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[[ Popsicle Stand --> Beach; Melisande ]]

Varun hadn’t really been paying attention when the game had started. He was paired with a Raevan named Melisande, a female’s name, a very good sign. He couldn’t bring a name to the face, however, and spent a few minutes hovering silently as he waited to be approached. The Leviathan had asked one person for help today, and that was his humble pie quota for the week, thank you very much. Fortunately, Melisande was proactive and found the redhead at the popsicle booth.

The Seasonal Frei was left speechless, briefly. The Sigel was very beautiful, even as far as females were concerned. She might even rival Sa’ida. He wrinkled his nose at the thought. Sa’ida said she was a princess, so what did that make this new acquaintance? Nevertheless, a woman was a woman, and he knew how he was supposed to treat a lady.

The Frei bobbed his red head and extended his pale hand quietly, whatever frayed nerves he’d been experiencing quieted by the blond’s meek demeanor. Tipping his head, he replied. “I am Varun,” he confirmed. “And I would like to find seashells, yes.” He hadn’t actually done so before, but there was no need to tell the muse that. What she didn't know couldn't hurt him!

Floating out towards the beach silently, he hesitated, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Melisande was following to the sand. He motioned for her to join him before drifting out a little further. The Leviathan came to a halt, and waited for his partner to join him before speaking again. “Would you like to go first?” he asked quietly, nodding towards the sand as he folded up his wings neatly. He was such a stark contrast to himself only minutes before, no dominance displayed, only a respect he reserved solely for females. Varun waited patiently for her reply; it was always polite to offer to the lady first!

[[Popsicle stand (Rivener) >> Oceanside (tag to Ravina and Snoof (partial)) ]]

Rivener raised an eyebrow and flinched back at Anya's reactions. She was very much not interested in playing, and for a split second Riv wondered if it was because she was partnered with HIM? The Sigel had thought they got along last time, what-

Oh. It became clear soon enough what the problem was. Rivener held back with arms crossed over his chest, wincing slightly at the display. So Zeke had signed her up against her will and now she was going to be bull-headed about it... Riv sighed, rolling his eyes when Zeke even resorted to use Riv's presence as a bargaining chip, mentioning that he was her partner in this little game... Anya's reaction, when she finally looked at Riv (with a strange two-in-six eye combination, rather creepy really), drew an amused smirk from the Scorpion. So she recalled who he was, at least. She'd only been a few days old at the time...

Anya's last "no" was punctuated by a stranger rushing inbetween all of them to punch Zeke in the shoulder, half-yelling at the man. Riv floated back another step, eyebrows high. Wow, today was full of surprises. The woman glanced at Anya and then Riv, her face losing expression as she took in his longer-than-usual body. Riv offered a friendly enough grin. "Hello," he said softly in passing, floating by her and Anya and heading to the beach. He looked at the spider-frei before he passed around the corner of the booth. "I'm gonna get started without you, then, Anya. I hope you won't let me do it alone, but if you don't play then that's okay. We'll just lose, that's all." He shrugged. If she was this bull-headed, Rivener gambled that she was perhaps just as competitive? Maybe the little barb about losing might make her eventually think to start playing along, but other than that Riv was certainly not going to force her to play.

With a sigh, bucket in hand, Riv headed towards the shore where most Raevans could now be seen, bent over double to sift through the sand.

((Delia=Seashells (Roll 2/6 – A Pretty Stone) // Ebs=Beach -> Drink Booth))

Cordelia’s pout doubled in strength at Laz’s ribbing. She was glad she hadn’t hurt him earlier, but she might consider it later if he persisted in making fun of her. Delia floated back up to her normal height and stuck her tongue out at the incubus. “I’ve never done this before okay. What’s a seashell anyway? Is it pretty? It sounds pretty. Must be pretty.” The basilisk blanched some at the Sigel’s suggestion. “Near…the water?” she asked while her eyes shifted slowly towards the shoreline. If she’d known this game would involve her having to be anywhere close to the water, well then she would have just rather sat it out. But it was too late now. If she backed out Lazarus would be upset and if she refused to go that close to the water then he’d probably make fun of her more for being a baby or something. After all, the fire Raevan didn’t seem all that perturbed by the water. Thus with some reluctance, Delia floated after her seashell partner, a keen eye glaring at the surf, daring it to just try something.

