angryhearts | SO RESTED HE BY THE TUMTUM TREE

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SO RESTED HE BY THE TUMTUM TREE —

AND STOOD AWHILE IN THOUGHT

What an unfortunate time to be short-staffed, when there's so much to do! For days, staff members can be seen bustling about, always on the move. No time to stop and talk — the Queen is preparing a surprise! Staff members seem to positively hum with excitement. Their numbers are replenished in fits and bursts. Groups of new hotel staff appear all at once, until there seems to be even more of them than there were before the disappearances.

They don't seem to understand who you're talking about, if you ask about those disappearances. "Staff turnover happens in every establishment, dear. Why — they might have even gotten a promotion!" Aren't you much more interested in the upcoming trip, anyway?

Now that there are more of them, staff members are eager to expand on the surprise. Oh, to see the gardens and the forest! You Oysters are so fortunate that the Queen wishes to show you the wonders of Wonderland. Of course, the forest can be dangerous — or is it only rumors? The opinion seems to change with every staff member you talk to, and no one can pin down why it might be dangerous. The only consensus seems to be to stay close to your escorts.

And most importantly: please remember the buddy system at all times.

BUDDY SYSTEM
07/11 - 07/12

At some point during all the preparation, Oysters may find themselves pulled in by another person. Physically pulled in, in some cases. Once this initial draw happens, the pair will be unable to stay very far away from each other.

When asked, staff members will reply that the two have been paired up for the upcoming trip! They are quite serious about the buddy system, you see. Going out into the forest alone is never a wise idea, and the Queen is so very concerned about your safety.

What's that? You don't trust, or even know, the person you've been paired with? It's a good thing you two will be spending so much time together, then, isn't it? Plenty of opportunity to learn to understand each other.

Shouldn't you be packing, anyway? You'll be leaving soon, after all!

THE QUEEN'S GARDEN
07/13 - 07/14

The garden itself is beautiful and spans multiple acres. There is a winding path lined with neatly manicured rose bushes in all colors, groves of fruit trees, wildflower patches where the air is heavy with bread and butter flies. Elaborate water fountains and delicate streams flow between small ponds, each bordered by different types of water plants and filled with everything ranging from goldfish to koi. Bright, sunny spots perfect for a picnic are easy to come by, as are quiet nooks tucked away in the shade.

Everything needed for a rousing game of croquet is set up in a relatively clear area of the garden. Participation in a good, friendly game of Oysters versus their staff escorts is encouraged — all in good fun, of course! Croquet is the traditional game of the royal family, after all.

As afternoon begins to wind into evening on the first day, Oysters are ushered towards a part of the garden that contains a large hedge maze. The group is kept together as they wind through the maze. The staff members who lead them clearly seem to know exactly where they're going, and never hesitate at the many different forks in the maze.

Before the sun has set, they will arrive in a large clearing in the middle of the maze, where a great feast has been set up with the food they helped to prepare over the last few days. Oysters are informed that this is the last time on the trip that their meals will be taken care of for them. Enjoy it! Once they're out into the forest proper, they will have to make use of the Wonderland information pamphlets and their camping skills.

It is in this same clearing that they will stay the night. For this first night, staff members will assist in setting up tents if needed.

THE TULGEY WOOD AND RUINS
07/14 - 07/18

The next day comes with more bright sunlight, at first. As the group continues through the second half of the maze, the foliage above grows thicker and the inside grows darker. Astute Oysters may notice that the make up of their staff escorts seems to have shifted overnight. The members of the hotel staff that were so excited and helpful in the garden are few and far between, replaced by those in dark suits, all with some form of club pattern on them.

It's the Order of Clubs, the few remaining hotel staff will say when asked. They are protectors, enforcers — and the forest is dangerous. The Queen is so considerate of their safety, to bring the Order out now.

The end of the maze comes relatively quickly. It opens out onto an expansive forest, but even here the sunlight does not return in full force. Whether it's the density of the branches, the overcast day, or the wisps of fog that drift through the trees, the light overhead is weak and the air chilled.

The last of the hotel staff remain in the maze. From here on out, Oysters are accompanied only by the Order. As they walk through the forest, a member of the Order seems ever present — there's always one within eyesight, if not within hearing distance. Occasionally, Oysters will catch sight of someone else mingling with the members of the Order. His dark suit is sleek, plain, and the figure he cuts might not have been distinct from the rest if it weren't for his height. And if it weren't for the ceremic rabbit head on his shoulders.

Oysters who seek him out will find that he is no longer present among the group of Order members by the time they arrive.

"You saw Mad March?" one of the Order will say if asked, sounding startled that he was seen. "You best pretend you didn't."

The nights in the forest are even colder. Oysters better hope they can start a campfire, put up their tents against the chill, or stay close to each other for warmth, as the Order will offer no help. They are here only for guidance — and protection.

