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

Party Part II~

[scaredofdogs]

[Wei Wuxian has been silently stalking the other man ever since seeing him talking to a pillar. He is fascinated by whatever conversation a man can have with a pole. Staying quiet so that he can enjoy this moment that means for once he isn't the only one that has had a few drinks. When the question finally gets asked to a regular human being, he decides to make his presence known. His hiding almost given away when he snorts softly at the beautiful eyes comment. He loops his arm through Lan Wangji's and smiles up at him.]

Lan Zhan! Where have you been?

[He has never gotten to play with this one after he has had something to drink and so he is curious to see if there are any differences in how they two conduct themselves. Of course...Wei Wuxian has a terrible habit of doing rather shameless things to Lan Wangji when he is drunk and so it is going to be terribly hard to control himself. Especially since he has had a few drinks himself.]

I've been looking all over for you! Have you been avoiding me?

[He knows that isn't the case but he certainly can't help but tease the man since he hadn't sensed his presence around him at all.]

[billowing]

[ He definitely thought the pole was a person for a hot second, and had apologized for bumping into it and offered it something to drink.

Once Wei Ying shows up, Lan Wangji gives him a soft, drunk smile and turns to the person that he'd been speaking to just now. ]

This is Wei Ying.

[ The other person tries to make a hasty exit from this conversation now that Lan Wangji can clearly be someone else's problem, but he tries to get them to stop. ]

Wasn't avoiding him. Tell him.

[ He never touches people, so this is an odd feeling. He remembers he doesn't like touching people, and moves his hand away as if it'd been burnt. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[He smiles at the poor person who is under Lan Wangji's grasp and quickly takes that hand occupies both with his own, threading his fingers through the other man's so that the poor victim can make his retreat. He then looks up at the other man in amusement.]

Lan Zhan, have you been drinking? Didn't you promise me that you wouldn't get drunk in the hotel?

[A promise made a long time ago because Wei Wuxian hadn't been sure he could keep him under control in such a large place. He feels a little more at ease now since he has a better feeling of the hotel and knows that Lan Wangji can't just wander into random places and steal chickens.

But part of him is now excited at the prospect and ready to see what this one is like with a few glasses under his belt..or a few sips which is most likely the case.]

[billowing]

[ Oh, it's definitely only been a few sips. There's even still a little champagne in his glass. ]

Mn.

[ He had promised, but people kept offering him champagne, and it was just so hard to resist. He hands Wei Ying the rest of his coupe. ]

Drink.

[scaredofdogs]

[He takes it and looks into it, wondering if it might be spiked with more then just champagne. he has been offered a lot of things this week and his head hasn't stopped spinning since. But he figures if he doesn't finish it then lan Wangji will attempt to do so himself. And that should definitely be avoided. He lifts the glass to his lips and takes a sip. As he lowers the cup back down he nods his approval of the drink.]

Why were you looking for me, Lan Zhan? Did you want to play?

[Lan Wangji is like someone who reverts to a small child when he drinks so he is curious what he might be interested in doing now that he has had those few sips.

[billowing]

[ He has no idea what Wei Ying means, want to play, but he nods affirmatively anyway, exaggerated because he's drunk. ]

Missed Wei Ying.

[ How is it possible to miss him when he's always been right there? But anyway.

Since they got back from camping, he hadn't seen them both at the same time, so he's a little bit sad on the inside. He'd never say this. Well. Not in so many words. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[He would happily go back to all living together if he could. He hasn't been able to see this Lan Wangji hardly at all since their return. He knows how busy he is with the wedding plans but it still makes him sad. Especially considering how much time they had been together when they were outside. It's hard to get used to the change.]

I've missed you too, Lan Zhan.

[He sets the empty glass down and reaches out to take Lan Wangji's hands.]

But now you have me for as long as you want.

[billowing]

[ Wangji looks at the hand in his for a little bit, and then, he reaches out for a real hug. He hasn't seen Wei Ying very much since their fight, and he had never really gotten that hug. ]

Forever.

