you want to hear it? well —

[happyheartsstaff]

ONLY, MY SECRET'S MINE, AND I WON'T TELL

The garden may no longer be available upon return to the hotel, but there is still a bustle of energy. How fortunate all the Oysters are, to reside in such a renowned place! It's a great honor for those in Wonderland to be granted opportunity to teach their skills or ply their trade here, and the Queen permits only the best. Hotel staff themselves seem to delight in the presence of the traveling merchants. Many trade teas or favors for enchanted items, and will eagerly discuss their purchases. "Oh, it happens regularly enough," they will say if asked, "but you never know if the merchant you liked or the item you eyed will be back next time!"

The talk lingers after the guest instructors and merchants have departed, but it isn't the only thing left behind. Glimmers of green may catch your eye, tucked away in hidden places that seem almost impossible to reach without drawing attention to yourself. Those who manage it will find a scrap of heavy paper with a drawing of a stylized caterpillar, a series of numbers, and the words call a friend.

Are you curious enough to input the numbers into your Empathy? It will ring, if you do, until an answering machine picks up and asks a single question — How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail? Do you dare leave a message? What will it be? Whatever you decide, the call will disconnect after a few minutes. It seems the only thing you can do now is wait for a call back.

But of course, the hotel is not in the habit of allowing such a thing as idle waiting. Her Royal Highness has noticed that some of her beloved Oysters seem quite reluctant to partake of the many splendors that the hotel provides, and she will be offering a special treat — indulgence.

QUEEN'S GAMES

8/12 - 8/22

What's more fun to indulge in than a little healthy competition? It's time for the Queen's Games, a truly dazzling spectacle. Competitors come from all over Wonderland, and this year for the first time ever, Oysters are invited to join! Announcements for the games schedule will be posted all throughout the hotel, along with directions on how to register to join.

The games will be held in either the pool area or the gym, which seems to have expanded to accommodate the number of spectators. Available games include:

• archery
• chess
• croquet
• artistic swimming
• diving
• gymnastics
• flamingo flying
• ice skating
• ice sculptures

Of course, even the games that Oysters are familiar with may not be quite the same. Chess in Wonderland is a team sport, for example, with each member of the team filling a role as a chess piece and a coach as a strategist directing the plays. Attempting to capture one of the other team's pieces includes having to successfully win a fight against them. Gymnastics and diving competitors include growing and shrinking in size to their routines, ice sculptures come to life when they've been completed, artistic swimmers and ice skaters change costumes and swap partners in the blink of an eye.

If they're lucky, Oysters may find one of the competitors willing to show them the ropes. If they're even luckier, or more persistent, there may be a spot or two open on one of the teams that Oysters can slot themselves into. For the most part, team members will be delighted to have Oysters there.

"You all just feel so much," one may say, sounding a little awed.

"Show off those emotions, it'll get us points," another will add.

Although competitors are friendly, with Osyters and with each other, it's clear that most of them are here to win. Rivalries may flare up throughout the month, ex-lovers may be reunited and broken up again, infighting may spark among the teams — all things that can be soothed or exacerbated, for Oysters who may have inclinations towards utilizing such things to increase their chances of winning.

Or to fan the flames of drama for its own sake.

THE CALL

8/16

Starting in the early morning hours and continuing late into the night, any who left a message will get a call back.

Those who completed the poem will be greeted immediately by a friendly male voice, with an apology for the delay. "Ugh, our lines are backed up like crazy," the caller will say. "Where are you reporting in from?"

Those who somehow identified themselves as an Oyster, as residing in the hotel, from off world, being held by the Queen, or otherwise potentially against the Queen, will have their call returned by a cold female voice, guarded and wary.

"Show me your Oyster mark," the caller will request. "We can't risk giving you anything without proof."

Regardless of which caller contacts them, anyone who cooperates will receive similar information.

The friendly caller will readily provide assurances that the resistance base was not found, despite Mad March and the Order's attempt at reconnaissance in the old kingdom.

"Can't say much more than that over these channels, you know, but worry not! Everyone is safe. We have a follow up from the last mission — sorry about the air conditioning, you know, couldn't be helped — you ready for this? Keycodes. Access keycodes. Didn't get more than a handful, of course, and the intel is vague about what they access. Are we glad to get your call! How about it, you ready to try one out and see what information you can get?"

