The nereids had been working for days in preparation of the party. The beaches were cleared of storm-wrought debris, the jungle trails to the main sights on the island cleaned up and defined. It would be a bit of a party crush if they had to stop and look for lost foals all night, so while the work had been a bit laborious, the sea mare figured it would probably be worthwhile. 

Once things had been tidied and made visitor-friendly, the real fun bits had begun. The island was a beautiful place to begin with, but they had taken cares to make it incredible. Garlands of sweet hibiscus and plumeria hung from trees in the social areas, places where it would be easy to lounge and talk to friends new and old. Aquaria had collected hundreds of pearly-black mussel shells and used them to adorn the sand in eye catching patterns. 

It was fine work, if she said so herself, the way the sunlight turned each one into a tiny blue flame in the white sand. It had taken her hours, but it was the kind of work she liked. Something she could sink into and be completely absorbed in until it was just right. It made her heart do a happy little leap every time she passed it once the designs were complete. 

Next she moved the the main beach, where they anticipated the majority of the activity to occur. It was a broad swath of sand, even at high tide, dotted with sea grasses and hardy shrubbery that gave way to the jungle vegetation. A long, straight stretch of the shoreline had been set aside as a race track for the more athletically inclined guests to test their mettle against each other on the surprisingly difficult footing. 

The other end though they'd prepared an unusual exhibit. A laboriously hollowed pit in the sand, filled with salt water. It was only a foot or so deep, maybe a horse length in radius, but it had been a project of great interest to the sea horses. They had collected a variety of creatures that they believed many guests would be unfamiliar with. 

Sea cucumber and urchin, starfish and a juvenile red octopus. A rocky piece of coral had been painstakingly shifted from the reef and submerged in the center of their temporary tide pool, bright with anemone and alien shaped organisms. Crabs scuttled under and around rocks and snapped tiny claws at passing minnows. 

All in all it was a work of art, something they should all be proud of. The pearl mare smiled at the creation the morning the party was set to start, her usual clinging starfish friends transferred lovingly into the pool's calm water for the duration of the festivities. Guests should start arriving soon, and throughout the day. 

She waited in the sand to greet anyone who passed by, ready to immerse herself in the experience of the celebration. She'd donned a wreath of red-throated golden hibiscus for the day around her neck, and hoped that she wouldn't have cause to act in her more severe duty as the island's peace keeper. Vaguely, she wished for a mango, or one of the other pieces of fruit they'd stacked in the meadow. But she would see to her task as a greeter before seeing to her own hungry belly. It wouldn't do to miss a guest.

The pearly sea mare did not have to wait long for the first guest to appear. Warm sand and a cool breeze made for a pleasant combination as she smiled brightly at the soft brown girl approaching. Already, she was adorned with a delicately woven lei in creamy colors that accented her coat beautifully. 

"Akeyi!" She greeted with enthusiasm, admiring the girl making her dancing way closer. Her own feet spun in the sand as she gestured to the island at large. "Ischia welcomes you to our little party. My name is Aquaria. Please, enjoy what the island has to offer as long as you're here." She beamed, fins swaying in the breeze. "You are invited to eat, drink, explore and mingle with the other guests to your heart's content. Our only requirement is that the peaceful vibe we've cultivated here is respected and that while on our shores, all kingdom disputes are put aside." 

The consequences of not doing so were left unsaid. Hopefully this would work. Peace and harmony could be maintained, nurtured. She would see to it. Eva expected it of her, and she hated to disappoint anyone. So if somebody decided that they'd rather fight, she was more than willing to throw them off the island. Physically. 

Of course, it would be best if it didn't come to that.

Her smile never wavered as the duties of hostess called, despite the mildly unpleasant train her thoughts had taken. She shook her head, and continued. "Yes, well. There's much to see! Behind me is the tide pool, where we've collected some of the more fascinating kinds of critters you can find in Ischia's waters." An octopus tentacle rose from the pool almost on cue, waving a second before it disappeared once more beneath the rippling surface. "There are also a variety of beaches, waterfalls and jungle trails all open to exploring. A little later we'll be having games on this beach that you are more than welcome to join in. Enjoy!" 

And there was her speal. Easy enough, and she truly hoped the girl would have fun.