angryhearts | you want to hear it? well

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mo dao zu shi: wei wuxian

you want to hear it? well —

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[His shoulders droop, wishing there was something he could do but the truth is..once someone has found trouble in the hotel it seems to simply follow along. He has already been injured and died in this place in just the span of a couple months. But that is simply how his life has always seemed to go. Perhaps Lan Wangji will have more luck with his soul-twin. And maybe he can avoid the same fate.]

I'll do my best Lan Zhan..I will..and that's all I'm capable of promising. I'm sorry. I wish I could say that everything will be fine and that I will never get hurt here again. I certainly don't want to end up dead here again. That..Once..was horrifying enough.

[ He doesn't want Wei Ying to die either, but how easily he gambles with his life - even now, even while telling him he doesn't want to die but implying that he will - he doesn't know if he can stand it. ]

I won't watch you die. Not again.

[His heart seizes in his chest at what those words could possibly mean.]

Technically..you didn't watch me die this time.

[No one but the twins saw that happen and it's probably for the best. But he knows that saying that might also put him on even thinner ice then he is already treading on. Even if Lan Wangji didn't physically see it take place, he knows that it did. Wei Wuxian doesn't know if anyone has told him how he died..or if it is up to him to share that story.]

I didn't seek it out..there was no way I would have gone in that room if I had known what the outcome would be. I don't want you to suffer because of my actions. Hurting you is worse then anything those dogs did to me.

[He almost chokes on his next words as they are leaving his mouth.]

Does this mean..you don't want anything to do with me now?

[ His face goes through a myriad of emotions, from anger, to sadness, to resentment, to resignation. ]

Wei Ying.

[ He can't even face him when he says this. ]

You are alive now, but you haunt me still.

I can try to rid myself of you, but I will not be successful.

[ And he's so angry, because he'd tried to move on. For sixteen years, he's tried to move on, so he knows, that won't happen. It's etched into his bones, it's written on his soul. Just because this one does not share the other one's body, doesn't make his claim to Lan Wangji's heart less valid.

He's angry, because Wei Ying has always marched to the beat of his own drum, has never considered Lan Wangji's feelings into his plans. He's so angry, because he knows this, and yet, his heart is unwavering. ]

[He pushes away from the door, knowing that his advances might be simply pushed aside but having to try anyway. He can see all those emotions on Lan Wangji's face and he wonders if perhaps, this too is part of the hotel's games. To put one through death so it can enjoy all the feelings the ones around them have in regards to it. How many different emotions has he had flood through his system since waking back up? How many did Lan Wangji feel when he disappeared? For a hotel that feeds on emotions, they are a banquet.]

I won't ever go anywhere alone again. If something happens, Lan Zhan will be right by my side to make sure I don't make the same mistakes.

[Either of them are up for the task. He knows that neither Lan Wangji want to see him hurt again. He reaches out to try and hug the other man. Needing to know that his embrace is still wanted.]

Then stay close.

[ He lets Wei Ying fall into his embrace, and holds him tightly, the slighter frame feeling so small in his arms, but warm, and in need of being held and protected. ]

[He is relieved when the man holds him and buries his face against him, breathing in his scent and enjoying that embrace. Thankful that he didn't cause Lan Wangji to push him away or leave him behind.]

I promise.

[He doesn't want to ever go into a room alone again. He has learned his lesson as far as that goes.]

[ Good, because Lan Wangji does not want to lose him again. And he's scared - he's about to marry Wei Ying, yet both of them still act like this, gambling their lives away so easily. ]

I never want to be without you, Wei Ying.

[There is guilt that rises because of those words. Already they have been without him for those years he actually had died, the three days when he returned home and now the three days from a second death. How is it that he keeps leaving this man? Even if it isn't by choice. But at least when he was gone, his soul-twin was still here. Perhaps its a matter of the two of them can't exist without one always ending up gone. So if one of them is here..Lan Wangji will never actually be without him.]

You never will be.

[It's a truth. Even when he was dead, Lan Wangji was not without Wei Ying. And the next words are true no matter what, and no matter what version.]

I love you, Lan Zhan.

[ He strokes Wei Ying's hair and wishes he could hold on forever. He knows he will never be without a Wei Ying again, but... he is selfish. ]

I love you, Wei Ying.

