TDM 04

[goldmods]

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made on our brand new beachfront for new guests. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience. Affected guests may convene with the nearest lifeguard or reception for a complimentary swimsuit, at their earliest convenience.

Please remember that beach-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking dress code may be escorted off the beach until they return in proper swimwear. We hope you enjoy your stay, and have a beachy keen experience. 】

BEACHFRONT PROPERTY

A BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT

As the resort moves into what it claims is summer, the days grow longer. The sun is projected well into the evening, the heat of its warmth dialed up to a level some guests complain is unreasonable. Then there’s the most excessive transformation of all – half the Cloud Dwelling Gardens have been transformed into a sparkling beach of white sands and blue waves, seemingly overnight. Statues nearby have been dressed up with wide hats and stylish sarongs. Upbeat music fills the air without any discernible source.

A section of the beach has been reserved for a collection of bungalows. These cute pastel homes open straight onto the sand, and are comparable in size and amenity to a rank 7 or 8 suite. All screens within these bungalows are fixed to a channel that airs reruns of Boobwatch around the clock, a classic TV series about blue-footed boobys running in slow-motion across the beach. Staff and long-standing guests all agree — there’s no better summer programming than this!

IT’S FREE REAL ESTATE

▷ Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals are being checked in to all this wondrous new property that’s just opened up. The catch? Why, characters are stuffed up to 4 in a room, of course. Don’t worry, that’s what the bunk beds are for!

▷ Characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are a light and breezy linen, patterned with tropical flowers and colorful designs. Some of these robes are more sheer than others. Watch out that the gentle breeze on the beach doesn’t reveal more than you wanted.

▷ Existing characters are welcome to temporarily take up residence in any empty slots in these homes. The staff understand that sometimes you want to pretend to be a brand new guest again, all bright-eyed and ready for adventure. They can even lock you out of your real room for an extra bit of authenticity. No need to ask! It’s all taken care of already.

THOSE WHO POUND SAND

▷ Several lifeguards have been newly hired to protect the beach and its visitors. These burly fellows and lasses all have three things in common: skimpy swimwear, rippling muscles, and seagull heads. They spend most of their time hanging out in groups, flexing and gossiping loudly. If characters approach them for their complimentary swimwear, they will provide whatever they’re currently wearing for them to use... by force, if necessary.

▷ Characters who seem particularly vulnerable or are holding something particularly tasty may find themselves surrounded by these lifeguards out of nowhere. The seagulls are relentless, pushing and shoving and pulling hair until they get what they want. Hope you didn’t like your sand castle very much. Those on the lower end of the rank scale will suffer the worst harassment, and they may even go out of their way to harass wildcards, 2s, and 3s just for the heck of it.

▷ Being new hires and fairly low on the resort staff hierarchy, these troublemakers can be easily chased off by someone of a high enough rank, or an assertive enough presence to pass as one. T-they’re not scared! They just remembered they have a mandatory group cawing session to get to! Buzz off!

FUN IN THE SUN

DON'T FORGET TO OIL UP

What’s a beach without fun and games? Dreadfully boring! That’s why all of the beach classics have been expertly set up by staff, including strip volleyball nets, giant boob-shaped beach balls, and plenty of floaties for use in the shallower areas of the temporary ocean. A row of parasols with paired lounge chairs underneath them are placed in some prime viewing areas for festivities. Any time you get thirsty, there’s always a cooler full of canned drinks conveniently nearby, courtesy of Cock-a-Doodle-Doo’s. Sometimes you can hear the staff whispering to each other, “What if it’s too perfect? We won’t be able to deal with the ratings dip once the beach ends!”

Seashells have been arbitrarily scattered along the shoreline, coming in both natural shapes and ones a little more... erotic. The sexiest ones of all are conch shells that let you hear the moans of another guest when held up to your ear; supposedly, if you hook up with the person on the other end of the shell, you’ll be extra lucky in the casino for the rest of the summer. All in all, it’s a carefully tailored creation that can be called nothing short of paradise.

THE BEACH BUNNY BARBECUE BONANZA

▷ This booth constantly has smoke billowing out the top and is manned during the entire day by one man – Steve, formerly from reception. It seems this is his punishment duty for be-bathrooming all of the arrivals, last time. Those willing to lend Steve a sympathetic ear will be entreated to bring him water, since the sweltering heat of the booth dries him out like nobody’s business. No matter how characters try to help him, though, a tragedy always occurs and the water always ends up spilled across the sand. That curse really is something, huh?

