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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 |
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So, she waits and gives a bit of a nod once he actually tells her what he needs. Though, the idea of the metal men stealing clothing bothers her. That could have been her if Zixuan hadn't been around, she's sure. Luckily, her husband had been there upon arrival.
"I will see what I can find. Though, I cannot guarantee it will be to your liking."
However, she's sure he won't care as long as it covers him up.
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But no, now was not the time to lose his cool. Not around the only person who seemed to be willing actually to help. "It could be a sheet for all I care. Just please hurry."
He really was beginning to get quite cold now that the ocean breeze was starting to come inland.
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She gives a slight bow before turning to leave him in his stall for a short time. This place? It was not one that she was familiar with. Luckily, there were vendors around the beach. Even a little place to get clothing if needed.
Once she has the articles of clothing, even if she didn't see how anyone would wear such things, she returns back to him and gets, at least, close enough to hand them to him before stepping back away and turning her back so he could make himself decent. Even if the stall was in the way.
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It was tedious, figuring out how the clothing of this world worked. It was nothing like the billowing robes and tied sashes he had once worn so normally. But it would do. Doing his best to get together what he could of the wardrobe before finally emerging from his place behind the stand with a sigh.
The outfit was frumpled and not the closest fit to his own tall fit frame, but it was most certainly fine for how quickly she had retrieved it.
"You have my thanks," Despite his words, his tone seemed to hold a blasé air about it. His head turned away as he did his best to observe his surroundings. He had been in a rush to hide without looking where he was going, after all.
But after a moment, he finally did acknowledge her. Looking her over with curiosity.
"I believe I owe you, yes?"
She certainly seemed more like someone who would be from his own world than any place here. It couldn't help but make him wonder how similar their origins may have been.
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When she does finally turn, she gives a soft smile. "It wasn't a problem." Despite the blase air to his tone, it hadn't been a problem to gather clothing for him. Sure, the pain in her upper back had made itself known, but it wasn't going to get in her way of helping someone.
"You owe me nothing. You needed help and I gave it. I need nothing in return."
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Stopping just a foot away as to offer a deep bow towards her in respect.
"I've been stuck there for hours. And if it weren't for you, I probably would have been stuck there for hours more. Please let me show my gratitude for your aid."
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She gives him a soft smile," I am glad that you are no longer stuck. Knowing that you are safe and can go about your day without anymore problems, hopefully, is gratitude enough." She's wasn't, after all, one for material things.
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Regardless, she was acting quite respectfully. More so than most of the other women he had come to pass by in this land who seemed to behave more like certain ghouls in a certain temple that he had seen not too long past.
What a horrid shameless place this was.
Gulping back, he stood up straight, keeping his head nodded in understanding. He could not force her into matters of repayment after all.
"If that is the case, then I owe you my thanks to all the more. It is not often you come across a person with such courtesy," He lifted his head, making eye contact with her as he continued. "Are you new to this place by chance? I don't mean to be rude, but you do seem to stand out amongst the others here."
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A soft smile is given to him at the question," New enough." Possibly by a day or so, long enough to be with her husband and be somewhat content with this strange place. Even if she was still learning quite a bit about it.
"I have found that there are many here who seem to stand out." That, however, did not bother her. Nor did she really think she stood out. "From what my husband tells me there are those that come from different times and places. Sounds a bit silly, I know, but it's why some of us stand out among others."
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Even if he unknowingly has already been behaving that way."It's more, well, the matters of this land and people's behaviors within it, I suppose."
Wow. Even saying that much felt like an improper turn of conversation to have with someone so elegant and poised.
"That is, the proclivities of this land make anyone who dresses properly, unfortunately, stand out like a sore thumb."
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A soft smile is given despite the words.
"I have found if you venture out there are others who dress properly, though they are few and far between. Closer to the beach, where we are, that's where the clothing is improper." However, most of the modern wear looked a bit improper to her.
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Not that he could talk, given his current situation. These strange new clothes looked just as ridiculous on him as he imagined they would.
"It's still a bit odd to me. I understand the concept of different dress and wardrobe to fit the environment. And perhaps if this were separated by gender it would make more sense," As if they had turned the beachside into one large bathing area. Although bathing in saltwater was strange as well. "But having simply everyone running around the shoreline like that--"
He cut back, remembering that it was best he keep his tone polite.
"Perhaps I am just having a difficult time adjusting to such a place. I know we've only just met but I can't help but already finding myself wishing I had your level of patience with all of this."
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There were some things that people wore on the beach, that she's seen so far, that made her cheeks go pink. No one back in Yunmeng would wear something like that. No one back home, at all, would wear something like that. Their bodies stayed covered.
At the mention of her level of patience, she gives him a warm smile," My patience stems from having two brothers. When you have brothers you learn to be a bit more patient where things are concerned, no matter how strange they are."
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Truthfully growing up there required an entirely different type of patience. A type he couldn't adhere to no matter what.
"I suppose when I think of it, it's inevitable in that sort of atmosphere that I'd end up with some reservations to things like this..."
Man, how much did spending half his life in Gusu Lan actually mess him up?
It just reminds him how grateful he is that he left.
"Oh, right, we have yet to introduce ourselves, have we? My name is Su Minshan, founder of the Moling Su Sect." With that, he gave another formal bow of respect.
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"Perhaps, in time, you won't have reservations about this place. Though, that's not to say if you do that you can't keep those reservations and hold them close to you."
