it's getting hot in here

[happyheartsstaff]

SO (PLEASE DON'T) TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHES

Days are almost meaningless, here in Wonderland. With the eternal twilight outside the windows and many of the hotel's amenities open around the clock, it can be hard to keep track, can't it? But you must sleep, or at least return to your room, some time. It's on one of these times that you may begin to notice a faint sound coming from inside the walls. Or is it the ceiling? The floor? Something that sounds like scratching, or tapping, or the strained whir of machinery. Then it fades away. Whether it's moving on to another room or stopping entirely, it's hard to tell.

After a few nights, or days, of this happening, it suddenly stops. There's a brief period of peace, and perhaps you even get some rest. Then there's a series of thumps, sharp clicks and a loud stuttering sound that signals the hotel's air conditioning unit giving out.

At first it's not so bad. It's dark out, right, how hot can it really be outside? The air itself still seems to be circulating, albeit more slowly, but it's enough that you can breathe. But the heat seems to keep building, and building, the air hanging heavy and thick and leaving a lingering feeling that it's pressing down on you. Even sitting still no longer becomes enough to ease the suffocating heat.

The staff don't know what's happened to the air conditioner, when you ask. "Oh, that finicky thing", they say, as if it's a minor inconvenience. They assure you that the Queen's mechanics will have it fixed in no time — they always do. In the meantime, can they interest you in a refreshing iced tea? Perhaps a dip in the pool?

Is it your imagination, or do a few of the staff seem a little uncertain as they try to brush off your questions? A little less confident than they always have been before? Whatever their demeanor, it seems they still have no answers to give. The astute may notice that after a conversation with one of these staff, they can't seem to be found again.

As if that weren't enough, the scratching in the walls starts up again. With the oppressive heat, the rising tension and frayed nerves, is it any wonder that the staff might seem more apprehensive?

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT 06/11 - 06/13

Sleeping is probably hard enough, in a hotel where the activity never seems to cease. At least it's generally quiet in the upper floors, at least Oysters can turn out the lights in their own room and find some peace.

...usually, anyway.

At first it's only the faintest sounds, something only noticeable to those who sleep lightly. The staff, if asked, don't acknowledge hearing anything and seem politely concerned about anything disturbing the rest of their guests. Oysters may be offered ear plugs, or a device to listen to music, or a trip to the spa for relaxation.

Then it grows in both volume and frequency, disturbing even the heaviest of sleepers at night. Some staff still say they haven't heard anything, other staff acknowledge the sounds but brush them off, unconcerned. Every building has its quirks, after all! There does seem to be an increase in staff milling about, however, making it difficult for those who may want to look into things without being seen.

CLICK CLICK... THUMP

06/14 - 06/21

The fourth day of the event begins with a short period of blissful silence, quickly ruined by a loud, persistent clicking sound, audible in all parts of the hotel... And then an even louder THUMP as the air conditioning unit gives out.

At first, it's not terrible — the air is still circulating, and while the heat is uncomfortable it's not unbearable. As time goes on, though, the heat builds and builds, until not even staying in place will provide any relief.

The staff profess ignorance to whatever happened to the air conditioner, if asked — some more convincingly than others. They all offer iced teas for relief, and suggest a dip in the Pool of Tears, though those who seem uncertain when answering any questions will try to leave the conversation faster, and won't be easily found again.

While the iced teas are incredibly effective at helping to beat the heat, they once again seem to offer some strange effects — enough glasses, and Oysters will be overcome either with anger and irritation, or a sense of serene calm. Any little thing could set off an Oyster who's been affected by the anger-inducing tea; an Oyster who drank the calming tea is utterly unflappable. These effects persist for just as long as it takes for the cooling effects to wear off, at which point Oysters are left with a choice — deal with the heat, or take their chances with another tea?

And to top it all off, the scratching noise in the walls has started up again. The few staff remaining at this point are as unhelpful as ever, but they don't have the same infuriating calm to their answers — but who could blame them being a little nervous?

QUEEN'S ADDRESS

06/21

And finally, the tenth day brings relief in the form of a loud shuddering sound, and then the quiet whoosh of a working air conditioner. Over the course of the day, the Hotel gets progressively cooler, until it is once again at the comfortable, cool temperature Oysters had grown used to in their first month here in the Hotel.

