angryhearts | it's getting hot in here

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it's getting hot in here

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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The glass is icy cool and incredibly welcome and he can feel the cooling effects in an instant. He empties a good third of the glass without flinching, letting out a sigh of relief.

"I don't doubt it," he nods. Sometimes common sense had to take priority over senseless rules and propriety, not that Lan Wangji was likely to appreciate hearing so. But cooling off did seem to help with his demeanor. He seemed relaxed, mellow, at least... until he mentions the other Lan Wangji. He's reasonably sure that look is annoyed, or at the very least, displeased. Had they had a fight? He can't imagine any two more even-tempered people, but just by talking to the other Wei Wuxian, he knew there were some huge differences between them.

"It's hard to be sure," he said lightly, "but I think so. And he seemed to agree."

"Acquainted? Mm, reunited more like? Lan Zhan has been a close friend for so long. He remembers more than I do, but he told me some good things too!" his smile turns the slightest bit wistful.

"I wish I could see A-Yuan all grown up though! He must be getting so big."

He isn't wrong as there had been an argument. If it weren't for the iced tea effects of calming him down, he is annoyed and inwardly stung, but with some patience and determination to stay focus, because Wei Wuxian's friendliness has an effect of him, he is more willing to be more open and receptive in talking to him, setting his differences aside amicably. In conversation, he finds a distraction and doesn't think and dwell on his long-standing sulk in the pool.

"Of course, a close friend. It's good that the two of you are reunited. You two should learn more about each other." Just merely stating.

Mentioning his adopted son, there's where the similarities connected. "Ah. What did he tell you A-Yuan? He is growing up back home, learning the traditions of the Lan Clan." He said this quite proudly, raising him in his memory.

Learn more about each other? Seemed strange advice, but Lan Zhan had seemed to know a lot more than he'd let on about things that were to happen in his near future. It'd been overwhelming enough to hear about he'd had regrets about what happened in the Nightless City.

But for now, Wei Wuxian was glad to have found a topic they could both enjoy.

"Not a lot. That he's proud of him. I'm sure he's grown up well cared for," he nods, thinking of little A-Yuan in the bright white and blue robes. They'd suit him much better than the dirty hand-me-downs they'd managed for him in Yiling.

"Smart too. Top of his class I bet!" as long as Lan Qiren hadn't held it against him that he'd come from Wei Wuxian's ilk at least. "Is he learning the qin too?"

"A Yuan. Yes, I raised him. He's a very polite boy. He always thinks of others besides himself. When he was old enough, I named him Sizhui. Eventually, he becomes Lan Sizhui and he's a member of the Lan Clan."

At his question, he nods, feeling proud of the child he raised on his own with his brother's help. "He's learning the guqin. I taught him inquiry. He has mastered quite a lot for his age. A very talented cultivator. He's very sociable and has a lot of friends when he works with the juniors."

"Lan Sizhui," he tries to commit the name to memory, hadn't Lan Zhan mentioned him before? Was he really old enough now to have been one of the juniors at Mo manor that night?

"He held to your leg and never let go, hm?" honestly, just knowing that A-Yuan was still alive helped fill some small measure of the hole in his heart. And surely he was spoiled by Lan Wangji growing up, if all the toys they'd brought back from Yiling were any indication.

"Of course, he's a very bright child! I gave him a good foundation of the basics," he assures, at least reasonably certain he can back the claim. But it pleases him to hear Lan Zhan talking about A-Yuan so fondly.

He takes another long sip of his tea, letting it cool him inside and out.

Stating simply, "He missed his parents. That was why. He was alone. His parents are gone. So after you're gone, when I found him, I took him home to Cloud Recesses."

He remembered seeing the child, and unable to bear seeing him near death, as he's the only piece connecting his memory of him, and of course, motivated to do the right thing and compassion. "I raised him like one of my own."

He was quiet at first. Then in a soft, his politeness slipped. "Wei Ying, he doesn't remember anything you taught him. When I took him home, he fell into a fever and when he recovered, he's a bright three-year-old who is happy to see the other Lan children."

It stings, but he can't help feeling Lan Zhan is right to be so blunt. If he'd known A-Yuan was still alive, things might have been different, but it doesn't change what's happened. Doesn't change that he's left Lan Wangji another of his troubles to fix. He forces a smile anyway, even if it doesn't reach his eyes.

