Seaside 2: Rising Tides

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

"Well, I don't think any of them have broken," Bella says, "These all seem pretty sturdy."

Kate nods. "Yeah, no harm done. I'd expect then to have something for very large people. Maybe ask an attendant tomorrow?"

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

"Uh, yeah, I probably will. I'm Ben. And uh, thanks." he goes to extend a claw, realizes it isn't really well-shaped for shaking, and opts for a quick hug with his wings. Hopefully Kate isn't too protective of her personal space. Everyone loves hugs from goofy dragons, right?
He then tries to scrunch down so he can be a bit closer to eye level with Bella.
"You did really well with that. You have magic?" he asks. It's not in a patronizing way, just how he usually talks to kids.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

"Yeah!" Bella says. She makes a little golden butterfly-shape flap around a little. "Some." Kate just lets them talk, casually not saying anything or emoting noticeably.

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

No emotes, not even to warm dragony hugs? What a buzzkill.

"That's great! How did you learn to do that?" asks Ben, ears perking in a way his beak of his mouth can't really express. He wishes he had lips.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

"It's just natural. My dad taught me a lot, and I've taught myself a lot, too." Bella says proudly. Kate smiles a bit at that. Almost everyone at that age wants to show off a little, all said and done. Kate can let Bella show off a little for now.

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Ben's head bobs.
"Oh, that's nice. Being a dragon gives you abilities to do some stuff. There's other stuff too, kinda like what you did, but I don't like, uh, using those..." he says, trailing off.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Bella nods. "Not all magic gifts are so cooperative, I know," she says.

"Maybe we'll see you around?" Kate offers. "We're all this ship for the duration, after all."

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

"Oh, they're perfectly cooperative, it's just...oh, never mind.

But yes! I'm in Suite 2. Nothing smaller would fit me. Come visit some time. I brought some movies in case one of the events wasn't for me or it rains." he says cheerily.
Kate might remember seeing that number on the door right across from hers.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

"We're across the hall," Kate says, "We'll see what happens."

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Ben nods, waving a claw.
"Yeah, for sure. See you around." he replies before slinking off to grab a bowl of popcorn from the snack bar.

[Fenric]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Over the ship's intercom, the excessively perky cruise director's voice cuts in

Good afternoon, wonderful guests! This is Dwane, your cruise director, with a few announcements for you.

Tonight, the main stage is featuring the Progression Players in "My Fair Lady"! Take a stroll back in time and enjoy one of the most beloved musicals ever written. Wonderful music and a great time for all ages. Shows at 7 and 10:30 pm.

If you're in the mood for fun, don't miss the zany antics of our improv troop in the Scripted Lounge! You never know what will come up next. 21 and older, please, and take your pick between 8, 10, and our special Midnight show with special happy hour prices.

A special welcome to our Captain's Club members! Don't miss out on Dinner with the Captain tonight only at 8 pm. Dress is strictly formal, and you will need your pass for admission. If you have lost or forgotten your dinner pass, please see a Concierge right away!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a shore day! We are scheduled to pull in at Lonely Isle docks at 4:30 am, and departure is precisely at 7 pm. All guests are reminded to have their suite key and official identification with them whenever leaving the ship.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

As the pair head back to their room, they consider the announcements.

"Ooh, a musical. Is it good? Can we go?"

"I've never been to that one, but we can go if you want," Kate says.

"...are we members of the captain's club?" Bella asks.

"No, I don't even know if that was on the website? It might be the kind of thing where you need to know someone. I don't think that a formal dress dinner is our idea of a good time, in any case."

"Yeah," Bella says with a slight smile, "What do you think is on the Lonely Isle?"

"I think we'll find out tomorrow, won't we?"

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

At first, Ben skips on some of the shows after dinner, for fear of his bulk being rude and blocking others' views and such, and spends most of the night curled up with a 'net box watching movies.
He does feel a bit parched, though. Eventually. And he does seem to have developed a bit of insomnia, so with some hesitation he slinks off to the midnight improv show. He wonders what's so special about the midnight showing.

