his blades in them, clearly getting excited about starting a fight.]

I'll fight you right here and now, traveler, draw your sword and we can have a spectacular duel between the two of us...

[startraveler]

[Childe really wastes no time to pick a fight. Aether sighs, before giving his companion a look.]

I'm sure Yoimiya will be thrilled that you decided to destroy her party with a whale.

[If you thought that he'd be dragged into a fight so easily, then you are mistaken, Childe!

Aether gets himself a drink instead and sits down.]

But you can always try to get back at me with another game of "Truth or Dare". Unless... you're worried that you'd lose again?

[Now he's really challenging him.]

[monoceroscaeli]

What now? Don't underestimate me just because you managed to think of the one thing I wouldn't do.

[And threatening Yoimiya on him, how dirty...]

But fine, we'll play by your rules for now. I choose truth this time.

[He huffs. He coulda had a fight without the whale. So unfair.]

[startraveler]

[All's fair in love and war, as they say!

He knows Childe would fight just fine even without summoning his whale, but if he can get away from fighting him at all, he will do it.]

Okay! Hmm... If you could have one wish granted, what would it be? [He grins.] And to make this harder for you - anything that involves fighting does not count.

[Aether already knows how much Childe strives for endless challenges.]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Another unfair question! What would he wish for other than fighting?!]

That's a tough one, comrade. There's a lot of things I would wish for, but to put one above the other is a difficult choice.

[But Childe is the kind of person who always manages to have their cake and eat it...so he thinks really hard, wondering how he would word his wish.]

If I'm to be barred from choosing something involving combat, then...

[His eyebrows knit in concentration, before finally relaxing when he figures out what he'd wish for.]

...I would wish for a long, happy and fulfilled life for my loved ones, no matter how they choose to find it. And I'd wish that I'll be able to be there to help make sure their own wishes come true, so that the far distant horizon doesn't seem so far away. I want them to be able to reach out and grasp their heart's desires, to make their dreams a reality and live them to the fullest extent.

[He says that with his whole chest, his expression softening but his confidence unwavering in that declaration. It may be the first time he, personally, has said something like that to Aether, but he feels it shouldn't be a surprise to the traveler anyhow- what he's said to Lumine is what he's also said to Aether in a different life.]

[startraveler]

[There are times when Aether can barely believe it. Before him is a man who lives for challenges, who could fight monsters for whole days, enjoying the thrill of combat. A man who seems like he firmly believes that the world is his for the taking and that he can get away with anything.

And yet this same man has so much love in his heart. Those dear to him are lucky to have him in their life and Aether has no doubt that all of them feel loved and happy, because Childe would do anything for them. Because he would be there to protect their dreams.

This is exactly why he isn't surprised by the answer in the least. Instead of fond smile shows on his face.]

I hope that wish comes true.

[He knows Childe will do anything in his power to aid those he loves.]

[monoceroscaeli]

Haha, as do I.

[Even now, he hopes that his family at home is doing alright, wishing that they aren't too worried about him and his sudden absence from Teyvat. He can't even relax knowing that he and the rest of them share the same night sky together- he has no idea where in the universe Ellipsa really is. Tartaglia sighs, looking up at the sky for a moment in thought before turning his attention back to Aether.]

But it's your turn now. I have a perfect one if you choose dare...

[It's exactly what you think it is.]

[startraveler]

[Aether shares the sentiment, hoping that everyone back in Teyvat is doing well. Perhaps nobody would notice that he's suddenly gone, but that's fine. In fact, it's only for the best if they don't notice his absence. If one day he leaves Teyvat for good, he doesn't want people to worry about him and wonder where he went.

As Childe suggests he should choose dare, Aether gives him a knowing smile.]

I know exactly what you have in mind... And that's why I'm choosing truth.

[He is not fighting you, Childe!!]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Aether you are NO FUN]

Thwarting me at every turn...alright then.

[He pouts a little, but Aether's left it open for him to ask a question. He thinks, pondering on what he'd really like to know. And since he won't fight him, he'll ask a question that he's had on his mind for a while.]

We didn't know each other well since the last time this came up, but I'm wondering if things have changed enough that you'll answer me now. Because I'm still curious...why are you traveling around Teyvat to meet the Seven?

[startraveler]

[He is a lot of fun, what are you talking about. He can see that pout and he keeps on smiling... At least until Childe asks him the question.]

It's... not exactly a secret.

[Who knows, maybe telling Childe would help gather more clues eventually. Either way, Aether chooses to be honest.]

You know that I was looking for Lumine and later for the answers as to why she chose the path she chose. But do you know how we got separated in the first place? [A small pause.] ...An unknown god appeared before us and stopped us from leaving.

[There's a frown on his face nowt.]

At first I thought that the unknown deity may be one of the Seven, but it doesn't seem so. None of them seem to know her. I have other questions too: what exactly happened 500 years ago and why? What is my twin's connection to those mysteries?

[It's just more and more questions.]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He's happy to see that Aether is more agreeable to answering this question. He and Lumine had told him it was none of his business before, to which he'd praised the twins for telling him off- but now that he was getting the answer, it was far more concerning than what he'd even expected. His expression shifts from intrigued to concerned, his eyebrows furrowing as he looks down at the ground for a moment.]

An unknown god...?

[Not the answer he was ready for. He brings his thumb up to his chin, thinking, trying to recall what other knowledge the Fatui has on Celestia...but there's things even he doesn't know.]

Your background and circumstances are getting more and more mysterious, comrade. It's like every new thing I learn about you only raises more questions. I'm not sure either, but some of the other Harbingers might. They've...been around a lot longer than I have. Allow me to give you a hand on this- if any of them show up here, I'll press them for some answers on the matter. I don't see why a little exchange of information won't be beneficial for both sides on this.

