Marina’s Very Mercer Birthday
Date: 2025-07-18 17:38
(Marina’s Very Mercer Birthday)
[Fri Jul 18 2025]
At New Haven Beach Cabanas/span>/spanThree elegant beach cabanas sit in a row on the sand, each crafted from
smooth, sun-bleached wood with flowing white cloth panels that flutter
gently in the sea breeze. The fabric is tied at each corner in soft folds,
giving the cabanas a breezy, spa-like atmosphere that blends luxury with
coastal ease. Just beyond them lies an uninterrupted stretch of golden beach
leading straight to the endless blue ocean, where the waves roll in with a
rhythmic calm. At night, lanterns and candles are lit to provide a soft glow.
A neat line of pristine white lounge chairs and matching umbrellas sits
nearby, each arranged to face the water in perfect symmetry. Tanned,
muscular beach boys assist guests with setting up chairs and adjusting
umbrellas, their easy smiles and sun-kissed skin adding to the relaxed
charm of the setting. Stylish beach staff dressed in breezy resort
uniforms glide between loungers, handing out fresh towels and taking
orders for chilled cocktails and light seaside fare.
It is afternoon, about 83F(28C) degrees, and there are a few wispy white clouds in the sky. The mist is heaviest At Carnation and Blackstone/span>/spanMatthew beams a nice big smile at Seraphina, absorbing the force of her nudge before returning it with some of his own as he slips to reach an arm across his friend’s shoudlers for a side hug. “Hey, what’s up, you been good?”
“Then do you want to let me help?” Lola asks Matthew with her quiet, soft-spoken voice, her scarred expression softening as a sudden wash of emotion runs over her, then is tucked away just as quickly- a blink of sadness that disappears with a simple explanation, hesitant and murmured: “I… Like helping people. No pressure,” she assures, and then grins widely at Seraphina as she approaches too. “Que Sera Seraaaaa!” the witch cheers, throwing her hands in the air, and equally telling Sofia “I’m glad- I don’t think I could have handled being mad at you for no reason for long.. I… I don’t like being mad at my friends, or anyone else!
Sofia gives Seraphina a little squeeze of a hug from the opposite end as she chats back to Matthew agreeably. “I should be able to make Tuesday night work, yeah! Don’t worry about a fancy invite, I’ll just swing by. Shiloh’s handling the catering?” She steps back and frees Seraphina from the hug sandwich before telling Obadiah, “I might have to scram before the PBR Jenga can begin in earnest, I’m headed out for the weekend sadly.”
“Miles didn’t bring his wheel,” Marina laments, venturing closer to Miles and Obadiah. “Happy birthdays! Again for Miles, and now for Obie — I brought no presents except meat, sorry not sorry,” she declares, giving some jazz hands for the Mercer boys.
Aeryn tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ears with impatient fingertips, narrowing her eyes at her phone screen momentarily.
Sofia flashes a little wink back to Lola and says, “Fortunately I have thick skin, I was annoyed at first, but once I noticed people who I was close to were just mad for no reason it wasn’t too hard to get a confession out of him.”
A moment after and Matthew’s arm falls away from Seraphina and he shifts to form up a corner in the quadratic formation for this conversation. “I would love some help,” he says first to Lola, all smiles and appreciation edging his tone and features. Sofia gets a nod, “Shiloh is catering and he’ll also be working for me formally as a chef in the near future.”
“I can go grab it,” Miles offers to Marina, while stretching lazily in his seat in the cabana. He looks over at Sofia and asks: “When’s Shiloh going to open up a Chicago-style place to go to war with you, anyhow?”
Kai gives a two-fingered salute to Esme and gravitates over to Sofia and Lola, lifting his brows a little as he asks Sofia, “What’s this about a hex from Elliot on you? Did he do a tech hex on you too?” he lifts his brows a bit, “Oh hey Sera, if I didn’t say hey earlier,” he waves at Seraphina.
The ritual completed with August, Obadiah looks up to Matthew who was in line but is now over in the Sofia, Lola, and Seraphina pile. He flashes the group a winning grin but doesn’t interrupt, rounds will be made of course, turning back to Marina, “Your presence is enough!”
Matthew then points a finger in Sofia, “Yo, I have been fantasizing about ways to make you upset,” he admits, “but I got the perfect, I mean PERFECT prank set up.” He’s telling on himself like some kind of crazy,. “So it’s gonna be great. It’s like that time I wrote your number on the bathroom wall!”
Matthew catches Obadiah’s eye, upnods the man then calls his way, “Yo, that writing chest, that’s from the Bayview Montroses, I’m dumb and didn’t leave a card but Happy Birthday!”
Marina shakes her head at Miles. “Only if you want to,” she assures her brother, before scrunching her nose at Obadiah. “…so cheesy, Obes.” Then she’s rising up on her toes a bit to get a better look at the people gathered under the umbrellas.
Waving a hand at Obadiah, Aeryn gives an apologetic smile. “Happy birthday. Afraid I need to run. Meetings.”
“Hi, Daddy! Hey, Vie; August! How’s the shade?” Marina wonders.
“I am the cheese master,” Obadiah deadpans to Marina before waving to someone and someone as they depart
“I am the cheese master,” Obadiah deadpans to Marina before waving to Gabriel and Aeryn as they depart
Seraphina wiggles her fingers at Kai, at the man’s greeting. “Hey, Kai.” But now Obadiah is in reach, and she attempts to pull him in for an embrace. “Happy Birthday, Obie,” is being offered even as she attempts to steal him away just for a few seconds in a hug. “Who is the othe birthday boy?”
Nemi hums softly, giving a yawn as she looks about once more and walks over to linger near Esme with a smile. “Been ‘meditating’ More and more… its helped a lot… Think I’m actually getting real sleep- less tired-”
Genevieve gives Marina a visible thumbs up from her lounge chair as she cracks her can of coke.
Matthew drifts towards the PBR tower to snag a drink but he’s right back over to Lola, Seraphina, and Sofia after.
Sofia looks with amusement between Matthew and Miles and says, “Shiloh wouldn’t dare, he doesn’t want me to have to pound him into the ground.” But then with a twirl of her hand she tells Kai, “Wasn’t a tech hex, was one of those ones where everyone who was close to me wanted to cause me some sorta harm or make me cry or whatever.” Then, eying Matthew she says, “For a good time call this number on the bathroom stall doesn’t work today cause everyone’s afraid of actually using the phone, they just awkward text and go to the spam filter now.”
Holding up an unopened beer toward Marina in greeting, Marlow replies, “Slightly less crowded. Is this your birthday celebration as well?” Marlow wonders. “I’m not adding you to the will as a present,” Marlow warns.
Lola grins when Shiloh’s name is tossed into the mix, and proudly the witch announces: “Shiloh was really excited to get a new catering gig- I wonder if it was with you?” she inquires of Matthew, though when he confesses to wanting her help, she squeals excitedly and bounces from foot to foot. “Heck yeah! I’m gonna put so many mushroom stamps on the invitations!!” She pumps a fist in the air as though this were entirely the best day of her life, and then she notices Vesper, and excuses herself from the group with Kai, Matthew, Seraphina, Sofia, and friends, claiming: “I’ll be right back!!” before darting up to Vesper with a faint smile. “Hi! You were gone when I got back. I have your gift!
Esme drops into Gabriel’s vacated seat after grabbing a drink as she watches the gift-giving going on with a mild curiosity. She smiles toward Nemi, “That’s great to hear!” She says encouragingly. “Any time you want another lesson I’m happy t’ help, but I’m really glad it’s working.”
Viviana, having purloined some sweet tea from a cooler and some eats from the spread, decides now was a great time to do some sunbathing, choosing one of the seats that was still bathed in sun as she soaks in the good vibes.
(announce fix) Lola grins when Shiloh’s name is tossed into the mix, and proudly the witch announces: “Shiloh was really excited to get a new catering gig- I wonder if it was with you?” she inquires of Matthew, though when he confesses to wanting her help, she squeals excitedly and bounces from foot to foot. “Heck yeah! I’m gonna put so many mushroom stamps on the invitations!!” She pumps a fist in the air as though this were entirely the best day of her life, and then she notices Vesper, and excuses herself from the group with Kai, Matthew, Seraphina, Sofia, and friends, claiming: “I’ll be right back!!” before darting up to Vesper with a faint smile. “Hi! You were gone when I got back. I have your gift!
Marina lets out a whining sound. “I want in the will!” she laments to Marlow, before confessing, “My birthday’s in May, so not mine. Just Obie and Miles.”
