sunlit tides
Rusalka is an idyllic territory by the coast. It’s easy to see why anyone would be captivated by the sun, the sea breeze, and the high, rocky cliffs overlooking the shimmering ocean. The people in the port city seem friendly enough, but few seem to recall seeing any knights around lately. This is the biggest city in the area though, so someone is bound to come through at some point. With the shopping and the weather as good as it is, no time like the present to have a little vacation while you wait for leads then, right? Beach day! Maybe even try your hand at what the locals call “surfing.” [Grants Riding +1]
Fleur de sel blossoms in the rock pools as Julia steps upon the Rusalkan beach. The sunlight showering down upon her is almost enough to make her forget the pair of them are on a mission. Almost. They were sent here to investigate the disappearance of a contingency of the Knights of Seiros, but their search seemed to have hit a wall.
“Sorry, haven’t seen any knightly types around here. Except that lad over there,” the young, blond gentleman she’s speaking to points behind her. As she turns around, he adds. “The redhead. Though I guess he’s a little younger than your looking for, right?”
Julia’s shoulders drop immediately. He’s pointing towards Roy, who is at a stall on the otherside of the beach, getting them both a drink. She shakes her head slightly with a sigh, the burning heat really starting to bear down upon her. They’d had no luck so far, their best guess being that perhaps some of the knights had fallen in love with the the idyllic scenery and relaxed, easy-going lifestyle the locals seemed to enjoy here. Not the greatest lead in the world but...
“Ah, he’s with me. Sorry for wasting your time--”
“Hey now, no need to frown! Why don’t you and your friend join us? We’re going to go surfing to cool off,” the blond tilts his head to a group of teenagers, frolicking by the water’s edge with wooden boards and inflatables. It’s... tempting given the heat. Very tempting, even though Julia isn’t quite sure what ‘surfing’ is. The group look friendly and welcoming, though she isn’t sure she has it in her to abandon their duty. “Here, let’s go ask him. I’m Viggo, by the way!”
He’s off in an instant, leaving Julia sprinting to catch up. By the time they reach Roy, she’s clutching her side and struggling to catch her breath.
“I’m Julia. Roy--” her face burns crimson from running but she attempts an easy smile. It’s probably a little strained at the corners, not because of company but goodness, she really needs to work out more. “This is Viggo. He and his friends would like us to go surfing with them. What d you think?”
@lionsword