[ That's how long he'd like to keep Wei Ying. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[He laughs and wraps his arms around the man. He would never complain about a hug and it seems that have to make up for treating each other so roughly recently.]

I'd like that very much.

[While in that embrace he turns his face so that he can place a kiss against Lan Wangji's cheek. Since the man is going to bold as to hug him in such a public place, he isn't going to be shy about his affections either.]

Are you going to hold me like this for all of that time?

[billowing]

Nooo...

[ He shakes his head, even though he puts his hand on the back of Wei Ying's head to keep him there. ]

I will need both Wei Ying.

[scaredofdogs]

Lan Zhan is very greedy. Are you really going to be able to handle both of us? We are very troublesome.

[He gives the man a squeeze with his arms as he enjoys that embrace. Drunk Lan Wangji has always been the most openly honest and so it's nice to know that he still needs and wants him despite everything.]

[billowing]

Mm. I want both. I would take care of a third.

[ He just wants Wei Ying, it doesn't matter how he looks and where he's from, it only matters that he has this soul. ]

[scaredofdogs]

You don't need a third. Two is plenty! [He really doesn't need to make things any more complicated then they already are.]

But regardless of how many there are, Wei Ying will always love Lan Zhan.

[No matter worlds, bodies, or obstacles that might get tossed in their way.]

[billowing]

Mn.

And Wangji will love all Wei Ying, but only Wei Ying.

[ There's nuzzling happening now. He's just so affectionate today, and the indulgence tea isn't really helping him to be good. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[His smile brightens because this is the first time that this Lan Wangji has said he loves him and so it fills him with a happiness and he hugs him tighter. He's practically melting from the nuzzling and affection.]

Hearing that makes me very happy, Lan Zhan!

[billowing]

Mn?

[ He's forgotten that he's not allowed to say those sorts of things out loud. It just seems so natural to say. ]

...It's warm here...

[scaredofdogs]

[He laughs a little and turns to nuzzle against Lan Wangji's neck. He has had a lot of indulgence tea and alcohol and drugs and all things he shouldn't have had this week, so he certainly isn't afraid to toss all their rules out of the window right now. It's going to take a long time to get all of that out of his system.]

Probably because you're holding onto me. But there are also a lot of people here...

[And he is drunk. All of which will lead to a little bit of overheating.]

Do you want to go somewhere else?

[billowing]

Mm.

[ He doesn't move so that they can leave to go somewhere else, but he does agree. ]

Lotus pier?

[scaredofdogs]

Okay! I can show you how my room has changed.

[Lotus pier has grown since the last time Lan Wangji was there. Except the man isn't letting him go so he uses his fingers to tickle Lan Wangji's sides a little.]

We can't walk like this Lan Zhan.

[billowing]

Mm...

[ He nuzzles in harder. ]

Attempt the impossible.

[scaredofdogs]

[He laughs and tries to back towards the door with the man still attached. This is going to make for a very long walk.]

We might not make it to Lotus Pier.

[Not that he really minds. He gives the man several small kisses to his cheek.]

[billowing]

[ He does ease up a little, to make it slightly easier to walk with Wei Ying. But he's still mostly leaning on him and generally being a menace. ]

Wei Ying...

[ He wraps his arms around Wei Ying's waist, pinching his sides playfully. ]

[scaredofdogs]

[He squirms beneath those hands assaulting his sides as they shuffle towards the exit. What an odd image they must be presenting to anyone who might see it.]

Ah! Lan Zhan! Your hands are being so mean. If you keep that up I won't hold back from trying to tickle you!

[He doesn't actually mind and his expression is clearly one more of amusement then anger.]

[billowing]

Ah~? No, no...

[ He stops pinching, but he keeps hanging on Wei Ying. ]

Wei Ying, stay with me. Always.

[scaredofdogs]

[There is a small stab in his heart at that request but he knows that even if he personally can't, some version of himself will be able to keep that promise. So it isn't a lie when he speaks.]

Of course, Lan Zhan. Always. You'll always have me by your side.