As Sjan-dehk wandered through the ever-growing crowd of beach-goers, thoughts of his nightmare faded away until they were little more than a quiet presence lingering in the back of his head. Carefree mirth and light-hearted cheer took their place, borne out of the merriment thick in the atmosphere around him. There were even a few familiar faces amidst the crowd. Some were the Sudah’s crew – easily noticeable thanks to their clothes – who were likely here out of curiosity, just like him. Others were newer friends, namely the fisherfolk whom his Sada Kurau had escorted out to sea the previous morning. He tipped his hat to a few he passed, and they smiled at him in return.

“Good morning, Captain,” one of them, a youth growing his first whiskers, greeted. “Thanks again for your help yesterday. Never thought I’d see the day Aislin and her da be happy about our catch.”

“It is no problem,” Sjan-dehk replied, and they parted ways. There wasn’t any need for gratitude, if he was to be completely honest. As far as he was concerned, his Sada Kurau had done nothing. The pirates here were little more than robbers in skiffs – from what he had seen, at least – and were easily deterred by the Sada Kurau’s presence alone. His crew didn’t even need to roll out the guns; the more daring pirates had been scared off by a few blasts of the swivel guns. Sjan-dehk doubted they even had to hit anything.

But none of that mattered, really. He had gained some measure of the fisherfolk’s trust, and that was all he had aimed for. It would go a long way towards making obtaining provisions that much easier.

Sjan-dehk continued making his way through the crowd. The sweet and inviting scent of fruits wafted past his nose, and suddenly he found himself craving something refreshing. Perhaps he could find something close to the honeyed melons and juicy peaches of Jafi. Or perhaps, he could find out just where everyone was getting the drinks they were holding. Sjan-dehk didn’t quite recognise what it was – it looked like juice, but a little thicker in consistency – but he knew he wanted to give it a try.

Finding out where it came from was the tricky bit. As he quickly found out, stopping strangers amidst such a crowd was a challenge in and of itself. Being as armed as he was likely didn’t help at all, and most gave him a wide berth even if he did offer them a friendly smile and tip of his hat.

Thankfully, he saw a man holding such a drink just standing around. His attire seemed overly warm for the heat of the morning sun, but Sjan-dehk supposed he was in no position to talk. Using both his words and a few gentle pushes, he briskly made his way through the sea of people towards the man. “Excuse me,” he said once he was sure he was in earshot, giving the man a friendly smile. He pushed the brim of his hat up to show more of his face. “I ah…I was wondering if you know where I can find–”

It was only then did he realise that there was a woman there with them, and that he had likely interrupted a conversation.

A flush of embarrassment crept up his cheeks. How could he have been so foolish to have been so fixated on a mere drink. “My apologies,” he said to the man before turning to face the woman. Right away, he was taken by how her dark hair and pale skin reminded him of his youngest sister. That thought didn’t last long before he mentally shook it away, however. “I did not see you. Rude of me. Please, accept my ah…My most true? Yes, most true, apologies.”

Time: Morning
Location: Beach Event
Mention: Dali @Ojo chan 42 Farim @Lava Alckon Callum @Helo
Interactions: Lorenzo @FunnyGuy
Appearance:Outfit, Hair style

Ariella felt an overwhelming urge to submerge herself in the waters that stretched before her. The beach had been an elusive luxury in her life lately, and now, basking in the sun's warm embrace, she relished every moment. As the cold waves gently caressed her toes, a smile spread across her face, reflecting the pure joy she experienced.

Her recent time spent with Callum had sparked new thoughts, causing her to question her definition of home.

The manor, though always referred to as her home, suddenly felt like an empty title. While the chill of the water seemed to call to her, inviting her to return to its depths, as if the very elements of the world were urging her to embrace her true home. She felt at ease amidst nature's raw elements and nothing had really come close to it.

Lost in her thoughts, Ariella was brought back to reality by the sound of Dali's voice behind her. Although she respected the man, he could be a handful, especially so early in the morning. Ignoring his call, she practiced the art of appearing oblivious, a skill her mother had taught her on a few occasions.

Kneeling by the gentle tide, Ariella felt the sand slipping through her fingers with each ebb and flow of the waves. Doubts gnawed at her, wondering if her plan was wise. The spell she intended to cast was simple, but it still could alter memories. Although the magic itself was complicated people forgot things all the time. All she needed to do was make her forget the small events from that day so Ari could keep on being herself.

and keep returning to her home.

Grasping her shoes, Ariella decided to venture towards a cluster of people, spotting Duke Vikena seated in the sand, a hint of fear etched on his face as he seemed to mutter to himself.

Her mother's past with the duke was common knowledge, and though she held no fondness for him, she wondered if anyone truly mattered to her – perhaps her father's wealth and her own reflection were her only true concerns.

Approaching the duke cautiously, Ariella stopped beside him and offered a warm smile,her voice tinged with genuine concern. "Are you doing alright, Duke Vikena?" she inquired curiously. “You don't look so well…” her voice dropped to near a whisper. However, the long she stayed the longer the smell rose to her nose.

