[woolenwillow-deactivated2024033]

For: @rcptide

Willow, breathless from her last dance, pressed a hand to her chest as she stepped away from the throng of townies. The cool wind off of the water called her nearer and she kicked her sandals off at the edge to sink her toes into the gentle surf. In the distance she could see the electric lantern left on the mooring post at the Isles of Pie twinkle. 

Then she felt a bump against her foot. Expecting a fish, Will hopped a step back only to find a mango. And a number of bananas, not to mention the jollily bobbing coconut. A veritable fruit salad was slowly but surely washing up to shore, undoubtedly from the islands themselves. Mango in hand, she looked around to find anyone else witnessing the odd gift. “It looks like they wanted to participate in the potluck, too,” she said. “D’you think we should add them to the table?”

[rcptide]

There's a clear sense of longing that plagues him. Whenever he finds himself on the beach, too close to home, something pangs painfully just beneath the ribs. Where there's usually a feral grin now twists into a uncharacteristically pensive frown. The white crested waves have always been his North Star. Without it he feels lost — sick, almost.

But the ache's temporarily assuaged with an interruption. Fruit by fruit, the shore's slowly decorated with a harvest's bounty. Squinting, Oliver inches close enough to pluck a cluster of ripe bananas from the sand. "Feel like it'd be a disservice not to, right? Also feels like the Wiggles would be strongly disappointed if there isn't a little bit of fruit salad in the mix."

[seaoflcve]

where: the flower dance when: afternoon with: open

"Man, I haven't been to one of these things in ages," Elio comments, gesturing expansively at the festival, eyes bright with warmth as he takes in the scene in front of him. As far as he's concerned, this is one of the things small towns do best - he loves that these tight-knit communities will find any excuse to come together, and how often that excuse involves some kind of celebration. If only Joja hadn't gotten involved, their stall a blue blemish on the sand that Elio is taking great pains to avoid making eye contact with.

"Say, you want to dance? I swear not to step on your toes," he jokes, smile wide as he offers his hand.

[rcptide]

"Maybe you would if you visited more often." Again with the bickering, though wholly light-hearted. As much as he jests about staying on land more often, Oliver's very much aware of the bias he decided to live by. No one in their right mind would willingly dry themselves out by going against their nature. But, then again, he's always been more left brained anyways.

He takes Elio's hand without hesitation and matches the smile. "We both know you shouldn't be the one promising not to step on toes. Just wait hope the beat doesn't drop before I come out swinging."

[healthyselvcs]

where: the flower dance open !

it was warm, and she already dealt with two people who were exhausted from dehydration. she had been working at the medical booth for as long as she's had her degree and it wasn't going to change now, although she remembers being younger but quickly squashes that down. "drink this gatorade and i'll reward you with a cookie," she said to one of the younger kids, patting the top of their head. then she hears the sound of rustling, or.. something, she's not quite sure until she leans her head out of the booth to look at the noise disturbance, "is that a fuc-is that an effing pixie?"

[rcptide]

What can he say? He's always been prone to dehydration. As Oliver sits in the shade at a forty-five degree slump, he begins to contemplate if such rigorous trash collecting had been smart. In hindsight, a break here and there probably would've benefited him. Then again, he basically saw red and blacked out the second he laid eyes on all of that wrongfully discarded waste.

It wasn't until he caught wind of some commotion did he pick up his heavy head. Squinting against the brightness, he lets out a disgruntled hum. "Huh? Like a manic pixie dream girl?"

[rcptide]

STATS .

FULL NAME: Oliver Abad

NICKNAME(S): Oli

SPECIES: Merfolk

OCCUPATION: Environmental Scientist & aggressive recycler

AGE: 48 years young

DATE OF BIRTH: October 30

GENDER & PRONOUNS: Cis male & he/him

ORIENTATION: Bisexual

HEIGHT: 5'9''

EYE COLOR: Brown

HAIR COLOR + STYLE: Buzzed, bright pink

DOMINANT HAND: Right

BIOGRAPHY .

Thistleberry native, born and true. Unlike most of the other merfolk he grew up around, Oliver was raised as single child. His parents struggled as is with him and the increasing pollution hardly lent a helping hand.

Childhood & best friends with Elio. Through thick and thin they've never strayed from their hometown. Their families were close. Grew even closer when his father fell ill due to the contamination in their waters. ***tw: death, alluded terminal illness start*** It wasn't a fast illness and they watched as the man withered into almost nothing. ***tw: death, alluded terminal illness end***

For the most part, the grief Oliver experienced looked a lot like rage. He was angry at the people that continuously harm nature by land and sea. Angry at himself for not being able to do anything to help stave, or even cure, what ate away at his father. So while he spent the quiet hours mourning, the rest were put towards bettering himself to make an impact in this town. Oliver busted his ass to achieve his title today. And despite the backlash of those older in the same field, he's held steadfast in his studies and practice.

PERSONALITY .

With a razor sharp wit and loose tongue, it's not uncommon for Oliver to get into spats with those he disagrees with. Loudly. There's nothing subtle about him, ever. Not the way he dresses, speaks, acts, etc. But he still harbors a tender heart. Loves and cherishes those close to him — even if he likes to spark harmless controversy every now and then. He absolutely loves to have fun and be a little reckless with it. Yet when things get serious, he's almost always the first to straighten up and act accordingly.

MISC. INFO .

Oliver is practically landlocked by choice. Though his true home will always be in watery depths where his mother resides, he's lived on land for almost a decade. Half of it is due to the grief he still carries. The rest is more of an act of discipline; for if he returns to the sea for too long... he's surely bound to stay there.

That being said, his other best friend is an eel named Eelana.

CONNECTIONS .

tba but i'm honestly open to everything!