The guarded caller will allude to the Order not being able to find what they wanted out in the ruins.

"Did you think they took you out there to show you the sights? They're looking for us, obviously. No I'm not going to tell you more than that — just because you're an Oyster doesn't mean we can completely trust you. All right, look. Last time we broke into the hotel, we recovered a few access codes. We had to get out of there before we could find out what they accessed. How about a trade? We give you the code, you call us back and tell us what you find."

INDULGENCE

8/13 - 8/23

Throughout the event, there will be a number of activities available alongside the games designed to encourage unwinding. A concert set up in the hotel lobby will kick off the start of the games, at which indulgence teas will be made available for the first time. They will continue to be served readily at all hours of the day. Enhanced spa facilities will be made available as well — dazzling pedicures and manicures with nail polish that can do anything from change colors based on your mood to emit light so bright it can function as a flashlight; makeup that gives you a kiss that will literally stun the recipient; aromatherapy that will cure any kind of hangover; oils that double as aphrodisiacs, for those interested; healing massages that will take away your aches and pains, wiping away any bruises or injuries with no questions asked. A clean slate, ready to indulge again.

Then, of course, there are the less official activities. Whispers will begin to spread about another kind of competition being run after hours, when all good competitors should be sleeping. No one quite knows who's running it — one person heard it was the coach of one of the chess teams, eager to get her players extra practice; another heard it was one of the chess players themselves; still another will say it is an ice skater, a flamingo pilot, a gymnast. After all, it hardly matters, does it, as long as it runs, and there is a fight every night? Oysters are welcomed into this competition as well, where the only rule is not to kill your opponent. Teas of all kinds exchange hands as bets are placed on the fights, and the champion is rumored to receive a truly spectacular prize.

If fighting is not to your speed, fear not. All of the competitors seem to have different ways to unwind after the games are completed for the day, and all are happy to allow Oysters to indulge in attending the various get-togethers and parties they host. The knight on one of the chess teams has the most renowned wine collection, and he's brought some of his finest with him to be enjoyed alongside cheeses and poetry. One of the swimmers is a passionate musician, and has recruited anyone who can play an instrument to discuss musical theory and play together. A croquet player is known for hosting the wildest parties, with free-flowing moonshine and sips of ecstacy tea readily available. There is a flamingo pilot with a book club, an archer who is a fabulous chef, a diver who is a skilled debater with a wicked tongue — whatever you like to indulge in, chances are, someone's throwing a party for it.

The games will end on the 23rd, with a roaring celebration of all who participated in the competition. The pool area will be taken over for the farewell party, with music, food, alcohol, and dancing available. It is here that the winners of the competitions will be announced, and prizes will be awarded.

If you have any questions, please leave them over here! Results for the access code sign ups and the distractions will go out on the 14th, so players have until then to sign up. Characters can use the keycodes to access areas and cause distractions from the 16th through the 23rd — and beyond, but after the final party they may no longer have an easy excuse. If you wish to have your character compete in one of the competitions for the prizes, you can sign up here! Winners will be RNGed.

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

© tessisamess

Comments

Wei Wuxian | Mo Dao Zu Shi

[scaredofdogs]

I. A New Arrival.
Wei Wuxian often goes back to his room just because he knows the teas and gifts show up in it. And what he found one morning was that his bedroom had completely changed and was now significantly larger! As he is about to explore it he hears a familiar sound and runs to the opening.

"LiL APPLE! I've missed you!" He runs towards the donkey who seems equally as excited to see him after having arrived in such a bizarre place. There is a collision and a lot of noise for several minutes as the two become reacquainted. Finally he decides to take him out and show him the hotel.

The hotel is much busier then normal which makes everything fun. Unfortunately it will take a little work to show him that since the donkey seems very adamant about NOT going on the elevator. Wei Wuxian doesn't blame him of course..he didn't like the box either. But after some coaxing and the promise of many apples, the donkey finally steps into the box and...well when they finally get to the bottom it is clear that it was a pretty terrible trip and both of them stumble out of it looking rather unkempt.

"Okay..we will find an alternate route back upstairs." He wonders if donkeys can climb stairs..

Leading him through the noisy lobby, it is clear that some mistakes have been make and perhaps he shouldn't have attempted this. Lil' Apple is overwhelmed and braying his head off at everyone. "Let's just get you some food.."

