![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE
| TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE |
00. Arrival You come out of the water, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy drawing people in. It's like being suspended between realities and abruptly pushed from behind through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you to the surface and carrying you to shore. Waterlogged and covered in sand, new arrivals will be greeted by robots who welcome them with towels and bracelet devices. The A5 card is already loaded up. If you don’t manage to get away from them quickly enough, they may even usher you toward the Laid Bare Spa, where new arrivals will be offered free massages, a sauna, hairstyling, and their clothing may come up permanently missing. But you will be given a complimentary towel to leave with if needed! Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see beyond what arrivals before you have helped to rebuild. Most of the buildings are abandoned and in dire need of repair, and beyond the city lingers a thick fog that obscures much of the wilderness from view. Wander too far into this fog, and you will find yourself mysteriously looping back to where you began, your memories of what you were doing and how you got there erased. With that in mind, it may be wise to stake your claim on a place to live in the now, whether a rundown apartment in the City, a tent on the beach, a bed in the barracks, or your own space at the House of Worship. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. I. Beach Episode Welcome to your beautiful and sunny island paradise, Erku! ...wait, it's sunny? That's right! For about two weeks, the Island will enjoy unusually warm and clear weather, just perfect for enjoying the cool waters of the beach. Don't swim out too far, however, lest you stray into hazardous choppy waters or get lost in the fog that still lingers beyond the peaceful cove. Just stay close, and you're golden! Once again, friendly robots have erected beachside food stalls for grilling fish and crabs, and encourage any enterprising Islanders to help hawk foods for credits. If gutting and cleaning fish isn't your forte, however, never fear. The robots are recruiting for a very important task! You see, they have very thoughtfully set up swimming and snorkeling lessons for any Islanders who are doubting their skills at staying afloat, or who just want to have some fun in the waves. There is only one complication: the robots are too heavy to swim. Enter, you! Earn credits by instructing your fellow Islanders in the marvels of the ocean. Not just swimming and snorkeling, but also fishing, clam digging, and sand castle art - among other things - are valuable skills you can sell. II. Sand Sport For the more competitive sort, the robots of Erku are happy to share a bit of culture from the planet's ancient past: wet sand wrestling! Volunteers (or any innocent Islander roped off the beach by an enthusiastic 'bot) don their skimpiest swimwear and duke it out for dominance in the wet sand by trying to throw their opponent outside of a ring. Knock-outs count as an automatic lose, so be careful! Oh, and no worries if you aren't particularly strong. Before the match, competitors are offered a a special drink - simply named "The Creamy" - an ancient recipe which is said to temporarily increase your strength and vitality. One shot of this, and anyone could take on Goliath! (And not just in a fight.) By the way… those who lose the competition are mysteriously compelled to accompany the victor for the day, waiting on them hand and foot, anticipating and fulfilling their needs before they are spoken. Did the 'bots forget to mention that? III. Graciously Given Gifts While swimming in the nude is completely acceptable on the Island, the robots know that many residents still (for some reason) value their modesty. That is why they are happy to encourage beachside revelry and communion by making sure scanty swimwear is readily available to Islanders who are in need of something to cover up with - while still showing off your assets, of course. Islanders may purchase for themselves, but they are especially encouraged to gift swimwear to their fellow Islanders... in fact, any swimwear to be given as a gift is free! Not only is it a lovely gesture to let a friend or lover know you appreciate their body, but also, swimwear received as a gift is said to be very good luck in wet sand wrestling competitions. Naturally, the robots are sensitive to the emotional needs of their organic charges, and thus they wouldn't want any new, recent, or less personable arrivals to the Island to feel left out for not receiving gifts. That's why some Islanders will find surprise swimsuits in pretty gift wrap sitting on their literal or metaphorical doorstep… addressed with love from a random Islander! With thoughtfully written messages included, of course, usually complimenting the recipient's figure in graphic and/or poetic terms. If you have any manners, surely you'll find these mystery admirers and thank them for the lovely gift! (If you're really a person of culture, maybe you'll even show it off for them.) N A V I G A T I O N |
no subject
"This place is strange. Sometimes people from different places show up or from different times in their lives.