On the third day in the forest, the group will arrive at the ruins of an old kingdom. Old cottages and shops are only faint outlines, everything but the stone long since rotted away and overgrown with foliage. The remains of a castle isn't in any better condition. Oysters who choose to explore may notice that all shown signs of a battle from long ago. They may even find the skeleton of the king himself, still sitting on his throne. The members of the Order now seem to be alive with activity, splitting off into groups and venturing out while others stay with the Oysters.

Remember the buddy system, the Order tells them. They will stay here for a few nights. This is the last place that is safe to tread, but danger lurks on the outskirts.

THE RETURN
07/18 - 07/19

It starts on the night of the 18th. The woods have been quiet for the most part, with nothing other than the sound of nearby streams and the noises of various animals. That night, even those are gone. An unnatural stillness takes over the area. Those who venture out to find the cause may find nothing — or they may be one of the first to discover that what lurks beyond the old kingdom has ventured closer.

Throughout the night of the 18th and into the day of the 19th, Oysters are at risk of encountering one of three types of creatures.

It may come as the sound of many legged-footsteps, first off in the distance and then close enough that the creature should be within sight. There are only trees, as far as the eye can see. And then motion. Briefly, it seems as though the very trees themselves are coming alive, but it will soon become apparent that these are legs. The creature stands on four limbs as tall as the trees, and when it holds still it camouflages easily among them. The roots it buries into the ground are long talons when unearthed, each tipped in a hooking claw. Its long neck is lined with the same armored scales that make its legs look like trees, and its small head is dwarfed by its extremely long snout, filled with rows of sharp teeth.

This is the Bandersnatch.

Or maybe it comes first as a shrill scream, like nails against slate. The shriek will seem to echo, instilling an unnatural sense of fear in any of those who are unlucky enough to hear it. Before long, the scream will be accompanied by the heavy flap of huge wings. The creature's approach seems to be imminent, and yet, it doesn't come. The moment draws on — and on — and on — and on — is there anything there, or is it only your imagination? Are you afraid of your own shadow, are you hearing screams in the wind and wings in the rustling of the trees?

Until it swoops down and tries to pick you up in its claws. It is a massive bird of prey, resembling a vulture, if a vulture had a twenty five foot wingspan and eerily human eyes. You've found the JubJub bird.

Then there is the reptilian Jabberwock.

There is no subtlety in its approach. The ground shakes with every step, announcing its arrival well in advance. It is bipedal and seems almost ungainly as it stalks through the trees, lurching its scaly body around and whipping its long tail for balance. Whenever this causes it to connect with a tree, the force behind it leaves the tree broken and bent. Its arms end in three fingered talons, and the round head at the end of its sinuous neck is almost entirely mouth. There is the lick of flame in its eyes, and the drool that escapes from its powerful jaws is hot enough to burn.

The members of the Order who had always seemed to be so close are conspicuously absent. It looks like the Oysters are on their own to defend themselves against these creatures.

The Jabberwocky, JubJub bird, and Bandersnatch will not be easily defeated, and few who fight will escape injury! There may be more than one of each creature type, so different groups can encounter the same type of creature if you choose. You can choose to have your characters ultimately triumph and take down the creatures, or fall to the creature. The members of the Order will arrive at the end of the fight. They will take out any creatures that remain, for those who choose not to have their characters successfully kill one, and will begin clean up of the others.

For those who are interested in having their characters seriously injured or even killed, for ease of reference here is the information regarding death and injury from the FAQ:

With the Carpenter's skills, no death or maiming in Wonderland is permanent — though the consequences of it might be. When your character dies, send the mods a PM describing any injuries the character sustained in their demise. For lacerations such as being stabbed or sliced with a sword, etc, characters will be returned to full health in a few days with gold filling in their wound in the style of Japanese kintsukuroi. This repair is permanent and will be a part of your character for the duration of their stay in Happy Hearts, even if you drop and reapp. If your character is killed or maimed through decapitation or the loss of a limb, your character will be in recovery for three days, and will return to the hotel with a ceramic replacement — an animal head for decapitation, and a non-articulated limb for lost appendages. This repair is not permanent unless you wish it to be, and Carpenter will have a flesh replacement ready for your character after another week.

Characters who have medical skills, abilities, or supplies may work to tend the wounds of others in the brief aftermath of the fight. Members of the Order will assure them that they will return to the hotel in the morning to get the medical attention that they need. And indeed, those characters who are still conscious after the fight will find themselves falling asleep at some point. Characters may dream about the same padded box from their first arrival. When they wake, they will be back in the hotel.

If you have any questions, please leave them here!

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I'm okay right now."

He knows if he drinks the golden core then inquiry won't tire him out like he does now. But if he saves it then he might be able to use it should anything dangerous occurs. It would be easy if he knew how long the teas would last but for some reason it just seems to vary.