[Fenric]

Continuity Cruise Lines

My Fair Lady

It's a decent rendition, all things considered: The actress playing Liza Doolittle has a more believable cockney than her "upperclass" accent, and isn't nearly as pretty as Audry Hepburn. The actor playing Henry Higgins does a really good job, and looks enough like Rex Harrison that it's almost jarring. The actor playing Freddie Einsford-Hill looks more like Frederick Elteron than Jeremy Irons, but actually handles the part just a little better. Colonel Hugh Pickering's actor is far too young, though, and doesn't do a great job. The small live orchestra is actually really well suited to the theatre, which is surprisingly well acoustically designed and so the music truly outshines the actors.

Midnight Comedy Improv

A few things are immediately obvious about the midnight show:
- there really aren't as many people who stay up that late as like to pretend they will.
- many of the people who really do stay up that late are really, REALLY drunk.
- the troupe is very much less concerned about... modesty... at the midnight show. The lead comedienne is a busty blonde who very obviously is not wearing... "foundation garments".

It's a "Who's Line is it Anyway?" style variety act, more like the BBC version than the Comedy Central one, but some of the skits are quite "adult". But well done and hilarious: the sort that leave you simultaneously blushing bright red and in stitches from laughing.

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

The lead's attire doesn't elicit a response from Ben, despite his former species.
He also doesn't bother to order anything with special strength, so he can't really get drunk without spending half his weight in booze. Still, funny is funny. While it isn't disruptive, it should become obvious that when he laughs too hard light pours from his mouth like a spotlight. It shouldn't get in anyone's eyes, mouth-down as his head is pointed, but those savvy might realize it's much like when adolescent dragons are still getting used to their breath weapons. Were Ben a Red he's likely have been laughing out smoke or sparks, which would not have been nearly so harmless. In the end, he should go to bed with everyone unharmed and entertained.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

After the musical, the pair head back to their suite. "I liked that," Bella says, "It was fun!"

"Hm, it's not my favorite musical," Kate says, "But it was okay."

"What is your favorite, then?" Bella asked.

"Well, the brave little toaster, but it's been a while since I saw it, and it was an animated show instead of a play, so it's like comparing-"

"Wait," Bella said, "Wait. The Brave Little Toaster? Is it like Thomas the Tank Engine, but... a toaster?"

"No, it..." Kate was quiet a moment. "It's a bit late for it tonight, actually."

"Come on!" Bella says, "It's not that late. We specifically went to the early show to have some time now! I want to see this!"

"Well," Kate hesitated, but only for effect. She did want to show it, and with a sly smile, she relented. "Okay. I'm sure it's on the 'net somewhere."

Bella had a bit of trouble sleeping that night.

[Fenric]

Continuity Cruise Lines - Lonely Isle Shore Excursion

Sleep just isn't something you get to do on a cruise! The breakfast buffets open at 6 am, and things are already bustling by 8.

Good morning, Progression guests and welcome to the Lonely Isle! Former home of a long-vanished, unknown culture and now a popular stop on our tour! Dwane here again with a few announcements:

Please check your schedules and arrive at the departure lounge early, as shore all excursions are by tender-boat service. The last tender-boat will leave the island at 6:50 pm, and this evening's departure is promptly at 7 pm. It's a long swim back to Inside: don't be late.

For guests remaining aboard: the Senior's Bridge Tournament starts at 10. Come show your skill and compete for prizes! Today's matinee movie is the classic sci-fi adventure "Crack in the World". And finally, a reminder that due to Lonely Isle Historical District regulations, the Casino will not be open today.

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Line- Lonely Island

Sadly, Ben oversleeps a bit; he'd thought the ship's movements would keep him up, but his subconscious finds them nostalgic of old sea trips as a child, and he misses the start of the movie. And with his size, getting a seat after it starts is next to impossible.

So he shows up in the departure lounge, looking rather dejected, wearing some sort of vest with pockets. And buckles, because with his wings he can't really have anything like what a normal person would put on their torso.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Line- Lonely Island

Kate and Bella arrive for the boats to the island a bit early themselves. They eagerly look at the island, hoping to see what kind of place it is. Kate's looking up information on the local attractions, too.

[Fenric]

Continuity Cruise Line- Lonely Island

The cheerful attendants herd everyone into lines near a rectangular pool of water and hand out life vests

Good morning! Please keep your vest with you while on the tender, but you don't have to wear it unless the captain instructs you to. Use your guest-room card to sign out as you go: just hold it up to the reader until the light turns green.