You or a version of you was here before and we had met. Apparently, there was a version of me here once before. Though I have no memory of it. And it is strange for me not to be able to recall something." he offered her a kind smile it was so much to take in. He did not wish to overwhelm her.
"I am Jin Ziyao, though you would know me as Jin Guangyao, if you had met me after the war. Though I suspect I look different than the Jin Guangyao you recall. My Ge-ge has told me a little bit about it." he chewed his lower lip in nervous thought.
"I hope that I am not being too forward, but you look a bit pained. Is there something I can do to assist?"
no subject
He did look different from the Jin Guangyao that she knew. However, that didn't change that he was family. That he was brother to her husband. Some of this place was still strange, though. More so than she could possibly imagine. As long as she had Zixuan, though, she'd be fine.
"No, A-Xuan's done everything that he can for the injury. I'm not sure anything else can be done for it."
no subject
"I'm glad he had taken care of it.
In that case, May I offer you some lunch? I had packed away some pork bao I had made earlier for my excursions out and I usually carry enough to share. Or if you like we can go back to the cottage and I can cook you a Yunmeng style meal. Sometimes having food from home is nice and welcome when you are far from it.
Though I suspect home is wherever Ge-ge is." he added with a small smile.
no subject
"I'm not ready to go back home just yet, so I will happily take lunch with you," Yanli tells him with a soft smile. He wasn't, however, wrong. Home was where Zixuan was. She had no intentions of staying away from her husband.
That soft smile only brightens at the mention of the Yunmeng style meal," I will take you up on that. Only if you'll allow me to make you a proper Lotus Root and Pork Rib soup." Even her brothers would tell anyone that no one could make it the way that she did.
no subject
"Well, Ge-ge and I live together so that complicates it a little bit, but I can understand if you are feeling like being out. The sun and fresh air are rather lovely. If you like I can set out lunch for us by the pond outside." he said amicably. His room was in the far left of the house and when he moved from Koi Tower recently, Zixuan had come with him. The cottage was so much cozier than Koi Tower was but it was theirs. A place they could separate themselves from what social expectations were and just try and grow into themselves.
"I heard tell of this Pork and Lotus soup, Jiang Wanyin used to tell me about it. I do make some for Ge-ge occasionally but it really is nothing to compare to yours. I would be so happy to taste it after you heal. However, in the meantime, how do hot noodles and steamed fish sound? I know I don't need to hold back on the spice. I don't know if you know...I grew up in Yunmeng as well."
no subject
When had her baby brother told him about her soup? It didn't matter, but having someone else know about it did amuse her. "I will happily make it for you and A-Xuan both once I'm better," she tells him.
"Hot noodles and steamed fish sound good, and no. You don't have to hold back the spice." Most who lived or grew up in Yunmeng could handle their spices, even if her XianXian tended to like a far more amount of it. "I did not know that, no. At least that means whatever dishes I make, you might well know."
no subject
He smiled warmly and offered her a hand, to take before he began to lead her back to the cottage.
"That sounds lovely, I'll do my best to procure the ingredients for you in advance. I'm glad.
Yes, in Yunping. I lived there until I was almost fifteen.
I have to admit that I get a bit homesick myself, and I would love to learn them better. It is good to have someone I can share that with. There is a lotus lake here, we can make a trip once you feel better. The way this place works is that if you comply with the diety, you can bring pieces of home back. Nie Huaisang brought the unclean realms and I had added Koi Tower as well.
I don't know who brought lotus lake, it was before my time."
no subject
Taking his hand she rises from her seat, letting him lead them back towards the cottage. "You don't have to, but I would appreciate it." No, she could always see about finding the ingredients herself, but she wouldn't stop him if he wished to find ingredients for her.
"Well, if you want, I will teach any of them to you that you wish. I don't mind." Listening to him, she gives a soft hum," I see. I will keep that in mind, then." Even if she's not sure what this diety would even have them do. Yanli had been too caught up in the reunion to pay any heed to the bracelet on her wrist.
no subject
"I'm happy to help in any way I am able. Sourcing food can be a bit difficult here. Anything that the metal men provide is bound to be laced. I can see about hunting some boar. Ge-ge can also probably help. He is good at hunting. And would probably enjoy it.
Thank you. I would love to learn. Of course. take your time. Healing is the most important thing for you right now. That and getting your bearings."
