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 certainly does seem quite a bit more crowded than the last time I was here. I'm grateful that whatever keeps the water cool hasn't stopped as well.

[ Far from being bothered, if anything, Lan Xichen seems probably more relaxed now than - well, possibly than he's ever been, but certainly more than he's shown around most people. He's leaning back, propped up by both palms flat on the ground - which for him, is practically sprawling - and he turns an easy smile towards Wei Wuxian. ]

Are you well?

[scaredofdogs]

Let's just hope the pool itself doesn't decide to misbehave. Apparently this place enjoys malfunctions.

[He could have done with out the air malfunction. He didn't realize he had gotten so spoiled with the cold air the vents had offered. But his smile is bright despite the heat as he dips his feet into the water.]

I'm very well.

[He has been unburdened lately of certain things that has been weighing him down so life is grand now.]

Are you settling in okay?

[equivocations]

I've heard. Let's hope they'll content themselves with one malfunction at a time.

[ Normally, a comment like that might have him wondering - what is the reason of these malfunctions? What greater purpose could they serve for the one behind all of this? He has a half formed thought about stirring up emotions and manipulating minds, but it's hard to feel concerned enough to follow it at the moment.

It's hard to feel concerned about anything, really.

He does smile at hearing the affirmative, though, and his response to that is quick and relaxed. ]

Oh, yes. Once you're used to it, it's enjoyable here. Do you know, I can't remember the last time the sun felt this good?

[scaredofdogs]

[He kicks up a little water with his foot as he looks up at the sky like ceiling. He laughs a little.]

Probably because you aren't feeling actual sun. This whole place is actually a room made to feel like the outdoors. But still..that's sad, Zewu Jun! You need to get out and enjoy things like this more.

[He actually can't believe he is actually sitting besides the older Lan in such a relaxed way. He's not sure he has ever seen him actually relax for more then a second in the entire time he's been around him. Which really isn't that much in the scheme of things...As much as he has been around Lan Wangji, his experiences with Lan Xichen are barely a scratch on the surface of his life. He wonders if this one has also taken advantage of the tea and that is why he is willing to be so calm...]

Have you been drinking the tea?

[equivocations]

[ Lan Xichen tilts his head up as well, marveling a little bit at something that could so closely resemble the sun and the sky. Even that feels a little dull, his sense of curiosity dimmed with the calmness, but it's enjoyable anyway. ]

I've never had so few responsibilities that I could.

[ Which is not normally something that he would say to - to anyone, ever. He's a Sect Leader, a Twin Jade, an older brother, of course he has responsibilities. Calling attention to them would be - well, it would be many things, but none of them seem to matter at the moment. It's the truth, so he says it, unbothered. ]

I have. I was suspicious at first, but clearly it was unwarranted. [ Clearly. He's totally normal, and not lounging in the pool basically stoned or anything. ] You don't have to use Zewu-Jun, you know.

[scaredofdogs]

[He has had some of the tea so he knows what kind of calming effect it has but he didn't take much. He didn't want to feel too out of sorts as he has seen all the Lan's be under it's influence.]

Are you going to enjoy relaxing for awhile? This is a good place to do it. I know it's a little strange to be here..and all of us want a way to get home. But it's okay to just enjoy some down time.

[He plops down into the water to cool off and turns to look at the other, leaning against the side of the pool.]

Ahh..I'm not used to calling you anything else. But I could get used to calling you Lan Xichen if you prefer it.

[equivocations]

[ There's a thoughtful hum at that, one that's half agreement and half consideration. He can't imagine doing anything other than relaxing, so yes, he does plan on enjoying it for a while.

Does he want to get back home? Abstractly, he supposes. He would have no objections. But he has no objections to staying here, either. He has no objections to anything, at the moment, but he does give another smile when Wei Wuxian agrees to try calling him Lan Xichen. ]

I would like that.

[ Wei Wuxian is practically family, after all - or at the very least, he is important to Wangji, and therefore important to Lan Xichen as well. Which reminds him - he's meant to check in around what this version of Wei Wuxian and his other brother mean to each other. ]

And you? Will you and Wangji enjoy the down time?

