Winter, March 7th - The Obligatory Beach Episode

[zenoh]

Who: Ayame Sasaki, and you! Bring yo friends.
What: Mingle log. Ayame low-key celebrates being old.
When: March 7th (morning to evening), March 8th (morning)
Where: Nova City Islands
Warnings: None

[ Today is a special day. One that has occupied her mind in a both excited and anxious fervor. It's her 28th birthday, and all it did was make Ayame feel more depressed. It was just like the night before Valentine's Day, but she took solace in the fact the following day was great. Ayame didn't want to let this metaphysical grey cloud of sadness that's hovering over her to ruin her day, so she was about to do something she's never done before: invite people to have fun with her.

She has saved enough money ever since she became a business owner and being very reserved with her spending, she managed to afford a good deal for Nova City Islands that she was willing to share with everyone interested. She even booked a night-long stay at the place. Well after a couple of rounds of liquid courage to calm her nerves, Ayame starts a network video with a wave, showing her face with a small smile etched across her lips. The artificial beach and the palm trees show in the background, all protected from the winter by the large dome above them.

Good morning, Genessia. For those I have yet to meet, my name is Ayame. Currently, I'm in Nova City's famous indoor beach enjoying the balmy weather away from the last legs of winter. So if any of you could use a break or could not just wait for spring, I invite you to come join me here. But please use the promo code Iris28 to get a 50% discount in your admission. Well then, I look forward to meeting all of you.

[ Ayame waves goodbye before stopping the recording, breathing a big sigh of relief now the camera had stopped rolling. Still wearing an airy dress over her swimsuit, Ayame took a moment and stretch her arms, ready to spend her birthday in this tropical paradise in the middle of the city. ]

Comments

Beach

[zenoh]

[ The main attraction. With artificial waves, white sands, and a holographic screen that helps give it a realistic feel. Rows of beach chairs can be found within a few hops from the waves.

Anyone who is looking for Ayame, they can find her sitting in her beach chair, under the comfort of a shade just enjoying a book. She is wearing a cover-up and sipping on some soda, occasionally looking up at anyone who glances her way. Anyone she recognizes gets a nod and a wave hello ]

[shelteringwings]

[Now that Mobius had an income to speak of, he thought he could wander around and explore more than he had been. Sure, he still needs to be looking at apartments but, well... screw it. He can do it later.

He decided to bring his corgi along with him, and while Mobius had briefly glanced away, the corgi - equipped with an adorable pair of goggles - managed to find his way over to the relaxing Ayame. He barks a greeting, wagging his tiny tiny tail. Hello lady!]

[zenoh]

[ Ayame moves her sunglasses up to her forehead when she hears that tiny bark, spotting the dog with the curious pair of goggles on him and couldn't help but smile. Ayame hardly ever expresses her emotions, but cute things help defrost this ice queen a little ]

Oh hello there.

[ Ayame reaches out to the dog, offering her palm to beckon him closer fo some pettings ]

Those are some nice sunglasses. You're a very stylish dog.

[shelteringwings]

[That hand seems perfect for pets... and that's exactly what the dog goes in for! He waddles closer to moosh his face against her hand, barking happily in response to her.

Meanwhile, his owner realizes he's gone.

God, he should invest in some kind of tracking collar or something!

Mobius quickly looks around, before catching sight of a certain corgi's butt poking out from behind the obscuring umbrella.]

Gah! Quatre!

[He hurries over, nearly tripping in the sand but barely catching himself as he stopped nearby. Quatre sure is bugging a pretty woman.]

S-Sorry, miss! I let my eyes off of him for one second and he goes off bugging people!

Beach

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante was definitely there, wearing a rather interesting combination of clothes. His pants were old and beat up brown canvas pants. He had forgone any kind of a shirt, and instead was simply wearing his coat and holsters without one. Ebony and Ivory were visible at the small of his back, and Rebellion was safely tucked away in the guitar case he was carrying. He was primarily interested in the food the beach had to offer, and could be found ordering a hot dog from a stand with every topping the stand had to offer and then some. Or bothering Ayame. Either one.]

[zenoh]

[ Well when he finally did come over to bother Ayame, she could only raise a brow in both displeasure and amazement. Because who in their right mind would wear a leather long coat to a beach? Artificial it may be. While on the other hand, wow abs.

Ayame flips her sunglasses down to give Dante's beach fashion sense a judging look as he approaches her beach chair ]

How did you manage to get in here with your weapons?

[ It was more rhetorical, and quite frankly she didn't want to know. Even with that look she gave him, she can't help but be amused at Dante's craftiness. Imagining cartoonish ways of Dante trying to get passed security was enough to make her smirk briefly ]

It's good to see you again, Dante. Didn't think you like the beach.