The cottage came into view, and he lifted a peony token to allow the both of them through the wards. Once they arrived in the gardens, he led her to a spot with a stone table and offered to assist her to sit.
"If you relax here, I can go get lunch ready for us. I had pre-prepared some things so it shouldn't take too long. Is that alright Jin Furen?"
no subject
She can't help but give a smile. He was almost as bad as her husband was when it came to talk of healing. "Yes, I know. A-Xuan is very adamant about that too. He doesn't want me doing too much, and I know he's there if I ever need help." Getting her bearings about her was going to take a little time, but not as much time as healing would. A few days wouldn't heal a gash as bad as the one she had.
When they do get to the cottage she finally takes it all in. When her husband had first brought her to it, it had been a fast paced walk, and hard emotions. Tears, heartache, and happiness.
Sitting down at the stone table, that smile brightens a little and she gives a soft hum, taking in the sights around her before eyes land back on him," That's perfect."
no subject
"I understand. Ge-ge loves you very much. And I do also understand that someone as kind and used to caring for others as you are would find it hard. I know I would have a hard time sitting still if I were injured. Perhaps I can set up some cooking preparations you can do while sitting down so that you don't get too restless." he spoke softly and gently. He knew he could be just as fussy with people he cared about as his elder brother. They fussed over one another fairly often, taking heart in the relationship they were denied in life.
He let go of her hand as she sat. "Alright, I'll be back soon with some tea and hot food." with that he had disappeared into the cottage, in his absence two dogs, a golden retriever, and a small chihuahua who ran up to greet her, tails wagging.
no subject
Yanli is sure that everyone who grew up in Yunmeng got restless far too easily. "I'm sure that would help us both out. I won't get restless and you'll have help where the cooking preparations are concerned." They could easily help one another out on that one without much fuss. It would also keep her husband appeased too.
"Alright," she tells him softly, eyes looking over when the two dogs approach her. Offering her hand, she can't help the bright smile," A-Xuan didn't mention you two beauties. Who are you, hm?" It reminded her of the dogs that her little brother had before he was made to get rid of them.
no subject
His smile was warm. He wished that he was allowed to get to know this sister-in-law of his better when he was back home. His brother and sister-in-law were the only ones back then who were kind to him in the nightmare that was Koi Tower. He had grieved at thier loss and vowed to do his best to raise their child. He made mistakes he did. Unforgivable ones and yet his Ge-ge forgave him. His expression was soft.
"I think it sounds like a wonderful plan. And one I would greatly enjoy. Cooking with you would be fun."
The pups were very friendly and demanded cuddles as soon as she gave them attention. When Guangyao returned a bit later with a large tray of steaming food he laughed at the scene.
"These two are a pair of spoiled brats. The big one is potato. The little one is Noodle. I hope they haven't annoyed you too much." he laughed settling the food down.
no subject
It's amusing, in a way, to hear him say that cooking with her would be fun. She's sure that Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian would not say the same. Then again, it didn't bother her. They had other matters to attend to. In this place? Those matters wouldn't really come into play, not from what she could see. If it did, she'd deal with that bridge later.
"Potato and Noodle," she states before giving a laugh of her own. "No, they're not annoying aunt Yanli at all. They're adorable and obviously well loved."
no subject
"I'm glad. They seem to really like their kind and gentle Auntie." he settled the tray down and began serving the tea as well as the Noodles. He passed some utensils to her as he sat. "They are good dogs, I found them when it was raining terribly and brought them back with me. They have brought us a lot of joy and solace since then. But they love to beg for food. My housemate, Persephone had a dog as well, but he is an interesting type of dog who can change size."
no subject
She knew all too well that dogs, of any sort, were bound to beg for scraps. It helped that, at one point, her brother had three of them. However, the poor dogs would not get anything from her. Not when she's sure they had their own food.
"At least you were able to give them a proper home," she tells him, taking the utensils. "Had a dog?" That made it sound like something had happened to the poor thing. "Anything like the spiritual animals of home? Or is or was this dog more interesting than that?"
LOL typo orz
He smiles softly looking at them affectionately. "I'm glad for that. At the time I was alone here, no one I knew was here the first few weeks asides from a friend and an acquaintance. They brought me a lot of comfort. I had never had a pet before..." A-Ling did have a dog that he had gifted him, and he helped care for her when he could but seeing the boy smile with his pet was something he loved remembering.
