It was a warm, bright sunny day on the white sandy beaches of the Crescent Isles, which was currently playing host to one of the biggest, most exclusive parties in the world. Queen Consort, Alessia Solarian threw her famous summer beach party every year, inviting only the highest of the upper-class elite. However this year was different, for in addition to inviting her friends and other nobles, the Queen made an open offer to many of Charon's local heroes, legends, and warriors. Public service among adventurers was becoming increasingly popular, with the events in the Arid Mesa and now the issue in the Ash Lands causing many of Charon's nobility to surround themselves with adventurers. Many people condemned the Queen for hosting her party despite the issues taking place and the need for increased security, and yet the party continued as planned.

A massive expanse of the beach had been roped off, with dozens of white tents, tables, and other accessories littering the immediate area. Hundreds of people could be seen scattered all over, some enjoying the water, while others sipped on wine and helped themselves to snacks. While it did appear fun and relaxing, there was still an aura of civility about it, with many of the guests in attendance belonging to some of the wealthiest families in the world. Large fire pits had been built, as well as a large wooden stage on the far side of the beach, a spot where the majority of people were congregating. Music could subtly be heard drifting across the sounds of the sea in the distance, with waiters in white slowly moving through the crowd carrying drinks and food.

The party had started early, but most guests did not arrive until midday, with expectations of a long night event in most people's minds. There was no real plan or schedule for most of it, with only a singularly planned announcement taking place in the evening. As for you, you find yourself at this party, for whatever reason inspires you. Your invitation could have been on purpose, maybe an accident, or not even real at all, but regardless of what, or who brings you here, you now find yourself an attendee at the most important party in Charon.

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You may reply to this topic once, detailing your arrival and general behavior. A member of staff will occasionally respond, moving the story forward. Once a staff member has posted, you can make a new reply, detailing your reactions or thoughts. While this topic continues, you may start new, separate social topics under this same sub board, interacting with others at the party.

Members of Astrid’s adopted family have told her plenty of tales about a good beach party here and there, and with some well-known individuals in her tightest circle, the tales spinning up about the biggest party of the summer only made her excitement for the event grow and grow. So, when the Queen Consort finally throws her party, Astrid jumps at the chance to take a miniature vacation away from the stress of adventuring and being a noble lady.

It’s perfect, because, looking around, it seems like a lot of people she’s connected with are ready to do the same. It’s been a tough year of adventuring and saving the world and _{realizing that the gods are dead} among other things. If anyone deserves a break, it’s the adventurers of Charon!

Contrary to her appearance at the Black Harvest Ball, Astrid arrives at the beach and takes in the scenery with excitement, immediately losing her shoes and feeling the hot white sand betwixt her toes. Finally, this is a day at the beach that theoretically shouldn’t involve monsters, rescue missions, harpies, or rays. It’s just a day for food, festivities, and frolicking! So she finds herself a good place to dump her beachwares and takes off for the water.

Blue stepped onto the toasty sand, excitedly checking out the scene. They'd been invited along with the rest of their family since they were both a renowned adventurer and a new noble of Dragon's Cradle. Most of the other partygoers had no idea they needed to have Astrid read their invitation for them.

They were excited about the whole party, getting away from dealing with all the duties of being a noble that they still didn't really understand very well, but the thing they were by far the most excited about now was the barbeque! Swimming and playing games was fun, but there was always one thing at the forefront of the ooze's mind, and that was eating. That wouldn't stop them from enjoying everything they could at the festival though.

They walked out across the sand and into the party, dressed appropriately for a beach trip, in nothing more than a pair of swimming trunks and some sandals. It sure would have been awkward if they hadn't figured out how to shift into a humanoid-looking form, or they would have just had to show up to the beach in their full suit of armor like they had the Black Harvest Ball.

Honestly though, who knew whether their armor or their current appearance would have gotten more attention?

"Ooh! What's this?" Yasei asked excitedly to no one in particular as he walked down onto the beach, looking out at the festival being set up. He hadn't received an invitation, but he didn't even think of the possibility of needing one. Who needed an invitation to go the the beach? That sounded ridiculous.

With all the adventurers invited, no one even suspected the strange-looking, giant lion dog didn't belong here. A lot of adventurers looked and acted pretty weird after all. And, this guy at least looked like a strong warrior judging from his size and the staff on his back. He must have just arrived early.

