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

[scaredofdogs]

"Let's see..starting easy...What's your favorite animal?"

He already knows the answer to this one but it's still a fun starter just to see if Lan wangji is really willing to tell the truth at the moment.

[billowing]

He did say he liked rabbits, but he didn't say they were his favorite.

No, his favorite animal is, "snow leopard."

[scaredofdogs]

"Ooohh!" A new answer from the very interesting Lan Wangji. "Why do you like snow leopards?"

He holds up two fingers to indicate it is question number three.

[billowing]

He doesn't have to stop at twenty, but it's nice he's keeping counts. "They are adept at scaling mountains, and being alone."

What a sad answer.

[scaredofdogs]

He pouts a little at that answer. If Lan Wangji identifies with the snow leopard for that reason then it makes it very sad. "Well you aren't like the snow leopard because you're no longer alone, right?"

That doesn't count as a question though. "How happy are you that you now have two Wei Wuxian to keep track of?" Slightly tougher question time now. But it all relates back to the last one.

[billowing]

"Right." Snow leopards will meet other adult snow leopards briefly in time to mate or fight. The females will then raise their young, and once those adults leave, they will never again cross paths.

He doesn't say how many days he waited in snow, looking out, waiting for someone.

"Happy is not the word I would use," he responds. But he is trying to get to happy, he's just gotten to a lot of other things first. Confused, worried, surprised.

[scaredofdogs]

More pouting and he sinks into the water a little, "Would it be better if I just left you alone?" He doesn't really want to know the answer to that one perhaps, but it would be better to know where he stands. It would be hard to leave any Lan Wangji alone but he would if he had to.

His hold on the other man's arm loosens slightly, thinking that perhaps he didn't like having him so close. He's had one Lan Wangji yell at him, he could find a way to deal if they both wanted him to stay away.

[billowing]

Lan Wangji immediately tightens his grip on Wei Ying.

"No." That much, at least, is firm.

He doesn't care about a lot right now, but his care for Wei Ying might actually transcend curses and enchantments. Good thing this one's not trying to test his loyalty.

[scaredofdogs]

His smile returns as he feels that tightening of the grip. He rises back up in the water and rests his head back against the pool as he considers his next questions. He could really go hard mode on them and see if he can rile this calm and collected Lan Wangji or continue playing the easy game. Easy had never really been his style though...

"What is your favorite memory with me..ah..with Wei Wuxian." It's not easy to remember that his memories are not the same potentially and that the one he made them with..are not him.

[billowing]

This one, he has to think about. He has many to choose from. But many of the memories were tinged with pain as well, because on the boat while they ate lotus seeds he was suffering. And when he'd brought home Emperor's Smile for him, they were hidden away for Wei Ying's safety. He was prisoner.

And so, he thinks, it must be an earlier memory. Before they graduated, even. Those memories are untainted.

"The promise we made." It was when he realized Wei Ying is just like him.

It was when he realized, Wei Ying is someone worth his affections.

[scaredofdogs]

He nods his agreement. That was definitely a good one, and he already learned that was when Lan Wangji started to see him as a friend at least. So that makes it a pleasant memory for him too. "Mm..That is a good one." That lantern was so cute too..

"Should we make a new promise, for this place? That even though there are others from our own worlds here..we still look out for each other, protect those that need it, and continue to live without regret."

And this time..he will try to keep the no regrets part of it intact. He doesn't have a lantern to send into the sky but he can at least envision the last one.

[billowing]

He nods and then he thinks, Wei Ying likes to play. And he very much wants to do things that Wei Ying likes. So he lets go of his arm and pretends as if there's a paper lantern laid out in front of them, miming tying it to a wire.

He mimes placing it in Wei Ying's lap.

"Will you draw me a rabbit?" he inquires.

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian looks in shock at where a pretend lantern is now in his lap. He then looks over at the other as he feels his heart swell. His smile brightens his whole face as he pretends to pick up a brush.

"How about two rabbits?" He starts to paint on the lantern and even though it isn't real, he makes sure every brush stroke is there as if he is really painting two small rabbits, even making a motion like he is coloring one darker then the other. And when he is done he holds up the lantern to admire his work.

"I think they turned out pretty cute, what do you think?"

[billowing]

Lan Wangji watches him work even though there is nothing being drawn. And he can imagine it in his head, because he's seen Wei Ying's work, and he moves his hands so well that he can picture every stroke as it hits the page.

He won't tell, but he still has that portrait of him with the flower in his hair tucked away somewhere in the Jingshi.

