𝐻𝒜𝒫𝒫𝒴 𝐻𝐸𝒜𝑅𝒯𝒮 𝒮𝒯𝒜𝐹𝐹 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
happyheartsstaff) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
angryhearts2020-06-11 07:39 pm
happyheartsstaff) wrote in angryhearts2020-06-11 07:39 pm
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.
...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?
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.
The Queen will not respond to any messages sent back to her.
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!
© tessisamess
no subject
[ He doesn't know where yet though. He can't do any reading, not with this ridiculously poor vision, and he isn't really hungry. Snakes only eat once every month or so anyway, and technically he doesn't need sustenance. He can't imagine what would happen if he over-ate as a snake, just having his normal amount of food. Can snakes even digest cake?
No, no, he's overthinking it. Must just be a fluke, it'll be back to normal soon. ]
Perhaps jussst somewhere it's easy to move in and out of shade.
[ Since he has no idea how his body will work with the temperature changes, though there are plenty of snakes in the desert. So perhaps the heat will be good. He does feel very comfortable like this, tongue darting out every now and again which is interesting, because apparently that's how he can smell. ]
I won't be too heavy, will I?
no subject
[ Not that he actually knows how much.l Aziraphale as a giant snake weighs, but he's still pretty sure catching Steve Rogers out of a free fall drop's gotta be heavier. He's more concerned about leverage than weight, actually - he's never tried to pick up a snake this big before, and that sure is a whole lot of length.
He rests a hand on Aziraphale's side briefly, more to give him a head's up so he doesn't just start hauling him around. ]
All right, let's do this.
[ And he's just going to. Gently lift up some of Aziraphale's snake body from what looks like the middle and drape it over his shoulders. He does another loop, then tries to support the rest of him in his arms as best as he can as he stands up. ]
You okay so far?
no subject
[ He seems to not be sure about this, and if by instinct, his body wraps around Sam as he's not very accustomed to being off the floor like this and it makes him very nervous. ]
Ssso sorry! Is that too tight?
[ He tries to loosen up, though now Sam is completely swaddled in snake. His scales are surprisingly soft and warm to the touch, and though he is a hefty snake, he is still just a snake.
He might also have accidentally tied himself into a knot... ]
no subject
Just think of it as you being a really good hugger right now.
[ Honestly, he doesn't actually mind being all wrapped up in snake - not when he knows the snake is a friend. Sam's always been someone who's pretty free with physical affection, and granted, it's usually shoulder touches or claps on the back, but hey, hugs are great too. ]
We might have to untangle you a little bit, though.
no subject
[ Snake problems, and now he knows why Crowley always has trouble with his hips. Aziraphale is definitely having trouble with his lack thereof! ]
And it does feel like a hug, doesn't it?
[ It's quite nice, actually. Sam is warm, his skin is soft, and he smells nice. Aziraphale only knows this because he accidentally keeps wagging his tongue out while trying to say things. ]
I'm being so rude, aren't I? Have you been well, Sam?
no subject
[ Oh, that's - he's caught off guard, briefly. That's the kind of thing he's only used to being asked in passing as a casual greeting - "hey how you doing man?" "not bad, you?" kind of thing. Sam hadn't expected it in the middle of trying to carry his newly snaked friend somewhere a little more comfortable.
He'd say maybe being a fugitive's rubbed off on him a little too much, but really, even from way back before he met Steve he was much more used to being the one to insert that question in the middle of conversations. It still surprises him when someone else does. ]
I think you can be forgiven for not starting right off with the how are yous, man, considering. But yeah, I'm a lot better now that I can actually hear again.
no subject
[ He squints, but he's a snake, and he doesn't have eyelids, so it's not very effective. ]
I'll get used to it.
Are you dealing with the heat well? I must say, the form certainly helps with that!
[ It's apparently the one good thing about being a snake. Okay, second good thing, the hugs are phenomenal. He feels very hugged. So much surface area being hugged. ]
no subject
I'd offer to read to you, if you wanted, but I'm not sure I've even seen any books here.
[ He gives a little laugh. ]
It's not the worst heat I've been in. I used to be pararescue, so we'd jump into all kind of things. At least now I got the pool to relax by, so hey, I'll take it. What did you guys even do, before air conditioning?
no subject
Oh yes, dreadful isn't it? No books. But if you'd like, I have a few of my favorites memorized. Wouldn't be averse to recitations sometime. Reminds me of the days we had bards.
[ Which means a lot of what he can recite is in old and middle English but hey. It's entertainment. ]
And we had fans, you know. And pools. But it hardly mattered at the time for us specifically. I carried around a few miracles to cool down, you know, but I haven't been able to perform any. It's a nuisance!