And Yasei really had arrived pretty early, before a majority of others came by. The festival wasn't exactly in full swing with so few people, but that was fine with him. He could just take a nap until more people arrived and the food started cooking. He found a nice shady spot under an umbrella that wasn't large enough to cover his whole body and lied down on the sand, passing out almost immediately.

As Shaa walked along the beach towards the party, he flipped the ornate invitation over and over in his hands. He had spoken to several fellow adventurers who had received similar invitations so he was excited for the chance to eat and hang out. The last time he had come to one of these fancy pants partys, he had a fantastic time. There were some ruined deserts and very confused patrons by the end of it but, hey, that’s what you did at a party. Truth be told, he had another reason for being here.

One of the other things that was supposed to happen was some sort of announcement set to happen later. There had been a lot of tension in the Nobel houses in the last year and, depending on the announcement, events like this would be prime spots for trouble to go down. He would much rather be here and get ahead of it vs coming later to clean up the mess. Shaa had a lot of friends here to watch out for so if someone was going to cause trouble, they would soon regret it.

Shaa soon found his way to a line of people who, very willingly, made way for him to show his invitation and enter the party grounds. For an outdoor event, the host certainly knew what they were doing. Food, games, fire pits spread across a large portion of the beach. It should be fun. A cool breeze passes over his skin as a strange smell wafts from the distance.

The cyclical nature of time was a curious thing.

One might have thought as an elf, with such a depth of lifespan to accompany him, Cyran might see the world in all its cruel linearities, the stretch of the infinite behind him, and the eternity ahead. But the assassin had been through enough to understand that though time marched forward one day at a time, it did not begin and end in a straight line. Rather, it formed circles, the string of fate laid out in spirals that coiled behind him, an endless rounded staircase that he would continue to descend with no bottom in sight. Inevitably, it would always lead to the same places no matter how he wanted to escape.

Always this. The same games, the same noble parties, bored rich elite who were searching for any kind of event to make them feel superior and give them meaning in their lives. A pessimistic viewpoint, Cyran knew - because he’d once been that person. He once wore the fine clothing, paraded around parties like a shiny ornament, partaken in food and small talk and laughter while the elite lorded their wealth over others, huddled in their safe bubbles while the rest of the world continued suffering. Hell, he’d even once attended this very event, thrown by the queen consort, in a decade past before his exile. This coast of the Crescent Isles was not so far from Moonglade, and his father was a man who believed in propriety, and the power of influence above all. He’d strolled through festival stalls with his wife at the time, holding Marlow’s hand to prevent her from getting lost while she chewed on sticky rice cakes and sipping on lemon juice. The picture of a happy family.

Oh, he never could have imagined that he would ever receive an invite for such an event again, or that it would be on his own merit.

The past few months since the last event he’d attended like this felt like they’d passed in a wirlwind. He’d been summoned to the Black Harvest Ball, he remembered - and he’d been utterly baffled as to why someone would want a no-name at such an event, unless they had need of his unique skillset of an assassin. A prediction that had not been… entirely incorrect, given the upheaval of politics as they knew it, and the attempt on Madam Marrowvine’s life. A catalyst that had kickstarted a series of events he could never have predicted. Meeting Vi’ira and remembering what it meant to love others once more. Following her in the hunt for the Sol Stone. Fighting Ziev alongside the mad cultist, Scern… meeting a wide range of children and friends, meeting Del. Building an orphanage. Perhaps somewhere along the line, he’d garnered a name for himself, a notoriety that had escaped his notice.

He’d not planned on attending this event, truth be told. Too much risk of seeing someone from his old life that might recognize him. There was always that risk. But he was not so afraid of it now. There were people that knew his past, and they had not shied away from him thus far. And Cyran was not ashamed of the life he’d built for himself.

Let them see him. They would find a happy man.

Thankfully, as he made his way to the edge of the festival, cordoned off by a myriad of colorful ribbons and streamers, Cyran could not see anyone that he once knew amongst the crowd. For that, he was thankful. There were nobles in the latest summer fashions, an exercise to see who could be dressed the most elegantly while wearing as little as possible. Cyran himself had opted for more modest clothing, still daunted by the prospect of showing bare skin around so many strangers. No, he would not bear his scars out to the public, face the judgment of strangers who’d not wielded anything more violent than a kitchen knife. They did not know the price of survival. He’d chosen to adorn himself in a dark silk brocade that barely trailed behind him in the sand - a small hint of elegance, a glimmer of shadow brought to life. He clutched a dark parasol in one hand, the other held out for his companion to take, should she so desire.