▷ The signature item at this cookout are the Flamin’ Hop Skewers. Made due to the current overpopulation in the Conservatory, these spicy-sweet — emphasis on the spicy — glazed skewers temporarily grant those who consume them the soul of a rabbit, including their insatiable desire to mate. Any rabbits that resort-goers have formed an attachment with have not been culled, so don’t worry about your precious buns!

▷ The booth also boasts several other exotic meats and vegetables that are considerably safer to eat, for guests who find themselves unable to overcome their attachment. Some of these skewers also feature fruits, including the hybrid ones from the previous gardening collab with the Dizzy Pigeon. Characters are free to revisit any of the Orchard prompts under the Smoky Nectar section of our PREVIOUS TDM.

A SHOW OF STRENGTH

▷ When the projected sun is at its highest, staff members will start bringing out tarps and watermelons, fresh from the gardens. What’s that, you ask? Oh, of course these were donated willingly! What a strange question!

▷ The goal is to smash the watermelon the staff give you until the succulent red fruit inside is splattered all across the tarp, perfect for falling comically into or... eating, if you’re into that. The rules are that you must use your buttocks to do so, and you only get two tries. Successfully cracking open the watermelon on the first try will earn characters a large payout, and if it’s on the second try, a medium payout.

▷ Failing to bust a watermelon at all won’t have any penalties associated with it, and you can always try again tomorrow! In order to keep their watermelon supplies steady for the duration of the beach festivities, the staff do ask that guests attempt this no more than once per day.

DAYDREAM PARASOLS

▷ Every umbrella set up on the sands has two lounge chairs set up underneath it, with a shared table between them. The chairs are padded and oh-so-comfy — sitting in them for too long while another person is present will result in both characters falling into a deep sleep.

▷ While asleep, characters will discover they’re sharing a dream with their umbrella-mate. The dream is always set on the same beach as the waking world, but there are floating clouds and sparkles in a range of pastel colors. Other beachgoers are faceless, if not entirely absent. It’s just the two of you.

▷ Anything the characters think of can drift in and out of the dreamscape, including but not limited to items from home, scary monsters to dramatically rescue your partner from, and strange abilities to fly or float through the air. However, characters will also be at full suit activation in the dream. Once both characters orgasm or they naturally wake up from their naps, they’ll find things are entirely back to normal, as much as they ever are in the resort.

NOTES

▶ All new arrivals have been issued four food and four clothing vouchers. These vouchers are as good as money around the resort. The staff will strongly insist on characters picking out "summery" attire with it, though.

▶ Existing characters may be booted into the bungalows or locked out of their room against their will. We leave it up to player discretion if this happens and the degree to which they're removed from their normal suite.

▶ For the Daydream Parasols, wildcards may be afflicted by whichever suit their player prefers for the duration of the dream. This will have no bearing on their suit selection when applying, and suit effects should not manifest once back in the waking world. It's just a dream, after all!

▶ The dreamscape has no explicit time limit, so feel free to make them as long or as short as desired. Dreams should also be sexy first and foremost. While you can include your mom dying in the background if you'd like, you have to be horny about it too.

TWINKLING CURRENTS

THE PARTY NEVER STOPS

As the sun sets in a cascade of colors over the water, lamps are lit and floating lights surface from the depths. Stars twinkle in the sky, and Steve is finally released from his smoky shackles. Though the daytime amenities have gone to sleep, the night promises its own set of beachy wonders sure to please even the most distinguished of vacationers.

Flyers posted in the lobby and in the hallways promise of a bar ran by the most enchanting mermaids you could ever want to fuck, as well as a fireworks show in every color, including ones you’ve never heard of. With the seagulls gone to bed, peace settles across the sands, tinted blue, yellow, and pink from the myriad of lights. For those seeking a more subdued, romantic air — this is the beach for you.

SWIM UP TO THE BAR

▷ While the advertisements promised mermaids, they were careful not to include any photos or illustrations. Wading out into the sea to the floating bar quickly illustrates why: these merfolk are fish on top, not the bottom! If asked about this configuration or accused of being unsexy, they’ll lift their elegant legs out of the water and exclaim, “How else would you be able to fuck us if not for these!” Though a few guests seem unsatisfied by this clarification, there are no complaints about the drinks themselves.