It also brings an address from the Queen.

"Oh, my curious Oysters, when you try to play with that which you don't understand, you break things! Not to fear, all has been set to rights now that our dear Dormouse has fixed what some careless guest disrupted. If you wanted to play games, you should have simply said! I have a dear companion for you who is so eager to join in the fun."

The Queen will not respond to any messages sent back to her.

If you have any questions, please direct them to the OOC post here. RNG results for the off limits areas will be going out tomorrow, so if anyone would still like to sign up for those that hasn't yet please do so tonight!

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© tessisamess

Comments

[equivocations]

[ It's not unexpected, that Wei Wuxian would be confused by a direct acknowledgment of support. They had been rare enough prior to his death, and the one here has not had much experience beyond that. He must still think that everyone, even his own brother, would not support him.

Lan Xichen has nothing but respect for Jiang Wanyin as a sect leader who overcame so many tragedies, who has proved himself on many occasions to be both strong and capable.

As a brother, well. He would have to politely point out that he has no experience with Jiang Wanyin as a brother, and therefore is unqualified to make any evaluation on his actions there. It is Jiang Wanyin who will have to live with them. ]

Perhaps if we have enough time in this place, his confusion will eventually abate.

[ He's contemplating how to say it - he can't be sure any of the conversations he had with Wei Wuxian in Cloud Recesses after his return were successful, should he be more explicit than that? - when it's his turn to have his focus sharpen suddenly on his brother.

He nods before he can think too much into it, and then lets out a sigh with a tiny shake of his head. ]

I can't tell him until he believes that I see us as equals. Accepting my support because he feels obligated by the differences in our status would only turn into a rejection in the long run.

[equivocations]

[ To be fair, the list that Lan Xichen had presented was rather disjointed. If there was a commonality to be found, it could perhaps be the enjoyment of the simple things of his home, or the happiness of the people he cared for.

The first one is not so easily replicated here, but the second - well, he is planning on doing his best there.

Wei Wuxian's offer doesn't surprise him nearly as much as the question had, and there's a hint of fondness to the otherwise sedate nature of his smile. ]

I would like that. Will you answer me in return - what makes you happy, aside from Wangji?

[equivocations]

[ Hearing Wei Wuxian's voice from the other side of the door causes a spike of relief to cut through the anger he feels - but it's brief, considering that what he hears is Wei Wuxian telling him to run if someone comes.

When someone comes, because Lan Xichen has no doubt that whoever set this trap would be aware of someone setting it off, and would come looking to see who he caught before long. For the moment, the uncharacteristic anger that threatens to consume him is directed entirely towards whoever is trapping Wei Wuxian like this, but there is a shade of it left for that question itself.

He chooses not to dignify it with a response, instead keeping his attention on how to pry the lock panel apart. He looks around for something to use as a lever, but - there is nothing, no more than there was when he was looking for something to mark the other door with.

Well. No. There is one thing, and while Lan Xichen would not have risked damaging his flute simply to mark their way, getting Wei Wuxian out before someone finds them is another matter entirely. He wedges the instrument in the gap in the panel, braces himself in the doorway, and applies as much pressure as he can.

He can hear liebing strain, and he doesn't have to look to know that cracks are beginning to form in its frame, but he disregards that entirely when it proves successful, and the panel to the lock is pried off. Another kick to its now vulnerable inner mechanisms weakens its integrity even further, and Lan Xichen follows it up by slamming his shoulder into the door one more time - and, finally, feeling it give and break open. ]

[scaredofdogs]

Right now the pool makes me happy.

[He laughs as he lowers himself into the water up to his neck. A much needed reprieve from the heat of the hotel. but he comes back up as he considers it sincerely.]

What makes me happy..hmm..

[He lays back and looks up at the ceiling as he floats. Of course the first few things that pop into his mind all include Lan Wangji. But the question was for something besides him which makes the list much shorter.]

That is a hard question because it changes. What makes me happy now and what made me happy a lifetime ago is very different. Because some of those things I'll never be able to enjoy again.

[Because he may never be allowed back in Yunmeng. And he'll never get to enjoy the soup his sister used to make. The things that make him happy are all long gone..except for one.]

