Prompt 1 - Favorite Summer Hobby(s) or Activity(s)Username; Divantae
❤Merlin owned by me
Summer was like a whole different world; it seemed that everyone, regardless of profession or rank, was out and about flocking to someplace or another in hopes of making memories. Merlin was no exception, except it was part of his job description to wander. Besides, he was considered an outlaw on top of his career as a wizard, so he had no reason to stay at home inviting trouble.
Yes, this was very apparent that humid, sticky day, summer was a bustling and purely nomadic season. Merlin lay, belly up, to the sun that was casting fiery orbs in his eyelids when he dozed off. Though dozing off was different than sleeping, which he could not do between the seagulls screeching at each other, children racing by, and women gossiping audibly across from him.
Ironically, Merlin's interests during the summer were nothing but the ordinary. Waterparks, fireworks, carnivals, those kinds of things. His favorite was lying on the tough, unforgiving, and scalding hot beach like today without a care in the world. However, he was feeling quite emotionally drained and bored this year, like his soul was sucked straight out of his body, and that he's seen it all, there's nothing else to see in this world, nope. So, he decided to do something else for a change: venture the boardwalk that he avoided dearly, for law enforcement patrolled and the throngs of people were especially thick there.
For quite some time he was clueless of what to do, because he just felt empty, that was until he set his sights on the aquarium on the boardwalk. Typical it was not. Raising his eyebrows, he glared at the strange sign that hung over him, a sign that was almost... twirling, hypnotic, but welcoming, if that made any lick of sense. This sign was in the shape of a jellyfish, and an exotic swirl of magenta was radiating from it, almost circling it. Merlin had to find out more, being the wizard he is, so he entered, cold air blasting him as he strolled in curiously.
"Welcome, sir!" a voice excitedly called out to him, though he couldn't address it. Adjusting his eyes to the much darker building, he was met with a little Viscet sitting at the front desk, happily looking on.
"Greetings. Say, what is-"
"Oh yes, sir! You must be here for the sign, everyone asks about it these days. Our aquarium is quite magical," she gave some jazz hands as she talked about magic, "as the very owner of this very establishment had charmed that sign! It used to be an old piece of driftwood from the shore, believe it or not..." she drifted off ominously.
"Cool, cool. So is the whole aquarium like it? I dabble in a bit of magic myself," Merlin added.
"Of course, sir. Here are our prices for day passes and a pamphlet for your viewing pleasure."
"Alright, thank you. I'll buy just a twelve hour," he concluded, handing her the money.
"Have a great time!" she waved him off.
The aquarium was very dark, except for the sea creatures' habitats, the purple smoke and sparkles littered over the floor. There was a terrific aura of wonder and imagination, like something bigger was at play. Though Merlin was more interested in the magic surrounding the establishment, he couldn't help but grin like a little boy again at the sea turtles and sharks, placing a paw on the clear aura barrier separating the water and the rest of the building. Even the dullest aquatic life seemed colorful and interesting with the spells; it was a truly refreshing experience. Needless to say, Merlin promised to come back to the aquarium every summer. [618 words]