▷ HOLDING ON TO SUMMER. This cocktail brings seaberry-gin, limoncello, white crème de cacao, and freshly squeezed lemon juice over pebbled ice, wrapping you in decadent flavors accenting the season. Drinking this cocktail can cause you to be overcome with the desire to lean back and sink into the ocean itself, but fret not! It also grants you the wonderful ability to breathe underwater, no gills required! And it’s topped with a yummy little ball of white chocolate.

▷ MANGO STAR. A delightfully bright drink in a highball glass, the combination of elderflower rose syrup and seaberry-gin floats a summery pink over the orange mixture of mango juice, lime juice and honey syrup on the bottom. On top are two cute little stars cut out of mango, accented with mint leaves. Guests who drink this cocktail report some confusion in the identity of other guests, as just one drink is enough to shift perception of others. Other characters may appear to be different guests of the resort, or familiar faces from home.

▷ SEABERRY FLORADORA. This is a vibrant cocktail made of seaberry-gin, ginger beer, lime juice and raspberry syrup, highlighted by floral ice cubes and edible flowers. Despite its bright pink color indicating a level of cheerfulness for the summer, this flavorful cocktail causes guests to be quickly overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. The longer this sensation goes on, the more guests will try to seek out company to aid in the ache, even if it means appearing quite desperate in the process. Each successive drink will increase the severity of the effect.

▷ BLACKBERRY ROSEMARY GIMLET. Blackberries, rosemary sprigs, simple syrup, and a combination of seaberry-gin and lime juice make this aromatic cocktail. It’s double strained over ice and garnished with a blackberry on a pick, giving it a regal appearance. Drinking this cocktail causes obsessive and possessive behavior, however — sometimes to extreme levels. Should your partner choose this cocktail to drink, you may not want to mention anything that could make them jealous. Each successive drink will increase the severity of the effect.

▷ JUST SOME SEAWATER? Questioning the mermaids and mermen on how they came to be the way that they are will result in them offering you an item off the sea-cret menu. Taking a glass from the bar, they dip it into the ocean and offer it right over to you. Drinking the seawater does, in fact, turn you into a very sexy reverse merman or mermaid. This occurs whether or not you drink it from the glass or take in a gulp while swimming, so watch out!

ACROSS THE NIGHT SKY

▷ Where else could you get a perfect view of the stars? Despite the sea of lights below, the artificial nature of the skies in the resort means that all guests get an unrivaled view of the galaxy. Which galaxy? Why, any of them — characters will see a shifting range of constellations from night to night, including ones they don’t recognize, ones shaped a bit like something you might find in Love Dove, and ones that are identical to those from their home. Happy gazing!

▷ A fireworks show is held every night, from 10PM until 1AM. The noises are just loud enough to block out a whispered confession timed correctly, but aren’t quite enough to inhibit conversation. Most of the fireworks are from a design series known as Matteo’s Masterpieces, and range from the standard burst to abstract shapes to... well, you know. Unlike the sloppy doodles found in the margins of books while Swan Lake was decaying, all of the boobs and dicks blasted across the sky are very well rendered. For fireworks.

SANDY SCAVENGING

A GAME OF BEACHES

It wouldn't be the Golden Peacock without a game for guests to play! All guests that wander into the beach area may find themselves receiving one of two Watch messages. Some very special guests may even receive both challenges — or continuously receive a new challenge when the last 24 hours is up. The resort just wants you to have the most fun possible!

SCAVENGER HUNT: EASY MODE (SFW)

Hello, dear guest. You have been randomly selected to play our EASY MODE: SCAVENGER HUNT! You have 24 hours to complete this hunt. Once completed, please submit your collected items to the nearest SEAGULL LIFEGUARD to claim your reward of Great Tit! Dessert Vouchers and a large payout.

Guests who do not complete the hunt in 24 hours will be hunted down and then publicly spanked by a SEAGULL LIFEGUARD.

Please note that items scavenged may not be personal items. They must be collected from other sources. Good luck!

1. Collect one unfinished drink.

2. Collect two kisses.

3. Collect three pairs of sunglasses.

4. Collect four sets of sandals.

5. Collect five feathers from a lifeguard.

SCAVENGER HUNT: HARD MODE (NSFW)

Hello, dear guest. You have been randomly selected to play our HARD MODE: SCAVENGER HUNT! You have 24 hours to complete this hunt. Once completed, please submit your collected items to the nearest SEAGULL LIFEGUARD to claim your reward of Naked Yolk Kink Vouchers and an extra-large payout. Winners will also be given a limited edition WINNER pin. Any guests wearing a WINNER pin will be treated as kings and queens of the beach, and be permitted to command any other guests as they see fit.

