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

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.

[billowing]

The thing about Wei Ying is, he isn't very quiet, and even if his feet were, his mouth always gives him away. With reflexes like a cat, Lan Wangji leaps up into the air and flips to avoid Wei Ying coming towards him for a "hug."

This seems less like he's being suspended on wires for some reason, though he understands the physics of his wings and though he's unable to fly, the motion helps him get a little air; he reaches out with his wing to fan it in front of Wei Ying's face, using it to momentarily blind him so he can swing his foot around to trip him.

If Wei Ying is going to shrink, then Lan Wangji won't be aiming for very high this time. He is fairly certain Wei Ying hasn't learned how to fly without turning into a bird, and thus, making him tiny.

[scaredofdogs]

When that wing distracts him he knows Lan Wangji has opted to go even lower and he just about gets tripped up. He manages to avoid being completely knocked off balance since lucky for him he is fairly quick on his feet. Those wings burst out of his back as he moves letting them flap with a great force that will get him out of harms way. At least his wings aren't just for show. Even with a gravity defying ability at this disposal,for now it will be wings to give him a little extra mobility and speed.

The crowd around them seems to be super excited about a battle of winged creatures and their cheers are filling the air around the battle arena. He can practically see the money being passed around as they bet on who will win.

Wei Wuxian does not want to come out the loser but he also isn't sure how to get close enough to actually land a hit..and honestly he doesn't really want to which makes this battle even harder. He needs to try and fight past that and just think about this being a sparing practice.

Using the speed those wings grant him, he plants one foot and then lunges forward, aiming to slam his shoulders right towards Lan Wangji's chest.

[billowing]

Totally unfair that Wei Ying gets wings that allow him to fly when Lan Wangji is grounded, but he supposes it's odd that even though they both got Crowley's powers, his wings are pure white, maybe even more brilliantly than Aziraphale's if for the fact that, due to his demon physiology and Lan upbringing, they're better-preened and sleek rather than fluffy.

He stands as if to catch Wei Ying for when he comes forward, digging his heels in, but slipping to the side at the last moment so that he can use the momentum to shove Wei Ying off of him, or, if he latches on, to be at a better angle than looking over his back.

Oof--! They meet, but Lan Wangji, although feeling a tiny bit winded, makes no sound. Was Wei Ying expecting him to? Now to the side, he slams down on Wei Ying's arm to push him to the ground; it's a good thing neither of them have spiritual power, or else that would probably hurt.

[scaredofdogs]

Seeing his back is about to come into contact with the ground, those wings disappear just in time. He figures landing on those would hurt a lot more then just his back.

He yelps as hits the ground then a slow and sinister smirk spreads across his features. Wei Wuxian has many dirty tricks up his sleeve and once they are like this it is very akin to a previous tumble session they had.

So he wraps his legs around Lan Wangji's waist to lock him there as he looks up at him.

[billowing]

He's expecting something so shameless from him, and as soon as Wei Ying does that, Lan Wangji spins to try and buck him off, knowing full well that the lock of his feet will be a tight one, but at the very least, it should keep him from being able to sit up properly to punch him.

The force of the spin should pull him up slightly from the ground enough so that Lan Wangji can lurch forward and slam him back into it, and then pin him down onto the ground with his hips and his hands.

The crowd stops passing around money and stops cheering to look, uh, confused as to what is happening to this fight. To be honest.

[scaredofdogs]

His head is starting to reel from the two hard hits into the ground but that hold on Lan Wangji's body stays strong. He can't move his arms enough to make an attack but with clinging to him in such a way it also makes it harder for the other man to put as much force into his attacks. If this were any other person then he might have slammed his head into him to try and force him to let go, but despite them really not holding back..Wei Wuxian also doesn't really want to hurt the other man. But he can handle a few bumps and bruises in this battle.

"Ahh..Lan Zhan..so forceful." He can be shameless with his moves and his voice as he whines a little louder then necessary. He already knows he can escape if he shape shifts so might as well see how long Lan Wangji wants to keep him pinned in such a way. Deciding to use one of his other abilities, suddenly his body starts to float upwards and take Lan Wangji with him. Time to enjoy the fact that gravity means nothing anymore. Even without wings he can get some air.

[billowing]

What on Earth? Now they're not only in this position, but floating to what, give everyone a better view? He pulls Wei Ying into a chokehold, trying to twist one arm behind to pin him there, flapping his wings more to cause a ruckus than to do anything useful.

And maybe, just maybe, he'd like to cover them from the rest of the crowd so they don't see this absolutely shameful position they've found themselves in, particularly as the roughness is not really deterring Lan Wangji from getting a little bit... aroused.

Thankfully, only Wei Ying would notice it, but he's sure he'd use it to his advantage, so he also casts... a silencing spell.

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian's eyes practically flash with excitement as he feels the fact that Lan Wangji is possibly..enjoying..this little activity. It's hard not to notice with the position he currently has on his body. But before he can even remark on it that all too familiar silencing spell spoils his fun.

His expression changes to one of rather pathetic disbelief as he whines through sealed lips. He already knows he can't break this kind of seal and now his arm is pinned behind him as well. So if he can't move his upper body...well his lower body is still in play. So why not take advantage of the situation.

He rocks his hips, using those legs to practically grind against the other. This makes his heart pound just a bit harder but he tries to keep himself calm as he hopes he can get the other to release the choke hold. Figuring he will want to use those hands to try and stop this shameless fighting tactic. Using his new gravity manipulation technique he flips them over in the air so that his body is above Lan Wangji's.