“What’s your favorite type of cheese?” Miles demands seriously from Obadiah, then gives Sofia an even graver expression. “Oh, he would. Chicago-style deep dish, and them Chicago-style dogs. You think their pizzas are like casseroles? So are their hot dogs.”
Kai blinks a few times at Sofia and nods to her slowly, “Weird. Why’d he do that? Did you say his penny loafers weren’t shiny enough or something?” he smirks a little and glances sidelong to Lola, “See you,” he says and turns his gaze over to Esme, “How’s it hanging?” he asks her with a chipper grin.
Dovie moves towards the table filled with various dishes. She lines up, gets a plate and adds small bits of this and that before returning to her spot next to Obadiah.
Obadiah graciously accepts the hug from Seraphina and gives her a tight squeeze before releasing the raven-haired researcher to say, “Thank you for coming. It means a lot.” With that he turns back to Miles, “Munster. Or pepperjack. Depends on the application. Mozz is over used.”
“Um,” Alice pipes up, looking over towards Miles and Sofia. “Chicago dogs are the only GOOD kind of dog, next to MAYBE Cincy style, if you’re drunk. Don’t start talking shit about Chicago style just because Shiloh’s not here!”
“So you’ve got almost a year before then to try to get into the will, there’s hope for you yet,” Marlow flashes Marina a brief, lazy grin.
“Fuck Chicago — Boston rules,” Marina comments, before she performs a ‘shakas’ hand gesture as if she’s some sort of surfer. Then Marlow’s lazy grin has her beaming again, dimples appearing. “Great. I’m gonna get in that will. Get that Pierce money.”
Matthew smirks at Sofia, “Damn. So you tellin’ me nobody’s caleld you about slip and slides and cows in pastures or anything?” He looks genuinely disappointed and just shakes his head. “Oh well. I got something up my sleeve for ya, don’t you worry!” Is he threatening the pizza shop owner with a smile? Oh well, the man cracks open his beer, cheersing her way, “Until then, may you have the best day and night and whatever and I’ll see you Tuesday.”
“Hey, hey, I didn’t say it was a bad thing, just that it’s scandalizing to Sofia’s sensibilities,” Miles holds up his hands defensively at Alice, then grins over at Obadiah. “Okay, you are in fact a cheese master. Muenster is like… the all-purpose, king shit cheese,” he affirms. “Even if I really like gorgonzola.”
“I was looking forward to him bringing Chicago dogs to my hot dog competition actually,” Sofia tells Miles and then lets out a sigh, nodding to Alice in agreement. “I can dig on a Chicago dog, and a Chicago bar pie too, just not deep dish, it’s an atrocity. But he flaked so I wasn’t able to get my sport pepper fix.” With a wry little smirk of her own, she tells Matthew, “You can give it a shot, but know I can give just as good as I can get it.”
Dovie looks up at Obadiah as he loops his arm around her, and smiles at him. She’s just kind of holding that plate of food. Like she forgot it was actually there.
Sofia then shrugs over to Kai and says, “I told someone he might be shifty, and he immediately acted shifty, simple as.”
“Cheese is cheese, you can’t really ever go wrong with cheese,” Seraphina tells Miles, agreeably.
Jenny gives a nod to Seraphina “Hell yeah.”
Matthew smirks at Sofia, looking very much like a challenge has been accepted. “Hey, prank war twenty twenty-five?” A proposal and then he starts backing out, “We’ll see how this goes, pizza queen!”
Vesper slinks over to the cabana nods at Lola, “I left to buy a few things for my outfit. Glad you were able to able to get it done in short order
Matthew’s gaze starts to drift over and towards the umbrella where Marlow is seated and he starts to make way in that direction.
“Deep dish is not an atrocity,” Alice defends, pursing her lips in a little pout. “It’s got everything flat, thin, limp New York style has, except it’s tastier, and better cooked, and with better ingredients, better looking, and generally just beats the shit out of New York.”
“I work with Elliot. Am I allowed to beat him up?” Marina wonders, taking a glance towards Genevieve as she suggests coworker-on-coworker violence. “You want me to beat him up, Sofia? I’ll kick his ass, I’m not scared of a Harrington.”
Kai snorts at Sofia, “Geez… well… damn, that sucks. I’m sorry Sofia,” he shakes his head a bit and runs his fingers up through his hair, “I hope nothing too bad came of it?” he asks her and looks to Vesper, “Oh hey! Vesper, what’s up?” and he notes Sylvia, narrows his eyes a bit at her, “Oh wow, no more potato sack for you, Sylvia? Just going for a mummy look instead?” and turns his gaze from her to look to Matthew, “You still have that number or know where that stall is?” he asks with a little waggle of his brows.
Sofia snorts gently at Marina and says, “The situation is handled. If I wanted to beat him up I’m more than capable of doing so myself. But seriously, thanks for the offer.”
Matthew has a can of PBR in hand, playing up the part of blue-collar in Luis Vuitton as he makes his approach to the trio lounging beneath the umbrellas. “This crowd already full?” the Montrose asks of Marlow, August, and Genevieve.
Nemi yawns a tiny bit as she smiles towards Esme. Looking to snag some form of drink she looks around at what was brought to the metaphorical table being the party as she smiles warmly.
From where Viviana was lounging on one of the sunlit chairs, Viviana hears a particular name. Viviana glances across towards Vesper. “Hey, Vesper!” Viviana says, bringing her hand up to wave. “You been doing alright?” she calls.
Marina laces her fingers behind her head, nestling the heels of her palms against her buns. “The offer’s always there,” she assures Sofia, “Kick him in the nuts.”
“Mab says that Elliot is actually the most accomplished, intelligent, insightful, useful person in the whole Hand,” Miles relays this pearl of wisdom to Marina. “She said the whole organization would fall apart without him and that she was really scared the Order might try to swipe him.” He stretches lethargically, then asks Sofia, “Is he really like… so cool and smart and not even a little bit shady?”
Sylvia puts on a forced smile as she notices Kai and has to fight it from turning into a frown. “Oh, hey Kai!”, she chirps back as she makes her way over to him. “I am leaving the potato sacks to you now….” She wrinkles her nose a little before she adds, “…would still be an improvement over what you wear now.”
“We’re gross?” Marlow asks August, looking incredibly amused as her voice rises above casual volume. “Fucking pot, have you seen your kettle?”
August sits up briefly, to rummage in his pockets for another flier that he shoves at Matthew. “Post it online, babe?” And back he goes, arms folded under his head against the lounge seat, “Thanks, babe.”
“When he confessed,” Sofia says with a little grin, leaning in closer to Marina, “I did maybe threaten to punch his face until he spit bloody chiclets out onto the floor of the boat we were on. But cooler heads prevailed.” There’s just a big belly laugh as Miles talks shit, and she runs a hand through her hair.
Lola nods and reaches into her satchel, pulling out a glass bottle with a thick, suspicious-looking liquid inside. It’s murky, and looks not unlike something infected, but its settled against Vesper’s hand like the witch is performing a drug deal. “Here,” she says quietly, then smiles at the Russian femme. “Make sure the spritzer is pointed in the right direction, okay? You’re welcome!” chirps the chipper girl, doing a happy little circular spin. “Alright, I’m back off to harass my friends- and I think I want a beer!” claims the witch, who then runs off towards the leaning tower of Pabst and precariously grabs herself a can, pausing nearby to wait to see if the pile tumbles with bated breath.
Obadiah at Seraphina releases him from the hug and goes about her socializing he takes a half step back and returns to the shell-shook Dovie but continues his banter with Miles. “I don’t know. Maybe I just like various cheese flavors.” He then flicks his eyes to Matthew, “Thank you, and tell Mab thank you for me! This writing set is very nice!”
Marina gives Miles a baffled look. “Mab said all that? Sounds like lies,” she admits to him, before she’s venturing towards the lounge chairs that hold the Pierces.
Kai points to Esme when Sylvia whispers to him.
Stelle moves over towards Alice and rests a hand on each shoulder, head popping to the right as Stelle comments, “I am afraid I have to defend New York here. Euh… Deep dish simply has too much sauce. I may as well eat tomato soup, no?”
Alice almost immediately bites back, turning to glare at Stelle. How
Alice almost immediately bites back, turning to glare at Stelle. How DARE she betray her right here in the middle of a party. “You can’t be serious,” she says, incredulous. “The cheese is under the sauce! It’s all there! If anything, complain that deep dish has TOO MUCH cheese! The sauce is just practically brushed on top!”