"Ah- right, you're right. I didn't... I'm glad he had you," he says finally. He deserves much more than I could have given him, he thinks.

"That must have been difficult."

The last part hits the hardest though. If A-Yuan- no, Lan Sizhui doesn't remember, then...

"Oh. I... It's best he doesn't remember that place, I'm sure," he adds with a soft smile that grows harder to keep with each passing moment. His knuckles have gone white where he grips the glass of iced tea. It hurts, but honestly, it's such a small memory in the boy's life anyway. Much better for him to grow up happy, with many friends, than to recall bitter memories digging in the dirt with the last remnants of a despised people.

With the sharing his story as to what happened to Sizhui, at least, the one growing up in his world anyway, so it should a mirror of Sizhui's journey in their version as well. It's a topic he should bring up for an interesting discussion with the other version of himself.

Empathetically, "Wei Ying, don't be hard on yourself. I think one day he'll remember that had happened in the past on his own. For now, I never brought it up because if I did, then I owe him an explanation as to why you're. I want him to understand on his own. Remember one's past is a journey of self-realization...and I mean that for you as well."

The iced tea helps with the cool doown. After a pause, a beat, "Be gentle on yourself, Wei Ying."

Telling Wei Wuxian not to be hard on himself was an exercise in futility. He knew better than anyone his shortcomings, and worse, his past mistakes. He takes a moment to sip his tea again, the cold soothing, and something to do so he doesn't have to answer right away.

"Ah, don't be silly, I'm fine, I'm fine! I'm just glad he's thriving and well," it would be beyond selfish to wish for more. If Lan Sizhui had to remember some of the grim pieces of his past, even if there were happy moments, it was better he stay forgotten. The initial sting has already started to ebb away anyway, replaced with a soothing calm.

"So, ah- how've you been passing the time?" he tries, swallowing back lingering emotions as he smiles, and hoping for a less emotionally charged topic. "It seems like there's both everything and nothing to do here. I've yet to find a set of rules so I can break them properly."

Lan Wangji is confident that he will meet Sizhui someday and he will feel proud. Initially, he wondered what the Sizhui in his world looks like. He must be wise, strong, and mature, a good obedient child that he raised all by himself, and formerly adopted into the Lan clan. If only he could meet him...for now, he's left with his own imagination, but he's sure he's a fine young man, growing up by the Lan clan's traditions.

Ah, he asked him another question. He thought this through, and he sighs. "I do not know. As for passing the time, I work out in the gym. I go to the spa alone. I read books. I write. I paint." He won't admit that he is used to thinking and work in isolation, since he rather chooses to stay wounded in his hurt, not letting people help him because how can one console him that the person he holds dear in his heart is gone? So working alone is best for him to focus on his emotions and his mind.

Except, he has a minor mishap with his own Wei Ying, and there was a misunderstanding between both of them, that their bond is still fragile at best even after his second rebirth.

With a frown, "It's hard finding something to do in this hotel, considering we are prisoners here. And the Queen thinks everything is going to be all right when it's isn't."

As much as he wants to hear about A-Yuan's new life, growing up happy with his new name, he's relieved to let the subject drop to focus on lighter things. Or would have been, if all Lan Zhan's daily activities didn't sound terribly lonesome. Hadn't he met with the other Wei Wuxian? The one in Mo Xuanyu's body? Or Zewu Jun? It was hard to imagine that his elder brother would let him be too reclusive, whether or not they were from different worlds.

"Hard to make much progress on your own," he muses, "let me know if you need a sparring partner, hm? Hate for either of us to get rusty."

He'd offer to join him in painting, but he knew himself well enough to be sure he'd end up throwing notes and doodles rather than working on anything. He was no great writer, and reading books wasn't exactly a tandem activity.

"I know what you mean though. I think I've searched all up and down every inch I can get to in this place, but I don't feel any closer to finding a solution."

"There isn't much to progress, because I am ready to go home and yet..." Meeting this Wei Ying stirs so much curiosity within him, that he grew steadfast fond of him, that there's a connection to him somehow and he can feel it's beyond just another version of his partner that came with him.