[billowing]

He might flip them, but Lan Wangji keeps his grip like a constrictor - he has increased his upper arm strength since last they'd fought, so naturally he finds it easy to hold on, even if Wei Ying pulls a little trick like flipping their positions.

He bites his tongue to keep from groaning, and with his famous restraint, manages to avoid bucking his hips upward as he distractedly closes his eyes and tries very hard to push certain images out of his head.

On the other hand, he doesn't have much leverage but tries to make a little gap between them so that he can flip back over on top, though without anything to push or kick off of, it might not work out for him.

[scaredofdogs]

Several of the onlookers have started to turn away, not sure they should be watching such a display while others seem to be enjoying the show.

Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian is still struggling with not being able to talk. It has been years since he has been forced to endure this spell. He's a bit distracted by that when Lan Wangji successfully gets them to turn back over but it seems to be rather short lived as now they are on an endless spiral, continuously switching positions.

Looking up into Lan Wangji's face, he notices the closed eyes and smirks a bit. That grinding continues, aware of the effect it is starting to have on his own body as well, but also knowing he can easily shift into another body to avoid it.

The hand not bent behind him suddenly shifts into a long and squirmy type of tentacle that is now doing to attempt to assault Lan Wangji's sides and body to find his most sensitive of places to tickle.

[billowing]

Oh, rude! And uncouth! Well, at the very least, the tickling solves his other problem, because now there's no way his body feels like doing any of that.

It's during one of these spirals that he lets go, and kicks Wei Ying away from him; they'll both have to fall back to the ground, but he is hoping to have enough momentum in his push that he might actually wind Wei Ying or something. He's not actually trying to hurt him.

In fact, this fight might go on a long time precisely because both of them want to fight but neither of them wants to inflict any serious damage.

[scaredofdogs]

There is a victory in finally being freed from that hold. His arm goes back to normal but he doesn't fall to the ground. He still has the benefits of no gravity at his disposal. He had been clasped on so hard that the push was fairly significant to get him to unhinge. And so it takes him a moment to catch his breath back as he stays a healthy distance away to get it.

He still can't talk with is frustrating. He considers his next attack, and then it hits him. He lands on the ground and immediately changes into a tiny lizard. He's been in this body before so he does know fairly well how to maneuver in it. And so he hurries as fast as he can, grateful for the fact that speed seems to be one of this bodie's strengths. Because he is aiming to go into Lan Wangji's clothing and right up his leg.

[billowing]

As soon as he's up Lan Wangji's leg, he shakes it as if the limb has offended him. In a way, it has. What on Earth is Wei Ying planning to do up there, anyway, turn back into a human and rip off his pants? Good Gods and Immortals in Heaven, what on Earth could that boy be thinking?

The audience isn't sure they like this part of the fight, as they can't see Wei Ying anymore. They're only treated to this view of Lan Wangji shaking his leg and it's not even a particularly enjoyable dance to watch.

At least one of them grows bored and yells at them to actually fight.

[scaredofdogs]

Once inside the clothing, he uses that small size to climb all the way up Lan Wangji's side before changing into a slightly larger but quite a bit softer animal. The tiny mouse rubs and squirms all along the parts of Lan Wangji's body that he knows have a ticklish tendency. Since he doesn't want to actually harm the other man, all he can do is assault him in other ways. Every once in awhile there is a small nibbling to his side.

[billowing]

Oh, this is cruel and unusual. He'll try to sway Wei Ying on his side, but unfortunately, the damn critter is too quick; he has to reach into his shirt and try to fish Wei Ying out of there, but he doubles over trying to hold back his laughter.

Damn! How on Earth is he supposed to fight him this way?

While Wei Ying is in his torso, he might notice that Lan Wangji is currently devoid of either a belly button or nipples. This silly demon physiology...

[scaredofdogs]

Lan wangji's body is odd but at least he is still ticklish. His plan has worked perfectly as the man doubles over. This is far better then physical violence. He knew this shape shifting skill would come in handy. The fact that it doesn't ever seem to wear off now an added bonus.

His little voice comes from inside those robes, "Do you concede, Lan Zhan?"

[billowing]

"No!" he shouts, though he hardly ever really shouts, it's more of a hoarse whisper than anything else. He keeps trying to get Wei Ying to come out, but he's so fast. Lan Wangji starts leaping around and spinning, hoping that Wei Ying won't be able to cling on.

The audience is. Mostly confused.

[scaredofdogs]

He crawls up Lan Wangji's back and sticks his head out through the color, letting that little wet nose and whiskers rub against Lan Wangji's neck.

"So stubborn, Lan Zhan. I bet if I turn into a bunny you wouldn't have the heart to hurt me."

[billowing]

"Try me," he says, reaching for Wei Ying to grab his neck and pull him out of his collar; what on Earth?

If he is successful, he'll quickly change to holding him by the butt and under the arms instead of the neck; that would be mean.

[scaredofdogs]

Wei Wuxian lets himself get pulled out of those robes and immediately changes into a rabbit while in his hands. He's starting to feel the toll that all the changing is doing to his body but it's his only advantage in this fight. "What are you going to do to me now? Be careful of being fussed at for animal cruelty."

How could anyone beat up such an adorable little bunny?

[billowing]

Lan Wangji takes the rabbit in his hands and holds it to himself, crushing it in a hug but so that no one can see how tightly he's actually holding on. Well, unless Wei Ying screams or something, but they all know he's not actually a rabbit!