Guests who do not complete the hunt in 24 hours will be hunted down, stripped, and then strapped into the fuck pillory by our SEAGULL LIFEGUARDS. Losers will be free game for other guests to use for their pleasure.

Please note that items scavenged may not be personal items. They must be collected from other sources. Good luck!

1. Collect one cup of cum.

2. Collect two bite marks.

3. Collect three pubic hairs.

4. Collect four nudes (nude images).

5. Collect five bathing suit bottoms.

NOTES

▶ All effects from the swim-up bar last around 2-3 hours, but may be extended by having another drink.

INTO THE DEPTHS

IT'S HIGH TIDE WE GET OUT OF HERE

Though the beach experience is perfect on the surface, things are less elegant behind the scenes. Wave-making machines pulse and rattle down below, shaking the ceiling of the basement suites. Water leaks from pipes, streaking across walls and pooling on the uneven floors. The maintenance levels are abuzz with staff setting out buckets and pans, shooing lost guests away with a heightened level of urgency. Someone got a little too enthusiastic with mopping, they claim. Nothing to worry about at all!

Even the ocean itself isn’t without its issues. Despite appearing as a boundless expanse from the shore, the walls of the Golden Peacock are a very real factor. To avoid any undue damage to the screens that comprise the sky, the sea stops abruptly before it reaches them, cascading into a waterfall all the way down to the depths of the resort. Gentle currents become swirling vortexes and choppy waves, sure to pull down any guests that aren’t careful about where they swim. A few gull-guards patrol the line of buoys that mark the end of the safe swimming area, but the primary line of defense the resort relies on is the utter disinterest most of its guests have.

TUMBLING DOWN

▷ Characters who stray past the line of buoys out in the far sea will find themselves caught in a riptide that sucks them straight over the edge of the water. This applies both to characters swimming, or characters in some sort of vessel, such as a small rowboat borrowed from the staff.

▷ Feel free to make up any sort of vehicle rentals in general, as long as they’re reasonable in size — they should be able to accommodate 1-2 characters at most. A waverider would be okay, but a yacht would not.

▷ While falling down the waterfall, characters will temporarily black out before hitting anything solid. They will resurface anywhere there is standing water, whether that be a flooded hallway, in the Crane’s Respite, or even in someone’s open toilet bowl. There are no limitations on where in the resort the resurfacing can happen; even the bathrooms at Roost aren’t safe from this teleportation.

A RISING FLOOD

▷ Drainage is a difficult aspect to manage. Though the majority of the seawater is recycled to maintain the ocean above, enough of it is siphoned off for deeper filtration that the resort’s plumbing systems simply can’t handle the volume. Leaks are happening on all floors below ground, increasing in depth the further down into the basement characters go.

▷ Characters living in the rank 2, 3, and 4 suites may notice that in addition to having leaks in the hallway, their own rooms are also flooding. This can range anywhere from a constant, unpleasantly damp floor, to having an entire cascade of water blow them and any other unsuspecting guests down several hallways the moment their door is opened. Life vests are recommended.

▷ The flooding will intensify as the event goes on, culminating in some of the maintenance levels being entirely underwater towards the end of the event. Once the event is over, the flooding will recede within about a day, leaving only a few water stains here and there as evidence of their presence.

NOTES

▶ Any amount of standing water is a valid target for a character’s resurfacing, even something as minor as a glass of water. For situations where a character would not actively fit into the source of their arrival, they will be violently flung out of it, knocking over or spilling it in the process if that’s possible.

▶ As always, players are free to control the level to which their individual characters are affected, and being flooded out of their space is not mandatory.

---

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: alcohol; altered states; aphrodisiacs; breeding urge; delusions; forced clotheswearing; hallucinations; harassment and bullying; jealousy; thalassophobia; transformation; unreality

▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. The house is still observing and deciding. As rank and suits are assigned upon acceptance your character's suit will not manifest until they are accepted into the game.

▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's June event. The beach will ICly be present from June 15th - June 30th.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.

▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are prioritized and receive attention!

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort! There are recent additions to the locations page as well, for those who have yet to see them!

▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread regardless!

▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.

▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.

▶ Don't forget your sunscreen! We'd hate for any chicken wings to come out burnt.

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[befehl]

( A good girl? She's just another corporate lapdog from where he stands. )

It is my pleasure. Frankly, it is embarrassing having to wear these clothes in front of someone esteemed from the IPC.