“It’d be a real shame if the Hand winds up with both him and Eloa,” Miles shakes his head grimly. “Imagine how powerful they’d be, then. Just absolutely unstoppable.” His gaze turns to affix on Stelle. “Yo, but the Chicago-style cheese pull is unparalleled.”
Nemi raises an eyebrow softly as she turns to Esme. “You know who that was Meridith was walking with?” She asks curiously.
Sofia smirks over to Alice and says, “Deep dish is just redundant really. If I wanted what it does, but better, I’d just make a lasagna.”
Jenny perks up giving a wave over to Meridith
Meridith cheers and waves as she makes her way over to the cabana with Cadalie in tow. She waves to Jenny and beckons and offers a tight lengthy hug.
Sylvia gives Kai an appreciative nod and makes her way over to Esme, putting on a bright smile as she presents a fan to her. “Oh, hey Marina!”, she chirps in an upbeat voice, “Thank you for inviting me and Happy Birthday! I brought you a little gift too! For all the hot summer days….”
Esme fishes out her handy pack of cigarettes, looking arund a bit at Nemi’s question. “Uhh I don’t think so. I didn’t even see Meredith…I’ve definitely met Meredith right?” She asks – mostly to herself and less to Nemi now as she’s questioning it.
Meridith says “Dunno, I don’t know your name, I’m afraid.“
Esme stares at Sylvia, “Uh…” She looks at the fan and then back, and then peers at Kai, “Sorry, babe.” She chuckles, handing the fan back. “Marina’s over there.” She points toward Marina at the Umbrellas. “I’m Esme.”
Watching Obadiah return to reef an Esme to speak, Seraphina takes a moment to stop by the beer pyramid. “isnt there a liquor store around here somewhere?” She takes a can and she pops it open, but she doesnt take a drink of it just yet. She heads over to Obadiah and Dovie, as well as Miles and Esme. To the unfamiliar, she says, “You must be Miles, the other birthday boy.” She’s not shy, so she opens her arms out, as if to envelope the stranger into a hug.
Nemi turns to Esme. “Meant… Mer-I-dith Not eh-” She nods softly and chuckles. “I get the two name’s confused quite easily.” She comments with a soft chuckle after as she smiles a bit.
Kai snickers under his breath at Sylvia and winks at Esme.
“Strongly recommend Sera hugs,” Obadiah says to Miles with a grin and a wink before looking over to Esme and watching her and Nemi talking to a couple of strangers before looking back to Seraphina and Miles, “Miles is the older of the two of us. So old. Practically in the grave. He is 30 now, you know.”
Vesper pockets the bottle into a hidden pocket and nods at Lola, “Much appreciated.” She then waggles her fingers at Kai and Viviana, stepping over to the latter, “Priyvet, I’ve been well. You’re looking quite lovely today.
Jenny returns the hug smiling to Meridith but then gets distracted by her phone
Sylvia answers Esme with a very embarrassed smile as she accepts the fan back. “I… r-right… my bad. You looked like everyone was celebrating you, you know?”, she jokes a little awkwardly before turning to stare daggers at Kai.
Stelle nods at Miles, they can agree on cheese pulls at least. Then, Stelle grins and prepares a response for Alice but Sofia’s gives her pause and there’s a moment where Stelle’s forearms tense, prepared to hold Alice back. “I do not know if I would compare it to /lasagna/ but euh… I don’t know deep dish is a little like eating a cheesy tomato rather than a full bodied pizza experience.”
Esme leans over to whisper to Nemi and winks to Sylvia, “It’s all good. Good t’ meet ya officially.” She assures her. Obadiah gets a smile and a wiggle of a wave before she finally gets around to sparking up her cigarette.
Meridith waves cheerily to Tamar and Robert.
“Suuuup,” Miles greets Seraphina from where he’s slumped in a seat within the cabana. Too lazy to get up, he extends his arms and gives Seraphina an airhug before flopping back into his seat like a fish dry out of water. “I can still beat your ass,” he threatens Obadiah without any real sting. “Young man,” he tacks on. “Hey uh… Sera?” he places Seraphina’s name with Obadiah’s assistance. “Do you think you could beer me, please?”
Meridith got a litttttle lost.
Meridith exhales soft. “Sorry for chasing you, I just, getting anxiety. So many people…”
“Joining the Order became even more tempting once Eloa was out of it,” Lola gossips rather loudly as she returns to Sofia and Seraphina’s sides, giving Vesper a girlish wiggle of fingers in farewell before turning her attention back to this particular conversation. “I’m back- I had to give a friend a gift,” she explains pleasantly, trying to wiggle herself right between the two taller women with a gleeful little expression, then looking across to Kai with curious eyes. She doesn’t say much to him, instead focusing her attention to Miles and Obadiah. “Oh… I.. I don’t think I’d like if Obie got beat up. Please don’t?” she requests of the former.
Sofia upturns a hand at Stelle and gives an agreeable expression, saying, “That’s a pretty reasonable take, yeah. Listen, I’m not saying it’s horrible food. I just don’t think it really counts as pizza.”
Alice puffs her cheeks out in mock outrage, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting even more. “It counts as pizza. It might be MORE pizza than other types of pizza,” she insists. “And it’s not lasagna, you’re on crack. Lasagna is noodles and ricotta.”
Meridith shakes her head. “She can’t hear you, she’s at the Cabana.”
Nemi nods softly, and then turns to Lola, sighing softly when she hears the name they speak about. Disappointment maybe? She did’nt know how to express it as she looks to Esme again but comes blank on topics to chat about as she looks away and sips on her coke as she hums softly.
Robert strides in with cool confidence but not ‘appropriately’ dressed in beach clothes. Apparently he’s decided to go for casual-formal. He raises his hand to wave back to Meridith, “Hey, Meridith.” He greets warmly. ANd then, just as easily, “Happy Birthday, Miles, Obie! Nice party you got going here.”
Obadiah looks over to the pizza debacle and calls an audible, shouting to Stelle, Alice, and Sofia “If Chicago style pizza is pizza then a a hotdog is a sandwich.” And then he walks away to like that little argument play out
Sylvia gives Esme another smile before she looks towards the direction she has been pointed, seeking Marina before gliding over to her, her bare feet pit-patting on the floor. “Marina, right?”, she chirps, now a little more cautious then before, but quickly offering the fan in her hands over to her. “Thank you for the invitation and happy birthday to you! I got a little something against the summer heat for you…”
Tamar follows Robert over to the cabana, dressed neither for the occasion nor the weather. In fact, she appears faintly startled at all the swimsuits being donned, her bronze-edged eyes widening a touch as people go about casually dressed so.
“A hot dog is a sandwich,” Miles whines at Obadiah. “And deep dish pizza is like… more pizza than pizza. It is pizza’s final form. The glorious evolution of pizza. It transcends what it means to be pizza.”
Stelle widens her eyes at Obadiah’s response but she doesn’t seem to catch the joke and adds, “Oh. I suppose euh… a hot dog is a little bit like a sandwich, no?”
Obadiah looks up at Robert, “Hey! Robert! How are you doing? Sorry we couldn’t get to your boy sooner. He seemed like a good bloke the few times I met him.”
Seraphina just so happens to have one, all for someone.
Sofia echo’s Obadiah’s sentiment but even more loud and unhinged back at Alice. “If deep dish pizza is a pizza then a pop tart is a calzone.”
Alice perks up, looking to Obadiah. “Actually, a hot dog is a taco,” she says, one finger coming up in a perfect mirror of the nerd emoji. “According to the cube rule of food, we can classify it by the location of structural starch. Surrounded on three sides but open on the ends is a taco.” She nods at Sofia, agreeing, “Yeah! A pop tart IS a calzone! You get it!”
“A tomato and mozz poptart would be a calzone,” Miles counters to Sofia.
Seraphina just so happens to have one, all for Miles. So when the air-hug is complete, the can is placed into his hand. “Yeah, Sera. Pleasure.”
With Robert coincidentally calling Meridith out by name, Nemi is saved from having to answer the whispered question. She snickers at some of the conversation going on around her. “Too bad Shiloh got all beat t’ hell – he’d be havin’ a field day with this convo I’m sure.” Esme muses idly and then asks Nemi, “How’s school goin’? Any interesting lectures?”
Sofia supposes to Miles, “Really pizza rolls are more calzone than pizza.”
Sofia says “Calzone bites just don’t have the same ring though.“
Alice says, cheerily, “And a sushi roll is a burrito.“
Obadiah looks back to Miles and Seraphina, “I am going to have to draw like… what the Kingdom, Order, Philum, Genious, Species of food is, aren’t I?” He shakes his head, “I suppose a three sided starch hand type food would be in the same Order, or is it family? They are related I guess.”