Cyran was secretly grateful that Del had also been extended an invitation to this event, a sentiment he was certain she would feel through their bond. He did not cherish the idea of suffering a day outdoors in the muggy heat, surrounded by strangers he did not care to know, alone. It seemed that Queen Consort Allesia had seen fit to expand the guest list for this event beyond just nobles. True to his suspicions, Cyran could already see a few familiar faces in the crowd. Astrid Stormstone, Sir Wolfe-slash-Blue Raspberry, the minotaur Shaa Rhunn.

He skimmed the crowd for a moment from under the shade of his umbrella before turning to Del, offering her a small smile. He hoped, at the very least, that this would prove to be a peaceful event, one free of murder or chaos or destruction. A wane hope. But they’d managed one successful date together without interference… here was to hoping they could manage another.

A few feet away from Cyran were his other tagalongs, two young humans that were blessedly free of their usual attire for the day. Oriole and Andromeda had taken off their usual garb and their masks and left their weapons at home in favor of a pair of swim trunks and a violet sundress, respectively. As they reached the grounds, the two apprentices glanced expectantly towards their teacher, shifting in the sand while trying - and failing - to hide their anxiety. They’d never been to an event of this magnitude.

Cyran cracked a small smile, waving at them dismissively.

“This is a celebration of summer. Go on, have fun. Be free. You're not students today."

The two gave him a blank look, as if fun was a foreign word he’d uttered in elvish rather than the common tongue. Cyran supposed he couldn’t blame them. In the past few months he’d not gotten the chance to give them a proper break. He sighed, shaking his head - though his expression was as fond as ever. “Partake in the food and festivities, or even go for a swim. I think there’s a volleyball game happening somewhere around here…”

“Volleyball? Swim?” Oriole parroted, confused. The poor young thief, it seemed, had grown up with an utter absence of beach parties living in the center of the Zeinavian desert. He was certainly going to be in for a culture shock. Cyran merely shook his head and shooed them away, bidding them to have a good time. Cyran watched them disappear into the crowd, leaving the two elves alone once more. Only once he was certain that they were safe on their own did he turn back to Del.

“Our first order of business, I should think, ought to be finding somewhere to settle down and lay down our things.” He gestured towards the bag hanging from his arm, one that contained towels and food and even a bottle of chilled wine he'd managed to snag from the Rookery. “Away from the ocean.” He added after a moment’s thought.

This year had been one of many firsts. After so long of being on her own, moving from place to place, the newfound stability seemed to always bring with it a new batch of surprises every other week. Contrary to this time the year prior, Del had... friends. Family, a place to work, a purpose, a partner. A home.

And having a home meant that sometimes, you got mail. Mail was a whole new concept to Del, who balked visibly at the idea of property taxes when she had received those a few months back ("My shop isn't even finished being built yet and I did the building! The Count wants how much?!"). And yet another surprise was that unexpected things could simply... show up in the mail. Such as an invitation from the Queen Consort, Alessia Solarian, to attend her Annual Summer Beach Party in the Crescent Isles.

Being aboard a cruise ship of fancy people was one thing, but this was an entirely different level of danger. Attending would mean flaunting her notoriety right under the nose of the Queen Consort herself, or worse, getting trapped again. Though, after some speculation, Del very much doubted that the Queen herself was... aware of the vague physical description of this "known fugitive" she had inadvertently invited to a high-end party, or her assassin fiance. Others that had been invited, perhaps, would be aware, but they were in the Crescent Isles, and far from the walls and gleaming gold fixtures of Sol City. Strange as it was, it actually seemed fairly benign.

It wasn't even likely that the Queen invited her personally; as far as Del was aware, her invite was a means of thanking her for her assistance in the evacuation of Darkveil, handed down as a commendation by someone who made a list based on another list based on a different list that the Queen signed off on without so much as a blink.

Or, Del thinks as she watches the sun's rays glimmering over the gently lapping waves in the distance, this was a specific punishment after all.

Ah, but then they had made the decision of inviting Cyran as well, and then it was no punishment at all-- rather, it was an overjoyous delight. She had faced the nobles aboard the Judeia for two months straight with this man at her side, and that was undr the guise of being a loving couple. Now, it was no longer a guise. If the Queen wished to have Delaela Asiliari at her party, then she would have that, and she would see her happy and fulfilled, never knowing she was a fugitive.