( He managed to get his hands on swimsuit shorts and a white Hawaiian shirt with some gold palm tree prints. He buttoned up to the collar, of course. Some hostility fades when she begins explaining the situation and he goes into deep thought. Mulling over the information that could easily parallel some issues deep in the cosmos back home.

Could this be related to the swarm, then? He rubs his chin, glancing towards the sky. )

So then, these beautiful stars are truly nonexistent and dead just like people's dreams.

I appreciate the information you've given me, Miss Topaz. Hah. So if you are still trapped here in this "simulation" then the future seems rather bleak. You appear to be doing well despite everything.

( His gaze is firm on her, unrelenting. ) If you help me find means of escape then as a token of my gratitude, I could ask Robin to produce a personal autograph dedicated to you with any limited edition photocard. I'm sure she would be quite happy to know her eloquence and harmony extends even into the IPC. You could even sell if you're not into that sort of thing, the value would be high amongst fans.

[softstoneheart]

Like, if it's any consolation, half of the arrivals that came before me woke up naked in a forest. The other half woke up in bed next to someone. Also naked.

There's nothing wrong with letting people figure things out themselves but in this case, it's a total waste of time. I'd rather get you up to speed instead of waiting for you to reach a similar conclusion. It's fine if you don't believe me, but now you can fact check whatever I've told you by reading the network or asking other guests. Just watch out for the veteran guests, most of them only have nice things to say about this place.

[ there's confidence that they'll just corroborate whatever she says. She really has done her homework, all in her effort to get out.

She doesn't miss the suggestion that she'd put profit before sentiment, but won't fall for that bait. She values being patient and not riding waves of emotion. ]

Nah, I wouldn't want you to trouble her, especially when I'm not even sure I'll be solving the problem. It's more likely that it'll take a large group putting their heads together. I'm just doing my part because I think anyone who wants to leave should be allowed to. Especially since there's a theory this place runs on sex. It's not like 100% proven or anything, but if you take a tour around this place, you can kinda tell. And that's not even counting how this place messes with people's bodies and minds.

[ IS she doing okay? She's not relishing in breaking the news to someone as conservative as Sunday, but she's also not broken by presumably having to endure those things. ]

[befehl]

That must have been a true predicament for those souls, but you should know that one person's nightmare could always be another's dream. Still, I take no pleasure with knowing others may have suffered before me. It deeply saddens me this stimulation is equally cruel to them.

( He trusts her wit, let's get that right. That much is expected of someone on her level within the IPC. A true negotiator and strategist. )

I believe you.
When I searched for this outfit earlier, one of the beds had temptations scattered across them. I thought Golden Hour harbored all kinds of sinners and I'm aware of what the Masked Fools are up to in their club. Tch. But this, this would make Aha proud, don't you think?

It's ridiculous.

( He almost sounds defensive, scoffing away while steering a troubled glance back onto the stars. Even if they're simulated, it doesn't hurt to wish upon them, right? He only hopes his sister is safe. )

Sex should be sacred.

( That's what he has been taught from the beginning, if that at all. )

You are a sensible lass, I admit. I take it you are doing your part in speaking with me. Teaching me all this. There's nothing else you could gain from me otherwise, Miss Topaz. If we are to put our heads together through this, then what favor are you willing to negotiate, hm?

[softstoneheart]

If people're happy here, that's not my business. But even when guests willingly play game 52, this resort pushes extra encouragement on people.

[ there's a heart mark on her left thigh, kissing the beauty mark on the right. ]

Everyone's got a tattoo based on card suits added somewhere on their body. When it darkens, it can lead to mental or mental physical effects. Usually sex keeps that at bay, but the resort throws in these games on top of that.

The resort picks a suit that becomes the target. Their effect gets triggered to encourage them, even if they've been complying on their own.

I don't know if Aha would be proud, but they'd certainly be laughing.

[ Sunday's strait-laced personality precedes him, so she stares rather pointedly at his buttoned up collar. She's doesn't agree with conservative, patriarchal concepts of "purity," but she does have strong belief in a few things, among them: ]

Free Will should be sacred. But consent here isn't always enthusiastic.

I'm not gonna say I don't want anything. The reacquisition of Penacony is important to the Strategic Investment Department. But I'm not foolish enough to think it would be easily handed over, so the only thing I would ask for is using some of our time here to come up with a mutually beneficial solution. There doesn't have to be losers.