"Sparring? When I arrived, the hotel has taken my sword and won't give it back. And...even sparring, I rather not raised my fists and kicks against you. I already know that you have proven yourself if you have your flute with you. I have witnessed your power." He conceded to his power and he would have actually accept that, painting with him.

"Mn. I think there's no solution to this prison. But I think we can figure things out."

"If you prefer to do things alone, I won't stop you," he shrugs. He hadn't been looking for compliments or praise, just a way to help pass the time. It was easy to fall into lethargy here, especially with this sudden heat wave. Most of his days were spent idling in the pool, and he couldn't say he was terribly bothered by it. He felt... pretty calm actually.

"I just thought you might like some company. It doesn't have to be sparring. Whatever you want, you know?" he smiles a little easier.

To hear that there's no solution probably should have frustrated him, or at least sparked in him a contrary argument, but... maybe if Lan Zhan thought so, that's just how it was?

"Figure things out... like what?"

"It's not that, it's..." He hasn't made up with his Wei Ying, and he has been in the pool mulling over it, beating himself up over it and not getting over it. He didn't want to make a bad impression on this one too.

Mark your words when you said, whatever you want. Such words make Lan Wangji slowly coming out of his shell and talk more. "I do like your company if you don't mind it. We can think of something to do later on when AC unit came back on. I don't know what, but it will be something..." Something. He can't think much, not with how much humid it is.

"I don't know. Perhaps, maybe answers from the Queen. A way out of Wonderland. Getting our spiritual powers back."

He can feel the soothing calm, and maybe there's something a little unnatural about it, but maybe there was alcohol in the tea? He certainly wouldn't mind. Either way, it was nice to let that easiness wash over him. Smiles came naturally, and he waves his hand with a light laugh.

"I wouldn't offer if I didn't want to, you know me," Wei Wuxian wasn't the sort to take on a task if his heart wasn't in it, after all.

"The pool is fine enough for now," he gives another laugh when Lan Zhan can't seem to think of anything that they could do together. He splashes a little water, playfully in Lan Zhan's direction before downing the rest of his tea. "Or you can always join me in my depravity at the bar."

Not that Lan Zhan would take him up on that one, but it was an amusing thought all the same.

"That would be a good start, wouldn't it? I'd be pretty happy with any one of those!" he adds. Oh, right, speaking of...

"I heard a rumor though, about getting our powers back."

Lan Wangji has no choice but to give in and drinks the iced tea to cool down again, to relieve himself from the humidity.

"Sparring. I'll think about it. If you do rusty, we can compare the Lan style with the Jiang style." The sect where Wei Wuxian came from. He observes him, and he felt comfortable with him around. Something about his smiles puts him at ease, and he gently lowers his shell that he builds around himself. When he splashes at him, he didn't retaliate by splashing back.

Ah, wait. This Wei Wuxian can be easily happy...? He's wondering. "Ah, I don't drink. I can join you to make sure you don't go over your limit. But..." Can he control himself by not losing his cool over a bottle of liquor. "You can ask the server to bring a drink to you." He suggested.

"Rumor? What's the rumor?"

He nods, relieved, at least, that Lan Zhan won't be going throughout his days in self-imposed solitude. Besides, it would be good to get a little practice in. See if this body could keep up with what he remembered. But for now, he'd take a little relaxing in the pool, though it wasn't as satisfying as he'd hoped when Lan Zhan didn't give in to any of his splashing or goading.

"Oh, good idea!" he waves one of the staff over and orders one of their sweet cocktails, remembering that this was the Lan Zhan that had said it was alright, even if he broke all the rules in Cloud Recesses. He waits until the staff member leaves to fill the order before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially.

"It sounds silly, but what here doesn't, hm? So, I heard that some of the teas are actually imbued with the powers of the people here. And when you drink them, you gain the power, at least for a time. It'd be hard to try them all, just to see which work, right? But there's apparently a secret to it," he explains. He wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it himself. And even then, he wasn't sure if the man had passed him bad information on the next it or not.

"The scent of the teas is just like the person it came from," he watches Lan Zhan's expression, just to see if there's a hint of doubt. He can hardly blame him if there is, but...

