highfiving | (no subject)

(no subject)

[if there was one thing Elympions were really adept at, it was creating highly technological constructions and living the "high life" so to speak. after the schism dropped, this only increased due to the access to additional, if currently expensive, resources. and with Rieze Maxia also being rich with resources and willing to increase the economy, coordinating to create a fun place where both citizens could enjoy was easier than expected. had a few bumps along the way, of course, including whether the location would adversely affect the neighboring towns, but after several months of planning and clearing out the monsters, a large portion of the Kijara Seafalls had been converted to something like a water park resort. using the natural formations already existing, including the many waterfalls, the company in charge of this endeavor managed to recreate the setting to include natural made water slides and of course the many variety of natural and artificial pools—casual ones to just sit and relax, larger ones to just swim around, wave pools, and even a section for some heated ones.

technology wise, it's a combination of spirit artes, spyrix, and spyrites. the use of spyrix had been as minimal as possible, but their world isn't quite there with replacing it with spyrite. however, it has been designed so that the conversion would be seamless, and it helps that the park is indeed mostly naturally made.

so during the following summer of their last adventure, Alvin had received two tickets to its opening. a gift for being a Svent. although he isn't really "part of the family" anymore, he can't exactly say he didn't like the few perks that come his way. free gifts definitely were one of them. now the problem is...would he actually go? If so, who would he ask? or should he just give them both away? but even with those questions, he was already thinking, "Leia would probably kill to have these." and well, that made his decision for him.

and so invite her he did and here they are at the Kijara Seafalls Resort. the opening ceremony had been a "splashing" hit and the place is packed with a variety of people from esteemed invited guests to those who managed to purchase tickets to every day families who won the lottery prize. and a lot of kids. a lot of kids.

and like everyone else, he's dressed in casual swimming shorts, sandals, sunglasses, and a loose unbuttoned shirt.]

Well the lines are going to be insane, I can tell you that much. So what should we try out first?

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[slight arch of the brow. ...hm.]

You know if you don't want to it's fine.

But I do want to!

[ which is partially true. she also doesn't want to chicken out on him. ]

You sure?

[and now he's actually seriously asking her.]

Yeah, I'm sure.

[ she sounds a little more convincing this time around. ]

It seems like it might be kinda scary, but that's what makes it fun, right?

[he looks at her for a moment, as if debating, but then he nods and claps a hand on her shoulder.]

All right then. Wait here a sec while I put up our stuff.

You got it!

[ and wait she does. though she's definitely got her eyes glued to the slide, because she needs to psych herself up for this. ]

[it takes him a little bit, but when he returns in not too long.]

Hold out your hand.

Huh? Why?

[ she looks a little unsure for a moment, but she holds her hand out nonetheless. ]

[and just going to snap on one of those rubber bracelet thingies.]

I forgot about these. Special VIP privileges, brought to you by the Svent family connection.

[he says this with some dry sarcasm.]

With these we can pretty much cut through most of the lines and get special rates on everything at the park.

[basically super special fast passes.]

Awesome!

[ she lifts her hand to examine the bracelet, and then grins up at him. ]

I guess being from a fancy family pays off sometimes, huh?

Sometimes.

[and that is all he's going to say about that. even though he stepped down from the "family lineage," he also didn't completely cut off all his ties and his name still has some weight to it. it's just another problem in the background he'll have to deal with one way or another.]

Now let's go and see how loud you'll end up screaming.

[slight smirk as he walks ahead.]

[ and she quickly follows after him, naturally. ]

Yeah, right! I bet you're gonna be the one screaming.

[ ... no, it's definitely going to be her. ]

[laughs.]

Well, maybe. But not as bad as you.

[he'll yell and she'll scream, how about that.

and they're hitting the crowded area. clearly this one is going to be the biggest attraction and wow the standard wait time is two hours? GOOD THING THEY HAVE VIP PASSES! though it's still at least half an hour wait oh fun. and no playing games on their phones because who would bring their GHS to a water slide?

of course they need to...find the entrance to the line. uuuh hm. this way? no not that way. maybe—oh there we go. right into a tunnel into the cliffs. it's actually a little spooky in here with its dimly lit walls and the sound of water dripping every now and then.]

They really went all out on this didn't they?

Yeah! Talk about over-the-top.

[ not that that's necessarily a bad thing, of course.

she looks around, but it's kind of hard to see with the way that it's lit, so she just ends up squinting and then looking up at him. she also might be standing a little closer than usual, both because of the line and because of the creepy atmosphere. ]

It seems like their hard work paid off, though.

[ if the giant line and the way that everybody keeps screaming are anything to go by, at least. and there goes another group of people down the slide. ]

It'll benefit both countries, that's for sure. But it's still weird to think this used to be the same place Jude, Milla, and I fought a giant monster before.

[and met Presa. but he won't say that.]

I mean it used to be filled with monsters. Nothing too difficult, but still.

I guess that's just a sign that times are changing, right?

[ because even if she hadn't been around for that part of their journey, she saw what this place looked like before they started construction, and the difference is pretty incredible. the lack of monsters, the structures they built, the fact that there are actually people around... ]

And to think, not too long ago, this wouldn't have even been possible.

[ which is actually a nice thought— that both countries are starting to work together more. ]

[grins.]

Might not be a bad idea for an article, wouldn't you say?

Well, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it.

[ and she mirrors his grin. ]

Maybe I'll run the idea by my editor when I get home!

Actually, I do wonder who is covering this opening. Do you know?

Hm... let's see...

[ she thinks for a while, and: ]

I dunno for sure, actually. Why?

[a shrug.]

No real reason, just curious.

[and slowly moving up the line. he's going to cross his arms and lean back against the railing, his shoulders resting against the cool rock wall.]

We're going to be here for a while, so I'm just thinking of whatever to talk about to pass the time.

[ the rest of their time in line goes smoothly, if a little slow. as they get closer to the front of the line, the sounds coming from the slide itself get louder, which only adds to leia's nervous energy, but by the time they reach their destination, she's probably more excited than she is scared. the anticipation is definitely killing her, though.

the staff member running the ride checks their bracelets and they get their raft, which is definitely big enough for them both to comfortably fit, without any trouble. then, she turns to him. ]

So! How are we gonna we do this?

[ sitting side-by-side? or maybe she could sit behind him and hold onto him for dear life. ]

Hm...

[how about neither.]

Probably best if I sit in the back and you sit in front of me. Since I'm heavier.

[logical reasoning! to reduce chance of the raft flipping forward, keep the heavyset guy in the back to keep it balanced.

of course the real motive is just to have Leia in front screaming.]

[ wow, does he have something against teenage girls screaming in his ear. ]

Sounds like a plan.

[ and she wastes no time in settling herself into the raft, far enough forward that he'll have room behind her. then, she reaches back and pats the empty spot. ]

Hop in!

[he had to deal with Teepo and the Wyvern. close enough.

hop in he does. don't mind him as he settles in behind her, getting all snug and cozy. at least his hands will be on the side handles.]

No turning back now. Hope you're ready!

[of course the staff members are already pulling/pushing them toward the lip of the slide, with all its rushing water glory.]