[befehl]

So that's what the mark is, then. I also found one on my body and at first, I thought God had looked upon me in some way as THEY did before.

( He takes the time to glance down at her thigh at the etched symbol of a heart. As she describes its nature, it sounds like they're collars more than anything else. )

Well, at least you're one of the honest ones, and you know any faction of Penacony is not on the table. Anyone in charge will feel the same way. I, unfortunately...

I'm no longer Head of the Oak Family, so I cannot speak for it or Penacony. I tried using this watch to try to contact Robin but it appears all connections are tied to this specific network. Your dreams of Penacony annexation will simply remain dreams for the time being.

Hah. But we've already lost, haven't we? The stars here are our witness and their brilliance is mocking our existence and our free will.

( Big coming from someone who previously wanted to put countless souls into eternal sleep, huh. )

And by beneficial solution, you do mean sex? Are you pursuing dalliance with me, Miss Topaz?

( Spoken like a true man of God. )

[softstoneheart]

I wouldn't be surprised if the force behind this place is on par with an Aeon, but if that's true, not much is known about who They are and what They want.

[ When he mentions that he's no longer the head of the Oak Family, it looks like her soul has left her body. For a consummate workaholic whose brain recolves around work, this news kills her and she's being misunderstood on top of that. ]

I wasn't propositioning you sexually. It was an offer to come up with a way for Penacony to maintain its autonomy while affiliating with the IPC. Perhaps something similar to the Xianzhou Alliance. But let's leave that aside.

[ Topaz's reputation as "one of the good ones" in the IPC is rooted in her sincere desire to help others and make all sides of a negotiation happy. But her empathy doesn't stop at the board room. between the two of them, he's surely having a worse time. She sighs, putting her work thoughts aside. ]

But enough about work. Are you okay?

[befehl]

On par with an Aeon...

( He doesn't doubt it at this point, but all he can do is release a humorless hah under his breath. Defeated once again without lifting a finger. See, he would know a thing or two about attempted Aeon murder, even though he wouldn't call it that - let's call it harmonization, yes?

Of course, he's going to misconstrue some undertones. After all the mentions of sex and this place messing with them, it felt natural to confirm her intentions. It's not like he'd say no to a kiss if that counts. That counts, right? He has never kissed anybody. )

I see. We should focus on this event for now, then. Hah. Do I seem unwell? I guess it could be the heat from earlier getting to me.

( He knows there's an inkling that this isn't exactly her question. Besides, she's right to assume he's Not Okay. In all Sunday fashion, he responds: )

I wish I had a way to ensure Robin's safety. I couldn't say goodbye properly.

[softstoneheart]

That's the only explanation, right? Something that can pull people in from across dimensions and time. There isn't much else that could do it.

And it's not that you seem unwell. I meant like, you prolly went through a lot and now you've wound up here. That's a lot to process.

[ is she being presumptuous and thinking for him in the name of empathy? Yes. But she's confident she's right. ]

Anyway, if we have to play the game, I believe it should be on our own terms. And any choice we're able to make shouldn't be one we regret.

[ Sunday seems to be full of regrets. ]

I know I can't promise anything regarding your sister, but if there's anything we can do to facilitate it, we will.

[befehl]

Like Penacony itself, it could also be a Stellaron disaster. You're most likely right, though.

( He glances down at the sand and rolling waves. Normally, he's a master of concealing his fatigue or weakness, but she is right. Sometimes people have to process far too much at once. )

Did you also have a room here? I would rather not be outside in this humidity and I'm feeling parched. We can discuss our decisions then.

( What is one more regret onto the pile, anyway? It's not like he's saving his body for anybody in particular. This does not mean he's innocent either. )

I'm sure if she were here, we would already hear her singing. Alas, I appreciate your words.

[softstoneheart]

My room's on the 4th floor in the basement. You don't wanna be there.

[ Honestly, she doesn't want to be there. Which is why she's been living with Aventurine. ]

We can grab a drink and some ice cream and head someplace more cool and quiet. Do you like rabbits?

[befehl]

( That's a shocking answer he doesn't expect. Topaz of the IPC, a precious Stoneheart? )

You're joking. The basement? That certainly doesn't sound appealing...

( He sighs. )

Well, sure. Lead the way then, and I'm impartial to rabbits, why do you ask?

( What, does she fuck like them? )

[softstoneheart]

It's one of their tactics to motivate people to play. Like, "if you don't like living in creepy, cursed sub-standard conditions, buy your way out."nBut whatever, worry about that later!