“A pop tart is not food,” Stelle declares flatly.
“I don’t remember who said a hot dog is actually a taco but they are the smartest person of all time,” Miles announces simply.
Nemi looks about, walking near Esme as they head over to Robert for a moment as she whispers something then walks off with a smile.
Meridith has no such luck flagging down a pretty boy with Cadalie here. She steps away a moment to fetch a drink and slides back before long. “Oh well, like…I mean it’s right there! You may as well!” She insists.
“It happens,” Robert acknowledges to Obadiah. “And his spirit went. That thing happens in these works – we’ll be having a funeral. A pyre, due to his own beliefs, at some other date. I should probably arrange a time on the calendars when convenient.” His tone and expression is somber. “I only hope that the wolves will not go back on their word this time.”
He shakes his head. “But we shouldn’t talk about here when it’s your birthday.” He forces a smile, faint. “Have you met Tamar? And, how old are you all now?”
Sofia laughs and tosses her hand up as the discussion falls into food kingdom chaos. Beaming a smile over to Obadiah and Miles she says, “Happy birthday, boys. Even though we already got yours, birthday hog,” she says to Miles in particular with a smirk. “I’ve gotta head out, but love you guys, and catch you both in a couple days.”
“Hot dogs and hamburgers aren’t sandwiches or tacos, that’s so goofy,” Kai informs everyone, putting his metaphorical foot down, “Chicago deep dish is ass. Thin, New York style is based. That is all,” he looks around and sidles up and over to Sylvia, “Hey there, Sylvia.”
“Sera,” Miles prompts Seraphina abruptly before asking the million dollar question: “If you were a pizza, what kind of pizza would you be?” That question asked, he turns to wave goodbye to Sofia. “Bye! Thanks for coming by!”
“I’m deleting Kai’s number from my phone,” Alice announces quietly.
Meridith says “Attention? “
Jenny seems to not be as busy with her phone, saying to Stelle’s “Poptarts are the breakfast of champions.” before sending off a text, looking around
Hesitantly, Lola shifts her gaze over towards Nemi, giving the woman faint but apologetic look. She has her quarrels, but it seems those quarrels end when she has upset a friend and so the witchy woman sets her ‘vegan beef’ aside. Still, when she notices Robert and Tamar, she freezes slightly, looking hesitant as ever and keeping those baby blue eyes low. Its unlikely she knows what’s going on, but eventually she approaches the man and says, “I.. Don’t know what happened or who you lost, but.. My condolences. Do you want a beer…?
Meridith looks a little confused by this. She stands nearby, and takes a sip of her laughter. Eyes track someone in the party.
Sylvia lets her gaze stray over to Kai as she is addressed, stifling a sigh and crossing her arms. “Hey, Kai…”, she answers, “…say, what present did you bring?”
“You owe me a birthday hug!” Obadiah shouts to Sofia as she gets ready to leave, “Enjoy your trip! Be safe! Don’t make us dig you outta the mist!”
Cadalie looks around over her shoulder, then back down to her phone.
Tamar follows Robert’s gaze to Obadiah, dipping her head in polite greeting. “We have seen each other about town before.” At the whisper she leans in to listen then shakes her head quickly at Robert. “No, thank you. I am quite fine.” When Lola comes over she studyes the older woman quietly for a moment then adds, “I hope you are feeling better.”
Sofia points both fingers at Marina and adds, “And you! Good job on the spread! Sorry we didn’t get to talk more, we gotta hang properly some time.” And she swivels one more time, to Matthew, saying, “And you! Good potato salad, make Obie play PBR Jenga before the night is out, OK?” And then to someone, Seraphina, and others, she blows kisses, before heading out abruptly.
“Weed,” Kai informs Sylvia and asks her with a lift of a brow, “Would you like to finally put this little feud of ours to rest?” he grins at her a little.
Sofia points both fingers at Marina and adds, “And you! Good job on the spread! Sorry we didn’t get to talk more, we gotta hang properly some time.” And she swivels one more time, to Matthew, saying, “And you! Good potato salad, make Obie play PBR Jenga before the night is out, OK?” And then to Seraphina, Alice and others, she blows kisses, before heading out abruptly.
Meridith nods to Viviana and Jenny. “Hello you two, how are you doing.”
Jenny steps over giving a wave to the pair and then to Viviana asking Meridith “Hey, you gonna be around to vote in the election tonight?”
Meridith shakes her head. “Not a student!” She laughs.
Obadiah looks back to Robert an bows his head, “Yeah, time and place.” He falls silent a moment before forcing a smile backc on his face, “Yes I believe I have shot at Tamar before.” He grins back to Robert, “It’s how I show affection. I only shoot at people I care about.”
Viviana leaves the mass of the cabana group, and slides into a chair outside of the range, following after Jenny to plop onto one of the unattended chairs. “‘sup?” Viviana says, flashing her smile to the rest of them. “You know. Living the dream,” Viviana says. “Hey, Jenny,” she pauses. “Long time,” she adds, flashing her perfect smile. Although she brightens a bit when she sees Vesper. “‘suuuuppp.”
Sylvia raises an eyebrow at Kai and winces as her fingers press against the visibly fresh bandages on her arms. “Which feud?”, she feigns surprise, “…but I am more than ready to put your paranoia to rest…”
Esme nods to Nemi’s whisper, glancing around and then taking another sip of her can of sprite before finally standing up to take a peek at some of the food on offer.
Sofia suddenly sprouts wings from her ankles and then speeds off to bear-hug Obadiah, toss him several feet in the air, catch him safely, and then dart out of the party all without saying another word.
“That doesn’t count!” Obadiah says as Sofia roadrunners her ass outta here.
Kai waves his hand at Sylvia lightly, “Just add me on MyHaven, it’s Gadfly,” he tells her with a little grin and says, “How’d you hurt yourself anyway?”
Esme lifts her brows at the display and then laughs. “I’d say it does, Obes!” She insists to Obadiah
Jenny covers her face in embarrassment for a moment before lowing them saying to Meridith “Oh right… I never asked and I just assumed.” before looking over to Vesper “Here atleast theres no alchemically tainted wolf blood in the vicinity this time.”
Meridith smiles at Vesper, Jenny and Viviana, hanging near Cadalie. “Alchemically tainted wolf blood?” she blinks thrice left and right
Obadiah looks up from his phone at Kai and just shakes his head.
Vesper gives a waggle to Jenny, someone, and Viviana, “Priyvet all.” she smiles at Viviana, “Great to see you again.”
This question deserves thought, no? Seraphina is quiet for a few before she responds to Miles, encroaching on his space to take a sliver of seating. “What type… I’d have to go with a nice thick crust pepperoni. You really can’t go wrong with a classic like that. Its got the sauce, the cheese, a litle kick from the pepperoni, and a thick crust you can sweeten with honey.”
“A beer would be great, Lola.” Robert juggles the many lines of conversation as he offers a smile to the approaching Esme and Nemi and turns back towards her. “The man with the glaive you were all fighting. Ended up in the corpse pit, along with two others we recovered and buried. Though we don’t know their names,” He adds with a lift of his shoulders. “Elpidios was his name. I’ll let you know…” And then he glances down at his phone.
“Apparently our attention is being demanded by the chairs.” He says in quiet aside to Tamar.
Vesper gives a waggle to Jenny, Meridith, Cadalie and Viviana, “Priyvet all.” she smiles at Viviana, “Great to see you again.”
Robert turns back towards Obadiah, offering a brighter smile and a laugh. “So all I have to do to not get shot at you anymore is ruin the party?”
“Make me…”, Sylvia answers Kai smugly before letting her gaze wander over the party like a hawk in search of prey, “…and I did not hurt /myself/… if anything, you can thank /her/ for it… I followed her into the mist…”, her gaze locks onto Stelle and a rather accusing finger points at her with her words.
“It’s a long story,” Viviana says, “And honestly, I don’t quite know what was going on anyways,” Viviana says, upnodding Cadalie in spite of her indifference. “But we were breaking into shit… allegedly, and there was all kinds of shenanigans going on,” Viviana says.
“Every person that doesn’t say white sauce, arrugula, and prosciutto is a victory,” Miles breathes out a sigh of relief, seemingly satisfied by Seraphina’s answer.
A flicker of a smile touches at Tamar’s lips at Obadiah’s comment and she adds a quiet, “You fight well. It is always an honour.” When Robert mentions the chairs she looks over that way and nods.
Kai walks away from Sylvia after her answer to him, he waves his hand back at her dismissively and heads over to Obadiah, “Hey Obie-o.”