[alwaysimpaled]

[He shrugs a bit.]

Considering they're physical parts of my soul or something... there's not a lot people can do to take them off me.

[He sets the guitar case on the ground before making a big deal of flopping back onto the sand on his back, groaning as he lands on his pistols, forgetting they were there.]

Eh, I don't mind it. It's a nice change from Attleton, that's for sure. Nothing against it, it's just so... plain.

Beach

[sonicosuper]

*It's been a long time since Sonico was on a beach, but still she makes it along in a pink and rather frilly swimsuit. She can be found lounging by the water with her headphones on, singing along to her music or snoozing.

When she arrives, though, Sonico goes straight towards Ayame with a box in her hands, carrying it carefully. She smiles brightly towards her friend*

Ayame, happy birthday!~

[zenoh]

Oh Sonico, hello!

[ Ayame greets back, putting her book down and forming a smile on her lips. Ayame stands up from her beach chair to give Sonico a more proper greeting. She may not have reacted too greatly with words, but she is visibly elated to see someone has remembered what this day is about. Well, only because she told Sonico about it earlier. She's never told the date of her birthday to many people. ]

Thank you. You look nice, but I suppose that's a given by now, hm?

Oops - I though she would know it was her birthday?? Sorry??

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico smiles widely to see Ayame seeming so pleased. She doesn't seem to know how to respond to a compliment like that, just blushing and looking down at her sandals*

Oh. You look very nice too, Ayame.

*Then she remembers the box in her hands and holds it out a little closer to her friend*

This is for you.

*It's not too heavy at all. If Ayame opens it, she'll find a prettily decorated birthday cake. An ice cream cake, to be exact, to suit the warm weather*

Pool

[zenoh]

[ The secondary attraction. The massive pool is for those who don't really like the feel of the sand (because it gets everywhere). With fountains, a slide, and a couple of jacuzzis, the pool is more within Ayame's comfort zone.

She can be found by the edge of the pool, wearing swimsuit that shows off her athletic figure. Later that night, she can be found relaxing in the jacuzzi. ]

[innocent_royal]

[Having been to a beach before, it was by far the worst experience of Anastasia's life. The burning sand and the blazing heat from the sun made her feel like she was going to die - and she likely would if not for the water and the shaved ice stands.

But how come Anastasia never knew about this place? An indoor pool was definitely a lot safer for her with the absence of a oppressive sun. With Satsuki's permission, and with Ayame's promo code, she made her way to the massive pool wearing a modest swimsuit and her long, blonde hair up in a high ponytail when she spotted Ayame by the pool. Anastasia waved at Ayame and approached, hoping she's not being a bother.]

"Ayame, hello."

[zenoh]

[ Not a bother at all, in fact Ayame was glad to see someone she knew. Ayame rises from the water, gripping the steel handles on the poolside ladder as she ascends back to the safety of the concrete ground. ]

Hello to you as well. Enjoying the place? I hope it isn't too hot for you in here.

[ Ayame didn't have a towel, nor does she need it. With a flick of her wrist she mentally moved all the water on her skin, hair, and swimsuit; drying herself immediately ]

[innocent_royal]

[Anastasia shook her head in reply.]

"It is a bit uncomfortable, but I'll be fine as long as I stay near water and out of direct sunlight where it's hottest."

[She tilts her head to one side inquisitively.]

"Were you swimming a few moments ago?"

Jungle Path

[zenoh]

[ A winding path in the middle of the dome, surrounded by various tropical greenery. It's basically just for taking a leisurely stroll. Good for burning some calories so you can go back to swimming. This make-shift jungle has tree-houses for guests to visit, along with ponds and fountains with fish that you can feed. At night, certain clearings can be reserved for making a campfire.

Ayame can be spotted here, taking a walk and some photos with her camera or reserving a spot for a mini camping trip. If you find yourself lost in this jungle, prepare to see a flash of light and accidentally photobombing her. Jerk. ]

[blackparagon]

[Xander has one shameful secret.

He can't swim.

He needs a flotation device whenever he's at the beach. So he simply doesn't go to the beach.

Of course, there's only so much to do here that doesn't involve swimming, so instead Xander takes to the jungle path. Jungles like this exist few places within Xander's own realm, so it's a fresh experience for him.

At the moment, he is bent down over a small pond, looking into the water at the fish swimming around. They're so brightly-colored, he had to stop and take a look at them -- the fish in Nohrian waters look nothing like these. After a bit, he decides he's ready to move on, and stands up.

And promptly finds himself caught in a camera shot.]

Gah!

[Xander immediately shields his eyes. He still hasn't gotten used to flash photography yet.]