Or, more ideally, never seeing her at all.

And, here she was, intent on doing just that. Not only that, but other faces she recognized had arrived! She could see Astrid, and the large minotaur man she knew from the Marsh Flats (what an adventure that was). She gives them a small smile and a wave, not wishing to attract too much attention to herself in such a busy place. Her gaze shifts back to Cyran, returning his smile as she reaches out to take his offered hand, drifting under the shade of the parasol. She herself is wrapped in a light-weight, dark fabric that drapes off of her frame to hide much of her scars and her musculature, and her coils beneath a sensible, wide-brimmed sun-hat to take the worst of the sun's heat off her crown. Twining her fingers through his, she gives Andromeda and Oriole a smile as they start to head off to explore. "Make sure you drink enough water!" she calls after them. Del quietly shakes her head, amused. They were in for a bit of a surprise with all these nobles.

As Cyran looks back at her, she gives him a wide smile in reply. "I concur. We can get ourselves the best spot before these stuffy types decide they're too warm to function." Her gaze slants out to the water with a faint grimace, though its more of an amused, fond one. He was very mindful of her fear, a fact that left her feeling a little bit melty between the ribs. "I would love that, yes."

Javal was excited to arrive at the Crescent Isles and party while also protecting if there need be. He had heard the people were receiving an invitation addressed by the Queen inviting adventurers to celebrate at her beach party. He was addressing an official invitation by the Sol City Government contracting him to work as security making sure no one was doing anything suspicious that could harm or injure any of the potential guests. He was also given free rein to enjoy the festivities as long as he did what he was told. This would be the first one Javal had ever attended seeing as before this year he was an active pirate running along through the seas in search of treasure.



Javal entered the beach happy and with a beaming smile, he decided to show up early in case the party needed any help setting up. Javal was wearing a pair of black shorts, his trademark black sandals, and his long red coat.



He decided to help out some of the employees who were setting up the party helping place chairs, tables, and the such.



Once he was finished he wiped his forehead of sweat and decided to refresh himself with a drink he decided to look for a nearby stall that was offering tropical fruity drinks.



He gave the vendor the appropriate amount of solars and walked away with his nice glass cup filled with apple sake.



He sat down at an empty table drinking his drink and relaxing, enjoying the beginning of the early festivities. He then looked around hoping to see any friends he could talk to or hang out with.

The salty breeze caressed their hair, comfortably warm, a tingling sensation following where the sun kissed their skin. Bared feet revolved the white sands, almost too warm to the touch.

"What a beautiful day! Hurry up, Edgar!"

Her sparkly sunglasses were almost as scandalous as herself and her troupe, never seen in public so shamelessly underdressed. All of the Black Quills traded their heavy leathers for swimsuits, and while the weapons were still at hand - with the big bundle Edgar carried alone, miserable as always - it was clear this was supposed to be a relaxing day. Poe sported a modest one-piece, with a large brimmed hat and carried a ball under one arm, while Allan chose some vibrant colored short and had traded the bow for a lute.

The beauty of the beaches of the Crescent Isles wasn’t foreign to her, but she was clearly excited for the event. With the world spitting lava and chaos and conflicts poping up everywhere, she couldn’t help but think this event had the potential for...

Something.

"You can leave our stuff here, Edgar! This looks like a nice spot."

Once allowed to leave the huge bundle of beach stuff on the ground, Edgar straightened up with relief - giving everyone the rare and glorious sight of his defined torso, glistening under the sun, proudly bearing several scars, old and new, across wide pectorals and the broad, defined back muscles of a former sailor. He looked a little less miserable by now, and quickly occupied his hands with spreading their stuff, which included a huge beach umbrella, some reclining chairs and a small table.

They were early risers, so they managed a nice spot - not that there were many out there who would deny them space. Kamille helped them set everything up, taking her seat under the comfortable shade of her parasol, a silly grin plastered on her lips as she watched the nobles and attendants for a moment. The Witch had chosen the smallest, tasteful two-piece she could find, a strapless top with a bottom that tied on either sides. A small and sheer purple sarong around her hips was all that provided a bit of modesty to her characteristically scandalous looks, that she sported proudly.