Jenny explains over to Meridith “I was helpin’ look into the alchemy professor at the university. And he had some foul smellin’ wolf blood in his alchemy lab supplies and fuckin’. It got uh.. bad.” she finishes off vaguely.
Obadiah sighs and looks around before commenting to Dovie, “They are happy, hmm?” He then looks over to Robert and laughs, “No then I’ll shoot you because you were an asshole.” He winks at the man then adds, “During raids, all is fair.” He glances back to Tamar then and adds, “I fight… reasonably well for a man with more tricks up his sleeve than actual combat prowess, but thank you for the complement.”
Nemi sighs softly as she chuckles and turns to Obadiah. “Obie-o’s… the cereal brand.” She chuckles a tiny bit at that.
Meridith says “…yuck “
Esme chuckles at the cereal-esque nickname and shakes her head.
Jenny says “Was like… a poison. Sniffing it was enough for it to get a grasp on me.“
Obadiah looks between Kai and Nemi, “Obie-os stops now. Obie-wan? Thats cool Obiepus, I’l allow. Obie-os… Right up there with Scuba Vamps.”
“That does sound good.” Seraphina says to Miles, with a grin and a ruffle of her hair through her slender fingers.
“Gonna hang up a big sign at tha Brine Pool. No Scuba Vamps, No Obie-Os” Esme muses.
“… I’m sorry to hear that,” Lola says as she approaches Robert further, he feet a mere shuffle as she moves. There’s a beer can in her hands, unopened, and therefor un-drank-from, and she passes it to him before he heads for the tables. “I… Don’t know what else to say. Words have never been my strong suit,” the witch confesses, keeping her gaze as low as she can, avoiding the eyes of all, not just Robert, in a shy and sheepish fashion. “Here… Enjoy the party,” she encourages.
“Oooo Obie-wan works for me,” Kai nods at Obadiah firmly and grins at the fellow, “I was just telling Miles he’s the most annoying person besides you to fight.”
“More annoying than Rocinante?” Alice asks, making puppy dog eyes at Kai.
Kai wanders away from Obadiah abruptly to head over to Alice and her puppy dog eyes, “What?” he asks her with a tilt of his head.
Nemi nods softly to Obadiah as she sighs and chuckles a bit. “No cereal brand. got it.” She states with a nod and a smile. “How’ve you been doing boss? i’ve been taking up graveyard shifts at the brine…”
“The little toy soldier that stabbed your foot, no?” Stelle interjects towards Kai.
Robert accepts the can and cracking it with a sad smile. “Thank you, Lola. Some do not behave honorably. And that is simply how things are.” His tone is appreciative, and solemn, wrapping his hand around it as he studies her injuries with sympathy on his expression, but not judgment. He simply nods. “I will.” He turns towards Esme and Nemi. “Good to see you two, Esme, Nemi. How have you been?”
“Uhh?” Kai asks Stelle and Alice, “The toy and Rosencrantz weren’t very /annoying/, but I did think the toy knight was very cute. Is that yours?” he asks Alice, looking between the pair with clear interest.
Obadiah look
Viviana glances between the others. “It’s alright. I didn’t do much that entire event, but… here we are,” Viviana says. A glance to Cadalie, her brow furrowing. “… it made someone leave that you accepted a towel? I don’t fucking know why that *would*,” Viviana says.
Meridith siiiighs. “That perfect body, covered with towel? Madness…” She shakes her head with disdain. “I understand it utterly.”
Esme smiles toward Robert, “Long time no see. Been doing alright.” She nods. “It’s good to see ya.” She looks back toward Marina when she comes over. “What’s this I keep hearin’ about PBR Jenga?”
Alice nods very happily, steepling her fingers in front of her. FINALLY, someone who GETS her VISION. She declares, “That’s right! The spirit inhabits the horse, primarily, and the knight is kind of… vestigial. Hence, Rocinante. He fights giants for me.”
Marina performs a lazy salsa step as she ventures back out from the shade of the umbrellas and wanders into the vicinity of Miles and Obadiah. “Old!” she decides, declaring this of both the Mercers.
Tamar nods at Robert, drifting away from him and over towards the chairs lacking any umbrellas. She offers Cadalie a faint smile first of all, “Cadalie. I am sorry, I did not hear you over all the noise here.” She looks around then focused back at the people at the chairs. “Hello Meri, Viv.” The other two she doesn’t seem to recognise.
Nemi turns to Robert with a smile. “Been doing good… and yeah it has been awhile-” She states and nods to confirm. Nodding again after as she turns to Marina and chuckles softly.
Marina shrugs at Esme. “I think they wanna play Jenga with the PBR. Which might get messy,” she muses, “But could be fun if you’re okay being sprayed by PBR.”
Esme laughs with Marina’s declaration
Esme nods, “Does sound messy, but that’s why we wore suits right?” She figures.
Obadiah looks over towards Meridith when Robert says that she is having a moment, concern on his brow but he doesn’t make to go see what the problem is he just turns his attention back to Nemi and gives her a bob of his head before he goes on the offensive with Marina, “Get over here you!” he says attempting to tackle-hug the insulting cousin
Kai gives a firm nod to Alice, “I liked it. It’s /kinda/ like my guy. Have you seen me use him yet?” he asks her with a little grin, “Also a knight, but more steampunk themed, no horse, and a big sword.”
“Yeah I don’t know-” Cadalie supposes to someone, so utterly confounded she has given up understanding. “Marlow said I creeped her nephew out. Oh well.”
She breaks into a joyful breath, dangerously close to a gasp that catches sight of a puppy. “Well- are y’all gonna sit down! Someone’s might uncomfortable and we shouldn’t have that at all.”
“Yeah I don’t know-” Cadalie supposes to Viviana, so utterly confounded she has given up understanding. “Marlow said I creeped her nephew out. Oh well.”
She breaks into a joyful breath, dangerously close to a gasp that catches sight of a puppy. “Well- are y’all gonna sit down! Someone’s might uncomfortable and we shouldn’t have that at all.”
Meridith shivers and smiles brightly. “Hello- Hello hello hello.” She sighs happily. “I need another beer.”
Marina cups her mouth to whisper out, “Old,” again, just as she’s tackled into a hug by Obadiah. This elicits a screech of laughter and a flailing of tanned legs. “HELP! An octopus got me!”
Dovie snaps out of her funk and looks up from her phone, glancing around.
Alice shakes her head. “We don’t see each other on the battlefield much,” she explains. “Which is a good thing, probably.”
Sylvia glides over to Stelle, bursting into the ongoing conversation like an elephant in a china shop, but with a much brighter smile than that. “Surprise to see /you/ here…”, a short pause that she uses to get a better look at Stelle. “I hope that does not mean the party ends the same way it ended for me meeting you the first time…”
“Hey! You’ll be in my shoes soon,” Miles warns Marina with a finger-wag. “Thanks for putting everything together, ‘rina. I appreciate you,” he extends just in time for Obadiah’s octo-tackle. Marina receives no valiant defense, Miles just turns a blind eye and minds his own business.
“I think he’s… busy,” Viviana says to Cadalie, with a glance towards Lola. “I guess you’re fucking tall and shit,” Viviana says, having plopped into one of the chairs near the pair. “But New Haven is like… the city of fucking giants and all,” Viviana says to her.
Viviana idly upnods Tamar.
Seraphina calls over to Tamar, “Oh… Tamar! Sorry about the other day, just up and leaving like I had. I had something urgent pop up.” She looks the woman over, and says, “Why are you not in a swimsuit? Perhaps it is under the turtleneck?” She lifts her hair from her neck to fan herself, “It must be very hot..” When the woman takes a seat where Cadalie is, she wiggles her fingers to her, “Hello, Cadalie.”
Nemi looks towards Obadiah. “Wait were we supposed… I’ll be back with my swimsuit on…”
Kai nods in agreement to Alice, “Normally I carry him around with me, never know when something’s going to pop off, but I left him back in my place since I’m half naked,” he explains and looks to Stelle, pointing up at her, “When are you going to make an honest woman out of Alice anyway?” with a playful grin and a waggle of his brows.
At Cadalie’s urging, Tamar seats herself done on of the the lounge chairs edge, less lounging and more sitting with her feet still on the floor. She glances over at Marlow when they come up in the conversation but then her attention is snatched by Seraphina’s call. “I do not own a swim suit and it is…” she hesitates a moment, doubting herself before finishing. “It is not appropriate.”
“Other day?” Robert remarks to Tamar as he finds somewhere to settle in with his beer and relax to doze off a moment.
