(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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Thoma | Genshin Impact | OTA

[wayofthehousekeeper]

🍡 Water Jousting

[ Well if there's one thing that's definitely caught Thoma's eye, it's the inflatable balance beam and the challenge tied to it. It takes him a few minutes to get his footing, giving a few experimental bounces on the thing before grinning and taking up a jousting pole. It doesn't quite spin like a polearm, but that isn't going to stop him from trying. ]

[ It probably looks very silly, honestly. ]

Just a friendly match, right?

[ Look at this innocent, bright smile. Surely no mischief here. ]

🍡 Shaved Ice Experimentations

[ Thoma's found his way to the shaved ice,a nd more importantly, he's found his way to the more. Interesting ingredients. Many of which he's staring at in both sheer confusion and intrigue. If they were here, maybe there was something to the flavor combinations after all? ]

[ Or Thoma has been exposed to way too many strange flavor combinations and has adjusted his expectations to match that. Likely the latter. ]

I wonder if bacon and pickle juice would be a paltable combination...

[ Thoma why are you doing this to yourself. ]

🍡 Truth or Dare

[ There's only two people Thoma would naturally fear this game from and hopefully neither of them find him engaging in this fun-sounding little game. Surely no one else would use the opportunity to bully him either, so really, what was there to lose? ]

Hmmm... alright, I'll take a truth.

🍡 Sparklers

[ A fun evening at the beach topped off with a literally sparkling end! Thoma can be found with a few blue sparklers in one hand and a cup of warm (nonalcoholic) cider in the other, tracing idle shapes in the air as he finally winds down from the energetic and literally stomach-churning afternoon he's had already. Feel free to join him in relaxing. ]

🍡 Wildcard

[ If you'd like Thoma for anything else, feel free to write your own starter or hit me up in DMs to plot something! ]

truth or dare

[startraveler]

[Thankfully, he gets the traveler to play this game with. Aether smiles at his friend, before thinking of a question to ask him.]

What is the silliest thing you've ever done?

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ The trusted traveler is in fact one of the few people he doesn't feel like he has to worry about. ]

Let's see... Maybe trying to challenge Taroumaru to a spar? Back when I first learned about his occupation and I'd just gotten my vision.

Needless to say I didn't win that fight.

[startraveler]

[Aether grins.]

Taroumaru is a tough opponent. I know something about it.

[He got a chance to fight him as well.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ It takes him a moment to think that over, but then he has to laugh. ]

I have noticed that Taroumaru sometimes took vacations without much explanation. I'm guessing you might have been involved with one or two of those?

[startraveler]

You got me. You know that I never miss the chance to take part in something interesting.

[And Taroumaru was taking part in the same event!]

I need to invite you along someday.

[wayofthehousekeeper]

I have to admit, the opportunity to see you and Taroumaru in a duel does sound like it'd be a good match to watch.

And you should let me know more often when you stop by Inazuma! I can at least treat you to a meal when you're around.

[startraveler]

Alright, it's a deal then.

[Aether smiles warmly. He knows how busy Thoma usually is, but at the same time he would never say "no" to hanging out with a good friend.]

That aside, let's continue our game! If I choose "Truth", what secrets do you want me to reveal?

[He grins, tone playful.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ The mischievous smile Thoma gives might be more worrisome if it were from anyone else, but coming from Thoma it's probably not as intimidating as he imagines it to be. ]

Hmmm, how about... what's one secret you'd like to share with someone, but never had the opportunity to?

[startraveler]

[Oh, goodness. What an intimidating look! What is he going to do!

The question that is asked makes his smile dim just a little bit.]?

Only one?

[A weak laugh follows, before Aether closes his eyes to think. There are many secrets he's holding onto and even he has moments when he would rather lie down and say everything that is weighting on his heart. But he can't.

He'd rather be remembered as a good friend, someone reliable who comes and goes, than to be remembered as someone who carries way too much on his shoulders.]

You won't laugh? [He asks, as his eyes finally open and he looks at Thoma again.]

[wayofthehousekeeper]

If you'd like to say more, I certainly won't stop you, but I will ask of just one to help you lighten any loads you may be carrying.

