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!

PREMISE RULES FAQ TAKEN RESERVES APPLICATION MOD CONTACT HIATUS & DROPS WORLD INFO NPCS CALENDAR AC REWARDS

© tessisamess

Comments

[lunchbreaks]

I don't know.

[ Aziraphale has his first couple buttons undone, has a paper fan he's fanning himself with. ]

It is distracting, isn't it?

[ In a hushed voice, as if not to disturb him, he asks: ]

--What are you doing?

[ Is Crowley hoping it's mice or something? Can he even talk to mice anymore? ]

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley has put his ear up against the wall, his mouth drawn into a thin, displeased frown. It's not mice. Clearly not mice. Or rowdy and randy neighbors. Sounds like machinery. ]

Snooping.

[ He carries on listening but he can't make head nor tail of it. ]

Weird. Reckon it's worth it to go have a look around outside?

[ 'Outside' had come to mean beyond the safety of Aziraphale's room. ]

[lunchbreaks]

I suppose.

[ He means if Crowley won't let go of this silly snooping business, because Aziraphale was ready to just tuck in for the night, but as it's totally not coming from here, they won't have much luck with tracking anything down. ]

Perhaps it's the aircon.

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley groans, tugging on his trousers and henley. Taking a moment, he considers his jacket, before deciding to just sling it over his shoulder. ]

It's already dead. You think it might be getting fixed?

[ Crowley looks just a bit hopeful at this possibility. ]

[lunchbreaks]

Probably. What else would be making such a racket?

[ But then another noise happens, and it definitely doesn't sound like anything getting fixed. ]

Lord, what on Earth are they doing? Couldn't they do this quieter? It's so late!

[inlovewithmycar]

Is that your problem? I thought you didn't sleep.

[ Crowley is more concerned about what the hotel might be trying to set in motion. Death traps? Murder games? A man is the deadliest animal sort of thing? He peers up at a vent, too narrow to squeeze even his bony frame through. ]

Wish I could turn into a snake right now. I'd go have a proper look. C'mon, let's go see if we can find the maintenance area.

[lunchbreaks]

Well no, I don't. But I do read. I like to have a proper nighttime.

[ It doesn't really matter, he supposes. He'll get up to follow Crowley. ]

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley glances over his shoulder and grins. ]

You can read just as well during the day, angel. What difference does it make?

[ He holds the door for Aziraphale before glancing around the hallway. Oh good, the architecture seems to be staying put. ]

[lunchbreaks]

It matters to me.

[ They can also see, so. ]

Crowley, why don't you put the glasses away? It'll be easier to see.

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley frowns. It's not as though it matters. He can't exactly hide what he is, but... his sunglasses are his last real barrier of defense. It didn't help that too much light did irritate his eyes.

He's quiet for a minute before shrugging. ]

Dunno. I just like them. And the hotel is more than bright enough. I'll keep them off when we're in private, alright?

for some reason i thought it'd be dark and then i realized hotels keep the lights on

[lunchbreaks]

Alright, alright.

Hardly could be anyone up at this hour.

Besides whatever's making this racket.

[ He keeps his voice down anyway, because it's late. ]

I think it's coming from this way...

oh pfff i thought aziraphale just wanted to see his pretty eyes

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Aziraphale is so polite and considerate of the other guests. Alas, Crowley is not. He keeps his voice at its normal volume.

Not as though he's actually louder than whatever that racket is. ]

You're right - you take the lead and I'll keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, yeah?

well, that too.

[lunchbreaks]

Fine.

[ He looks behind him as he starts walking, not sure why he has to be in front. Hopefully they don't run into the queen. ]

I don't hear anything...

[inlovewithmycar]

[ As the noise recedes, Crowley's thoughts couldn't be further from the queen. He highly doubts she'd find them interesting enough to deal with personally.

Craning his head to try and pick up any sound at all, Crowley frowns. ]

All that fuss before and once we start looking around it goes quiet?

