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 ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

[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."

[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.]

[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!]

[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]

[ 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 ]

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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?"

[zenoh]

Yes, I just finished a few laps.

[ Ayame replied, walking towards a beach chair with her personal belongings, taking a hair scrunchie from her purse to tie around her hair in a ponytail ]

You should take a dip. The water is cool enough; it will help you feel better.

[innocent_royal]

[Anastasia follows, staying in a comfortable conversation distance. Upon the suggestion, she looks to the pool and back to Ayame.]

"Even though I can't swim?"

[zenoh]

You can just take a dip in the shallow end of the pool.

[ Ayame responds with a lighthearted tune. ]

Or I can teach you. Now is a better time than ever, right?

[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!?]

[innocent_royal]

"Yes, can you teach me? I tried learning before, but the lessons just never happened."

[Anastasia preemptively moved towards the edge of the pool, but not getting too close. She looked back and forth between the pool and Ayame, waiting patiently. Or as patiently as she could.]

[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.]

[zenoh]

Oh. I assume they left before they could teach you?

[ Ayame stands from the chair beckoning Anastasia to follow her with a wag of a finger. She takes her duffel bag in one hand and waited for Anastasia so they could walk side by side. While this end of the pool was shallow enough, there were many people around it. Plus, she wanted to take Anastasia to the part of the pool closer to the fountain by the center.

Finding a new chair, Ayame plops her belongings on it and stretched her arms, walking towards the edge of the pool to slowly dip herself back in the water. The water line reaches just by her chest, and she takes a couple of steps back to welcome her friend into the shallows ]

Come.

[zenoh]

[ If anything, perhaps it's people like Xander and Ayame who could use more times to indulge in things. So that is why Ayame felt a little happy to see Xander taking a break, especially after what went down in Fayren recently. ]

Oh, well I'm glad I managed to persuade someone into coming. How are you enjoying the park?

[ Ayame has good faith in Xander's adaptability to think he didn't have any trouble finding his way here, and hope he isn't feel so out of place. It might actually be good for him to do this now that he's one of the Guardians to know all the cities just in case something happens. ]

[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?

[innocent_royal]

"Yes. They vanished shortly after I met them."

[Anastasia closely followed, but hesitated at the side of the pool. Seeing where the water comes up to Ayame, it looked pretty deep for her. Her aversion primarily comes to her people generally not being good swimmers, and thus, she's afraid of sinking. But, she does like the water, so eventually Anastasia did move to the ladder and eased herself into the water.

Of course, she wasn't going deeper than up to her waist. Her nervousness was blindingly obvious at this point.]

[liorafae]

[Liora peeks from behind the tree, but can't see the source of the flash. When she sees Ayame, she deems it safe to step out.]

...Ayame? I just...I saw a flash of light just now. What was that?

[zenoh]

[ It's normal to be afraid of water this deep if one cannot swim. Water has always been one of the greatest fears of primeval people that has stayed throughout the ages even to the modern generations. That's what Ayame thought, and it was that reason that Ayame wasn't judging Anastasia at all. Instead, she gives the young woman a reassuring touch on the shoulder while she was in the ladder, ready to catch or lift her from the overwhelming body of water she's descending to. ]

Don't be afraid. I'm here for you.

[ Ayame used her mind to take a pair of swimming goggles from her duffel sitting comfortably a few feet away. ]

Part of our natural fear of swimming comes from how it makes us close our eyes. Wear these goggles for now. I'll hold you.

[ Ayame puts her hand behind Anastasia's back, pushing her up at an angle to make sure Anastasia doesn't feel like sinking. Anastasia's tall enough not to go anywhere on a three-foot pool. ]