Remember: the last tender leaves at 6:50 pm, and the ship will not wait for you. If you are left behind, it is your responsibility to arrange for transportation.

There's a horn sound from outside, and the large garage-style door opens to admit a much smaller boat, which slides into the small pool and comes to a stop. The attendants scurry about: tying ropes to the boat, setting up a ramp, and opening a door into the little ferry.

There is seating below and on top. The weather today is calm and warm, so the top seating will be the best view and most pleasant travel. Please move all the way to the end of the row and take your seats quickly so we can depart.

An attendant stands near a kiosk-type machine with a large circular reader and a display. As each person holds their guest-room card up to the reader, it goes "bing" and lights up a bright green. It also shows their picture, name, and room number on the display.

Another attendant on board the ferry gently reminds people to move all the way to the back and to take a seat quickly. Several pauses to inform people that no, the ferry does not have a bathroom: it is only a ten minute ride.

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Ben awkwardly squeezes into an unoccupied space on the ferry. He takes a vest and tucks it under a claw, but he's fairly sure it can't support his one-ton weight.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Kate and Bella will take where they can get, cooperatively and without unneeded talking. Kate, for some reason, chooses the seating below.

[Fenric]

Continuity Cruise Lines

The ferry is cast off, and smoothly pulls out from the berth in the ship. The door closes once more, and from down here it becomes very obvious just how insanely huge the ship really is.

But no matter that, off they go! The sea is reasonably smooth and the ferry doesn't rock too much as it hums its way along. The loud hum of the motor and the splashing of the water outside drown out all but the most dedicated conversation, so most people choose to sit quietly for the ten minute ride in over the shallow coastal waters of the island.

[Deathkeeper]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Ben's lungs could easily carry over the noise, but he's presently stuck on the high bench on the base level. He'll stick to going over things in his head, and maybe waving a tail for any curious children nearby.

[Lost_Deep]

Continuity Cruise Lines

Kate and Bella are quite patient, enjoying the trip over, looking out the window casually. If anything notable is going to happen, they aren't going to start it.

[Fenric]

[Continuity Cruise Lines]

Ten minutes later, the ferry is being tied up to the pier.

Please deposit your life jacket in the box as you leave. Please don't forget: the last ferry departs at 6:50 pm!

The pier has a welcome center with a map of the island, pamphlets, water fountains, and restrooms. Several guests scurry straight for the latter.

[Deathkeeper]

Lonely Island

Ben slinks over to the map and gives it a once-over for what's around to do.
He also gives Kate a little wave as she comes off the boat.

[Lost_Deep]

Lonely Island

"Hello," Kate says casually, heading to get a map herself. Bella keeps close, but is looking around. Kate chooses to look the map over first, and see what kind of attractions or events there are.

[Fenric]

Lonely Island

One very interesting feature is a stylized dragon motif! It's a very simplified sort of oriental dragon, coiled into a spiral and looking to the right. It seems to be a mascot of sorts for the Lonely Island Historical District.

Several old ruins are marked out on the map, along with trails to get to the various places. Just at the end of the pier is the first one: a ruined city with a wide amphitheater where there are various presentations given throughout the day. Not far up the coast is one where you can take part in an active archaeological dig, and a bit inland is a reconstruction of a village.

Goind the other way along the coast, you can visit exciting Pirate Cove! See where famous pirates once hid from the GUFI Police! Share some grog in the pirate's tavern and listen to the old tales of Wukei and El Jaspero.

The "long walk" of the day takes you to the very heart of the island, where the mysterious and as yet unexplained "dragon temple" contains the best examples of Lonely Island sculpture. The exact purpose of the beautiful and intricate carvings is a mystery, as the first explorers from Town found the place long since uninhabited and ruined.

[Deathkeeper]

Lonely Island

Ben looks at the sign, then back to Kate and Bella.
"Would you...like to come with me? I think I have to take the Long Walk to the temple, preferably sooner rather than later. One of the few duties I have on the vacation, see, and it's just a lot less, ah, fun when you're all alone. I can give Bella a ride." he says, a very bashful expression on his face as he looks hopefully at the pair. "All the presentations early in the day are probably going to be crowded." he says, trying to sound reasonable and not that he simply doesn't like the idea of being all alone in a big spooky temple.