He hurries him towards the food area and as away from all the chaos as he can.


II. The Call
At the mention of the ruins, Wei Wuxian wanted to press further but the caller didn't really want to give them too much. He wanted to ask about the kind and their soldiers but perhaps he could be granted that information after he gets what they need. He agrees to the terms and accepts the keycode. After hanging up he stuffs the information in his robes and heads downstairs.

A. Avoidance
He knows that he should find someone to help him, but he also knows that using this code is likely to get him into trouble again. And the last things he wants is to get anyone else in that kind of a trouble. He sneaks off through the halls hoping to avoid everyone and take on this mission himself.

B. Lost and confused
Wei Wuxian has found that his shake shifting ability has become permanent and that has made him very excited to use it as much as he can. But that also means he used it to try and sneak around with the keycode. And it seems that has a very odd side effect now. Wei Wuxian finds himself in the corner of the hotel, wandering aimlessly with a rather lost and blank expression in his eyes. It appears he doesn't have any idea where he is and doesn't remember how he got there.


III. Indulgence
He doesn't really understand everything that is going on at the hotel but he does appreciate the fact that everyone seems very excited about everything. And usually he would avoid the teas in the lobby and other areas of the hotel but this time he suddenly realizes he is drinking it before he can stop himself. Immediately he gets caught up in everything and realizes that he wants to try..all of it.

A. Aprho Oil
He listens to the talk about the oil and how it can truly bring your body alive with his abilities. He is curious and spreads a little bit on his hand. He reaches up and sniffs it wondering if it might be aroma therapeutic but the first things he notices is that it certainly makes a part of him feel alive. He reaches out and places his hand against the wall as a warmth moves through his body. He is currently in the spa which is luckily a very quiet place..except not quiet enough. He licks his lips as he looks around feeling around, smiling flirtatiously at the staffers. "Does anyone here like to play games?"

B. Wine and Cheese
When Wei Wuxian heard there was wine, of course he was going to check it out! He happily bounced along after the coach and is already many glasses in to trying every single wine that the man brought with him. Which means he is already quite drunk and enjoying conversation with everyone around him. "Hasn't this been the wildest week at the hotel? Who knew they could have so much fun!"

C. Ecstasy
He doesn't know why he has decided to engage in everything, indulge in everything..but on yet a different night he has come to a different party. This one once again had some very strong liquor flowing so he was already quiet plastered when someone hands him another form of drug. He doesn't understand it at first but suddenly he is feeling very...good. He wobbles at first and feels that pleasant feelings flowing through him. Suddenly he becomes very clingy, draping himself over everyone at the party, talking very close to their ear and engaging in all forms of conversation. Discussing things he probably normally wouldn't to just anyone. Are people always so forth coming about what happens behind closed doors with the lights off? But he feels free and as he bounces from person to person he isn't afraid to show his affections and strike up a conversation about anything.

D. Fight Club
As soon as he heard there was a secret fight club, Wei Wuxian was there. How could he not? He has a lot of pent up aggression and all he has to do is think that the person on the other end of his firsts is the Mad March and there will be no stopping him. He might not be the biggest fighter but he has always known how to throw a punch. Just ask Jin Zixuan's face. And so round after round goes by and Wei Wuxian's confidence grows with each match he wins. He is practically bouncing with excitement at this point as the next person comes up. "You think you can win? Let the Yiling Laozu show you some real fight moves."


IV. After Party
Wei Wuxian is almost exhausted as he reaches the end of the week. Competitions, Parties, Alcohol...just what exactly has been giving him so much energy? But he made it and he has had some of the craziest times. He doesn't remember a lot of it but he is ready for one last big party before he sleeps for days.

Taking a glass of wine that he isn't entirely sure his liver can really handle after the last few days, he hops up to the first familiar face he sees and raises his glass.

"A toast?"

III. Wildcard A+C

[inquiryguqin]

At the spa, it was unfortuante he was right there. When the staff looks at them confusedly when Wei Wuxian asked the question. In a cold voice, "We'll just take the oil and go home. A few bottles please, and they are for my husband." To make it know to the staffers that he is off-limits.

In which, he quietly took Wei Wuxian back to his room to put the bottles away and as usual, helps him stave off the effects behind closed doors.
Wei Wuxian condition got worst when he goes on his nightly patrol, having rescued the other Wei Wuxian from the same fate. He found him in the night club, being a fool and he knew, he was intoxicated.