When Lazarus bent down to dislodge something from the sand, Cordelia could feel her heart flutter with excitement, her fear of the water forgotten for the time being. Surely the elder Raevan would be better at this game than her right? Apparently not as all he seemed to find was a piece of paper. Giggling, Delia couldn’t help but reflect Laz’s earlier taunting. “Better luck next time.”

Ribbon flicking in a manner almost reminiscent of a child skipping, perhaps even inviting the demon to give chase, the smoky girl frolicked further along in search of her next find. Though of course something would guide her off course, a pretty stone the color of crackling lightening. It might not have been green, but it was still a very interesting swirl of reds, oranges and yellows. Carefully she picked it up and looked between it and Lazarus. It did sort of match him, all fiery and whatnot. Smiling with amusement, Delia floated over and plopped the stone into the Sigel’s bucket. “I think you should keep that one. A late Christmas present.” After all, she’d ended up getting both those presents he’d got the Shade gals and had yet to really return the favor as of yet.

She nodded politely towards what Ty said about where he came, as that was all she could do really. Ebony knew very little about Australia aside from kangaroos and koalas. Though you would think she’d like to learn more from such a handsome looking man, yet it might have been too late seeing as how neither of them seemed all that interested in one another anymore. Not that Ebony was all that invested to begin with.

Spying her chance for escape finally, the Brit lightly patted Yuurei’s shoulder. “Think all this sun’s getting to me. I’m going to go get a drink and maybe something to eat.” The violet haired femme flashed a small smile. She really did want to talk with Yuu more that was for sure, sans the hovering brother though. “I’ll see you ladies later.” As she parted from the group, Ebony found some decency to at least utter Ty’s name in acknowledgement as she left. Perhaps not the best farewell, maybe even a bit cold, but at least she’d given it rather than just casting him off as if the man didn’t exist.

Quickly Ebony grabbed her shorts and yanked them on overtop her bikini bottom before wandering off. Yes it seemed rather pointless, but at least in her mind she felt more covered than previous. On her way towards the stand, the woman thought of stopping to chat with Zeke, but seeing as his stand was packed to the gills still, she thought it best to save it for later. Instead she plopped down right in front of the grill and leaned over with a grin, tucking her loose hair carefully behind an ear. “Ello Aphismet. What’s cooking?” she chuckled light at her little pun.

[[ Eiry:: Drinks Booth (Tag to KYOU) ]]

With a flare of his ethereal wings, the fire spluttering when he flapped them, Eiry beamed at the doctor, glad to see that he was smiling at his arrival. He quickly forgot about the bothersome huichol beside him and leaved over the booth table at Doctor Kyou, his face pinned up with a grin and his while mop of wispy hair in his eyes. "Brilliant!" he grinned, "Scribe my name in permanent black upon this paper, affix me to the rankings, paint my number in the margins! Good doctor, prithee, tell me where I may discover the paper with which I can secure my place in the competition."

And then, distracted by the question, the ghost Sigel gave a dramatic sag of his shoulders, slumping down onto the table so that his cheek rested on the surface, "Oh, woeful time," the raevan answered, "It seems that my good Isikoro and I arrived late and paid little heeding to the fact that there were games to play, we meandered and wasted away our time, til presently did I hear the whistle blow and all the raevans fly away from me. I wish to make new friends, for Isikoro demands it so, tells me, he does, that I am a 'home-body' and I believe him. This one is very lonely. Books are good friends, but Isikoro says I need more." And with that final proclamation, the sigel began to sink into and through the bar, until he realized he was halfway into the table, he lifted out and offered a grin to the doctor, his face wild, "But it will be fixed, good doctor, if I am to meet some willing friends today! So, direct me, steer my sail."

((Delia=Seashells (Roll 3/6 - Wentletrap) // Ebs=Drink Booth))

”You’re welcome.” she replied, happy he liked the stone. She knew it wasn’t much, but it would have to do for now as Ebby had explained a few times before that Christmas was a once a year thing and was a long time from coming again. Not that she knew the incubus well enough to get him anything, yet he’d gotten her something and it had worked out fine. But maybe if she got to know him better before hand, then she wouldn’t have to guess on a present for him later.