Eyes widening slightly Ariella could tell the Duke was certainly struggling with something. She reached into the small bag that hung around her waist and pulled out a satchel. It smelts strongly of herbs and spices as she reached down and extended it out towards the Duke. “ If you use this in some freshwater you will feel much better…It just won’t taste great but I promise it works.”

---

---

Sounds of rolling waves drifted gently through the warm waters that surrounded Roman. With only the sound of small bubbles escaping from him on their climb to the surface to bother these fleeting calming moments. It was serenity, not a worry or pain confronted him for the brief moments he was able to hold his breath. Finding the bottom of the sandy coast or muddy lakebeds just as peaceful as the bleak mountain tops of the far north, where most mountains have no names and most cannot reach the top.

The calm was interrupted by the growing burning sensation in his chest. The need to breath bringing him back to the surface. With a mighty push from the sandy floor he soon found himself on the surface again. He had swum around out here for some time and could feel himself begin to need a drink. The commotion at the shore seemed to have dissipated while he swam back. It was only after he got himself out of the water did he notice the small gathering of familiar faces.

Dr. John seemed to have found the relative company of few others, he recognized lady charlotte and one of the Alidasht Farim accompanied by another girl that looked familiar but he met many people so that didn’t mean much and a few others he could not recognize. It seemed the infamous Duke Lorenzo was enjoying himself by the waters edge with another young lady he did not recognize. A sudden shriek caught his attention to his left as he recognized the blonde hair of one of the party’s attendees Kazoo he was sure of with Ruby nearby. That one was a hard one to miss, separate eye colors were positively unique. She was one of the funniest personalities he encountered in the tough tavern on some of his past stays in this city.

Those two seemed like they were having quite the moment and didn’t feel up to interrupting what looked to be a bonding moment. Instead he decided to go see what the good Dr. was up to other than obviously enjoying a break. Always the professional to be at the beach wearing that attire. He wouldn’t mind talking to the others either, it wasn’t too often he had the chance to do so when not in a professional setting of some sort.

Roman confidently approached the group with a smile, it was always good to have friends even if he didn’t get to talk to them too often. His time spent swimming had relaxed him and he was in a very good mood especially with the plans for the evening that so far did not have any complications.

Stopping just within the acceptable bubble of the group he was always thoughtful of not wanting to be too intimidating with his size especially now that he was wearing effectively just undergarments that still dripped water off them.

“Hello friends, enjoying the beach so far? Always a pleasure to see you Farim and Charlotte.”

Roman gave a respectful nod to both of them and john but did not know the other two. He had a few dealings in the past with Farim but mostly in the presence of his father when negotiating trade deals or delivering personally requested items for the sultan or his children. He so far had not had too many instances to get to know the man personally.

Time: Mid-late morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interactions: Ruby @SausagePat
Mentions:

---

Seeing Ruby jump into actions and so willing to help back him up was heartwarming and just the thing needed to perk Kazu up. Even when afraid she did so or for him at the very least.

The cowlicked blonde had hoped to run into his fellow blonde friend after being deprived of that multi-eyed colored face which seemed to be more dazzling. Blindingly so in fa- and that was the sun..no that was her hair? Guess his vision was still a bit hazy from the blow to his groin.

" Indeed I did. I always had faith the ocean goddess or god..gods...eh I'll just say it was otto's blessing for this good fortune. What's the worse that could happen." Shrugging his shoulders with a dismissive wave as he remained lying there on his back, small waves of water bubbling and splashing along his body.

Tilting his head back to look up at his excitable friend catching what she said, her words having him peer up at her through his hands as if looking through a camera." Hm...yes..yes I see it. And I would be lying if I didn't admit you'd make for a very pretty octopus, too pretty I'm afraid. A beauty that draws all in, a loss the sea would be amiss to have your such that I dare not take away, so I ask of you....please spare us!" Turning onto his side covering his eyes.

" Look away, Otto lest ye be taken by her tentacly charms!" HIs free hand covering the octopus slimy eyes briefly before slithering his way onto his head. The sensation of its tentacles and Kazu's attempts to hold in his laughter became too much making him laugh giddily at his little show.

Only stopping after being asked about the fish net and their uses which prompted the laughing blonde to shoot up into a sitting position with a wide toothy grin." Right! The fish!" Rolling onto hands and knees to crawl to the squirming net where he lifted the upper half up then patted it." I'm glad you asked, my dear Ruby. What you see here is my secret weapon, one that promises a night these stuck-up prudes will never forget. (goes without saying this applies to those not his friends)" Wringing his hands and softly snickering like a mad scientist.

From laughing like a mustchachiod villain to leaning against the net with his right arm propped up by the elbow." But that's for later. Anywhosit, enough about me. How's you been Rubester? I bet you got plenty adventures of your own since we last hung out?" Kazu asked, eager to catch up on things before anything else.

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interactions: Charlotte @princess, Sjan-dehk @Apex Sunburn, THE Roman @ReusableSword
Mentions: Lorenzo @FunnyGuy, Ruby @SausagePat, Kazumin @samreaper, Ariella @Tpartywithzombi

---

"Oh don't worry, we get compared to gods all the time." John burst out in a chuckle as soon as he heard Charlotte's praise. "You know, every time we saved someone's life, they wipe the sweat off their and their relative's foreheads and bowed their head thanking god for saving them. I am very honored to be so revered." The casualness accompanied the snark, but it was more joking than snorting at Charlotte. If that wasn't clear enough...