Obadiah is not as strong as someone but is able to get Marina up off the ground and squeezes her tightly. “You are my second favorite cousin!” he decries, “You were first then you called me old.” He sets he back down and offers, “Is anyone else going swimming?”
Obadiah is not as strong as Sofia but is able to get Marina up off the ground and squeezes her tightly. “You are my second favorite cousin!” he decries, “You were first then you called me old.” He sets he back down and offers, “Is anyone else going swimming?”
“Hey again!” Cadalie waves over at the cabana vaguely over her shoulder, catching Seraphina as the source of the voice only after a few moments- and then narrows in her way to fit in her direction.
Dovie chuckles and claps for Obadiah.
“OCTOPUS! OCTOPUS HAS ME! HELP!” Marina continues to shout, until Obadiah lets her back down. She straightens up, taking glances around before assuring, “I’m fine. All good. It let go.”
Rising from his seat, Miles stretches lethargically, side-stepping around Obadiah’s and Marina’s tussle. “Thanks again for coming, everybody. And for the prezzies. I appreciate all of you. I’m overdue for a nap, though.”
Dovie can’t help but smile a moment as Marina calls for help.
Viviana makes a snerk sound at something that was said, turning her eyes to look towards the others. “Hey, I’m gonna get more things to drink,” Viviana says, standing up. “Check you guys later – nice to chat at you all again,” Viviana says.
Esme snickers again and shakes her head. Looking toward Miles she smiles, “Good seein’ ya, Miles.” Then she tells Obadiah, “I could do a lil swimming.”
“Happy birthday, both of you,” Dovie tells Miles and Obadiah.
Lola notices the way that Robert looks at her facial scars, and for once rather than shrinking back or looking ashamed, the witch simply smiles softly, her expression warm. “Yes.. But we adapt,” she promises, lingering there for a time before letting Robert go towards his meeting and instead approaching Obadiah, watching from a distance as he tackles a family member, a curious expression upon her face. Her mouth opens like she might comment, but instead she changes pace and says: “I would love to go swimming! Are you coming too, Kai?
Glancing over when she feels eyes turn her way, Marlow gives Tamar a brief once-over, her brows lifting in mild curiosity.
Alice raises an eyebrow, looking from Kai to Stelle and then finally to Sylvia, blinking twice. There are too many people approaching her, to be perfectly honest, as she looks back and forth. “Honest woman?” she asks, continuing, “Are you calling me a liar?”
Tamar watches as Viviana gets up and leaves the chairs where she just sat down, a small sigh escaping her lips.
Meridith says “Something wrong, Tamar…?“
Kai bursts out laughig at Alice and shakes his head at someone and alice, he glances at Sylvia, but it’s Lola who draws his attention and he nods, “Yeah for sure,” he tells her, “After you!”
Stelle looks Sylvia up and down and then motions towards her own arms. “I certainly hope not, it sucked for us both, no? But that is the nature of rescues,” Stelle replies, before her attention drifts back to Kai with a raised eyebrow and she asks of him, “She is already honest, no?”
Kai bursts out laughig at Alice and shakes his head at her and Stelle, “Nevermind,” he glances at Sylvia, but it’s Lola who draws his attention and he nods, “Yeah for sure,” he tells her, “After you!”
After patting Marina on the shoulder and giving her a wink, Obadiah smiles happily watching all the people who came out for the party seemingly enjoying themselves and then, taking Dovie’s hand, walks over closer to Esme. “There were people I didn’t know,” he says to Esme as if it is shocking that he doesn’t know every single person in the city by name.
Dovie tries some of the pasta salad, but tries to pick some olives out, walking hand and hand with Obadiah.
Dovie ate potato salad actually!
Tamar shakes her head slightly at Meridith. “No, I suppose Viv is still upset with me though. She just ignores me whenever I try to speak with her.”
Esme grins to Obadiah, “Clearly means ya been slacking.” She teases the man lightly. “There’s several people I don’t know either though.”
“Wait, are we going swimming?” Marina asks Obadiah, raising her voice a bit as she starts to slide out of her shorts. “Matthew made it,” she admits to Dovie, “He’s… Y’know. Matty.”
Viviana beelines back to the food from the chairs, going to serve herself some food as she gnoshes upon a hamburger. “We’re on the beach, in swimsuits,” Viviana says, with half open mouth. “We *better* go swimming sometime,” Viviana says to no one in particular.
Meridith fires off some texts and shakes her head at Tamar. “No, it’s a busy party, why would she be upset with you.
Sylvia sends a glance over to Alice before her attention settles back on Stelle, her voice carrying a hint of reproach. “You were leading us… and there was not a hint of you to see when I woke up after passing out from blood loss…”, she lets a quick smile follow before she adds, “…but yeah, yeah, it is on me for running after you and thinking it was a good idea to put my life into your hands.” Her smile catches and finally turns into a light frown as she looks down at her beeping phone.
“After me? Oh… Okay..” Lola replies to Kai, casting her gaze eastwards towards the sea, suddenly seeming quite nervous about her swim. “Okay, that’s fine- I… I’ve never been in the ocean before, but.. But it can’t be that bad,” she insists, casting an unnerved look aside towards Obadiah and Dovie, as though their presence held all of the answers for her. Then she looks at Kai, expectant, before clearing her throat and turning back eastwards. “It’s… It’s fine. Everything is fine…
Esme pushes her now soaked hair back as she comes up. “Nooope. Way too dark.”
Dovie doggy paddles while also holding aloft her beer.
Obadiah octopuses out as they get into the deep water and then dives down to see what Marina and Esme were looking at
Viviana dives down as she comes near the edge, but pops up again, coughing. Her faux hawk was now wet and flat against her head, and apparently, Viviana decides that treading water was hella better.
Dovie calls out to the others as she one-arm paddles in place. “Is there something down there?”
Kai swims along out to the water, he grins a little and aims a splash at everyone, he’s indiscriminant, a real splash terrorist with the way he launches the water at the otheers in this littlle patch of water.
Marina slicks her hair back as she treads water again, watching as her cousin disappears under the surface. “Wonder if he can see anything,” she muses to Esme, before giving Dovie a shrug. “Can’t see very well. It’s too dark tonight.”
Viviana says “Dahkness. The void. “
Esme shakes her head to Dovie, “It’s just too dark. For us at least.” She nods to Marina, “Me too.”
Dovie nods and giggles at Marina, Viviana, and Esme. “I can’t even see Obie anymore from here.”
Marina lets out a dramatic, “The kraken!” as she floats away from Obadiah when he surfaces again.
Obadiah rubs his hand over his face before he tones down the brightness, “Na. Just water and fish and sand. The usual stuff.”
“…you know, I called you an octopus earlier and I lied. You’re more like a cuttlefish,” Marina muses.
Marina shrieks about something unseen, then scowls at Obadiah and floats further away.
“Ooooh, those are fighting words,” Dovie tells Marina.
Viviana grins over towards Dovie. “It’s kinda thrilling, isn’t it? To be this far away from the beach, just… floating,” Viviana says, a heady sigh passing her lips as she treads water, although Marina’s shrieking makes her brow furrow.
Marina gestures at Obadiah with one wet hand. “Just look at them! The suckers don’t go all the way up!” she explains to Dovie, waggling her arms around as if she were a cephalopod herself. “And he can’t be a squid.”
“He really is an octopus!!” Lola squeals out excitedly as she half-doggie paddles and half-drowns her way into the deeper water before she regains her bearings, a struggling swimmer at first, but not a bad one once she finds her groove- a few lessons would certainly do Lola some good. She spits out a bit of oceanic water and sputters, then gasps, and says: “O-Obie you- you have- ahoo! pah tooie!” An accidental sinking, and then she bobbing back up to the surface. Maybe ‘good’ swimmer isn’t the best word for her as she struggles to float with the waves raising her up and then bringing her down. “O-Obie you have tentacles!!
Nemi runs up, somehow easily keeping her momentum until she LEAPS, but instead of diving belly flops into a wave with a loud SMACK and then she just sinks into the wave after a moment.
Dovie winces, calling out to Nemi. “Are you okay? That sounded like it hurt?”
Viviana looks to Lola. “You mean, he has more than one?” Viviana asks, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “You good, though?” Viviana asks Lola. “You look like you’re having a little bit of trouble there,” Viviana says. At least, until Nemi cannonballs, bringing up her hand to push away the wave.
Esme can’t help but laugh at some of the reaction to Obadiah’s tentacles before her attention is diverted toward Nemi and her unfortunate water entry.