"Has", he unfortunately misspoke. "Cerberus. I think closer to a spiritual dog than a normal one. He seems to shift and change his size at will. It was very alarming at first but I've grown accustomed to his oddity. My friend is the goddess of Spring, so her having a strange dog is not something too odd I think. That is another thing about this place. There are all kinds of people here. Divine or not."
Ooops! lol
When he corrects himself she merely nods. Cerberus. The name alone sounded powerful. Just the idea of a dog being able to shift and change size was a bit frightening. Luckily, she didn't frighten that easy. "So gods walk the grounds?" That was something that she'd need to get used to.
"If our cultivators can reach immortality, I guess that's really no different than having the divine walk where we do." Her focus turns toward the food and she gives him a smile after a bite of it," This is good."
This thread is so soft. Thank yooou!
"They do. I have met a few, Persephone who I'm certain you'll meet, and several others who are from our culture. They seem to live normal lives, though probably in need of new worshippers.
That is indeed true. There are a few masters here who have reached it, and others from our world as well. People you may know the names of but is slightly different like me." at her compliment he beamed. The joy was apparent on his face.
"Thank you. It is a good complement if a master of the art as yourself thinks so. This one was my Mama's recipe. She would make this on special occasions. It is one of my favorites."
♥
It was interesting to find out that immortals were within the city walls too. The divine, immortals, and who knew what else was out there. That seemed pretty amazing, in her book. People she may or may not know didn't bother her. She'd treat them as civilly as she did anyone else.
That apparent joy gets a smile out of her," I can see why it's one of your favorites. I might need you to make this for me more often." As it was his mother's recipe she would not ask for it. Some things, as it were, should be held close to one's heart.
no subject
"I would be happy to. It is really wonderful to have someone I don't have to hold back the spice with. I would have some every time I would visit Yunmeng on business, I would book an extra day every time." he laughed softly.
"How are you settling in? I can imagine this place is very different than what we are used to back home."
no subject
The mention of the spices, however, gets a bit of a laugh out of her," We might have to just make extras then. That way when we cook, we can have as much spice as we please, and whoever is dining with us doesn't have to worry about losing their tongue or lips."
"As well as to be expected. A-Xuan helps quite a bit in this strange place, and now I've got you. I'm sure it won't be long before I settle in a bit more fully." As for the place, itself, "It's vastly different, but I'll get by just fine."
She was born a Jiang, after all. Their motto would always be Attempt the Impossible. Something that she'd manage to do at all costs.
no subject
"I...I'm trying to learn how. I must admit that it took Ge-ge to point out how I tend to break myself for others to see it. It was one of the reasons I moved here to this little cottage. I'm trying to learn what makes me happy, and so far it is small things like gardening and cooking." he had spent a lifetime in service of others, breaking himself for people over and over.
He snapped at the end of it, even here. 'Springtime Radience' was a sanctuary.
"I know that you will. I have always admired your strength and determination." perhaps it was another thing those who were born by the rivers had in common. That adaptability.
"That sounds like a good plan, so far I just make hot oil to douce my own dinner with but I'm used to making a variety of meals suited for different diets."
no subject
"You have me and A-Xuan to remind you, A-Yao. If someone wants you to break for them, just for your happiness, then they will deal with me," she tells him softly. She might not seem like much on the outside, but when it came to family she could be the fiercest out there.
However, at the mention of the other small thing that makes him happy, she nods," I'm sure that your garden will flourish too." She had no doubts about that.
She doesn't comment about her strength and determination, merely smiles at the words. To let him know that she heard him," Well, no more of that. From now on, A-Yao, we will cook double. One batch for us Yunmeng children and another for those who can't handle our spices."
no subject
"O-Okay."
He nodded quietly, looking down. He was so grateful for his brother and his sister-in-law. Family meant a lot to him. It was what was denied to him over and over and he yearned for it so desperately. He wiped his face with a sleeve.
"M-May I call you Saozi?" he asked in a small voice.
"Alright. I would like that a lot. Thank you." he moved to serve her a bit more, refilling her tea. He didn't know what to say in the face of such kindness.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)