[scaredofdogs]

[Wei Wuxian looks like the cat that caught the canary at that question. And the canary is definitely Lan Wangji.]

It's been a little bit of a rocky start, but we are starting to enjoy it now.

[Rocky is putting it mildly but they have made up at this point. His experiences in the hotel have been an odd mix of good and bad. But now he intends to latch onto the good and keep rolling with it.]

Ah..I get to enjoy it with two Lan Zhans so it's twice the fun.

[equivocations]

[ That look is bordering on implications that Lan Xichen isn't sure he wants to think too closely on, but still, he'll take it if it means that at least one pair of them have started to get things sorted out between them. ]

Finally.

[ It's a soft murmur, but even so, it's not something that he usually would have said aloud, no matter that he would have felt it. After all, he's watched them dance around each other and tried to nudge them as gently as possible for so long - granted, there were many complications interfering back home, but they aren't back home.

And then Wei Wuxian says that, and it's enough to send a small spike of concern through even his externally induced calmness. He will not question what the four of them have worked out between them, if it works, but - he knows his brother, and he knows his jealousy.

He's never had to consider it in the context of whether it extends to another version of himself, but he doesn't want to see either of them hurt. ]

Are both of them agreeable to this?

[scaredofdogs]

[He leans in a little when he hears that murmur, not quite sure he is hearing him correctly. If he did hear him then that is certainly a surprising revelation. He almost expects to not be accepted by anyone in Lan Wangji's family but apparently he has been incorrect in his assumptions. But the next part gives him pause..]

Ah..well..wouldn't it be odd for us not to all be friends at least?

[Mostly he is afraid of what Lan Xichen might think if he explains what his heart feels. But to him, Lan Wangji is Lan Wangji and it's hard to separate the two. But he also knows that not everyone will see things the same way.

Also they are all still trying to work through their feelings so it's hard to say what each one might feel or say. He lays his chin on the edge of the pool as he considers how to respond.]

It's complicated.

[equivocations]

Has it ever been uncomplicated?

[ He's too calm for that to sound even the slightest bit snarky. Even without the effects of the tea, however, it likely would have been genuine - their lives have been complicated long before they found out there were other versions of themselves. ]

They are not the same, but they are both my brothers. They've been through too many things that they did not deserve, that would have proved too much were they anything less than truly exceptional.

[ But then - so has Wei Wuxian, hasn't he? It's fortunate that everything feels distant and unconcerning, because that thought would normally send such a swell of guilt at the part that Lan Xichen himself played in what happened that he would have difficulty hiding it.

Jin Guangyao's actions caused so much pain, and he was complicit in all of it.

As it is, not much breaks through the sense of calm other than the sincerity of his next words. ]

You have my support, Wei Wuxian. And I would not want to see either of them hurt again.

[scaredofdogs]

Mm..he really is exceptional.

[This is said mostly to himself in a rather distracted way, a fond expression on his face. There is no denying that his feelings for Lan Wangji are true..even as complicated as having two of them is. He tries to knock that dreamy school girl expression off his face though as Lan Xichen continues.]

Really? You support it?

[Somehow this surprises him. He never realized that Lan Xichen would be supportive of him..let alone him being with his brother. He feels his cheeks heat up a little but his smile brightens.]

I'll take good care of them! You don't have to worry.

[equivocations]

[ The dreamy schoolgirl look is acceptable. Were Lan Xichen not attempting to make sure that his brothers' hearts were protected as fiercely as they deserved, it would probably make him smile fondly. As it is, he only nods in response to that question, short and decisive.

Yes, he supports it. Yes, Wei Wuxian had better take good care of them. ]

I will still worry.

[ Because Lan Xichen is an older brother, and it's impossible for him not to. In battle, he is perfectly aware that Wangji is capable of defending himself, but he worries anyway - and in this, he suspects Wangji is much less capable of defending his heart.

But he believes Wei Wuxian would never intentionally hurt them, and will protect them from any who would, and that's enough. They will have him to keep an eye on them, in any case. ]

I will worry about you, too.

