BOND-Y BEACH

[grimpa]

Who: Eliza, Fang and interested parties
When: Day 21, morning
Where: The beach

[Remember on Day 12 when we got back actually-pretty beaches and actually-safe shallows? WELL. Today there's a mass message from one of your resident cute Thymes on ChainChat!]

Eliza: hi hi hi!
Eliza: Do you know how to swim? 🏊🌊
Eliza: Do you want to learn how?? Knowing how to swim is great for fun and saftey 🐠
Eliza: Meet us on the beach for lessons today 🏖️

[If you decide to follow up on that and head in that direction, or are just out on the beach for other reasons, you'll find Eliza (in a cute two-piece) and Fang (in boring black board shorts, but check those hella scars) hanging out along the shoreline, a bottle or two of sunscreen and Thyme-colored towels at their feet! If you pass close enough you may be greeted by a friendly wave or a business-like nod.]

Did you want to participate in our swimming lessons?

Comments

[grimpa]

...Your hat should help as well, outside of the water.

[desirestruth]

That's why I bought it.

[She's considering the water problem, though. What she needs is a submersible hat, clearly.]

This might be tricky...

[grimpa]

There should be enough for at least your face and shoulders. Is it a serious concern?

[I don't know anything about not-vampires]

[desirestruth]

It's uncomfortable and I might fall asleep, but it shouldn't be too bad. But this may not help with my weakness, so I'd rather save it for people who need it.

[grimpa]

Fall asleep? In the water?

[desirestruth]

Not in the water, no, but on the beach, it's highly likely. Sunlight makes me sleepy.

[grimpa]

[oh. relaxes a little.]

So an inconvenience, but not a safety risk. If you start feeling too weak, we can escort you back to the train.

[desirestruth]

That's probably not a bad idea.

[She does seem to be considering this.] I'll probably be pretty easy to carry, worst case.

[grimpa]

[but you're half naked]

[I guess we could like wrap you up in a towel]

[kind of glances away awkwardly, but nods]

...Yes, but we should try to prevent it from coming to that.

[desirestruth]

Oh, certainly, that'd be ideal.

[she meant in her jackal form but forgot to give context clues or that most people don't know she can do that.]

[grimpa]

Then, be sure to let us know if you're feeling unwell. Part of the point of this exercise is safety, after all.

[desirestruth]

Fair enough. Don't fret over it too much in the meanwhile, though.

[grimpa]

Very well. You said that you thought you remembered how? The first step is mostly just learning to float without assistance.

[desirestruth]

I remember everything, but some of my regular skills went away, so...

[Well, she'll go wade out into the water, let's find out...]

[grimpa]

[wades out with her, but keeping a respectful distance]

I see. I didn't think about people losing mundane skills as well. That would be frustrating.

[desirestruth]

I don't really know what the deciding factor is, in what gets lost...I can't help but feel it's still less frustrating then amnesia.

[She seems to be doing okay at the floating thing, though.]

[grimpa]

The difference between knowing what you're missing and not knowing what you had... They're both unpleasant. This and carpentry are the only things I've remembered of my own skills, so far.

You're doing well.

[desirestruth]

Thank you.

[...She's just gonna enjoy floating here for a bit.]

Carpentry, huh?

[grimpa]

[nods]

I'm not sure if it was my trade or not. I remember making a crib, so it must have been a gift or commission for someone else.

[desirestruth]

Seems like it would be a nice way to relieve stress...and you could probably teach it to people, couldn't you?

[grimpa]

I could, if anyone had the interest. I'm planning on buying myself some tools once I have enough Sparks set aside for emergencies.

[desirestruth]

I'd be interested, if nothing else. And you know Eliza will jump at the chance to learn something new.

[grimpa]

[oh!!]

...Very well. I'll let you know when I've gathered the necessary materials, if you're still interested.

[desirestruth]

Of course. I'm very patient, please don't worry.