What makes me happy now is spending time with your brother, teaching the young disciples new things whenever we meet up in our travels, wine..particularly Emporer's Smile, and just getting a second chance.

[billowing]

[ He is very serious when he says: ]

Then speak to him.

[ More, do what Lan Wangji struggles to do and just talk to him. He doesn't know the pain of sixteen years holding his tongue as the people surrounding him repeat over and over again, what a terrible person he was in life, the person that meant the most to him.

How does he explain to his Xiongzhang, that watching helplessly as he dies, being the last person to see him, and going over and over again what you could've done differently, aren't the worst things? That initial pain is sharp, and it burns, but it hasn't started yet to erode.

They can't escape fate. It's foolish to try. He was named Wangji, because he was supposed to let go of all worldly matters, and yet, of that he has mostly failed. He cares too much for the comings and goings of this world. And so, defy fate they must. ]

If you explain that he is titled, will he respond to it?

[ He'd already accidentally called him that once. Perhaps if they started speaking to him in such a manner, he'd start to believe what Lan Xichen would have been doing being so close to him after all.

He, of course, has no practical advice on the matter, as his Wei Ying is from a previous time, yes, and had initially believed that Lan Wangji still thought him an enemy, sure. But his way of bypassing the last several arduous weeks of putting together Nie Mingjue and exposing Jin Guangyao's secrets, that involved a lot of spending time with him and browbeating him with care. Somehow, he doesn't think that is going to work in this situation, and so, he draws his mouth into a thin line, that amounts to: talk to him.

He would, however, gladly break Meng Yao's legs if it would allow Xichen to come to his rescue. ]

[scaredofdogs]

His fingers latch onto the sheets as that familiar sensation that had sent his head slamming into the headboard last time, is felt once again. But this time he is ready. Not quite caught off guard as he had been that first time. he flinches at the initial stretching, the pain of that intrusion to be expected.

He tries to keep his breathing even, willing his body to relax even though it's reflex is to tighten up. He knows it will get better..it has to..why else would anyone do this?

He lets out a shuddering breath as those fingers move inside of him. He wants to be reassuring that everything is fine but he doesn't trust his voice quite yet. But it's slowly getting easier as his body opens up, and finally he can manage "I'm okay, Lan Zhan."

[equivocations]

[ Wangji's seriousness, the pain he can see in him even now - this, more than anything else, cuts through the fog that has hovered at the edge of his mind since leaving the temple. Who is he to think of his own pain, of how deep he feels Jin Guangyao's betrayal in his bones, when what he feels is only the beginning of what Wangji had to endure for sixteen years?

Seclusion was the appropriate choice back home, to cut himself away from outside influence and search within himself to determine if there was anything left that was worth trusting, but he no longer has the luxury of such isolated self reflection. If he doubts himself so deeply, if he allows himself to think on the fact that he was never truly enough - he will fail before he has even started. He can't allow himself to fail any of them again.

His focus sharpens even more, and the somewhat distant quality to his voice when he spoke of Meng Yao earlier fades. ]

It will be a start. Meng Yao uses honeyed words like a weapon, when he needs to. They cannot always be trusted, coming from him, and so he doesn't always trust the words that come from others, no matter how sweet they may sound. It's whether your actions match up to them when you're tested that he will remember, and that's where my focus will be.

[ He has always understood why Jin Guangyao continued to bow to him, despite that Lan Xichen told him many times it wasn't necessary - it was a comforting ritual between the two of them, certainly, but it was also Jin Guangyao's way of testing that Lan Xichen meant what he said. This time, he will be less subtle than always catching his bows.

...but not quite as unsubtle as staging a rescue, please don't break Meng Yao's legs Wangji. ]

[billowing]

[ It wouldn't be a terrible break, just a small fracture. He's precise, like a surgeon.

Ultimately, Xichen knows Meng Yao best. Of anyone else equipped to speak to him, he'd probably only have named the Nie brothers, and even then, with how contentious things had been with them towards the end, Xichen may honestly be the one best-equipped for this position he's in.

But it's a double-edged sword as well. Even if Meng Yao suspects anything, it would probably be dangerous.

Lan Wangji at least had the comfort of hope, of believing that Wei Ying was innocent of his crimes, or at least, not the guilty murderer that everyone had set him up to be and had accused of him. The only real comfort they have is that Jin Guangyao has not those things yet. ]

What will you need me to do?