Whoever he's draping over and clinging, Lan Wangji asserts himself and let it be known. Jealousy and anger started to flare and not heeding the Mad March advice. Addressing the person angrily who touched what he shouldn't touch. "Hands off, that's my husband. He's mine. Desist at once." He grabs Wei Wuxian by the arm, almost painfully, and losing his temper, smacked that person harshly, shoving him back that he sent him reeling backward because of his strength.

Glaring at Wei Wuxian coldly, dragging him out of the club. "Enough of this. Let's go. Now."

[scaredofdogs]

He flinches with a pout when he gets grabbed roughly, not sure why things have gotten so violent all of a sudden. He barely understands what is going on when the man goes tumbling backwards and Wei Wuxian is suddenly being dragged away from the party. He stumbles after the other man, still very high and tries very weakly to stop the quick pace, not wanting to leave the party yet.

"Lan Zhaaaaaan. Why are we leaving the party? It was just getting started and everyone was so friendly."

He hugs the other man's arm and tries to pull him to a stop, smiling up at him, "Let's go back and dance like we learned."

He has spent so much of the week on so many different teas, drinks, drugs, and experiences that each day he wakes up and hardly seems to remember the day before. He knows he has had fun, he just isn't sure what that fun was. With the mix of alcohol and ecstasy in his system this is also likely going to be one of those nights.

[inquiryguqin]

"Too friendly. Who do they think they are?" He grumbled. He can see it in his eyes, they're not normal. Wei Ying looks spacey and loss in touch with what's going on around him.

"No. No dancing. You're coming home with me." It's going to be a long night to heal him and detox him from the intoxication and he's having difficulty keeping his temper in check.

When Wei Ying hugs his arms, the next thing happen so fast. Lan Wangji lifts him up and hoists him over his shoulder with every strength he has as if he's weight nothing at all, dangling him over and carrying him out of the nightclub and to the elevator.

[scaredofdogs]

He yelps in surprise as he gets tossed over Lan Wangji's shoulder like a bag of flour. He doesn't want to fall so he doesn't squirm and just lays very still. The sudden movement made his head whirl and he blinks a few times as he attempt to clear it.

"Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! I know how to walk!" He probably wouldn't be able to walk very straight but he does know how to put one foot in front of the other.

3-d

[billowing]

Lan Wangji is hanging in the shadows, behind throngs of onlookers, and waits for Wei Ying to finish speaking before stepping into the light, looking at him.

Wei Ying might notice that Lan Wangji currently has wings, and iridescent scaley feet, with hornlike antennae coming off his forehead and a pair of golden eyes, making him look just like the winged dragon Yinglong.

Actually, he looks pretty ridiculous. And despite what it looks like, it gives him basically no advantages. Somehow Wei Ying did get the better of Crowley's powers, but hey. He's not knocking this one.

"Show me something I haven't seen," he counters.

[scaredofdogs]

He is both impressed and amused by the new appearance. Clearly someone drank one of the teas and got more then they necessarily bargained for. Judging by the wings he figures it has to be the powers of either Aziraphale or Crowley and since he hasn't ever heard Aziraphale mention such an appearance..he's putting his money on Crowley.

He pouts a little though as the other steps into the ring, cracking his knuckles, "Are you really going to try and beat me up, Lan Zhan? How mean."

He easily could have used one of the many extra power teas he had to boost his abilities. But he's far too confident in himself to do so. So he has only indulged in the three that he got this month, unsure if any of them really put him at an advantage. He will just have to wait and see what Lan Wangji has at his disposal versus just..odd appearance.

[billowing]

It's literally just the odd appearance... Unfortunately Aziraphale is the one with the strength and that's even a separate power. "You signed up," he answers, because it's true. It's a competition. He's not going to go easy on Wei Ying just because he loves him.

The first thing he has to do is catch Wei Ying off guard, because he knows Wei Ying also knows Lan Wangji's fighting style like the back of his hand.

He lunges forward, aiming for Wei Ying's middle, knowing how easily he fits into Lan Wangji's embrace, and also, how easy he is to tackle if he gets underneath his center of gravity.