[ If she dwells on it, she'll just get frustrated. ]

They've got these giant rabbits that're SOOOOO SOFT and cuddly. And they're tame, so it's suuuuper easy to just scoop one up and shove your face into their fur. It's perfect for a recharge!

[ this is how she stays sane. Or maybe she seems insane as an animal lover. ]

[befehl]

Right.

I was only given four food vouchers. We can use them for our ice cream and drinks if things are too expensive.

( His spoiled, nonexistent wallet is useless here. He didn't find it anywhere in his room and it doesn't seem like this place takes Credits.

Topaz is more energetic than he expected any Stoneheart to be, but she's a lot more pleasant than Aventurine. Yes this is shade. He's a bully. )

Hah... Then let's go pet some rabbits, I don't mind it. I don't know about putting my face to their fur, though.

[softstoneheart]

You just got here, so save those vouchers.

[ Why would he pay? That's crazy. There's no need for it. She strides away from the shoreline confident that he'll follow along. ]

I'm sure you'll love them!

[befehl]

( While the scorching sun seems to be adding a light flush on his face, he doesn’t feel any sort of pain or itch from it— is the sun itself also simulated? Sunday dares to unbutton the first button on his collar so his neck can breathe a little more. The shirt itself is light enough that he’s not suffocating, at least. )

Right. I appreciate it, then. How long have you been here?

[softstoneheart]

[ Sand gives way to a lush rainforest, as they travel down a path from the beach/Cloud-Dwelling Garden to the Vale. A constant chorus of birdsong fills the space, with its singers freely flying in the "sky" and flitting between the trees. ]

I've been here for three months, two weeks, one day, twelve hours and six— now, seven minutes.

[ Following the rush of a river, they arrive at a small cafe. The decor keeps it cohesive with the natural setting, and some of the birds are bold enough to perch on the chairs and tables. ]

What would you like?

[befehl]

( Talk about precise. If only the staff back in the Reverie Hotel answered his questions so accurately.

The atmosphere is so realistic here, and unlike the Dreamscapes in Penacony, he doesn’t have to calibrate to freely move through it. There’s no sensation of sinking or getting warped between the laws of physics.

The chirps of birds take his attention away for a brief moment, and he becomes idle as he listens. His wings twitch and spread wider as if it helps the sound travel right to his ears— like a domed theater. )

Three months isn’t long. The time must go by fast with all these… amenities.

( He watches a bird fly away from one of the chairs. )

Whatever you get for yourself, it’s fine with me also.

And water, of course.

[softstoneheart]

[ While she acknowledges his personhood, there's something kind of adorable about him spreading his Halovian wings to listen. ]

Yeah, it's surprisingly fast-paced, despite not being able to go anywhere. Although— if you're in the pools underground, don't listen to the directions the staff gives you. I was told there's a tentacle monster down there. You don't have to guess how that'll go.

[ But before she lets his imagination run too wild, she'll drop a more pressing question. ]

You good with sweets?

[befehl]

( Not being able to go anywhere yet doing all these things. Familiar, but definitely worth feeling uneasy - this is not his turf. He can't reign supreme over everything and he can't control things. ) I'll be sure not to go there, then. The last thing I need is to suffer a death within a death.

Hm.

( He steps closer to her to see the menu, too. For whatever god-riddled reason the question makes him wear this idle expression like it's an advanced math question. In reality, he's not sure if he should allow himself the pleasure of it. He loves sweets but quit eating them a long time ago. )

That's fine. Order whatever you like.

[softstoneheart]

Oh, I'm sure you won't die, just get touched inappropriately and without consent.

[ as the sex hotel does. ]

I mean like. If you're into that, no judgement.

[ she does mean that. She understands that people's tastes and preferences are their own, and never wants anyone to feel guilty. That's because she doesn't want people hating on her tastes either.

His intense concentration resulting in just a similar answer has her suspicious. Is he just saying that to be nice? ]

No worries, I'll pick something light. Have a seat, enjoy the birds!

[ She returns to the table with two cups of fresh pressed juice, his water and two fruit parfaits. The dessert is a rainbow in a glass: fresh cut fruit glisten like jewels in between clouds of whipped cream, airy sponge and fruit jelly. The top is crowned with more cream and fruit and a cute cookie shaped like a bird. There's also a plain paper cup of cut fruit. ]

I hope this isn't too much.