Nemi slowly leans up out of the water, seemingly a bit red. “Whosaidwhat?” she questions, wincing a bit.
Coming out the other end of a wave, Seraphina bobbles up and down in the water, hands coming up to slick back her hair. That Smack is heard around the world and there is a wince given Nemi. “Ouch!” The waves the woman has created floats her a little further out to sea.
Obadiah uses those tentacles to tread water very well thank you very much. “Of course I do,” he says to Lola. “Were you the only person in the city that didn’t know my love for Octopuses was… intentional?” Marina is released, of course, drowning one’s cousin is only funny if you are a Pierce. Maybe a Rothwell. Damn-near impossible to Mercers.
Marina seems truly in her element, though until Obadiah, does not gain any sort of fish appendages. “He’s not an octopus, he has tentacles and not arms!” she calls over her shoulder, “Damn fishboys!” She swims out further, disappearing under the surface before surfacing again a distance away.
Dovie paddles with one arm, waving her beer can hand at Matthew. “I liked your beer tower.”
There comes a startled scream from Seraphina and a flailing in the water. Splish splahing the sea in various directions before she goes under and floats back up to spit water at Obadiah in a slow stream, “You are evil! Eeeeeeeevil!”
Esme looks over Matthew briefly when he comes in – mostly the tail and then looks seriously to Marina, “Damn fishboys indeed.”
Matthew starts wading over, though as the water deepens his body transforms, and sure enough it is a merman, his clothes left to loat in the water. Dovie’s compliment earns her a smile, and he shows off his own can that he’s brought, likely seasoned salty now. “Hey, thanks, glad you like it,” comes his easy reply.
“Can you breathe underwater?” Marina wonders to Esme curiously, “Or are you a different type of demibean?”
Obadiah looks at Matthew and completely deadpans, “Matt. You are a fish Matt.” He winks at his fellow merman before looking up at Seraphina’ yelling only to get a face full of her water. “Bleh pfft,” he says as he spits out the water. “Maybe Matt and I will go socialize down below where people appreciate our sense of humor.”
“I- pbbbt! I… I thought it was suspicious, buh… Buht I didn’t want to a-a-assume!” Lola announces, paddling again as the ocean bobs her up and down, though when Matthew’s body hits the water and he transforms, there’s a different sort of excitement in her eyes than when Obadiah had sprouted so many more arms. She seems to forget she needs to swim for a time, taking in his appearance with a mystified, and then enraptured expression. Her mouth opens slightly, but then she’s pulled below water and fighting her way back to the surface, sputtering and pulled out of her reverie. “O-Oh- Agh!!
“You suckered me!” Seraphina claims of someone, connotations be damned.
Nemi oh’s softly as she turns to Esme. “I figured out what I can do… Tested a bit with hospital patients but I think… I can gift people with a little bit more ‘vitality’ or health to get them through a night…” She states with a firm nod.
“You suckered me!” Seraphina claims of Obadiah, connotations be damned.
Marina smacks her lips together a moment. “Maybe I can hook you up with one eventually,” she suggests to Esme, “But no promises — and that girl is gonna drown. Who is she?” This wonder is met with her upnodding at Lola
Esme grins toward Nemi, “That’s awesome, and super useful, yeah. I’m sure knowing might be helpin’ with tha better sleep too.” She looks over, “That’s Lola.” She tells Marina, moving a bit in case Lola does need help.
“Surface dwellers just don’t get us,” Matthew opines dramatically towards Obadiah, “we will have to go to the depths our kind truly belong.” Lola’s attention gets lost in the water and waves but her bobbing head and sputter does earn a look, “You know how to swim?” gets called out her way.
Apparently, Viviana seemed to be enjoying the floating in the water so much that she dozed off a little bit. Blinking awake – probably when some salt water hits her nose, Viviana coughs, splashing a bit as she starts to tread water again.
Matthew points towards Viviana, “Hey, what’s her name?”
Marina nods her head in agreement with Esme. “If you need help with one, and you find one, hit me up,” she assures, already drifting towards Lola as if she were a fish herself. “Hey, Lola; I’m Marina,” she enthuses to the woman, “Don’t drown, okay?”
Likely not safe from pranksters like Obadiah or Matthew, Seraphina lets her guard down again, forgetting, perhaps that she had just been -assaulted- by suckers on a tentacle, she floats onto her back, letting the salt water keep her afloat, so that she can look up into the shifting sky, and the colors it blooms.
Viviana glances towards Matthew, and then Esme. “Viv,” Viviana says. “That has energy,” Viviana says. “Viviana sounds like I’m a fucking grandma,” Viviana says to Esme.
Marina ventures closer to Matthew, circling around Lola to get there. “You can’t escape me under the water,” she points out to he and Obadiah.
“I like Viviana.” Seraphina says off to Esme and Viviana. “I think it is very pretty. Like the face it belongs to.”
Embarrassed, Lola replies quietly to Matthew, mostly doggy paddling, “Yes… I.. I can swim. Sorry, I just.. This is my first time in.. In the ocean. It’s so- it… It’s rambunctious,” she tries to explains, gasping slightly and then turning her attention to Marina afterwards, confused but smiling. “I’m.. I’m sorry. I’ll try not to drown, I’ve just.. The water keeps changing. It isn’t like Lake Celestriana,” she explains, further blushing until her scarred face is almost entirely red. “Please, I’ll be fine. I uhm…” but then the woman is swimming away, and Lola seems to visibly relax as she treads water.
Esme sticks her tongue at at Viviana, “Fine, fine. Viv it is.” Though she gives a someone toward Seraphina for the support.
Esme sticks her tongue at at Viviana, “Fine, fine. Viv it is.” Though she gives a grin toward Seraphina for the support.
Esme drifts closer to Obadiah after a beat to murmur something to him.
Obadiah uses a tentacle to smack the water, splashing Seraphina and then looks back to Matthew, “We’re fine. We’re cool.” He grins then looks back towards the shore, “I hate to do this folks but I have a meeting in about 15 minutes I have to attend to…” He pauses though to let Esme whisper to him then shakes his head, “Of course not.”
Esme gives Obadiah a squeeze and laughs at the timing of whatever he was saying and she was whispering, nodding.
“Evening and happy birthday,” Jasper greets, slowly swimming through the water.
Esme waves to Jasper as he comes over and asides to Matthew, “Awesome on hiring Shiloh by tha way. He’s an awesome chef.”
Dovie has been floating on her back the whole time in the ocean, empty can of beer still in her hand, as she ain’t no litterbug.
Viviana glances towards Seraphina. “So did my mom and dad, I guess,” Viviana says, her ponytails floating in the water. “But then again, Viviana – Seraphina – you know, those musical ‘a’ names, right? Lola, uh…” Viviana says, when the actual tentacles comes out. “… okay,” Viviana says with a laugh. “… but take care, Obie! Happy birthday again!” Viviana says.
“Viv,” Matthew uses the name someone provides as she’s granted a warm smile, “I’m Matthew, nice to meet you.” Lola he doesn’t dwell too much on, offering her the privacy of becoming more acquainted with the ocean without all the focus of a merman. “Oh so you’re taking off now!” the Montrose tosses accusingly at Obadiah, “Fine, but uh, did you see the gift, the chest?” A pause and then he just reveals it, “Figured you could write with your own ink and all that, it’s a whole kit and everything.”
“Viv,” Matthew uses the name Viviana provides as she’s granted a warm smile, “I’m Matthew, nice to meet you.” Lola he doesn’t dwell too much on, offering her the privacy of becoming more acquainted with the ocean without all the focus of a merman. “Oh so you’re taking off now!” the Montrose tosses accusingly at Obadiah, “Fine, but uh, did you see the gift, the chest?” A pause and then he just reveals it, “Figured you could write with your own ink and all that, it’s a whole kit and everything.”
Matthew smirks at Marina, “Well you’re allowed in the cool underwater kids club,” he informs her.
Obadiah waves his hand, “It was good to see all of you! I hope to hang out with all of you more.” He comments to Viviana, “Tell Eva hi for me.” He glances back to Matthew, “I did! I thanked you and Mab earlier but you probably didn’t hear me over the crowd. I thought it was very thoughtful.”
Matthew beams at Obadiah, “Glad you liked it!”
Viviana pauses, “Nice to meet you,” Viviana says to Matthew. “And yeah – I think you chatted me on MyHaven once, and I fucking kinda glanced it over because I was getting shot at or something,” Viviana says, a warm smile of her own flashing across her lips. “I will, Obie!” Viviana calls to Obadiah. “Me and her talk a bit,” Viviana says.