[ It's an out for Aether, if he wants it; Thoma isn't interested in forcing secrets out of his friend. But he does want to offer him an opportunity to share something, anything, of his own choice if he'd like to. ]

I won't.

[startraveler]

[It's just like he thought - Thoma only has the best intentions in his mind. Aether doesn't want to disappoint him, but at the same time revealing one secret would lead to more questions, more worries. Thoma has his own life, he shouldn't be wasting it concerned about a traveler that one day may vanish without a trace.

Aether takes a deep breath in and out.]

For as long as I can remember I was always travelling. Even before Lumine and I were separated we would visit many places together, sometimes staying for longer, sometimes leaving right away.

[He doesn't look at Thoma as he's speaking.]

But as much as I enjoy the journey, I'm also looking forward to the day it will end.

[He smiles, but there is no joy in it.]

Everybody longs for "home" and I'm no different.

[But is there really a place out there that could accept both them? It's almost funny that despite everything that happened, a part of him wishes they could stay in Teyvat. There's so many people who have grown so close to his heart, there's Paimon who promised to always be by his side.

Aether's smile is warmer when he looks at Thoma.]

Here. This is my silly secret.

[wayofthehousekeeper]

[ Thoma falls quiet, letting Aether go through all of his thoughts. The wistfulness that he thinks he can hear in the other's voice isn't lost on him; it's a tone he finds some familiarity with himself. ]

... It doesn't sound very silly to me.

If anything, I hope you and Lumine find a place you both love enough to call home. And that the people there will love you two just as much.

Sparklers

[bravestknight]

[Flynn had been running around all day helping others and enjoying the atmosphere, but he's glad things are winding down. He smiles and pauses when he notices Thoma and the sparklers. He approaches to watch for a second and smiles slightly.]

That's really cool. I don't think I've seen anything quite like that before.

[wayofthehousekeeper]

Oh? Would you like to hold one for yourself then?

[ He's got more than a few nearby, stocked up with the intent of tracing out different-colored shapes with the smoke. ]

[bravestknight]

If you're enjoying them, then I don't want to bother you too much. It's just really nice to watch.

[wayofthehousekeeper]

You're not bothering me at all. Actually, having a second pair of hands would help a lot, if you've got a free moment.

[ He'll wiggle around another sparkler, grinning. ]

[bravestknight]

[Flynn snorts at the wiggling and the grin. He can't resist someone that's smiling and being so friendly.]

Sure, why not? I have plenty of time.

[wayofthehousekeeper]

Great!

[ Immediately passing over a handful of unlit sparklers then, fishing out a little sketch of a dog done on a napkin, with dots along the outline to show where he wants to put the sparklers in the sand. ]

This was my idea for tracing out a shape.

I'm Thoma, by the way. Nice to meet you!

[bravestknight]

Flynn Scifo. It's good to meet you Thoma.

[He looks at the picture and nods after a second and looks at Thoma.]

How are we going to get them lit at the same time?

[wayofthehousekeeper]

I can take care of that no problem.

[ Having a pyro vision has more uses than just fighting, after all! ]

I wanted to see how it looks with more sparklers first though, and remove any extra ones once they're all out if it looks like too much. If there's too much smoke, we won't be able to see the outline at all.

[bravestknight]

Okay, as long as you're sure.

[He nods and then takes some of the sparklers and looks at the drawing and starts to go towards where he should in order to make sure that everything is set up correctly.]

I'll start up here, you start down there?

[wayofthehousekeeper]

Perfect!

[ And he'll get right to work, though he does cast a curious glance over toward his current partner in flame. ]

Did you enjoy the party earlier?

[bravestknight]

Oh. Yes I did. I helped get things set up and helped around, but got to enjoy most of it. I've met a lot of new people, and that makes me happy.

[He's working as they talk, and he turns to look at Thoma with a smile before going back to placing the sparklers.]

How about you?

[wayofthehousekeeper]

I may have gotten a bit carried away with trying new flavor combinations at the shaved ice stand.

[ A. Lot more than just a little. ]

It was a lot of fun though. And seeing everyone having so much fun and so happily was really great to witness.