ercookies | TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.)

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N A V I G A T I O N

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"Then it is a good thing that I am wary of them and this new place." It's something that she'd decided when she'd first washed up on the shore. When the pain had been too much for her to really take due to the sand and waters that had seeped into the wound itself. She would not allow herself, not if she could help it, to be taken advantage of. Not by the place or the metal men.

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.

"It is a good precaution to take. Anything can happen here and it is best to know that from the onset."

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.

If anything they could get to know one another while in this strange place.

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."

Ah, but that was the difference between rambunctious siblings and a calmer brother-in-law. Jin Guangyao grew up cooking in the kitchens in the brothels and found himself to be doing a lot of it here, his housemate also enjoyed cooking so he expected that he was going to have to use his next square to expand the size of his kitchens.

"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."

"Well, I really like them."

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?"

"I am glad."

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."

"Now you've got A-Xuan and friends, as well as pets," she says smiling. Friends were a good thing to have. Though, Yanli would probably say that she was content, as it was, having her husband and brother-in-law.

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."

"I'm very fortunate indeed. All one could hope for is good friends, family, and pets. People to love and people who love you. I wish things could have been that simple back home." he was happy with his life these days, and welcoming Yanli into it would just add to it. His mind was already working on what extensions to add to their little cottage, he had squares to spare.

"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."

"Unfortunately, I'm not sure things could be that simple back home. However, we're here now. So, if we gain the simplicity here, then it's worth it. Isn't it?" She counters. Their home lives had never been simple. Political dealings, wars... There was nothing simple about any of that.

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.

"I know. It is. Being able to live a life I couldn't have is worth it if it brings happiness." He began to eat thoughtfully. Both the food and the company to enjoy it with were wonderful. It was more he could ask for in this life. His last one included a desperate climb to the top which promised safety and an iota of respect but at the end of it, this was all he wanted.

"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."

"As long as you're making sure that your happiness comes first, A-Yao," she states softly. As long as he was the happiest he could be, then it was worth it. That wasn't to say he couldn't focus on the happiness of others, but he needed to make sure his happiness came first.

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.

For some reason, the words she spoke brought a sheen of tears to his eyes. He tried to blink then away, but his hands trembled a bit with the chopsticks he held.

"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."

Her own chopsticks are set down and she reaches over the stone table and places a hand over one of his trembling hands, giving it a firm but gentle squeeze.

"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."

This gentle kindness was enough to make the tears spill from him. He did cry so much easier these days. He wasn't used to this kind of care. He was slowly learning that there were people who loved him and look out for him but it had been a long and hard battle.

"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.

Yanli gives his hand another squeeze when she sees those tears. Luckily, for the both of them, she knew the difference between tears spilt. She understands that sometimes, just sometimes, a kindness can cause a person to ache. To cry. She doesn't, however, make a fuss over it. The last thing she'd want to do was embarrass him.

Family was everything. She would make sure that he could have that from her, he already had it from Zixuan.

A soft smile," Of course, A-Yao, I would like that." She does, however, give a slight nod of thanks when he serves a bit more. "Thank you."

That was fine if he didn't know what to say. They could sit in companionable silence, content with each other's company and good food.

Jin Guangyao was grateful to her. Nie Mingjue had pointed out to him that the onset of his tears these days were like the ones of soldiers after a battle. He was here and had been focused on healing. He allowed them to come as they would.

He ate in silence for a while, just enjoying the sun and being in the presence of family. He looked forward to the dinners they would make and share with the rest of the household. It felt like family.

"Are there any dishes that are your favorite Saozi? While you are healing, I would love to make things that will help."

There was nothing wrong with tears, even when a person was happy. Anyone who dared to say otherwise would not like the outcome. Hopefully, no one was stupid enough to mess with her family.

This was nice. They'd have to drag her husband out with them the next time they did this. However, she's also content with it just being the two of them, as well.

"You mean other than what I'm eating now?" She asks watching him. "Maybe some laziji. Bao is always good. A-Yao, how many of our dishes does this place have? Also, we'll have to see about hawthorn and mooncakes."

He would love to drag Jin Zixuan out for a nice family meal as well. Perhaps once she had settled more he could share stories of their child, how he grew up. He wanted to share with them the years they had missed. He missed Jin Ling, something fierce but would never want him here. She would be so proud of the young man he had grown up to be. He certainly had her kindness.

"That would be lovely. I can make that. I already have bao prepared. It is an easy breakfast on days I work so I make them in the evenings.

Not that I have found as of yet, but I can certainly look into asking for the ingredients if they aren't available. I have a lot of unused squares so if there is anything we need I can ask the diety."

They would just have to do that, at some point. The three of them out for a family meal. Something to do. Or, maybe they'd just have to do that every couple of weeks or so. Make it strictly a family thing.

"Don't put yourself through too much hassle if they're not available, A-Yao. I'm sure that we'd be able to find something suitable," she states with a slight smile. The idea of the diety was still interesting to her, even if she wasn't sure that she wanted to find out much more about it, not yet.

"Let me know if you need any help, though. I know I'm healing, but you're right. I'll get restless if I'm not helping in some manner."

"I know. We can explore what they do have and make substitutions if we need to." he smiled softly, he would leave it to her husband to explain the particulars of this place and what is required of them here. It was not his place to.

"Of course. I can find things for you to do to help, or even things if you wished to occupy yourself. And please let me know if you need any help, getting settled in, or just to talk. I've resided here for nearly four months so I am fairly acclimatized and I would be happy to help my family."

They would do what they could with what this place gave them. If that meant that they had to substitute things, then so be it. No matter what it would still be good. They knew what they were doing in the kitchen. If they found something unfamiliar... well, they could easily figure out what it was or what it was used for.

"Anything would work, A-Yao, as long as I'm not just sitting idly by," she tells him with a soft smile. "I'll let you know if I need help." Unlike her younger brothers she had no problems asking for help, if and when needed.

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TDM 015: IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PARADISE

00. Arrival

I. Beach Episode

II. Sand Sport

III. Graciously Given Gifts

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LOL typo orz

Ooops! lol

This thread is so soft. Thank yooou!

♥

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