[scaredofdogs]

Even with neither of them having a golden core, Wei Wuxian knows he is greatly outmatched when it comes to physical strength. So he is going to have to use speed and what he knows of Lan Wangji's fighting style to his advantage. Because if he gets caught, he isn't likely going to be able to break free. And as much as he likes being in that embrace, it wouldn't do to be held by it right now.

When the man lunges first, Wei Wuxian decides to play just a little dirty and shrinks down to about half his size, making his center of gravity smaller and harder to hit. And with that he ducks down and runs forward as quick as those legs can take him so that he can get behind the other man before popping back up to his normal size. Since there are no rules except don't kill, he knows that using the teas to his advantage might be his only option.

"If you wanted a hug, Lan Zhan, all you had to do was ask."

With hardly a second of time to do so, he spins around and lunges towards Lan Wangji's back.
Not that he is going to give him one right now.

I

[thotsandprayers]

"Oh my, even in a strange place like this, that's a bit out of the ordinary."

She'll giggle a little at watching the donkey bray at everyone, her included as Little Apple's led through the lobby. She'll follow along too, deciding that she's interested in seeing how this all goes.

"I take it that he was yours back in your world?"

That would make more sense than a donkey randomly appearing in the hotel. Or at least she thinks so, things here can be weird but they haven't quite gotten to the level of spontaneity she expects back home.

[scaredofdogs]

He had been terribly distracted by Lil' Apple's antics and hardly noticed that they were being followed. But when she speaks, he looks back at her and smiles.

"It is!" He gives the donkey a little shove to get him to pay attention. Lil' Apple's head and ears perk up and he looks at the newcomer.

"His name is Lil' Apple."

[thotsandprayers]

"Nice to meet you, Lil' Apple."

She'll offer a friendly smile, extending a hand to pet him. Hopefully he doesn't bite.

"I suppose this is going to be a regular occurrence from now on?"

She doesn't mind, that's the staff's headache to deal with. Besides, she thinks it's a little fun to see something like this going on. Though she does have one question about the whole thing.

"Oh, but if you don't mind me asking, how did the two of you get downstairs?"

[scaredofdogs]

Lil Apple sniffs her hand and then figures she isn't a threat so lets her pet his head. He doesn't mind getting the attention from a woman since he's used to being stuck around all guys all the time.

"Ah..ha..I managed to get him in the elevator but it wasn't easy and I'm pretty sure getting him back on it might be impossible."

It wasn't a fun trip..which means he is going to have to come up with a really smart plan to get him back into his room. He's going to make sure he grabs a lot of apples from the eating area to try and bribe him.

II - b

[sadflutenoises]

It's been a while since he's run into his other self, alone at least, he thinks, their little camp-out hardly counted, there were so many of them together. And this Wei Wuxian might have felt a little guilty, seeing as their last meeting ended with his soul-twin screaming in the bathroom. Oops.

Unfortunately, as they both know, Wei Wuxian struggles with apologies, and since they've rarely been alone together, he hasn't had much chance to say or do anything to make up for his prank-gone-wrong.

So, when he sees his soul-twin wandering blankly through the hotel, a hazy sort of look in his eyes, it's suspicious enough to follow, especially with how much more serious their situation seems to have gotten, since their return to the hotel. The lost look worries him that perhaps he was gone for a while like before.

He's about to call out, even though it feels awfully strange to call his own name aloud, and instead falls back on a more casual, "hey! Gege, are you... lost?"

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian has no idea where he is..or practically who he is at that very moment. Everything seems to be passing him by without him actually seeing it. It's like one big dream except he isn't actively taking part in it, simply walking through it.

The fact that someone is talking to him seems to register through the fog and he slowly starts to look around before he gives a rather confused look at his soul twin. Almost as if he is trying to finally take part in the dream, he tilts his head and repeats the one word that stuck out to him "Gege...?"

He shakes his head a few times as he tries to focus and slowly the light seems to start to return to his eyes. Where exactly was he?

[sadflutenoises]

Well, that seemed a colossal failure. His soul-twin only blinks hazily, still in some kind of fog. The more he studies him, the more it doesn't seem at all like before, and he has to wonder what brought him to such a state.

"Wei Wuxian," he says more insistently, reaching out to jostle his shoulder, a hint of concern coloring his features. At least his other self seems to be shaking it off, but...

"Hey, what happened?"