"For serious though, thank you. Our work is sometimes thankless, so I am glad to know there's someone out there who appreciate what we do."

From his experience, if the patients was not aware of his...more prestigious status, they tended to be more thankful. Jealously and spite are still pretty widespread, even in more humble and progressive societies.

From then on, quite a few more people began to show up. The first being this handsome gentleman with an...intriguing attire. He had never seen this outfit before, not to mention the abnormally large hat, bigger than the ladies hats that he had seen. But it went off well with one another in an exotic way, so it's much less likely some artist and designer having a stroke of wildness, but rather this is a foreigner from neither Alidasht or any of the smaller colonies from the three kingdoms. If the weird phrasing hadn't given it away.

"Don't sweat it." John raised a hand in response. "How may I help you sir?"

The second being Roman, whose greetings, like usual, was short but respectful. John returned the gesture with his own, similar in intensity, similar in regard. Seeing how Charlotte was interested in getting herself a drink, John decided to go back to the food stalls, but not before checking with the two (and maybe three) in the group.

"I can get you one then." He said to Charlotte. "Which flavours would you like? They can mix and match, so the fruits of preference would be fine." Turning over to Roman and the gentleman from afar. "You can let me know too in case you want a drink. It's really good on a hot summer day, I will tell you that."

((Can assume that John gets back after a few minutes. Don't need to wait for another round))

Time: Morning
Location: Beach Event
Mention:
Interactions: Lorenzo @FunnyGuy
Appearance:Outfit, Hair style

Ariella felt a look of confusion on her face as he referred to her as Lottie, she imagined he was confusing her with Charlotte. It wasn’t until the Duke's eyes met with hers that the look of confusion softened to a smile.

She nodded as he said her name “ Yes, Lady Ariella Edwards.” she smiled.

“Where are my manners? I'm extremely grateful for-”

Ariella shook her head “ Oh, you don’t need to repay me … I normally just carry some herbs and such for cuts and scrapes. Just so happens they are also good for upset stomachs” Her eyes widened slightly as he snapped the band on his speedo as she didn’t realize just how revealing his swim outfit was. Awkwardly Ariella adverted her gaze as he started to stand up, nodding at his suggestion for the walk.

She stood up and walked alongside him, carrying her shoes in her hands still as her feet continued to sink into the sand.

She looked up to see the large group laughing and conversating. She looked back over at Lorenzo “ Do you find yourself on many beaches lately, Duke Vienka?” she asked curiously. She had heard some terrible things about the man in fact it was one of her mother's favorite pass times. Ariella never held the same distaste for people. She always stood in the mindset that each person deserved a chance to show who they were and her mother's notion of people tended to be incorrect for the most part.

Time: Late Morning
Location: Royal Gardens Tea Party
Attire: Outfit
Interaction: @mantou Wystan @Tpartywithzombi Violet, @FunnyGuy Alexander
Mentions: @Potter Sadie



Mina's eyes flickered with amusement as she prepared to retort to Wulfric's no-nonsense response. His quip towards her lack of responsibility simply had her smirking as it only proved he was blissfully unaware of the truth of her escapades. However, before she could reply, her attention was quickly stolen by the grand entrance of King Edin. The spectacle before her was both impressive and ostentatious, and she couldn't help but be captivated by the charisma, or lack thereof, of the monarch. As the king made his way to his throne, Mina found herself drawn into his performance, though she couldn't help but notice the forced smiles of some of his servants. It seemed Prince Callum was also determined to cause chaos of his own and she couldn’t keep a small giggle from escaping her lips.

As the commotion settled, Mina decided it was time to leave Wulfric's company, bidding both him and Violet farewell as they headed towards a table, and explored the party further. Her uncle had gone and found a place in the shade at a table with some noble women, all of whom seemed to be entranced by the rather handsome count. She was curious to meet some of the other guests, especially Sadie whom she’d yet had the chance to spend time with since they all got to Caesonia. As she made her way through the crowd, she suddenly bumped into a man who seemed rather dazed from stepping on a cherry.

”Oh, I’m so sorry!” Mina gasped at the accidental collision, being thrown off balance and almost losing her footing, yet she caught herself just in time. Her eyes widened slightly as she looked up at the man in front of her. There was something strangely familiar about him, something that tugged at her heartstrings in a way she couldn't explain. His dreamy gaze captivated her, and she found herself momentarily lost for words.

"Alexander Deacon," she repeated softly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Mina Blackwood, future Countess of Kolonivka. The pleasure is mine, Mr. Deacon. I do apologize for being quite clumsy this morning." She extended her hand, her heart still fluttering with an inexplicable sense of familiarity. "You seem oddly familiar to me. Have we met before?" She knew she was usually incredibly good at remembering names and she was almost positive she hadn’t heard his before, yet there was always a chance a name could slip her mind.