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The sky is on fire.
Shades of red and gold and amber bleed together and swirl with the colors of incoming nightfall. Colors that shouldn't mix together blend and dance with one another, transforming the once bright blue sky into a beautiful array of color.
It isn't Essek's first sunset by any means. It isn't even his first sunset on a beach either. He has seen many in his time since leaving Rosohna and the Dynasty. The sunsets in Rexxemtrum hold no comparison to the ones along the Menagerie Coast. Even so, he cannot deny there is something beautiful and grand about this particular sunset. A gentle feeling of warmth and contentment fills him and in that moment, it feels as though all troubles and anxieties are gone. Taken away by the incoming tide that laps the white shoreline.
It baffles him.
"There you are." Essek, drawn from his wandering thoughts, turns his head to find Mollymauk making his way down the path to him. The purple tiefling claims the empty spot on the bench next to him, casually putting his arm over and around Essek's shoulders. Essek can smell the briny salt of the sea on his clothes. "We were wondering where you'd disappeared to."
"I came here to read and then became lost in the scenery." Essek says, picking up the book in his lap to show. He looks over his shoulder against, searching. "Where is Caleb?"
"Setting up the Tower." Molly says. "He'll come find us after."
A comfortable silence falls between them, broken only by the rhythmic sounds of waves hitting the shore further down on the beach proper. They had gone swimming earlier - or most of them did. Essek chose to stay on shore with Veth and Caduceus, hidden from the bright sun beneath a large umbrella kindly provided by Jester. The rest of the Nein walked the shoreline or shoved one another into the water either by strength or magical means. Veth fretted each time Luc neared the water and it only took many reassurances from her husband to stop her from rushing to grab the boy. The sun was high then and the sky was the clearest blue he had ever seen. Now the sun sits on the horizon, slowly sinking beneath the glittering sea.
"Copper for your thoughts, love?" Molly draws him out once more.
Essek shakes his head. "Nothing of consequence." He tilts his head back to look at the sky once more. Shades of blue and violet of the night are creeping in more, pushing back the amber gold. He can see the outline of Catha brighter now than it was before. He exhales a gentle sigh. "It is beautiful here."
Molly hums. "Except the sand. Keep finding it in places it shouldn't be."
"That is troublesome, yes." Essek agrees. He steals a glance towards Molly. His braids have come loose and curl wildly around his face. It is a beautiful look, though he may be biased in such thinking. Mollymauk is beautiful in everything he does. He seems focused on something ahead of them. The gulls flying near the shore or something far in the water perhaps. Essek isn't sure. The tip of his tail flicks back and forth across Essek's lap, tapping against the book cover. "We can go back, if you wish."
"Hm? No, no, this is fine." Molly sighs. "It's kind of nice, this."
Essek hums in agreement and says nothing more of the matter. He leans his head back, neck cushioned by Molly's arm and closes his eyes. A warm breeze blows over them, carrying with it the smell of salt and faintly fish that is associated with the sea. Underneath it the hint of smoke that grows stronger with each passing second. The wind carries words, the familiar voices of their friends, and Essek's ear twitches back as the sound of footsteps grows closer.
"There you two are." Caleb's voice comes along with the wind. Essek doesn't bother opening his eyes, though smiles as he feels warm, slightly chapped, lips press against his forehead. Though he cannot see it, he knows Molly receives a similar treatment. Caleb takes the open spot on the bench on the other side of Essek, body pressed against his in a way that makes Essek's heart feel even fuller than before. "The Tower is set up, although Beauregard and Jester wanted to make a fire for s'mores so that is what they are doing."
Essek's brows pinch at this new word. "S'mores?"
"Sweet crackers with roasted marshmallow and chocolate." Caleb explains, though he feels Molly shift on his other side. "You've never had one?"
Essek shakes his head, which earns him a short laugh from Molly.
"Essek love, you poor deprived thing." Molly says, clearly amused. "They can be messy though most fun and delicious things are often messy."
He leans closer to the point Essek can feel hot breath against his ear and laughs as Essek gently pushes him away. "You are terrible." he mumbles.
When he opens his eyes, Molly has settled down again, lips still curled into a smile as he watches the waves. Essek turns his head the other direction, finding Caleb leaning his head back slightly with his eyes closed. There are new freckles on his cheeks, which are slightly pink from the sun. No doubt there are more freckles on his shoulders and back, all hidden by the loose cotton shirt he wears. Essek is eager to discover them all later tonight.
The sun sinks further below the horizon. Stars begin to show brighter in the incoming night, sparkling around the glowing orb of Catha that will take place of the sun. The canvas has changed even in the passing minutes, growing darker and chasing away the light. His eyes trace the invisible lines between the constellations, making shapes out of nothing but connecting stars. He wonders if Caleb knows all the constellations. Fjord does, given his lengthy time at sea. He should read about them later.
Laughter erupts from behind them, breaking Essek from his thoughts again. When did he become so sentimental? He turns his head, finding Caleb doing the same, and sees the glow of the bonfire up the hill. Then music begins to play, followed by some singing that dissolves into more laughter. He imagines Jester pulling Fjord into a dance, or perhaps Beauregard, as Yasha plays her bone harp. Caduceus sitting on the side, watching them all as he makes sure sand isn't kicked onto the food. Veth and her family may join in Jester's dancing, with young Luc skipping and clapping his hands to Yasha's music. It is a warm feeling that has nothing to do with the summer air.
"Shall we join them?" Caleb asks. His hand rests on one of Essek's, where Molly's tail has come to loosely wind around them both. The peace and contentment feels as though it has reached its limits and yet Essek only feels his heart swell even more. How lucky he is to be here, he thinks. How lucky he is to have this.
"Yes, we should." He stands with them, reaching for their hands and allows himself to be led up the path to the house where their friends wait.