[ Because Lan Xichen is an older brother, and it's impossible for him not to. ]

[scaredofdogs]

It's no good for you to have so many worries. They will just make you too busy with worrying and not leave you any time for being happy. You deserve to be happy too. But if you insist on worrying about us, then you will have to let us worry about you in return.

[He tilts his head and looks up at the sky as if it will hold the answers of the world. He knows what it is like to worry over family. He used to have one himself before things got too terribly complicated and then he died so..he doesn't know that any if would consider family even want him to exist anymore. Which means he's not the best when it comes to figuring out what might make brothers happy.]

What can we do to make Lan Xichen happy and worry less? Taking care of his brother is one thing..but there has to be more...

[This is a puzzle, Wei Wuxian is not sure how to solve. He turns his look to Lan Xichen and contemplates what little he does know about the man.]

Now I'm going to worry about your happiness. What else makes you happy?

[equivocations]

[ If not for the influence of the tea, there would be surprise that even he couldn't hide. That is - not a question he gets asked very often. Wangji is concerned with his happiness, he knows this, but his brother has no need to ask him a question like that, and anyone else -

Anyone else who might have once asked him that is dead.

A thought that doesn't fill him with grief like it should, however, merely an abstract acknowledgement. At the same time - it's difficult to answer that. Not because there aren't things that make him happy, only because it's as hard to imagine feeling anything more than calm neutrality.

Well. He can think objectively, then, things he remembers had inspired the feeling of happiness. ]

Seeing a junior disciple after their first successful night hunt. The sound of a stream echoing through the quiet of the woods. The soft ears of the rabbits in Cloud Recesses. When Nie Mingjue allowed his voice to be soft, and when Meng Yao's smile reached his eyes. Hearing Wangji play. Your return. Seeing Wangji's hope again.

[ There is a pause, then a casual gesture as if he's attempting to summarize a whole list of things into only one word. ]

Wangji.

[scaredofdogs]

[He listens to the list with a smile. It's a good list but unfortunately almost all of those things can't even be accomplished here. Which means finding ways to make this man happy is going to be pretty hard.

His love for his brother is definitely clear and it makes him wish he still had a relationship like that with Jiang Cheng. Not that they were as close as blood related brothers probably are, but still..there is a little feeling of sadness that any chance of being close again is probably gone.

He works through that list in his mind, trying to find a common thread to lead to something that he could do. Of course the thread leads to Lan Wangji, but he already promised he would do his best and protect them both from being hurt. There is only so many times he can make the same promise.

A few of the items on the list are a little surprising. Did Nie Mingjue even have a moment when his voice was soft? Wei Wuxian would like to have heard it.]

I don't play as well as Lan Zhan, but..I'd be willing to play for you if you ever want me to.

[He has his flute so it isn't a hard request. And its the only thing he can actually give.]

[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?

[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.

[equivocations]

[ Oh, that does look enjoyable, actually. Lan Xichen leans back a little further, stretching more of his legs into the pool.

He watches as Wei Wuxian considers, feeling a faint twinge of sadness through the calm - of course he grieves for the life he had before. And there is nothing that Lan Xichen can do to bring back his sister or force his brother to hold an actual conversation with him. Well. Were they not here, perhaps he could help with the second on, but then - were they not here, he never would have met this other Wei Wuxian.

And that thought seems even sadder, somehow. ]

I hope you know that Wangji is not the only one who will stand with you, should anyone challenge your right to have your second chance. I cannot speak for my other self, but if he is anything like me - you will always have a home in Gusu.

[scaredofdogs]

[He stands back up in the pool, that long pony tail now clinging to him wetly. He reaches back to grab it and wring some of the water from it.]

Ahh..thank you. I feel like that is a really short list you both are on..

[He doesn't know too many that wouldn't take him down if they had the chance. Even Jiang Cheng at this moment. So it's rather reassuring that at least the Lan sect would be a home for him...even despite all the rules.]

I'm sure the other you shares much of the same feelings as you. Our experiences may be different but overall it seems like who we are and what we believe in..doesn't change no matter what world we were on.

[A home in Gusu...it seems hard to believe but he almost would like it to be true. He knows Lan Wangji would want to return home after everything is done. He smiles, pleased to have the approval of at least one brother to return.]

I hope someday that I can return there with him.