(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

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Oh no he's been unleashed. ]

Give me a piggyback ride.

[ Thoma you are so much taller than him- ]

[startraveler]

[The smile is gone from his face, the dance stops and Aether stares for a moment.]

A piggyback... ride...

[He looks Thoma over. Now that is going to be tricky considering that the other is taller than him.]

...Are you sure?

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Sorry Aether, but Thoma's absolutely laughing in amusement at the face the other man makes back at him. ]

You don't need to take it so seriously! I was curious to see if you could, that's all.

[startraveler]

You can't give me a challenge, then expect I won't take it seriously!

[He laughs softly, too, then lets go of Thoma and turns around, lowering himself slightly.]

Alright, hop on.

[This will be... interesting.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

I was teasing!

[ Thoma-level teasing. And now he's the one a bit flustered and surprised, even echoing the question he'd just been asked earlier. ]

Are you sure?

[startraveler]

I know you were.

[He can tell by now, but Aether's smile doesn't disappear.]

You came up with this dare and now you're not sure? Should I take it as my win then?

[He looks over his shoulder, smile more reassuring now than anything else.]

In any case, I'm sure. Besides, it may be a good way to check if I can carry you in case something ever happens.

[He would rather it never came to this, but you never know. Then, to lighten up the mood he teases again:]

...Or should I try to lift you in my arms instead?

[wayofthehousekeeper]

... I'm not that light...

[ But he is curious. He doesn't think he could be lifted so easily, but he also knows Aether's got to be a lot stronger than he looks. But also wouldn't that just look funny? ]

Are you planning on running off with me sometime soon?

[startraveler]

Hm... Let's find out! Honestly, if I won't be able to lift you I'll just admit it.

[He thinks he's decently strong! Though that may or may not be enough in this case. Plus, it would definitely look funny considering how much taller Thoma is.]

Aw, I didn't know you wanted me to run off with you. [He laughs.] I could take you to a quieter place, where we could lie down on the grass and watch the stars.

[He seems very amused, but wouldn't it be a nice way to spend time together?]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Honestly, it would be nice to find a clearer area to enjoy the fireworks he knew would be coming up at. So with a light laugh, he's quick to agree. ]

Alright, carry me off somewhere good to watch the fireworks at.

[startraveler]

Wait... Really?

[He looks absolutely caught off guard for a moment there, but eventually just laughs.]

Well, okay. You asked for this!

[And he turns around to try and scoop Thoma into his arms.

...This will look so funny for sure.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Thoma is used to being carried exactly 1% (that one percent having been Itto at some point) and the sheer difference in size between them has him laughing as Aether does, in fact, pick him up. ]

Whoa- I knew you were strong!

[startraveler]

[Aether puffs his lips ever so slightly.]

See? I told you!

[Then he laughs too and slowly starts carrying Thoma away from the beach.]

...I may not be able to carry you all the way though.

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Aether earns himself a comforting pat on the back for his admission, alongside a sympathetic smile. ]

You don't need to. You could even put me down now if you need to.

[ He's nowhere near that much of a bully. ]

[startraveler]

[The pat on the back is appreciated and makes him smile brightly.]

But what if I don't want to put you down?

[He's going to carry him just a bit longer, okay!!]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

Well, it's your choice... but if you end up sore later, don't say I didn't warn you!

[ He knows he's not an easy weight to carry, not unless you're Itto-sized/strengthed. ]

[startraveler]

No worries, I will take responsibility for it.

[He ends up carrying Thoma just a bit longer, before gently setting his feet back on the ground.]

...See, I'm being reasonable.

[He laughs and once Thoma is back on his feet, Aether will take his hand instead.]

We still have some distance to go.

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ The concept of hand holding is something he's become more accustomed to after time spent here, though still restrained only to closer friends. Which Aether perfectly fits under, so he's getting his hand held without a second thought. ]

You did fairly well to take me that far.

[startraveler]

[Aether gently leads him to their destination.]

I am pretty strong, after all!

[He gives Thoma a cheeky grin, before focusing on the path ahead.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

I never should have doubted.

[ His own words are in jest as well as he walks with Aether, glancing back briefly at the firepit as they leave it. ]

Hmm... does this make you the winner of our game? I don't think I could top this.

[startraveler]

[Another laugh escapes him.]

It was never about winning or losing. I had fun and I hope you did too.

[He gives Thoma a warm smile.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

Of course!

[ He swings up their held hands, giving Aether's a warm squeeze to match his smile. ]

I told you, it's always fun spending time with you. You're one of my most cherished friends.

[startraveler]

And you're mine!

[His response is easy and followed by a joyful laughter. The feeling is mutual and how could he not be happy about it?]

And... we should be close to our destination now!

[He playfully tugs at Thoma's hand and picks up the pace.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Tugged along, Thoma makes a point to look around as they go, humming with playful consideration as he does. ]

You've really got your eye on a specific spot, huh? Did you scope it out earlier?

[startraveler]

[Aether grins.]

I did, actually! I saw it much earlier and I thought it may be a good spot to see the stars once it gets dark.

[And soon they arrive on a hill that towers over the scenery. The beach can be still seen from here. The moon and stars shine bright above and the calm water reflects the night sky, making the view even more magical.

Aether looks to his companion, awaiting his opinion with a smile.]

What do you think?

[His hand still holds onto Thoma's.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Thoma's eyes turn forward to take in the view- and a wonderful view it really is. One that has him smiling at the sight, and looking back toward Aether with bright eyes. ]

Amazing. You've got a great eye for this kind of thing.