(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! ♡)

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Comments

sob i'm sorry about the late tag back, writer's block for EVERYTHING has been real

[monoceroscaeli]

[Where he thought he knew what to expect at this point from people who'd come from other worlds, here's Hijikata blowing all of them out of the water. Dude has hopped from more than one world to here, experienced his own home in a dream...he'd be impressed if it wasn't so mind boggling.

Gunna have to ask about the Earth thing, the multiple worlds thing...goodness that's a lot to think about. It's enough he's forgotten about his mayo dinner for a moment, but don't worry, he'll be reminded momentarily.]

That's...quite the story. I'm guessing if you were a samurai, you most likely worked for the Tri-Commission.

[Which means there's no point to hide who he is, if Hijikata knows about the Harbingers, then he'll find out anyway.]

And if that's the case, since introductions are in order anyway, I should tell you who I am. I'm one of the Fatui Harbingers, codename Childe. But, everyone seems to of taken to just calling me Tartaglia, so feel free to use that name instead if you'd like.

No worries, take it easy! ♡

[mayoninofukucho]

[He nods animatedly - he's been with the Tri-Commission alright! -, but pauses as Childe introduces himself. Fatui, huh? He appreciates his openness, but isn't sure how to feel. How much would a regular samurai have heard of the Fatui's involvement in Inazuma's civil war, anyway?]

Why Childe? And why Tartaglia?

[The former is a codename, but the latter doesn't seem to be his actual name either, going by how he phrased that!]

<3!!!!

[monoceroscaeli]

[Honestly that's a great question

The man only shrugs back at Hijikata. It's really a simple answer, and really, he's fine with it- it just isn't what he expected.]

Well, generally I'll go by Childe when I'm out attending to work matters, which is pretty often, I'll admit. But here, I'm not working, and Tartaglia is just the name I go by normally when I'm off duty so to speak. I've given it to very few people, but it seems that it's made the rounds already among those from Teyvat. So it's alright that they use that instead, especially since it seems that people have some trouble with the name Childe...

[They all use it wrong and inadvertently make fun of him, or just straight up make fun of him lol]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata nods. That's a fair enough explanation! He has no prejudice against either name, but if Childe can be troublesome--]

Tartaglia, then. Say, what do you guys actually do?

[Childe - Tartaglia - has been so forthcoming, perhaps he can colour in this white spot on Hijikata's knowledge map! The Fatui are wealthy and influential Snezhnayans, that part is more or less common knowledge, but there are all sorts of rumours and tales floating around about them. Some people claim that they're always scheming to undermine other nations, other people say that's bullshit and they're just living the good life travelling all over Teyvat. He has no idea what to believe.]

[monoceroscaeli]

Well...how should I put this.

[That's not the easiest question to answer, but he'll do his best to keep most of what they do under wraps while still being honest with the guy. He sees no reason to really hide the overall intent here, though he's sure it'll color Hijikata's opinion of him for the future...but he's never shied away from who he is.]

The Fatui itself is a military organization of sorts, as I'm sure you already know, but the Harbingers...we have our own different roles, but that's classified information.

[He winks at the other man, in one of those 'if I told you I'd have to kill you' ways.]

But, we can all function as diplomats as well, if need be. Whatever our Tsaritsa deems fit is the solid will of which we follow. It's too bad you didn't get to experience your life as Fatui...I guarantee it would have been quite interesting.

[mayoninofukucho]

'Harbingers' is such a fancy title. It does sound like a good job... your travel expenses get compensated, I assume?

[So much for the integrity of Nightwake City's police (and the Raiden Shogun's samurai, for that matter)! Just throw him some benefits, and he's apparently ready and eager to join the Fatui.]

Were you able to travel all over Teyvat? Was place did you enjoy staying in the most?

[monoceroscaeli]

By far, Inazuma was the nicest country I was able to visit. I can't wait to go back.

[He says that without hesitation at all. He wishes he could of stayed longer than he did.]

Thankfully, my travel is compensated. Why do you ask? If you're thinking of joining our ranks, I could put in a good word for you...if you can prove that you're worth the word of a Harbinger.

[They won't judge him for his culinary tastes, of which Childe will slip another piece of his dinner to the Tepig underneath the table.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Honestly, acceptance of his love for mayonnaise is already a huge draw. People back home in Edo are such jackasses about it!]

I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I'll have to go back to my homeworld once we've fixed the mess here. They need more more there.

[Edo is a messy, amanto-occupied city full of crime and corruption behind the posh facade, but it still manages to have its beautiful sides, somehow... sides that make it worth protecting.]

I'm glad you enjoyed Inazuma, though. And if you want, we can still see if I'd make the Harbinger cut! Why don't we go questing together one of these days?

[monoceroscaeli]

[He'd be lying if it wasn't somewhat amusing to him that his status as a Harbinger doesn't seem to bother this guy. So Childe nods, agreeable to the suggestion. Questing means eventual battle, and though he's very used to doing it alone, he wouldn't turn down someone else who'd want to join in on the fun.]

I wouldn't mind at all. Perhaps you'll be able to return home with some new skills from questing with me...sounds like it wouldn't be a bad thing in order to try to solve things in your own homeworld.

But it wouldn't do not to ask after I've spoken so much about my own world- what's it like in yours? I never tire of hearing about all the incredible worlds others hail from.