“Nice tentacles,” Jasper murmurs towards Obadiah while he swims around. “Also, sorry for arriving late. But it’s better than not arriving at all.”
“Duh — I’m the best,” Marina enthuses to Obadiah.
Matthew shrugs about the myhaven stuff, “Maybe,” he says, “I’m kind of terrible with my phone cus–” a glance in Marina’s direction – fond and amused – “I’m kind of out of touch, one of those millennials that didn’t become addicted to their phone. Go fucking figure cus I’m a pod caster, but you know.”
“I gotta head off too, but was great seein’ everyone. Great party, Rina.” Esme grins to Marina, giving a wave to the group before starting to swim back toward shore
and with that Obadiah leaves too
When Matthew looks her way, Marina makes shifty eyes and looks off to the side as if she doesn’t hear what’s being said at all.
Dovie continues floating around.
Well what Merman likes to be ignored? Matthew certainly doesn’t and when Marina shifts her gaze his tail suddenly comes up, fanning out a big WAVE of water in her direction.
“It’s not a party until Jasper arrives,” Viviana croons, bringing her hand to brush the flat strands of her hair out of her eyes. Long in front, it was obviously meant to be worn fluffed, so she just pushes those bangs to lay flat against the top of her head. “A podcaster?” she says. “Fucking awesome,” Viviana says.
Her eyes widen as that tail of Matthew’s comes out. “Ha!” she says. “Well – my arms are getting tired too, so I might need to start paddling towards the shore.”
Seraphina swims towrard the sand, “Good to see you all, I’m going to head on home too. The wave created by Matthew only helps to usher her along.
Ope! Marina is sucked under by the movement of water, surfacing shortly after looking no worse for wear. She turns her head, peering at Matthew. “…so rude,” she offers to him.
Nemi floats there in the water now as well, but she also swims at the same time as she shrugs a bit and sighs softly.
“Are there ocean games?” Dovie asks Marina, looking to the Mercer to answer a water related question.
“…no,” Marina confesses to Dovie, “Just vibes. Ocean vibes.”
Lola glances away from Matthew and tries to focus her mind on staying afloat, though after a while, when the party starts to deflate, the little Faeling looks longingly back towards the beach. Perhaps she, too, will attempt to swim back for the safety of dry land, but for now she simply wades and treads, getting a feel for the waves and, well, suddenly keeping entirely to herself, falling into nervous silence with those baby blue eyes staying low.
Viviana pivots onto her back in the water, her arms paddling and her legs kicking as she starts a backstroke back to the shore. As she goes, though, she throws a peace sign, fore and middle fingers extended.
Matthew can only smile in the face of Marina’s accusation. Rudeness becomes him but point made and so no more waves are sent her way. He turns back towards Lola, catching her in her silent water struggle. “Ocean vibes are a way of bein’ just gotta let yourself–” he very much is, “ride that wave. Get with the motion of the ocean. Let it drown out your hesitation.” He smiles at Dovie, nodding her way, “Hey, that sounds awesome. I’m there, crashing or otherwise!”
“Yeah, same. I love a yacht,” Marina enthuses to Dovie, lifting a hand to bid Viviana farewell as she swims back towards the shore.
“Summer ocean vibes,” Jasper comments, grinning before he goes underwater for a moment. He then comes back up, a bit of water coming out of his mouth as he dries his face with one hand. “It’s been a long time since I had swam in the water.”
Dovie waves.
Matthew glances towards Jasper, a smile for that guy, “Yo, I know your name, I’ve seen your face, but like…” there’s an apology in his tone, “I can’t for the life of me remember where or why, but, you want a beer?”
Marina points at someone, looking befuddled. “Isn’t that Shiloh? Did you say you hired him earlier?” she wonders at Matthew.
Marina points at Jasper, looking befuddled. “Isn’t that Shiloh? Did you say you hired him earlier?” she wonders at Matthew.
Matthew frowns and looks at Jasper then back to Marina, “Uhh… wait, what? No…” he shakes his head, “That’s… you’re Jasper, right?”
“I’m Jasper, yeah,” Jasper says towards Matthew. “Shiloh’s the guy with auburn hair.”
“…are you sure?” Marina wonders, squinting her eyes. “Christ. Why does everyone look the same to me.”
Marina makes a face at that news. “I don’t like grits,” she reveals to Dovie.
Matthew stares at Marina then says, “I mean… you legit didn’t realize I was black and we hung out at least once, maybe twice, before that. So…” he just shakes his head, good natured and amused with the Mercer.
Marina raises a hand like she’s gonna smack Matthew on the shoulder, but the smack never comes. “Look, my sense of awareness is easily distracted by shiny objects and you’re always wearing that fucking chain.”
Dovie gapes in surprise.
“I just don’t like the texture of grits,” Marina insists to Matthew.
“This is Jasper,” Lola points towards Jasper, spitting out a mouth full of water and then, well, seeming to realize she’s rather out of place. A sudden bout of shyness overcomes her at Matthew’s advice, and without much warning her blue eyes begin to scan over the beautiful faces and personalities present. She swallows hard, finding her sea legs just as soon as she starts to paddle for the shore, her nerves, maybe even insecurity or simple low-self-esteem causing her to excuse herself. “I’m… I’m sorry,” whispers the witch, reaching a hand up to pull the brim of her hat down, concealing what little bit of her is above the water.
“Yep,” Jasper tells Marina. “Although we look almost similar in some parts.” He then lets out a giggle as he looks between her and Matthew. “I’ll have beer later.” He then turns to look at Lola and wonders, “Are you alright?”
Matthew stares at Marina again, but he doesn’t press it. “Yo, I totally gave you the chain cus I thought you needed some jewelry but…” but it’s around his neck and he doesn’t linger on that subject. He probably never wanted to give it to her. As Lola makes her escape for land he look sback her way, “Hey, shroomy, don’t leave without talking to me some more about that party, please. Or like, text me? But I prefer face to face, yeah?” He also produces a fresh beer from somewhere and motions it towards Jasper in silent offer.
Marina opens her mouth, then closes it. “I do like polenta,” she confirms to Dovie, before she’s looking curiously at Lola. “It’s just a texture thing. Grits aren’t for me — but I love other Southern food. Gumbo, fried tomatoes, red rice and beans…
Matthew says, after hearing southern comfort praises, “Okay, we can be friends, Mercer. “
Nemi leans up in the water, kicking her feet as she swims back towards shore. “I’ve gotta get going guys… getting a bit late and I gotta feed my cat.” She states as she waves softly.
Marina seems relieved. Or maybe she’s being dramatic about it. Perhaps she never thought her friendship with Matthew was truly in jeopardy. “I’d late to lose my Hot Uncle bestie,” she confesses.
Matthew says “BYE NEMI! “
Matthew winks at Marina but his attention drifts towards Dovie. “So Yacht party? What you thinking for that?”
“I gotta head out; I have shit I have to do tomorrow,” Marina confesses, gliding through the water in the direction of shore. “Hit me up with deets on the yacht party, though!”
Matthew smiles and waves at Marina, “Later Mercer, I’m hunting you down this weekend for a proper hang. Alright?”
There’s a pause, Lola looking over her shoulder towards Jasper and Matthew a faint smile offered, minimal explanation. “It’s uhm.. It’s just.. A bit of a big family.. Gathering thing and I.. I’m just… I’m just Lola,” she stammers, then points a finger towards herself- her face, but… Herself, explaining: “And… Pretty people. Important people.” Again, she divulges, or maybe simply explains: “I’m… Just Lola… I’m uhm…” She clears her throat, though upon Matthew’s request she can’t help but smile warmly. “What.. Did you want to talk about? I.. Can stay I just feel.. A little out of place, that’s all…
With a nod of his head, Jasper lifts one hand out of the water, holding it out towards Matthew while he himself floats and waddles. “I’ll probably find myself a mask for the upcoming carnival later in the weekend.”
“Yeah!” Marina smooches her fingertips before blowing a kiss at Matthew. Then she insists to Lola that, “You’re pretty too, babes! Don’t be silly!” Off she goes.
Robert returns with bundles of cloth tossed casually over his shoulder as his nice sohes crunch across the sand as he steps over to Cadalie and Tamar, presenting two hangers with the clothing on them – though they have very different styles. He glances over at Alice, calling back, “Sure, Alice! Just a moment.”
Back into the cabanas comes Marina, dripping salt water all over. She collects her speaker, but doesn’t seem like she’s gonna take anything else with her. “Feel free to keep enjoying stuff! Thanks for coming, everyone!” she declares, sashaying off towards the road.