Any one place could truly teach a person reservations if not careful, when it came to something like this. Or to being a bit more open minded.
She gives her own bow, eyes on him for a moment," Jiang Yanli of Lotus Pier, Yunmeng Jiang Sect." He didn't need to know that her husband was Jin Zixuan of the Lanling Jin Sect, after all, her A-Xuan wasn't with her at the moment.
Aww, here we go lol
Su She remaining bowed low as he felt the words sink in. Jiang Yanli from Lotus Pier? As in the Jiang Yanli who was related to Sect Leader Jiang Cheng? The Jiang Yanli who was practically family with that damned Wei Wuxian?
The Jiang Yanli who was courted to Jin Zixuan. Mother of Jin Ling?!
The Jiang Yanli who was the married-in sister to his Jin Guangyao...
... Oh gods, he felt a little sick.
He had never in all his years ever run across her in person. Despite all the time each of them had spent in Koi Tower. After all, they were both from very different worlds provided by the same sect.
Well, if he was able to show up here it made sense that people like her would also appear but-- He could genuinely feel the guilt churning in his gut.
He knew it was all circumstatial at best, but he also knew all too well what part he played.
"I see..." Standing up, he did his best to keep presentable. But his expression was strained, his eyebrows slightly knotted together as he gave a forced smile. "Well then, it is an absolute pleasure Jiang Yanli of Lotus Pier."
She was gone before Moling Su sect had been funded. Perhaps there was still a safe way out of this.
Uh oh. lol
"And yet, Su Minshan of the Moling Su Sect, your expression says otherwise. So, I kindly ask why such an expression would grace you when we do not know one another."
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"Does it now?" Damn his expressive features. Damn his inability to get away with a lie. And most of all, damn his inability to act even at the most important of times. How often were his own actions going to be the end of him?
(The answer is, quite obviously, repeatedly and many.)
"Ahah, so sorry. It is not as if I mean any offence to you, its just--" Quick! Think of something! A half-truth maybe? Just because one knows a lot doesn't mean one has to reveal everything. "I suppose you can say that this land makes things confusing. It is a pleasure to officially meet you Jiang Yanli. But just because we have not met does not mean I do not know of you."
He sighed out, standing up straight.
"It seems we may be from the same land in the same world."
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Yanli wasn't entirely sure what to think of Su Minshan, at the moment. That expression had not been a good one. The way he was acting, on top of it, reminded her of others that she'd run into back home. Those hadn't been good experiences either.
"The only way that you would know of me is either through my brothers or my husband, and I have never had any of them speak of you. So, how do you know me, Sect Leader Su Minshan?"
He might say that the land makes things confusing, but she didn't see it that way. Even with having her husband alive again.
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He had doubts that they would have mentioned him even if they did remember him.
"Perhaps it's better that I rephrase myself," He sighed out. Trying his best to think of how and where to start with it all. Really, a part of him just wished to flee, to vanish entirely from this conversation and never look back. But considering they were both stuck on this island, he knew it would come back to bite him. Just as everything always had. "I have run across both your brothers and your husband many times. And although they know of me, we are not necessarily close. I am only a minor sect leader in comparison to a great family such as your own. But more than that... I feel that they would not have mentioned me because we come from different points in time."
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"What is it you have against my brothers and husband?"
When he does rephrase himself, she listens. Something didn't feel like it was adding up and she wasn't entirely sure what. However, she does give a slight hum at that last part.
"How did you run across them exactly? As for the different points in time, that maybe so for my husband, but I didn't say that my brothers were here for it to be true for them." Maybe she'd ask her husband if he knew who Su Minshan was. Or maybe she'd even ask A-Yao, she hadn't quite decided yet.
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"Looking back, it's a bit surreal. Especially meeting you in person like this. But your family wouldn't have told you much of me during your time because I was nothing more than a cultivator in training—a student under the Gusu Lan sect, to be precise. I did attend cloud recess with your brothers and husband and grew up around the same age at the same time, but I was far too below their standing to be known by them.
Wei Wuxian did save my life a few times over, though. Although that feels like such a long time from my perspective."
That was back when he respected the man. Back before everything went wrong.
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"I was in Cloud Recesses for a short time," she states simply. So, why hadn't she seen or heard of him? That was very suspicious. Though, she hadn't been there as long as her brothers had been. That was also around the time that her brother had gotten in trouble due to his fight with her future husband too.
She shakes her head," A-Xian never saw anyone below his standing." Her baby brother, Jiang Cheng, might have been a different story back then. She does, however, give a soft smile to that last part.
"A-Xian would rather have those around him safe, so I'm not surprised."
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"He one said something later in life like 'all my life I saw myself as a prodigy, a big deal'. That left quite an impact on me. I was never fond of people who saw themselves above others. But regardless, he saved me. And for that, I could respect him a bit."
Wei Wuxian could have left him to die in that lake. Almost everyone else was planning to. His feelings about Wei Wuxian were complicated.
"So neither of your brothers have once told you about their adventures in Caiyi town?"
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In fact, that sounded absolutely nothing like her little brother. Perhaps it was later on in life then. She does know that things had drastically changed for them all. Things had become pretty messed up. It was something that she didn't want to think about.
However, at the mention of Caiyi Town, she shakes her head," No. Neither of them mentioned anything about Caiyi Town. What happened in Caiyi Town?" One couldn't just say that and not expect someone to not want an answer.
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