[ He's about to suggest they head back to Aziraphale's room, or maybe go cool off in the pool when the clanging and banging starts up again, this time in the direction of a stairwell. Quite reflexively, Crowley takes Aziraphale by the hand and makes a dash towards the commotion. ]

[lunchbreaks]

[ Aziraphale lets himself be dragged along, because... he's terrible at running and he just about trips over his own feet if it weren't Crowley leading the way. ]

Where are we headed?

I've never been down this way!

[ This gives him an ominous feeling, you know, like when you look at a place and think, I don't like it. It's spooky. ]

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley shakes his head, slowing his pace as they climb the stairwell. ]

I've got no idea, angel. Hopefully something useful.

[ It is quite a ways, leaving even Crowley winded. Though, in all fairness, he's as averse to working out as Aziraphale. The sound is gone, but there is something else. The murmuring of people - Crowley recognizes a couple of the voices as fellow oysters, but also a number of others who are less than familiar. ]

Weird. I can hear them clear as day. You reckon this is how they spy on us...?

[lunchbreaks]

[ He nods. ]

Or...

[ There's some magic involved. Or some technology. He doesn't know how far it's come, but he does gesture wildly to that extent and keep quiet. Hopefully after six thousand years, Crowley knows what he means. ]

Closer?

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley nods, trying to quiet his footsteps as they ascend the stairs. ]

You'd think there'd be someone around.

[ At the top of the stairs, there is a door. No windows to see where it leads, but it seems fairly innocuous.


Seems being the operative word. Crowley is well aware of how good things are at 'seeming' around here.

He glances at Aziraphale. ]

...Shall we...?

[lunchbreaks]

[ He nods and then ascends with Crowley, rounding out the back, checking over his shoulder. ]

Is it locked?

--Did you bring a pin?

--Do you think your glasses could do the job?

--Ah!

[ He pulls out his nifty little spectacles. ]

Do you think mine might do the job?

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley gives the handle an experimental jiggle and, much to his complete lack of surprise, it's locked. ]

Keep your specs, angel, I don't want to ruin them.

[ Crowley rather likes Aziraphale's glasses, however extraneous they are. They're cute, and they make the angel happy, and Crowley is very much in favour of things that make Aziraphale happy.

He does have a makeshift lockpick, assembled from a fork he nicked and bits of wire he's hoarded like a rather stylish-looking magpie. On his knees, Crowley fiddles with the lock for a while, looking increasingly more impatient until it gives a final 'click'. ]

That was easier than I thought it'd be. What d'you say? Want to take a peek?

[lunchbreaks]

Ah, it was ajar the whole time.

[ That's the story he's going with, which means yes. As he puts his glasses away, he starts to walk in with Crowley. ]

After all, we heard something suspicious.

Could've been someone in danger.

Would've been remiss not to check!

[ These two, always making up little white lies. ]

[inlovewithmycar]

Right, just a pair of good samaritans, us. Just bursting with altruism.

[ They could come up with their lies later. Crowley peers around the corner of the door, and he can't see or smell anyone inside. Encouraged, he slinks further into the room and then lets out a low whistle. ]

Aziraphale, get a load of this.

[ Not far from Crowley is a table laden with sharp and dangerous looking implements. ]

Reckon a few of our fellow guests could use some of these.

[lunchbreaks]

Well, we shouldn't just... pilfer them.

But it... is rude, I think, to leave us all with no weaponry.

And!

[ He takes a closer look. ]

Well, how are we to know that these don't belong to the guests?

[ After all, these look like they might belong to Sam. Or Shepard. If there's a tire iron, who's to say it wasn't Crowley's to begin with? ]

[inlovewithmycar]

[ Crowley nods in agreement. ]

Right? They see fit to take things from us, s'only fair, leveling the playing field a bit.

[ The knives definitely look like they'd be the easiest and safest to sneak out. The staff would spot the bigger weapons in an instant and then - well, that would be all sorts of inconvenient. ]

No one's around - let's get a closer look.

[lunchbreaks]

[ He takes one look behind him before following Crowley in. ]

Hmmm...

[ And as if on cue, Aziraphale starts taking things that he thinks they won't miss, and stuffing them into his coat pockets. He doesn't have that many, but he has some on his waistcoat... ]

They won't miss this, will they?