[ she sets the tray down and reaches for the paper cup, holding a piece of fruit. Immediately, a bird perches on her hand, grabs the fruit with a foot and starts munching away. ]

The juice shouldn't be too sweet. It's a combo of fruits and veggies so it's healthy.

[befehl]

( Why is it not surprising that Topaz can deliver those words as cheerfully as she does while in the process of ordering food? That stare he gives her, like he's looking at the slimy thing itself says it all. Why would anyone like that?! )

I'm not into either. I've already had an experience with a certain type of monster. It had large claws everywhere and a big appetite. Mr. Gallagher should explain the rest since we're about to eat. Next time you see him, ask him.

( Dormancy turned Sunday into a galactic smoothie. Enough for a lifetime. His lack of explanation definitely leaves plenty to the imagination, though. He won't judge her either if that's her type of entertainment, contrary to his expression. He's just recalling those events.

He chooses a table near where most birds are perched on the railing encasing the area. Their plumage is colorful unlike the ones from Penacony, matching the tropical nature of their surroundings.

It's stunning how elegant the parfaits is, fresh as any VIP order he might get in Penacony, five-star delights and balanced. )

This is perfect. I appreciate it, Miss Topaz.

( He scoops a few pieces of fruits and dabs them over the cream. Although light in sugar, it's still more sugar than he has ever had in a while. He holds back a sound, going back for another scoop while watching Topaz feed the bird. Well, she's technically feeding two birds right. )

You seem to have a way with animals, it appears to like you. This is delicious, I didn't realize how hungry I felt.

[softstoneheart]

I love all kinds of little critters! I even live on an ecological starship that has different zones that perfectly match the respective ecosystems of each and every one of my cuties.

[ She offers her new friend another piece of fruit before scooping a little of her parfait with a free hand and taking a bite. The squeal of delight she makes is unbridled. She's practically sparkling with joy at the flavor. ]

I'm glad you like it too.

[befehl]

You built things like that here?

( Hard to think she hails from the monopoly of IPC when she’s this vibrant and kind to other creatures. It doesn’t add up.

When another bird approaches him, he notices a feather on its wing appears dislodged so he puts down his utensil to tend to it. He would know how to do so since he grooms his every morning so every root falls aligned. )

That should do it.

[softstoneheart]

[ She watches him groom the bird. He knows exactly what to do and executes it with precision and care. She smiles in approval as she watches. ]

You're really good at that.

But like, a tiny hotel room isn't the right environment for keeping pets. They're much happier where they've got space. And even if the suite were gigantic, I don't think anything would compare to the level of care and the ecosystem they already have here, with all their friends. I'm good with just coming to play. I can't be selfish when I know this is the best for them.

Same goes for the bunnies the next level down. Well— the ones that didn't make it onto the barbecue today.

[ She grumbles, spearing her parfait with the spoon and digging more of the treat out. All her effort to protect the bunnies, and they ended up "circle of life"'d.

Her disappointment dissolves the moment she eats another bite. So good. A few more birds approach, and she starts handing fruit out again. ]

My ship is back at Pier Point. It's funny though— after all that research and investment in making sure each zone was perfect for every pet, they left their space to play together. Imagine— all these creatures who would've never gotten to know each other in the wild, all getting along!

[ There's no reason to lament how her grand plan was wasted, she's elated. Her joy in retelling the story matches what she feels indulging in sweets.

The majority of the birds are happy to take what's offered and fly off to eat their treat in peace, but a few greedy ones linger for more. She obliges, ignoring her own food to spoil them. She doesn't want to make this place her home, but she'll accept the bandaid it slaps on the ache. ]

Life is surprising, amazing and beautiful, right?

[befehl]

( Sunday watches the bird fly away as soon as its feathers gain back their aerodynamics. )

But some animals do well in cages, especially if they're hurt...It depends on the animal needs, of course.

( No he will not tell the fucking Charmony Dove story.

Sunday's wings lower slightly as soon as he hears about the bunny's fates, but this only solidifies a thought of his that is about to emerge. He eats some more fruit while he listens, though, he takes what she says in while he watches her across the table. He's the perfect shoulder to dump everything on. IPC people are yappers, huh.

Those animals only got along because she intervened natural order, and they will probably live far longer than they would in the wild. There's a reason for that. Sunday scoops a little fruit and chews on it, looking down at his now empty cup. He kind of laughs, but there's no humor. )

Hah. No, life is unfair at best and cruel to most living creatures, Miss Topaz.