"They look good." He was paying so close attention he can tell there are two rabbits, one dark and one light. But he does take the brush from him, and on the white rabbit, he mimes drawing the same five-petal blossom he'd once drawn into his hair.

"Complete."

[scaredofdogs]

He gives a small laugh as that flower gets added, "Cute. Very cute. A shared masterpiece." He wishes it were real so that he could send it up and let it forever hang from the ceiling as a reminder of the promise. He feels a happy tear form at the corner of his eye but he can't wipe it away since his hands hold a very important lantern.

"Let's let it go together." He even stands up in the water, because this sort of thing should be done properly. They have gone through all this effort that it deserves a proper send off. He holds it carefully in his hands, "Lets let it sail up as high as this ceiling will allow."

[billowing]

Lan Wangji rises as well, and lights a fire for them to be able to send it off. He even shakes his hand to rid the match of the rest of the flame.

"What ceiling?" he asks, still playing along. It can be a sky if they really want. It could be the Cloud Recesses if they really want, standing together amongst a group of their peers, having re-made Nie Huaisang's lantern that went up in flames.

He holds onto the imaginary lantern with Wei Ying, and waits for his signal.

[scaredofdogs]

"Mm..nothing but blue skies for it to sail into!" He has never known Lan Wangji to have an imagination, but he can't deny enjoying this moment. The pool area really is his favorite place..and now with another pleasant memory to add to it.

He looks over and gives a nod, counting down until he reaches one and slowly watches it sail into the air as they let it go.

[billowing]

Once they count, he lets it go, and then watches as it floats up into the sky, along with all the other ones. He remembers this vividly from the first time around, and smiles gently as he watches them go off into the sky.

It's a beautiful memory, and he tucks it away in his heart where all his best ones go.

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian lifts his hand and waves to the lantern as it goes on its journey. "Make sure you keep our promise safe!" It's the second time they have made one and he wants to make sure that this one is also kept, no matter how many life times or different worlds they have to deal with.

He then looks over and smiles brightly at Lan Wangji, now he can say he has made that promise in both his bodies. And even though it is his first time making it with this Lan Wangji, it is just as important as the first time he made it on his own world.

"Thank you, Lan Zhan. For sharing that memory with me"

[billowing]

"I shared it with you once already, why not a second time?" He knows this isn't the same one, but he has experienced this once before. And though it was a long time ago, it's one of those things he doesn't think either of them could easily forget.

Once it is done, he inches closer standing by him, and hooks their arms again because guess what else he doesn't care about right now, propriety.

[scaredofdogs]

"I think the lantern was cuter this time. The flower was a nice touch."

As Lan Wangji comes closer and re-hooks their arms, Wei Wuxian gets that playful glint to his eye. If the other is feeling the need for contact despite the heat, Wei Wuxian is just shameless enough to throw propriety right out the window and take advantage of this carefree Lan Wangji moment.

He wraps his arms around the other man's middle and rests his chin against his chest, looking up at him.

"Resuming the question session! Do you like hugs, Lan Zhan?" Usually the question would come before the action..but when one sees opportunity, they take it.

[billowing]

Lan Wangji's eyes widen momentarily, but he rests his arm around Wei Ying's shoulders. Because nothing seems wrong or strange about this to him at the moment.

"Only from select people," he responds, though there is twinkling in his eyes that basically say that Wei Ying is on that very short list. The only other people on it are Sizhui and Xichen, so he is in excellent company.

[scaredofdogs]

"Then I'm going to keep hugging until you peel me off."

Wei Wuxian is quite pleased to be on that short list. Even enjoying the slight hug back that the other arm around him gives. He turns his head, resting his ear against him and listens to the other man's heartbeat. It's a calm and steady sound that is rather soothing.

"Is being like this going to make you too warm?" He doesn't even know what question he is on at the moment, nor does he particularly care. He's likely to just keep asking them until Lan Wangji gets annoyed by him.

[billowing]

"Yes, but I do not mind." Being around Wei Ying means that he can somehow never be too comfortable, and somehow be so comfortable he never wants to leave. There is just something strange about him, that he'd tolerate this behavior from no one but Wei Ying.

This carefree Lan Wangji is selfish, and doesn't care if Wei Ying monopolizes his time. He welcomes it.

[scaredofdogs]

"We can sit back down if it will help keep us cool." They did stand up out of the nice coolness of the water and they aren't in a particularly deep part of the pool.

Wei Wuxian doesn't mind Lan Wangji being selfish. He will gladly spend all the time he can with him.