vintage_magic | IC Mailbox for Holly Heights

[Lily had already taken a brief walk with Lion's sister to see if there really was a beach and returned now to see about getting some equipment to help complete the tasks. At least, there was still fishing equipment around from the time they had all gone fishing together.]

[But at the moment, she was contemplating the retro green bathing suit she'd bought because of the previous day's list. Did she dare actually wear it? It was getting awfully hot and it looked like she'd be on the beach for a while if she was going to get those tasks done...]

Huh. Did you get that task on your list too? Mine also said to catch a crab and play a beach sport. Although, I reckon this explains the bathing suit shopping from yesterday...

[She leaned over to read the paper in his hand. Fortunately, today's tasks seemed harmless...]

[Oh, he'd already stashed those pink shorts he'd bought somewhere for use at some point, but the task never noted that you had to WEAR them...]

I, too, am tasked with crab-catching and a beach sport. Do we even have beaches here?

[Nope, the list hadn't said they needed to wear the bathing suits. For that matter, it hadn't said the suits had to be for yourself either. Maybe, they should have bought each other a swimsuit since he'd probably prefer green over pink but it was too late now, wasn't it?]

We do now. I took a walk with Lion's sister to see if it was true and there's a beach on the outskirts of town now. The Landlord must be messing with his magic again.

I see. I think we've still got that fishing equipment. Any old fish from the sea ought do, yes?

[He tread for the supply closet, where he recalled the poles and tacklebox were last stored from their family picnic.]

I guess so. It didn't specify a species, just that it had to come from the ocean. But I hope we have better luck than the last time.

[Eagle had been the one to get most of the fish back then.]

We should bring a bucket too, I reckon. In case you want to keep the fish. And it might help with the crab.

Certainly. I'll load everything into the car, then. We can't let Makoto down, now can we?

You've spoken with him? He was looking for other folks on his team so I mentioned you'd gotten a pink keychain.

But all right. Let me get my keys and I'll be there in a few minutes. Some cool drinks too since it's been so dang hot out.

[And maybe she'd put on that bathing suit too...]

He contacted me a while back and urged me to participate. I decided I could perhaps give this game an honest try, so long as it doesn't interfere with my work preparations.

...And your birthday, of course.

Land sakes! With all these ridiculous things the Landlord's been trying to get us to do, I'd almost forgotten it was tomorrow!

[Then with a little blush...]

...Were you planning something for then?

[She wasn't used to much for her birthday. Graciela used to make her a cake but ever since she left Jarod, she'd mostly spent birthdays alone.]

Of course I am. A nameday is something cherished in my world, you see. It not only is a day dedicated to an individual, but... well...

[He shrugged with a helpless smile.]

Life is dreadfully short in a world wrought in warfare. To live year after year is quite a feat. Not that it means the same here, of course.

[He then dipped into a bow.]

It would be my pleasure to celebrate your nameday.

A nameday? Is that what they call birthdays in your world? When is yours anyway?

[He hadn't mentioned it, had he? But she supposed she could see his point about life being precious where he was from, just as lifespans were shorter in previous centuries.]

[But she's curious...]

Are you going to tell me what plans you've made or is it a surprise?

We feel it's more important that that is the day you were given your name rather than the day of one's birth, as birth mor-- ...hrm.

[Let's not talk about birth mortality rates!]

Goodness, that's a given, isn't it? I'd rather leave you on pins and needles~

Huh. Your folks didn't give you a name right away? So, what day do you celebrate? [She noticed he didn't answer that part and now she's teasing a bit...] Or are you afraid that if you tell me, I'll throw a surprise party when the time comes and invite the whole town?

I reckon I'll have to wait until tomorrow then. Unless I worm it out of you while we're fishing.

[It was enough that he answered immediately, rather than face the entire town.]

Ah- The 31st of October! I'll have you know my mother named me the evening after my birth.

[She can't help a little chuckle at how quickly he answered now. Was he that scared of the idea of a large party?]

October 31st? That's Halloween... [Would the holiday have existed where he came from?] But if that's the case, I reckon most folks would be going to the Halloween party.

Hallow-...?

It's a holiday that falls on October 31st, usually associated with things like ghosts, witches, and monsters. People dress up in costumes and children go trick-or-treating. Some also play pranks or try to scare other folks. Although I hope those dang skeletons don't come back this year...

It is the day where worlds are the closest to one another, both dead, spiritual and our own. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised in the pranking and scares.

...Skeletons, though, hm?

They appeared on everyone's lawns one day and just seemed to be Halloween decorations at first. But then a few days later, they came to life and tried to get into the house. And blasting the cotton-pickin' things off the lawn just made them multiply.

[She'd ended up with half a dozen before she gave up and settled for trying to keep them out of the house.]

Like a hydra... interesting.

Well, should it happen again, I might have a plan involving making some bony, undead friends...

I hear tell it wasn't the first time that they showed up at Halloween. But you can't be serious about that!

[Lezard, if you let those dang things into the house, she might have to consider kicking you out of bed again!]

[A short laugh.]

Ohh, but Lily! Just imagine how our dear host would enjoy some visitors. And by some, I mean 'as many as inhumanly possible'!

[She quirked an eyebrow at him.]

You want to make a skeleton army to send after the Landlord? I reckon that wouldn't work out easily when he seems to have made the darn things himself.

[He canted his head, that familiar grin about.]

My capabilities are doubted again! You'll find I can be quite versatile, and it's high time the Landlord was given a spoonful of his own concoction.

I'd agree with that last part. [Heck, she'd been tempted to hex the Landlord at times!] But I'm not so confident it won't backfire somehow.

IC Mailbox for Holly Heights

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