[ He prods Wei Ying in the chest, to explain to him that he means this one. This precise Wei Ying. ]

[His heart pounds just a bit harder as that finger points to him as he says those words. And then his smile spreads across his face, brightening it. To hear those words twice in one day and to know they are directed to him specifically fills him with joy.]

You certainly know how to make the heart beat fast, Lan Zhan.

[He leans up so that he can place a little kiss on the man's cheek.]

[ To be fair, he's only repeating himself because Wei Ying thought it necessary to say such things. He knows it's already something they've established, but Wei Ying needs the reassurance, particularly after the conversation they've had.

He laces their fingers together, and places Wei Ying's hand over his chest, to feel that rabbit-quick heart together. ]

Bed?

[ They can go back to cuddle pile. ]

[He almost chokes on his heart just from that one simple word. His mind going a different route for that briefest of moments. How many times has he shamelessly done things to a drunk Lan Wangji back on their own world? He needs to behave himself this time and so he quickly gets his mind right back on track.]

A-ah..Yes! We can go back to bed.

[because he really does want to go back to enjoying the cuddling that he so stupidly ruined earlier. He looks over at the table and remembers that he has lots of a new prize to enjoy.]

Do you want some emperor's smile, Lan Zhan?

[The man is already drunk and Wei Wuxian's buzz is dissipating quickly. He isn't above drinking in bed.]

[ He shakes his head no and then moves to go deposit himself on the bed, lying down, waiting for his blanket to arrive. ]

Hm.

Lie down.

[ He reaches for Wei Ying's shirt lapels, tugging him forward insistently. He doesn't mean bed the way that Wei Ying might be thinking, but in his drunken state, it is admittedly a little bit difficult to stay good. ]

[He laughs as Lan Wangji pulls him and so he gives up on his desire to drink and instead lowers himself into the bed.]

Okay, okay Lan Zhan. It's my turn to lay on you.

[He plops himself down on the man's chest.]

[ Satisfied with this, he slings an arm around Wei Ying's back to keep him on his chest. ]

Mm. Blanket.

It's been a long time since I've been your blanket, Lan Zhan.

[He reaches up to undo the pony tail so that it doesn't get in the man's face while he is laying there, letting there hair just drape over his back and setting the red ribbon aside. Now he can nestles his face against his neck easier.]

Too long.

[ He thinks for a second, and says: ]

Two blankets.

[ He's a genius. ]

[He snorts softly as he lifts his head up to place a kiss against Lan Wangji's cheek.]

So many blankets. Lan Wangji is very lucky.

Mm. Yes.

[ Then he reaches underneath Wei Ying's collar and places his hand over his heart to listen to his heartbeat. ]

[That momentarily surprises him, but after a beat he recovers and puts one hand over top of Lan Wangji's hand. Then places the other hand against Lan Wangji's heartbeat and closes his eyes as he enjoys the rhythm of it beating against his palm.]

It beats for Lan Zhan.

If you listen closely, you can hear mine say...

[ He changes his tone low and matches the pitch of his heartbeat. ]

Wei-Ying. Wei-Ying.

[That makes his own beat just a little harder and he feels the tips of his ears heat up. Something about hearing Lan Wangji's voice say his name in such a way is nice.]

A-ah..Now you've thrown my heart off rhythm, Lan Zhan.

It's still a nice rhythm.

[ He lets it comfort him, the soft warmth of being pressed against his skin. ]

[He sets his head back down on Lan Wangji's shoulder, removing his hand that was over top of the other man's. The one against Lan Wangji's heart traces over that place above his heart with his fingertips.

He has so much he wants to tell him and show him. Those golden scars on his body telling a story of his encounter, but also the fact that one of the Lan Wangji's names are on that list and he doesn't know which one...but it also isn't appropriate to do so when the man is drunk.

And so he simply watches the other man's profile.]

I am happy to be here with you, Lan Zhan.

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

QUEEN'S GAMES 8/12 - 8/22

THE CALL 8/16

INDULGENCE 8/13 - 8/23

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QUEEN'S GAMES
8/12 - 8/22

THE CALL
8/16

INDULGENCE
8/13 - 8/23