[ Honestly, is Wangji the right person for the doing part of this, besides potentially breaking Meng Yao's legs because. Meng Yao definitely doesn't like him. ]

[sadflutenoises]

[When there's no response, he feels a spike of worry. Are they already here? Have they caught Lan Xichen? A moment later though, he can hear the scrape of metal as something seems to give. He stands clear of the sliver of light, eyes flicking nervously between it and the ever-increasing watchers. There's hundreds now, all focused on him and his movements, though there's not so much as a sound from them.]

Zewu Jun? L... Lan Xichen? Is everything okay?

[A heavy kick thunders in response, and the sliver of light dances and widens for a moment. He's close. But what's going on, on the other side of that door?

He doesn't have to wonder long, as the door bursts open with a thunderous sound. Wei Wuxian doesn't hesitate. As soon as the door is open, he bolts toward it, nearly plowing into Lan Xichen as he does so. He nimbly sidesteps, without losing much momentum, and grabs at Zewu Jun's sleeve, trying to tug him along.]

W-We have to go.

[stargazed]

[Mikumo hums faintly. A power might not be how she'd put it, but she is curious how they pulled it off.] They must have some way of accessing those different places, but considering the level of control they've shown over this place, maybe it's more complicated than that. I'd wonder how they even track down particular people of interest when they have so many years and places to work with, but that's rather a broader question.

[They don't even really know why they're here, so what got them singled out to be brought here is a bit more of a distant question.]

[stargazed]

I will. I may have to find a more subtle way to ask, but it wouldn't be the first time.

[One finger taps the tip of her thumbnail almost thoughtfully. They didn't remove her hidden computer when she got here, but that could be as much because they didn't deem it a thread as not having seen it. It is, at least, a possible alternative besides the Empathies to not speak a message.]

For now, I suppose I'd best focus on what's happening right at the moment. [How long the heat situation lasts and if it's going to get worse before it gets better.]

[stargazed]

Most likely. We haven't been here long enough to have a very clear image of how things work, so ideally we may be able to do more as we pick more information up.

[An exponential sort of spread. If they manage to get the right information, it could open up a whole lot more to them in future, but that means being lower-key about it for now so they don't get stopped before they even get anywhere.]

[billowing]

Mm. I don't know how hot it can get in this climate.

[ But... there's not even sun outside, as if the whole thing is suspended in time. So.

He wonders if perhaps it might get even hotter, if there was.

That's worrisome. ]

If you would like, I can find you a fan.

[lunchbreaks]

[ Well, he can figure out why he was singled out. He's now a troublemaker of the most annoying variety. ]

Perhaps in the grand scheme of things, we are particularly useful.

[ He knows it's hard for humans to believe sometimes, but as he's seen some stand the test of legend and myth, he can't say that it surprises him. ]

[scaredofdogs]

Just make sure you be careful just in case! If the staff is nervous then it's better to be cautious. And we should all stay in contact with each other.

[He holds up the empathy device.] She might be able to monitor these but at least it allows us to get in contact with one another if we find anything out that might be important.

wow..DW ate this notification

[scaredofdogs]

"Ahh..well..I've been talking to some of the spirits. I was given a tea that gives me a power to do so. Apparently the old queen liked removing people's heads if they didn't obey."

He reaches up to rub his neck, "They also don't seem to care much for the new queen."

[inquiryguqin]

"Yes, I was gifted with that power. I wonder who the owner is and exactly what he is used it for. I would rather think he missed it."

Lan Wangji turns into many shades of red across his smooth jade-like face and to the tip of ears when he laughs at him, teasing him. "No. Absolutely not. It's about power nature and removing oneself from worldly desires."

No, he won't admit he did compose a love song about his feelings and perhaps written enough love poetry to last a lifetime.

"No, I don't speak of any of it. Not necessary."

[sadflutenoises]

He isn't sure he can remember the last time he saw Lan Wangji's face change colors like that, even the tips of his ears look red! Probably when they were still only teens in Cloud Recesses.

"Aaa~ah. Such a waste," he sighs. "All your sweet talking wasted on nature and rules? Only you would use a power like that in exactly the opposite way it's meant!"