Cordelia was busy trying to lift herself up a little higher to keep her ribbon from being dragged and drowned by that devious ebbing when the other exclaimed joyously over his find. Quickly the snake flitted to his side and gazed adoringly at the white shell. Nose practically against it and eyes extremely wide, ”Wow! That is pretty!” There might have been a second in between thought and application before Delia was rapidly digging her hands near the area Laz found his shell. ”Maybe there’s more here!”

Her hopes wouldn’t be dashed this time as something white and spiral shaped peeked out at her from the wet sand. Giving a light squeal, Cordelia yanked the second wentletrap from its spot and gave a victorious laugh. “I got one! Look Laz!” she gushed as she held it up next to his. It was a little smaller than the Sigel’s, but it was indeed the same shell.

As uncharacteristic as the pun was, so was Ebony’s mood whenever she was out on the beach on a big, bright, beautiful day such as today. “Hmm, yes I suppose you’re right. Is there such a thing as sun intoxication?” she asked smiling warmly as one of her hands drifted over to grab a kabob. Everything looked delicious and knowing from experience, it most certainly would taste it as well. “Because if so, well then I don’t think I’ll be in any condition to drive home later.” She laughed before biting into the skewered veggies and meat. Mmmm, it was soooo good.

The Brit was certainly feeling more relaxed around the chef since their little chat sometime ago, yet having the beach did wonders in helping it along. Though a bit of that edge came back when her friend leaned in for a question or two. Blinking slow and looking over her shoulder back briefly at her selected spot on the sand and the few people still lingering nearby. Ebony chewed thoughtfully before swallowing and answering. “Yes, I’m having fun I suppose. Though I may have earned the ire of Yuurei’s brother.” Ebony shrugged, evidently not caring whether the blonde Aussie did indeed hate her. “But no matter, how are you? Is your whole family here? Are they having a good time? Oh by the way, these…” The purple haired Brit raised her half eaten kabob, “These are so good they ought to be illegal.”

((Oceanside 1/6))

Pasha stared at Varun for a long moment, lips parted ever so slightly. This was most definitely not what she expected. It had been the same way with Zul! The Sigel realized, slowly, that she needed to work harder on ignoring the bright, fearsome appearance of the new Raevans she was meeting. Varun seemed very kind!

Her little smile blossomed, and the Sigel dropped her eyes. "Thank you~" Melisande murmured, and pulled her little bucket in close. This wouldn't be bad at all!

She kept her eyes on the beach as she drifted along, long curls pulled across her face by the gentle breeze coming off the ocean. Pasha made sure Varun had plenty of space to look as well...there was a wide strip of sand dotted with curiosities, but she didn't wish to accidentally take something that could have been his!

Instead, Melisande paused when she noticed a dark curve in the sand. It might have simply been a rock, but she sank low and brushed the sand from it anyway. From the back, it looked like exactly that...a dark rock, crusted with dried sea foam. When she turned it over, though, the Sigel gasped with delight. It was a shell! Not just any shell, either. The tip of one slender finger traced the inside curve, watching the light slide over the dark rainbow reflection, like oil across water.

Pasha had never seen a mussel shell before, and didn't know what to call it...but she was excited to share her find with her partner. "Varun?" She said his name with only a little hesitancy, and offered the shell out on the flat of her hand. The way she held it made it clear he could take it from her, instead of just looking. "I found one! I...I think it's lovely!"

((Oceanside 2/6))

Melisande accepted the shell back shyly, her fingers curling lightly around it as Varun placed it back in her hand. She couldn't help but blush at his kind words, but the pink was impossible to see under the kiss of the sun across her fair cheeks. "Thank you!" She nodded at his question about the bucket, and placed her own shell away for safe keeping...just as something else unusual caught her eye.

She looked from the pale shape in the sand, to Varun, wondering if he saw it too. If it was on his side, she didn't want to take it from him! It seemed the Frei had found something else though, so she gently pulled the new shell from the sand. It was gorgeous! As lovely as the first, but in a much different way! The Sigel brought it closer to her face, marveling at the smooth cream color, and the delicate spires along the edge of the lace murex. It looked like a little castle! She'd held it up for Varun to see, and her eyes went wide. Where had he gone?