With their spot clearly taken and set, Poe left her hat, took the ball and Edgar joined her. It felt surreal, but once excused from their duties, they looked like anyone else enjoying their time at the beach. A couple of yards ahead, they playfully started to kick the ball to each other, trying to avoid it hitting the ground in passes that started simple, but evolved into a competition of ability.

Allan plopped on a chair beside the Witch, absently playing the lute.

"You're not going to join them?"

"And give Edgar an opportunity to hit me in the face with a ball and call it an accident? No, thanks. Besides, if I get too distracted with the game, I might miss the beauties that... Your book is upside down, my Lady."

Kamille quickly straightened her book, without even paying much attention to it. The cover read The Slime of Our Lives.

"Why do you think this year the party was open for so much people?"

Allan shrugged, finally picking up what looked like an upbeat tune.

"Dunno. But all bless generous Queen Consort for the glorious sight of so many booties and b-"

"Is that Javal? Oh my! And Wolfe....... I hope Astrid got to come too..."

For the time being, Kamille seemed content in just laying back on her reclining chair and relaxing, watching the coming and going of all the party goers behind her sunglasses, while The Slime of Our Lives remained forgotten on her hands.

Walking in as the forest and greenery shifted into the pearly white sands of the isle’s beach, the increasingly nervous purple fellblood entered. They held their arms in discomfort, seeing that they had arrived a little later than desired with a large number of people already being present. Cebu nudged her tiny manta body into the fellblood’s back. She was completely unwilling to let Ube change their mind last second.
”Ok ok, I suppose we’re already here.” Ube a light bonk to their tiny friend. Conveniently enough, they had happened to be in Starlight City when they heard of the event held by the queen. Rather than shying away from people again, they figured this would be a good chance to attempt to branch out more.

Carrying themselves off to a slightly less populated area of the beach, Ube busted out the fabric of their tent and laid it on the grainy floor. Cebu herself was already flying around in excitement as she took to brushing through the hair of all the event-goers. Ube chuckled a bit at the reactions of the many who had just gotten their celestial manta’s method of giving well wishes before looking back out to the water. They admittedly wanted to jump in but an overactive imagination and pessimistic thoughts had them worried of drawing too much attention to themselves despite people already enjoying the waves. Well, at least there was the nice warmth of the sun and the familiar ocean breeze to keep them company. Sitting back, Ube gave a quick glance at the general gathering of people. They weren’t expecting to find anyone they had met on their little trip around Charon but it wouldn’t hurt to check.

    Flint walked down the beach towards the large gathering that he somehow had been invited to. he grabbed the folded invitation from his bag and impatiently stepped into long line to get in. After what felt like forever for him he finally was able to show that he was allowed to be here and then stepped in to enjoy the festivities. He took it all in a first, this wasn't like any party that he had been to before, most notably people weren't yelling at him to leave. Despite being in the early afternoon Flint found his way to the bar to get some drinks before he went further in to enjoy himself.

    While he sat at the bar and drank he noticed some familiar faces and for the ones who noticed him he raised a glass and tipped his wide brimmed hat towards them. Although it was a little strange there were more unfamiliar faces to him than familiar ones, and with each person he noticed that everyone who stood out looked crazy strong and or influential. Then after getting a little bit of day drinking done he went to go introduce himself to anyone who caught his eye, asking if they wanted a cigarette or drink and for the stronger looking ones if they wanted to spar later.

    Then whatever competition or game popped up on the beach Flint was there to be a participant and he got really into whatever he was competing in. Most of the time he lost but those rare victories lit a fire in him to keep trying other ones. He didn't care if there was a reward at all for winning he felt like he just had to, was it to prove himself among all these strong people or was it just fun for him? He didn't even know at this point as he just kept participating in everything he could.

    Ray had fallen asleep in a pop up hospital in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Crescent City after a long day of healing missing limbs and treating terrible diseases and wounds. He had a strange dream that night, an out of body experience where he watched himself dressing in a pair of old shorts, grabbing a blanket, filling a basket with picnic supplies from the meagre food stores they hadn't donated that day, and walking out of the hospital. He awoke from his sleep to a warm breeze, the smell of saltwater, and sounds of people chatting and relaxing. He blinked quickly, looking around in surprise that only grew as he realized he was truly only wearing some old shorts with a blanket and basket of food in his one arm. The scars across his body showed plainly as the stump of his missing arm did. 