"Are you sure, Lan Zhan? It's yours.." He already feels more connected to this man then ever, but to have his golden core inside of him as well..well it's certainly enticing. But he also knows it isn't his and nothing would make him happier then to be able to give it back to its owner. He has already given back several of the teas he was given.

"Wei Ying. Between you and me, no permission is required."

He smiles sadly. He knew Wei Ying has no core. Without a core, most of the spells he collected at his disposal will require more energy on his body.

"Drink it. It is given. You have a flute, so we need Inquiry to find out what the spirits knows."

He is a little nervous as he looks down at the tea. It's been so long..But if they have anything else they need to find out then it is important. He opens the jar and lifts it to his lips, drinking it down. The taste is familiar..even as a tea it is clearly Lan Wangji. He smiles softly as he finishes it and tucks the container back in his robes.

He reaches out and wraps his arms around the man's middle, closing his eyes and waits to feel that core start to form inside of him. He wants to be wrapped in the warmth of his man on in the inside and outside when that core forms.

Lan Wangji tries his best to look impassive, pretending to express nothing, but inwardly he was sad to discover all of his spiritual powers were drawn out of him to make it into teas. He remembers in his childhood as soon as he can walk and talk, he was being trained in the harshest training style of his sect, in the tradition of his ancestors. He learned everything he could from cultivation methods to martial arts to swordmanship. Some of his feats isn't possible without his golden core. It took him decades to form his golden core to it's highest peak.

The moment Wei Ying drinks the tea down, the feeling the power of his golden core forming, the energy is massive and immediate as if the power comes from the core of the sun itself.

In the end, he could only be happy to make this great sacrifice. For the greater good. Without saying a single word, when Wei Ying embraces him, he wrapped his arms around him, silently hugging him, gently. He hugs him so tight close to his heart that he could lift him off his feet.

He feels that warmth and it makes the corners of his eyes sting with tears of happiness at feeling that which had been lost for so long. His core had been so strong..stronger then Jiang Cheng's. But Lan Wangji's core is definitely stronger then even his was. He smiles as he feels himself lifted slightly to his toes.

"If I get it again..You're definitely taking it back. You deserve this core more then I do."

He releases him only long enough to move his arms up to encircle Lan Wangji's neck.

Seeing Wei Ying's expression of elation brought more joy to his heart more than anything that he forgotten his sadness for a little. "That depends on what this place throws at us." He said quietly. "But thank you, Wei Ying."

Basking in the warmth of his embrace, sharing it, he cups his face, to wipe his tears away with his thumb as he looks into eyes lovingly.

"How does it feel, Wei Ying? Is it good?"

"It feels warm..and I feel stronger then I have in a long time." He leans up and places a kiss on the corner of Lan Wangji's mouth. He's very glad that he could get this chance and just wished he could share it with it's original owner.

"Should we continue searching?"

Very gently, he lets go of him. "Let's search, but let's be careful."

Should they explore further, the castle is abandoned, and everything else smells old, musty and decay. The stones walls had crumbled and brittle. Everything else is covered thickly with dust. Searching for the stairs to lead the way up, the wooden stairs, doors, and furniture have long rotted from time and the elements.

Further search, there is evidence of statues, candlesticks, chandeliers, paintings are all broken and decayed. If there is anything valuable like jewels, it's clearly been stolen and pried a very long time ago. Tapestries has been eaten by moths. The paintings are faded and don't reveal much other than pictures of gardens and previous battles that has taken place in another age.

Staring at the rotted stairs that leads up to the higher floors, the wood is rotted, broken, and there are holes. A surefire way to fall down and never be able climb out.

Not taking a chance, "I don't think we could find anything else up there. Every clue we need, we obtain it from the spirits."

Turning to him, "Shall we take our leave and head back to the camp before it gets dark?"

He likes exploring, looking at the various tapestries, even in the poor shape they are in, tell a story of this world that he wouldn't be able to get from just an empty building. It's a shame that their history seems to have disappeared into the rubble. He picks his way carefully, not wanting to step on anything sharp in his bare feet. But then he gets an idea and bends down by one of the tapestries.

"Hey Lan Zhan...do you think we could make shoes out of the fabric from these tapestries?" It's a heavy material, meant to be draped and hung and far thicker then any of their typical clothes. With a little modification it might work to give them a little protection from the stonier paths and ruins that are in the area. Wei Wuxian is rather content being barefoot but that doesn't mean he wouldn't like a little help once in awhile.

He pulls out the switch blade and cuts a square of fabric out, wrapping it around his foot to test it. He doubts anyone has a needle and thread to properly sew things up but there is no telling what they could figure out back at camp.

"The tapestries look old and they were eaten by moths. How...?" He trails off when he watches Wei Ying cuts a piece of what could be a centuries-old cloth and being experimental, being made into shoes.