[zenoh]

[ A descending hum from the flash filled the silence for a moment before Ayame lowers the device and sees someone she wasn't expecting. With a hum and an apologetic nod, Ayame puts her hand out by her face ]

Ah, I'm sorry about that. The trees provided ample shade that I needed the flash, I should have been more mindful.

[ Ayame lets go of the camera, which is safely slung around her body. She is wearing her cover-up over her swimsuit, but she didn't tie it close that her swimsuit is partially visible. Ayame was actually finishing up here before heading back for a swim ]

But hello again, Xander. I honestly did not expect you to show. This is another pleasant surprise from you since yesterday.

[blackparagon]

Ah...please, worry about it no more. We all make mistakes, and at least no one was hurt.

[He'll be seeing spots in his eyes for a couple of minutes, though. But that's more of a minor inconvenience than anything else. It's a bit difficult to register what Ayame is wearing, but he at least gets the idea. Xander himself is wearing a very loose shirt and swimming trunks.]

Yes. Hello again to you, too, Ayame. To be honest, I've never been to the tropics before, so your description of this facility piqued my interest.

[Even a prince and Guardian can't help but indulge his curiosity every once in a while. Even one as devoted to his work as Xander is.]

[liorafae]

[Liora heard Ayame's announcement and decided to visit. She flew around the beach and pool areas, but was somehow drawn to the jungle path. Perhaps it reminded her most of home. After landing and strolling down the road for a while, a brief flash popped out from behind her.]

Aah!

[She let out a shriek and dove behind the nearest tree, her heart pulsing like a machine gun. What was that!?]

[zenoh]

[ Ayame is having way too much fun, along with putting her psychic senses on sleep-mode to really be that attentive. But after seeing a blue jay in flight, she just had to take a photo of it. She didn't sense Liora and only saw her until she snapped the photo. She sees Liora dive away behind a tree, so Ayame paced towards where Liora hid ]

Liora?

[ Ayame slides her camera away towards her hip, leaning forward with her palms pressing against her knees ]

Are you alright?

Entertainment & Dining

[zenoh]

[ Inflatable bounce houses, water slides, and hot-air balloons! Oh my!

The park is littered with a few dining areas, with the main one offering a multi-cuisine buffet, fountain drinks, and dessert items. At night, there is a dance floor by the beach bar that serves alcohol. ]

[orlokbutterfly]

[He wasn't sure why he bothered going, given that he and Ayame hadn't spoken since after the Valentine's party, but curiosity brought him there... but he wouldn't show up as himself. Oh no. It was Kharon that was going to be doing the snooping.

He'd be spotted near the dance floor with a drink in hand, but that look on his face was one of disapproval. They called this passable alcohol? Maybe he was biased, but geez, if they could afford the entirety of this place then they should be able to afford some decent alcohol.

... he was definitely biased though.]

[zenoh]

[ A typical, upbeat dance song was blaring from the speakers while Gale is giving his disapproval. The powerful bass and rhythmic beats would be familiar to him, but to Ayame who is on the dance floor, this was new. Sure she's heard this sort of music before, but she never let herself care or be immersed in it. It helps that the DJ isn't playing it too loud to bother her. Still clad in her swimsuit, Ayame wears some glowsticks around her wrist and ankle, learning what it's like to dance like this without a partner or preset movements. Just letting the music flow through her; twirling her hips and getting lost in the trance.

But trances eventually end and she's worked up quite the thirst for some liquids. After the dance floor got crowded with fresh blood, Ayame leaves and heads for the bar by the edge of the dance floor, ordering a soda. While the bartender grabs that for her, Ayame looks over her shoulder and sees Kharon. If she didn't intentionally put her psychic powers in sleep-mode right now she'd know he's Gale. Not that it would matter, she still wouldn't say anything even if she knows it's Gale. ]

Something the matter?

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[ She hadn't had a few days off in forever, it felt! That's why Konoka was out here, enjoying the massive park and its entertainment! Nova City just had so many things to do it was a wonder that she didn't come visit this city more often!

Better still, she had two tickets, and didn't come alone. Konoka was just on the way to the entrance to the main pool when she spied Mariko lingering nearby. ]

Heeeey! Mariko-han, I'm over here~!

[majestiq]

Alright, alright. I'm comin'.

[ Mariko responds, with her eyes firmly fixed at her network device and letting her curiosity be satisfied on the current goings-on in Genessia. She hasn't been back long enough, but she already appreciates this little beach expedition. So much that she felt excitement when she made a last-minute shopping trip to Nova City's mall for her swimsuit when she got Konoka's invitation this morning.

Mariko walks fast, so Konoka would just have to be distracted by something before the avid texter that is Mariko collides into her... ]