    Embarrassment flooded him and caused his cheeks to redden as he realized he had somehow wound up in a festival on the beach. People walked all around him, playing games, eating festival food, and basking in the warm sunlight. He was in the center of it all, a grey skinned statue of awkwardness. 

"Qil! Did you do this? That wasn't a dream, you took over and drug my body here didn't you!?" He screamed inside his own head. Raucous laughter echoed in his mind as the celestial's plot came to fruition.

"Seeker, you need to rest. I tell you this constantly and you don't listen, so I resorted to force." Qil said, sounding like a parent who'd just pushed their child down the slide. 

"By the Wanderer! What am I supposed to do at a beach party!?" He continued to scream at Qil mentally.

"Swim? Sit in the sun? Socialize, maybe?" Qil's patronizing was only made worse by the sarcastic way he answered.

Ray let out a long sigh, taking in the sights and hoping to find a quiet place to sit. He saw a few familiar faces in the crowd. Shaa stood out easily from the crowd, he swore he saw Astrid off in the distance, and a lady who fit Kamille's description complete with an entourage sat off apart from the crowd. Hoping he hadn't been spotted by anyone who felt particularly chatty, he stalked away towards a set of rocks on the beach to sit alone and eat the food he'd brought along. As he passed he received a few lingering stares and more than a few people distanced their selves from him as he approached. 

    To think that she would be sent here under diplomatic guises, in a swimsuit. It would be downright humiliating were it not actually the perfect opportunity to get closer to the Queen Consort herself. The Mystwud family was still looking elsewhere than the Pale Concord for allies given the current embargo on their estate. Still, why a beach party. Wouldn't the nobility of the capitol like to gather in a ballroom and socialize like normal individuals, instead of under this scorching sun that mirrored that of the one hovering over Zeinav?! Regardless, She strode forth to mingle with the other wealthy families from across the continent.

    Most were what she would describe as old money, nobles that were granted their station by the crown generations ago. Their only merit the place and time of their birth. There were a large number of those whom she didn't recognize, probably the heroes and legends that were supposedly invited this year after a questionable decision by Alessia herself. One particularly onery individual lamented the increased access to the party, calling it a "Watering down" of it's elite status. Gwen herself was here for her nobility, the Mystwuds one of the smaller houses that dotted the Pale Concords vast expanses, But she figured that she would also qualify under her deeds. She stayed her tongue, not THAT much of a braggard, and simply wandered closer to the huddle of people enjoying the music.

    When I got the invitation, I thought it would be a nice way to ease back into story collecting- go to a party, talk to a lot of people, and sell some summer-y jaunty tunes, but no, it’s way too hot. Why did I stay in Frost Gale for all of winter and spring? Now it’s summer and it’s sweltering everywhere else in Charon.



    Still, a party, a place full of nobles with plenty of influence and money to spend of summer-y tunes, and adventurers with exciting stories. I could smell the opportunity, and when opportunity calls, you have to go, or you’ll regret it, especially with one as prettily packaged as this. So instead of hopping on the first ship back to Frost Gale, I took a quick rest to get over my sea legs and groom out as many of the feathers I was shedding as a could, then head towards where the party was supposed to be.



    By the time I got there it was late in the morning. The place wasn’t particularly crowded, but people were steadily trickling in. Food, drinks and music floated around the venue and there as an air of light hearted fun, laced in sophistication as staff, nobility and some other guests carried themselves with poise. Despite that, I didn't stand out in my only slightly-nicer than-usual dress. Many adventurers were here too. Already I could pick out Shaa and Astrid, who were basically dressed in typical beachwear. Suits, dresses, and swim wear, it definitely made for an interesting sight. I had to suppress a laugh. Meanwhile, I was wearing my typical mask, a Rong, and had a wet towel draped over my wings (to keep them cool), and a simple navy wrap-around skirt. Okay, maybe I did stand out a little. Most people seemed to be dressed up more or dressed….less. As in, wearing less clothes, which I suppose made sense if it was this hot and you were wanting to play in the water as they were. I had been expecting to be asked to swim at some point, so I was wearing short trousers and a wider chest band underneath. Maybe I should just jump in, to fend off the heat. I looked around. I'll put down my things first. I walked over to one of the half occupied tents, setting my things down and greeting the other occupants. We had a nice conversation. Apparently they were a viscount family, and we talked about the party, gossip (which is always to be taken with a grain of salt), recent events, their business, until I couldn't resist the urge to take an ice cube from my water and Nestle it in the feathers on my back. I tried to do it discretely, but apparently not discretely enough. Then conversation transitioned over to me, and I told then I was from Frostgale, but adventured frequently from a young age. Then I steered the topic away from my personal life over to my career as a storyteller, adventurer and musician. I told them stories, sang some songs, they bought the full chart for brass ensemble of my programmatic sonata, 'Ziev' (yess) and before long, it was noon. My wet towel had dried out, and I was subject to the heat of the midday sun that even shade couldn't put off.