"Wei Ying, the cloth looks too old and brittle to be made into shoes." He feels terribly bad that Wei Ying had thought of the idea, and it was terrible to cut something as ancient for such a purpose.

But it's not like a living soul will ever enter here again, right? So, with a sigh, "Might as well. Are your feet hurting?"

"I just think it might back walking in the ruins a little easier." It's rocky and hard on the feet. It wouldn't do any of them any good to cut up their feet on rocks or whatever might be left laying around. There is a number of issues that could arise if their feet get cut up. But with the core inside of him he knows he can heal a bit faster then before and might even be able to heal others so perhaps there isn't any reason to worry.

So he stands up, leaving the tapestry behind. He will be fine walking through the ruins for now, but he might consider options should he decide to return to speak with the king again.

"Alright..We can head back."

Not that Lan Wangji cares much and is largely indifferent. The pictures on the tapestries have long faded. By the looks it, it looks like a generic floral pattern from the garden.

"It will work. I suppose you can, if you don't want your feet to get hurt." But Lan Wangji came prepared by wearing cut up clothes from the boutique. "If only I knew, I had made something like shoes and it's in my backpack if you want any, but they're cut up clothes from the boutiques."

Anyway, with a nod, he will follow and take Wei Ying's lead.

"You cut up such nice clothes to put on your feet!" At least he is thinking about recycling things that no one is going to want anymore. If he really wants to avoid getting his feet hurt all he has to do is use the shape shifting tea. But he doesn't want to waste that yet. Not until he has the time to learn how to fly.

"I'll be fine without the shoes. And if anyone else needs some I can always come back and get the tapestry." It's not like they are going any where.

He reaches out and takes Lan Wangji's hand while they walk.

"Nice clothes is better than moth eaten tapestry." And for the first time, the highly esteemed Lan Wangji begins to pout.

Taking his hand and following him on the way out. "Wei Ying, those tapestry is probably a hundred years old. It's better to leave it alone. I can make nice shoes for you if you want when we get back. I'll even give you mine. Mine is better."

"You don't have to make me shoes, Lan Zhan. Normally it is okay. The ruins are just a little hard to walk around in. If my feet really hurt I could just get you to carry me."

He smiles playfully as he swings their hands as they walk.

Taking his hand as Wei Ying takes the lead through the old ruins. With a sigh, why he loves him so? He follows after him dutifully, taking his hand.

"I already have a pair of shoes in my bag, Wei Ying. If you need any, just ask."

"Would you put them on me, if I want them?" He seems to be in full gremlin mode as he smiles up at Lan Wangji.

"Mn. It's either that or I'll carry you."

After all, Lan Wangji wears his own shoes while Wei Ying isn't wearing any. That seems fair.

He stops walking and starts pouting, "Lan Zhannnn..I think you need to carry me." How things have changed from when he didn't want to be carried when his leg had the curse on it. Now he just wants to enjoy all the contact he can get from this man.

Just like that, he gives into his demands. "Wei Ying...." He halted, but only because he kneels and offers his back for a ride.

"Go ahead. Hop on."

He grins and moves behind him, wrapping his arms around his neck as he climbs onto his back. He won't make the man carry him for long, he just wants to enjoy this for a little while.

Lan Wangji hooked his arms around his legs to lift him up. Once he has him securely, he lifts him up some more and carries him on his back for a ride. His long black hair is soft, the scent of sandalwood is on his robes.

"Let's go to back camp." Proving his strength, he walks leisurely, carrying him out of the ruins and heads toward to the forest.

He nuzzles against the side and back of his head as he starts to walk, enjoying that familiar scent and the strength he feels from Lan Wangji's back and those arms around his legs.

He smiles as he finally rests his head against him and watches as the scenery goes by. "Why do you put up with me?" He already knows the answer but he wants to hear it.

"Hm, why. Why...?" Step by step, he soundlessly walks through the forest, carrying him on his back in tow. It was a strange forest. Somewhat like the forest back home, but different and unfamiliar.

He thought of an answer until finally, with so much yearning, his voice soft. "Because you are the love of my life."

That is the answer he was waiting for. He tilts his head so he can kiss Lan Wangji's cheek. "And you are mine." He knows they have had some difficult times but he wouldn't trade the good or the bad memories because they are all part of what makes up their time together.

AND STOOD AWHILE IN THOUGHT

BUDDY SYSTEM 07/11 - 07/12

THE QUEEN'S GARDEN 07/13 - 07/14

THE TULGEY WOOD AND RUINS 07/14 - 07/18

THE RETURN 07/18 - 07/19

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BUDDY SYSTEM
07/11 - 07/12

THE QUEEN'S GARDEN
07/13 - 07/14

THE TULGEY WOOD AND RUINS
07/14 - 07/18

THE RETURN
07/18 - 07/19