I. Apple

[earthborn]

Shepard, who is going just the wrong direction, at the wrong time, which is a talent equal in measure to its opposite, if rarely celebrated so heartily, runs into Wei Wuxian and Apple. She does this literally, because she is not looking in the right direction as she moves, and it would be kind to say that the impact of person with donkey is why she has spilled her drink all over the carpet. It would also be dishonest; Commander Shepard isn't afraid of many things, but of all the things that have caused her fear, she has been able to shoot at nearly all of them. It is easy to overcome one's visceral fears when one is permitted to destroy them utterly whenever one finds them, which had up until this moment reduced the length of that already-short list considerably. By random chance, the remaining list of Shepard's fears is populated exclusively by horses.

And now, a donkey.

"What the fuck is that thing?!"

Shepard has never seen a donkey before in her entire city-loving, combat-driven, spacefaring life. She is not happy to have the opportunity to experience new things.

[scaredofdogs]

Lil Apple didn't seem particularly pleased to suddenly be run into and then yelled at. Although not very large in size, his attitude is that of a creature twice as tall. He lets out a very irritated bray towards Shepard as Wei Wuxian tries to get him to behave.

"Ahh..sorry sorry..he's a little cranky since he's just been brought here. This is Lil' Apple..he's a donkey." He puts his hands around the donkey's muzzle to try and keep him from making any more noise but that only makes the donkey try to shake his head violently to free himself from those hands.

"He's harmless, I promise! He's just..fussy."

[earthborn]

"That is a huge fucking animal with rocks for feet!" Shepard replies, in a tone of what she feels is completely justifiable outrage, "Inside!"

Animals, at least those which are larger than the average trained dog, belong on the outside. That is what the outside is for; all the pretty nature. And also donkeys.

"Get rid of it!"

I

[jinlingers]

Jin Ling is minding his own business when he hears the braying and his brow furrows as he turns and indeed sees Wei Wuxian with a donkey and he's pretty sure that's not just any donkey...

How ridiculous. He shakes his head and his arms cross over his chest.

"What are you trying to do, Wei Wuxian?"

[scaredofdogs]

He looks over and smiles, although that smile might be a little tenser then normal as Lil' Apple has decided to plant his feet and not budge even one more inch.

"Ahh..I was actually trying to give Lil' Apple a tour of the hotel and get him some fresh apples from the eating area."

At least..that had been the plan until the donkey decided to use its strongest personality trait..stubbornness. But perhaps now that his nephew has arrived perhaps he will be able to make some progress. That is if he can convince the kid to help..

[jinlingers]

"What made you think that was a good idea??" The place is loud and crowded and not a place that any donkey would want to be much less such an obstinate one. He looks at the poor thing and he always sort of liked animals, not just his dog.

"You could have just brought apples to her."

iii.b

[stargazed]

Mikumo hasn't had any of the indulgence tea willingly, nor is she particularly interested in getting wasted. But she is a bit curious about the idea of wine and cheese pairing, so she's trying it out and only drinking strictly enough of the wine to get the intended taste impression of pairing it.

Which means she's decidedly still sober when spoken to, arching her brows with some level of amusement.

"'Wild' is accurate. 'Fun' I imagine depends on your definition, but it has been rather amusing watching people debase themselves at the drop of a hat," she says, tone that of someone who feels distant from that kind of behaviour. Indulging for the sake of indulging wasn't even in Mikumo's vocabulary until immediately before she got here, so this kind of revelry is more alien than a lot of the literal alien things she's encountered in her life.

[scaredofdogs]

"Ahhhh...you don't think it is fun? Games and fights and parties! It's like the hotel has finally decided to let loose!" And all these new people. He never would have thought that there was actually locals around that would want to visit the hotel. Like the coach that is now his best friend because he keeps giving him drinks. He has long since given up on the cheese.

[stargazed]

"Parties have never been particularly my cup of tea, and I'm rather over fights considering I work with the military back home," she says, her tone wry. She was designed for that kind of work, so it doesn't quite sink into her the way it does with some people, but it does still make her want some peace and quiet when it's available.

"The food is nice, I'll give it that. And I don't believe I've had alcohol before now, though I'm not particularly interested in learning in whether I'm a...'lightweight', is it?"

She's heard the term from her coworkers at the few celebrations she's wallflowered at.