[Even here is so much different than Teyvat- he'd love to be able to travel to everyone's worlds, as it would ensure a never-ending life of conflict and battle...and all the beauty that life has to go with it.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Childe certainly is sure of himself, given his confidence that questing with him may leave Hijikata with new skills. Usually arrogant people tend to quickly grate on the samurai's nerves, but in Childe's case it's sufficiently offset by his friendliness, so he finds that he can still get along with him. Nevertheless he feels a little challenged! But he'll still happily tell him about his homeworld.]

Earth is nothing special, really. Well, mine got conquered by other worlds; I guess that sets it apart a bit. My country, Japan, is a mix of Inazuma and - as far as the major cities go - our local city centre here, I'd say.

[Simple traditional houses, shops and onsens... and skycrapers, cars and airships, and the shiny terminal tower where spaceships arrive and depart. That's Hijikata's Edo.]

[monoceroscaeli]

Huh...

[That's pretty interesting. He's imagining a highly technologically advanced Inazuma here- that's pretty cool. Tartaglia definitely doesn't hide the intrigue on his face, because he'd love to visit Edo if that were the case.]

So all of this- [he sort of gestures to the world around them-] was nothing new to you when you arrived? I'll say, I'm a bit jealous. Your world sounds like something right up my alley. With all this technology and battles abound? How do I get there? I'd love to get a taste of life in your Japan.

[mayoninofukucho]

[He can't help but laugh. This guy is really battle-crazy! He'd fit right in with the Shinsengumi, really. They're a pretty rough bunch of guys. He wonders how Childe would get along with Okita in particular... he and that baby-faced sadist would probably either become immediate rivals or immediate best friends (and suddenly Hijikata isn't so sure if this is such a good idea anymore).]

You'd be a great asset! We have to deal with all sorts of scum, from crazed manslayers to yakuza clans to space pirates. I've got no idea how we can get you there, though. Maybe I can take you along in the end, when we can all return home? But don't you want to go back to Teyvat, given what a good job you've got there?

[monoceroscaeli]

[His thumb comes up to his chin, considering it all. Sounds like a blast to him, just the kind of world that might keep powerful enemies coming at him like a raging river, and he'd enjoy every second of it.

But alas, Hijikata is right- ultimately, he wants to go back home. That's where his family is, and where Yoimiya will be too.]

Yes, that does create quite a conundrum, doesn't it? I would like to return home. Perhaps before our job is finished here, we'll have found a way to make our way to other worlds when we wish, rather than being pulled to it by a magical force we can't control. If there's a way here, then it stands to reason there should be a way from Teyvat to Earth, wouldn't it?

[Then he could come and fight everyone! Including this Okita guy, point him in the right direction.]

[mayoninofukucho]

That would be amazing. I'd really like to visit Inazuma again, too.

[As if his life wasn't fractured enough already, what with his regular trips back to Prismatica... his year has far more than 365 days, given the included time travel (he can't afford to go missing on his homeworld, after all!).]

They do have good scientists here, so let's see what they can come up with.

[monoceroscaeli]

Then it's settled. I look forward to visiting your world.

[Watch out multiverse he's going to do all the world hopping and no one's gunna stop him]

But for now, we can concentrate on enjoying our...meal, haha.

[He looks down at his plate. Sure, he's fed Tepig some of it and force fed some of it to himself too, but there's still quite a bit left...]

I think I'll take half the amount of mayonnaise next time, however, if you don't mind.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Edo will welcome him! (Childe may have especially much fun not only with several ridiculously strong human samurai, but also the few yato that are around - human-looking extraterrestrials that are, however, much stronger than those ... and coincidentally the yato siblings of which Hijikata knows the sister are gingers, just like Childe!)]

You want less mayonnaise? But it's so good!

[Don't break his heart now after you've been such good company...]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He's sorry Hijikata if you're gunna be his friend he has to be honest with you!]

Ah...listen, I like to think of it as a delectable condiment that adds to the dish. And don't get me wrong, there's a number of dishes from Snezhnaya that would call for this amount of mayonnaise, dishes that I sometimes make for myself at home. But I think it's better mixed in, rather than just on top.

[He taps his chin for a second.]

Yes...maybe it's better if I just show you what I mean. Ever had an olivier salad before?

[mayoninofukucho]

[That's a fair and balanced response... usually people will just bluntly tell him "It's dog food" or something along those lines, so once again Childe more than makes the cut! And he even follows it up with a meal recommendation, so Hijikata really can't be too disappointed.]

I can't say I have! Do you want to give me the recipe?

[Or is he actually going to make it for him? Hijikata definitely wouldn't say no to that!]

[monoceroscaeli]

I was thinking more along the lines of making it myself. It's a traditional Snezhnayan recipe, and it's one I haven't had for quite some time. Perhaps when I do make it, I'll send some along to you to give it a try. If you like mayo so much, I think you'll enjoy this.

[He'll keep his promise too, the next time Hijikata sees him, he'll have a whole bowl of it for them to eat.]

[mayoninofukucho]

Count me in! I'm looking forward to it.

[He's happy... Childe may not be as big of a mayonnaise fan as he is, but he likes it enough to share a nostalgic meal featuring it; how nice is that? Who knew Snezhnayans were so hospitable? And as a side effect Hijikata's vaguely neutral opinion of the Fatui has improved, too. They really should give Childe a PR representative bonus.]