[startraveler]

[Quite a bit has happened since then and Aether feels like he and Childe got closer, especially after that misadventure with a body-stealing ghost. Childe's words make him smile slightly. No matter if the others will end up here, no matter if Tartaglia really will be able to get something out of them, Aether still appreciates the thought.]

...Are you sure you should be digging at something confidential for my sake? What if I give you nothing in return?

[His tone is playful, but there is so much more that he wouldn't tell Childe... or anyone else for that matter. Some things are better left unknown.

Aether puts hands on his hips.]

Well, in any case... I appreciate it.

[Even knowing that someone out there holds the information that he seeks is a huge step forward. Maybe when he finally gets to Snezhnaya most of his questions will be answered.]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia only returns the playful tone with a smirk of his own, as if he'd let Aether get away with getting information and not giving anything up in return. To him, it doesn't necessarily have to be information he gets back from Aether...but rather, he'll take a good fight any day as currency. Even if Aether is unwilling to give it to him, he will find a way to extract it. ^^

It's as the Fatui say- you can't run from your debt.]

With that settled then, I guess it's my turn. I choose dare this time, and you can't use the same dare twice. No cheating, now.

[That smirk doesn't fade. He'd like to see what Aether can come up with this time.]

[startraveler]

[Ah yes. He should've known that the best price he can pay for anything from Childe is a fight. What a simple exchange and yet a part of Aether wishes it was something different. Well, no matter - that is something he will think of when it happens and for now the game is still going.

When Childe chooses dare again, the traveler takes his time to think. He's pretty aware that there isn't much his companion wouldn't do. So instead, Aether chooses something simple.]

Go up to a random person and tell them an honest compliment.

[monoceroscaeli]

That's all?

[He was expecting something hard, or something he may have to consider before saying yes or no...but just going up to someone and being nice to them is easy.]

Here I thought you'd try to throw me for a loop. That's not much of a dare, comrade. But if that's what you want...

[It wouldn't surprise him if Aether chose this to balance out his constant need for conflict, but to him, no single action of complimenting someone will ever cancel out his forever thirst for battle. So he gets up, walks over to some random beach goer, and puts the charm on to tell them that he'd seen them playing volleyball earlier and that they looked pretty good, and then...

...subsequently challenges them to a one-on-one in ten minutes or so, and makes sure to do a little shit-talking to accompany. He returns to Aether, looking smug, sitting down back next to him.]

Done. You should pick harder things for me to do, that was a very simple task.

[startraveler]

[Of course, the task was meant to be simple, but with good intentions. Here he sees Childe peacefully complimenting someone else. It looks like this random beach goer is all caught up in the Harbinger's charm, too.

...Then everything is ruined, because Childe can't go five minutes without challenging someone, he can't live without thrills and chaos. Aether lets a heavy sigh, his expression turning blank when the other returns and sits next to him.]

You're impossible.

[He massages his temple, shaking his head.]

But I guess I was a fool to expect anything else from you.

[He'll admit it's all on him.]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He'll take that blank look a a win, because it seems to have ruined whatever intention Aether probably had and he netted himself a new challenge.]

Come now, you set up the perfect opportunity for me to hone my volleyball skills. In Snezhnaya, we don't really get the chance to play beach volleyball for some pretty obvious reasons; and what better way to practice than by playing against someone better than myself?

[He only grins in return, happy with how this has all shaken out.]

That being said, I only have time for one more round now. Unless you'd like to be done.

[He'd understand if Aether wanted to stop at this point. He has a talent of doing this kind of thing to people...]

[startraveler]

Fine, I'll take it as my loss.

[He sighs and rests his head against his hand. Childe really is something else: unpredictable, even though his one track mind should make it obvious what to expect. It never ceases to amaze Aether somehow.]

If you want you can ask me any question you like and we'll end the game there.

[He doesn't think he'll be able to come up with something else that Childe wouldn't do. In a way, it's almost scary.]

[monoceroscaeli]

Alright...

[So he has a chance to go back to what he was trying to do earlier. And since Aether's given it to him, he's going to take it.

So he asks this, with a completely straight face:]

What are your dating preferences?

[Wat]

[startraveler]

[Aether suspects that Childe may throw something unexpected at him, but when the question is finally asked, the traveler can only blink, completely caught off guard. Nothing could prepare him for Childe asking about his love life.]

My... what?

[He stares blankly at his companion, still unable to recover from confusion.]

...Why are you even asking that? You already have a girlfriend.

[HELP]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Help isn't coming, Aether. :D

Isn't that a great reaction. He figured it would frazzle the guy a little bit, but what better time to pounce and try to get him to talk more?]

Oh, I'm not asking for myself. You're right, I'm very much in love with Yoimiya and I have no interest in having another prospect. I'm just curious, why don't you indulge me in this? I did get to ask a truth question after all.

[This is the name of the game Aether!]

[startraveler]

[Aether stares at him for a moment longer, before saying:]

I honestly don't understand why you even want to know that, but fine, I will tell you the truth.

[Get prepared!]

...I have never thought about it. I could actually say that I don't have preference at all. I've never thought about dating anyone and I think you can imagine why.

[There, happy?]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Look he has Plans and he's not going to share them yet dw about it Aether you'll find out eventually]

You mean to tell me you've never once gone on a date before?

[The information the Fatui has on the traveler makes him think that in all the time he's been alive, surely he's at least had time to go out to dinner with someone he's interested in. Childe refuses to believe Aether's romantic cherry has never been popped.]

C'mon, I wasn't born yesterday. You can't be serious.