He imagines an ode to all the stifling rules of the Lan sect, condemning all worldly desires, like it's such a terrible thing to have fun. Wei Wuxian takes a long sip of his cocktail, considering.

"I want to read it," he sets his amused gaze on Lan Wangji's face.

[inquiryguqin]

With a sip of his ice tea, he managed to slowly calm himself. With a nod, looking away "Mn. Nature and rules. Opposite way. The nature of the Way, the Dao."

Looking shyly away. Even now, he's in turmoil over the other Wei Ying. But this one wants to read his poetry. How very kind. Lan Wangji is a recluse and hides in his own shell.

After much thought, "Perhaps...another time. I'll write a poem. Just for you to read." A poem he hopes he'll enjoy reading.

[sizeofyourbaggage]

Makes sense, yeah. It'd explain how he could selectively return our hearing and navigate through this place when it was all turned around. So either she's giving him some of her power - or there's a trick to controlling this place, and more than one person can use it.

[ And he's kind of hoping it's the latter - at least then, if they can figure this place out, they might stand a chance at fighting back. Not much he can do about it until they know more, though.

Then he gives a little bit of a grimace at her question. ]

The guy he wanted to get alone isn't here anymore. I saw him after that, so they might not be directly connected, but... [ But it doesn't look all that great, he knows. ]

[sadflutenoises]

"Ah, that's about what I expected."

If he had to sit through one of Lan Qiren's lectures on such things, he was pretty certain he'd be bored to tears and falling asleep in his seat. But perhaps between Lan Wangji's artful writing and being gifted with sweet words, it would be amusing.

Though, he's a little worried his teasing has gone too far, when Lan Zhan looks away. He tries to lean back into his line of sight, and is relieved to hear that he's not so bothered, especially if he's offering to write him a poem.

"You don't have to go out of your way, Lan Zhan," he grins, but offers a slight nod of his head. Why not, after all?

"But poetry, a nice ambiance, and a bottle of wine, mm, sounds like a time well spent," he says agreeably. Now if he could only go outdoors and look at the stars at the same time. That would be all but perfect.

"It's not much but, hmmm, I could draw you something, in return. What do you think?"

[inlovewithmycar]

Crowley watches as the rats dig into the sandwich, rather impressed with how quickly Sam has taken to talking with them. You see it a lot with humans like Sam; the ones who are good at understanding all the unspoken idiosyncrasies of human nature. All it takes is a slight, supernatural nudge of a few neurons and now picking up how a completely different species communicates is a piece of cake.

He's honestly surprised it hadn't come baked into humanity already; seems a useful skill. But Her logic was always a touch inscrutable to Crowley.

"If they're having their nests disrupted, it probably makes getting food a lot trickier. And human-but-not-normal-human could mean anything," Crowley says, taking a napkin from a dispenser to fold so his hands are occupied while his brain works through this little tidbit of information. In his experience there's no such thing as a 'normal' human. They were all unique in their own way. But from a rat's perspective, what would not normal look like? Different size, maybe. Some non-human features perhaps?

"You reckon she and her mates might be willing to cause a distraction so we can try to investigate...?"

[inlovewithmycar]

"I have no idea," Crowley says with complete honesty. He's a bit scent-blind to himself. "Probably sulfur."

He shrugs it off, as if it's not important. Getting his powers back would be nice, but he's not so sure if this isn't just a one-time-deal. The Queen taunting them and all.

"What about you? What should I expect?"

Because Crowley wasn't just going to sniff some random human.

[inlovewithmycar]

While Crowley is much more outwardly modern than Aziraphale, 'contemporary' for him could mean anything from the last century.

"If you've got something that can connect with a basic USB port, should probably be fine. My mobile knows better than to act up. If not, we might be able to find something here that'll get disparate devices to connect."

[inlovewithmycar]

"Learned about the tea the hard way," Crowley gripes. "Well, Aziraphale did. I've been avoiding any excess of consumption."

Well, aside from alcohol. Crowley has few vices for a demon, but he'd be lured into the occult equivalent of a box propped up with a stick for a good cognac.

"I'm not entirely unconvinced this isn't some elaborate scheme to break us down into complacency. Fun, psychological manipulation, real eighth circle stuff. You lot were always better at that kind of thing though."