The sound of splashing drew her attention, and she stared at the Raevan at the waters edge. "You...you're all wet! What did you..."

Proudly, he held up his find. Pasha's eyes grew wide behind her sunglasses as she watched it wriggle and snap, dangling by one leg like a giant spider. Breath sucked into her like a great gasp...

...and the Muse screamed.

((Roll 1/6 - Piece of Paper
Oceanside - Anastacia
Popsicle Booth - Zeke))

She did in fact feel the Sigel staring at her and despite her "huffy" nature at the moment she still floated up as though she was being admired. That hadn't dimmed, for certain, but she still carried herself over; once more rubbing her arm like she had been out over by that jutting stone with the red-head though this time she was dragging her short nails along like she had an itch. She watched with that set neutrality as Rivener dug in the sand, found something...empty...and put it in the pail he had taken from Zeke's stand. So that's all this was? Toss things in a bucket? Solitaire had more of a challenge and that was just putting cards on cards! She could still do that though and - so long as she found some thing - they'd win. Right? Right.

She hovered near Rivener, casting her gaze around the area but her circumference brought up nothing. No need to linger, so the spider femme gave her large wings a flick and moved toward the ocean. Though the sun was still high the air was damp and cooler and she relished that and the feeling of the tingling backing off some. She could stay right here just fine, but then something caught her eye. It was tumbling in the in-and-out surf and even though the foam was a bubbling white, the whatever-it-was stuck out like a sore thumb. A hot pink sore thumb. Tugging her ribbon up to save it from getting soaked she floated out and aimed over the item before shooting one arm out to scoop a piece of paper from the water. It was slimy and more than damp so it was held gingerly between her thumb and pointer, carrying it back over to the Sigel and holding it out - water trickling from the southern most corner and making little circles on the dry sand.

"Bucket." She'd hang it over the rim. Even if it wasn't really all that pretty, and garbage honestly, maybe some time in the sun would help. Rivener had put that empty shell-thing in the bucket, so why not this? Besides, she always looked better dry - though she wasn't a fan of water or bathtubs all the same - so it'd be the same for this thing. Maybe. Nothing could compare to her in looks after all!

"I can very much forgive you." Back at the booth Zeke was still hugging Anita but he let her go after a moment more of hugging his friend. She was still young and it wouldn't surprise him if work or maybe some intended summer schooling had gobbled up her time, no worries to him. To the slap he rubbed his arm like his ward had, making a hiss through his teeth but all in jest. "I am!" And he turned his head, looking to introduce the Frei but saw she was instead far over yonder. His brows raised, puzzled by that given her waspish words a moment ago, but they fell as his eyes landed on the overturned bucket. Ah, not as easily as that.

"Her name is Anastacia." He righted the metal pail and swept a few of the fallen ice cubes off the table onto the sand on the opposite side. Two popsicles had also fallen and instead of putting them back in he took one in each hand though almost dropped them as Vyn's name was mentioned. "With Vyn?" She was the first he had told of the virus Raevan's existence. Though if they were getting along like Anita said...Maybe she had no clue Anya was who she was. Maybe he could better prepare if that was so - already he had seen Xiu and Vyn was most definitely here as well since Ethan had signed the Frei up. He should've seen this coming, really. He shook his head. Let that come when it came, but for now, he had some catching up to do as well as some reporting. His grin came back.

"I am!" Though his head followed Anita's gaze and found her dog. "Is that Tango?! He's a cute one! Oh, and popsicle?" He held both of them out - lemon in his right and raspberry in his left - letting Anita be the first to decide. While she chose he thought about what to say about her currently-growing Raevan. So much he could and yet so little thanks to that murky tank water. Ah, there was an idea already!

"Well, when I checked on the tank just last week, I got as close as I could to see if there was anything noteworthy," his expression shifted to one that declared he had a juicy bit of info and even though he was withholding it, it was all in play and would be out in the next breath. "And, if I'm not mistaken, it looks like you're going to have a boy-o on your hands." Tank neighbors for a few months and opposite genders to both themselves and their guardians. What a happenstance! He kept his gaze tight on Anita's face, watching, waiting, and wishing he had a camera right now.