    "My my, it's getting quite hot isn't it" commented one of my conversation partners.

    "Yes," I said, "I was thinking of going for a swim. Would anyone care to join me?"

    A general mix of 'No,'s and 'No thank you's ran through the group. I nodded in reply before stripping my towel, shirt and skirt. "Very well then, I'll take my leave," I gave an appropriate bow before turning tail and making a beeline for the water.



    I flopped on my face, wings spread wide as soon as the water was deep enough to do so. The cooling sensation pressed against my feathers before seeping in through them. Usually this was the part I hated about swimming-the cold penetrating the wall of feathers that usually protected me from the wind- but this time it brought relief. I could feel the feathers that'd been sticking together, trapping heat and humidity, dispersing in the water, and felt as if the temperature dropped back to a comfortable level. I flipped onto my back, and my face was immediately doused in more water. A water fight? A water fight? I imagined using my wings to create waves and shove their heads- I shook off the thought along with some water. Still I couldn't help myself. I sent a wave of water in the direction that the splash had come and a challenging grin-with more mania than I'd acknowledge - spread across my face. Whelp, looks like training in isolation did zip and nada for my self control.

Beneath the sounds of the hundreds of people enjoying the festivities, a low clop of hooves can be heard. In the distance a gleaming white horse can be seen, rushing along the water parallel to the coast, freezing the water below it with every step it takes. The horse was not alone however, as its harness was connected to an elaborate wagon, one which bore a flame-like pattern around its wheel-wells; a stark contrast to the frozen horse. Atop the wagon rode two dark elves of contrasting ages and moods. The younger of the two seems beyond giddy with excitement, yanking on the other’s arm with one hand as she points to the large fire pits adorning the beach, as if her companion was seemingly blind to the pillars of smoke arising from them.

The older dark elf on the other hand, seems far too exasperated to be participating in such a lively event. It was clear to everyone who observed him that he was full of regret, particularly towards his foolish decision to acquire a steed cold enough to sea water. While his intentions were to acquire a beast cold enough to counter his young master’s flames, he had inadvertently given her the ability to venture across any body of water, thus removing the young girl’s fear of ocean travel.

As the wagon comes ashore, the young girl flies down from the seat, landing atop the sand with a massive smile as she turns to her slower moving chauffeur.
“Cervayhn! Hurry up and get down here, I want to see what they are doing with the fire!”
The older dark elf leisurely leans an arm on the edge of the driver seat as he looks to his young master with a smirk. “You’re not going anywhere Ulmiyda. Do you know how much your mother would chew me out if those fanciful clothes got covered in sand? Get inside the wagon and change into something more active. Don’t backtalk me, it’s your fault for rushing over here as soon as you saw smoke from miles away.”

The young girl groans as she enters the interior of the wagon, slamming the door behind her. The older dark climbs down as she enters, observing the crowd as he waits for his young master. Surprisingly, their entrance hadn’t drawn as much attention as he expected, perhaps due to the already odd makeup of the crowd. His eyes spot a minotaur, a witch, some off duty knights, even some people that look to be from his line of work. He sighs as the wagon rocks about, hoping that this simple party doesn’t turn into some chaotic nightmare.

Suddenly the rocking of the wagon stops and the door to its interior flies open, slamming as it reaches the end of its hinges. Ulmiyda stands in a pose, her leg lifted up to waist-height, dressed in a summer shirt and shorts that look more suited for a lazy summer day than a party. Her retainer’s eyes widened at the sight. “HOW MANY TIMES DO I NEED TO TELL YOU, STOP KICKING THE DOOR OPEN!”

The older dark elf’s words fall on deaf ears as the young girl dashes off into the crowd, leaving her frustrated retainer to trail behind her.