"So I've been curious ever since. What do I smell like?"

Outwardly, he wasn't reacting, his face impassive and stony, but inwardly, he was warming up to him, bit by bit. His playfulness opens up his heart...and finding the ability to actually talk, which not many can reached that side of him.

He allows Wei Ying to have his drink. After all, Wei Ying is Wei Ying when he drinks, so he becomes accustomed to his habit and he gave him permission because it doesn't seem fair to impose the rules on him in this place.

He was startled when he starts whispering to him because he is leaning so close. But eventually, he listens. Well, he believes everything he says, because he knows Wei Ying is always honest with him.

It was then he was staring at him blankly and then he becomes curious too. "I don't know about your scent, but if I ever find your own tea, I'll bring it to you."

The drink comes back quickly, tall and colorful, in a glass decorated with bits of citrus fruits, and he takes a step back from Lan Zhan to take it in hand, nodding his thanks to the ever-helpful staff. He watches them leave, taking a slow sip, then turns back to Lan Zhan once they're out of earshot.

"Mm, see, I thought the same thing," he nods, holding the glass close to his chest as the ice cubes clink. It's cool and comforting and sets him at ease.

"The one who told me said his... friend smelled like... tea and marshmallows? And when he drank it, he got powers that were definitely his friend's," he explains, tapping his nose, "so I couldn't help thinking, what different people smell like. I feel like none of the ones I could think of would make terribly good teas though. Lan Zhan always smells sandalwood incense, but I don't think I'd want to drink that."

Lan Wangji is going to request for another glass of iced tea, it helps him cool down and feeling. A server came and gave him one, full of ice cubes to keep the drink chilly. While he's distrustful of the teas in this place, he took a sip, and it came out all right.

"Mn." He nodded, listening, and then he realized he calls him Lan Zhan. He wonders if he calls the other one, the same birth name too. He figured he does since it seems to him that he calls him his birth name out of habit.

"I wouldn't know Wei Ying. But if I ever find yours, I'll bring that tea to you." Yet, he is curious now that he describes it. "Hopefully, it wasn't a bad flavor." If he gets lucky to obtain those teas.

Oh he remembered he did receive one. "I received mine, but it's very robust and strong for the taste. Like cinnamon and spice."

"Right, of course, I'll bring yours too, if I find it," he agrees with a laugh. But it's good to hear Lan Zhan confirm it, that he'd tried one of those strange teas. Now it was more than just a possibly crazed man in the halls he'd run into. He could trust Lan Zhan's experience, much more than some raving demonic fortune teller.

"Oh, you found one? What did it do?"

Cinnamon and spice, well, he supposed that did seem tasty. Maybe it was less how the person literally smelled and more like an impression of them. He hoped his would smell like Emperor's Smile and freshly peeled lotus seeds, if only because he missed the taste of both.

Well, perhaps not quite the result he is looking for. Looking away and feeling shy. "I was curious when it appears in my room, so I drank it. The tea has a label. It's said temptation and sweet-talking tea. I don't know how it works, but I found out I write better poetry." He admits.

"I believe the power belonged to someone. I don't think it's a good tea, but it's all right."

Edited 2020-06-29 04:10 (UTC)

That was good to know too! The tea appeared in Lan Zhan's room? And labeled? Maybe he ought to stop by his own more often. It wasn't exactly the most inviting of places, so he spent most of his nights on Lan Zhan's floor, but if there was a chance of any of their powers being available and waiting in his room? Definitely worth investigating.

"Lan Zhan, you were gifted with temptation and sweet talking?" he can't stifle a laugh at the thought. How many times had he told Lan Zhan he could have his pick of girls if he just learned to talk to them a bit more sweetly? Temptation seemed a waste, since anyone with working eyes could see how handsome Lan Zhan was. But to think, such a power and he'd used it for... poetry?

"Was it dirty? Did you seduce anyone with your salacious words?" he hides more laughter as he takes another drink, the bite of the alcohol barely noticeable with the sweetness of the fruit.

"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."

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.

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

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

CLICK CLICK... THUMP 06/14 - 06/21

QUEEN'S ADDRESS 06/21

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CLICK CLICK... THUMP
06/14 - 06/21

QUEEN'S ADDRESS
06/21