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

[scaredofdogs]

"But if it was the transformations..then it would also be good to test it. To do a lot again and see how many it takes before I black out." A very dangerous test but the only way to truly know if they were the direct cause of it. Even after countless drunken nights, he has never had a time when he really lost track of what he was doing. If not diagnosed this could lead to far worse things.

He rests his head against Lan Wangji as he considers that. Without knowing what exactly happens it is hard to say how he should proceed.

"If we find out that this is a side effect..we need to let everyone know." Because he would rather be the scapegoat and find out the truth to save anyone else from going through this.

[billowing]

Why does Wei Ying always want to use himself as a guinea pig?

"If you want to do this, we will have to monitor you closely. And we don't know if it's tied to all the teas, or just this power, or just this power on you."

There are too many variables to test, to him.

[scaredofdogs]

"We can at least try it and warn people that extended use might have a side effect. It's better to be prepared then be caught off guard." He hates seeing anyone suffer over something if he could have prevented it.

"I have two powers that I can now use all the time and don't seem to need to drink the tea for anymore. All I have to do is use both extensively at different times and see if the effect is the same."

[billowing]

Lan Wangji looks at Wei Ying as if he is very upset with this idea, but he knows that when Wei Ying tells him these things, he isn't asking for permission and anytime he says anything, it'll just make Wei Ying not tell him anything anymore.

"We will monitor you closely."

[scaredofdogs]

He nods, feeling a little guilty that he is making Lan Wangji upset but he is now determined. The more they know, the safer and stronger they are against the queen. If drinking the power teas has side effects then it is time to figure it out.

"I won't do anything without supervision." He doesn't know if doing it again today would be wise. Who knows what might happen if he wears himself out into a trance twice in one day.

[billowing]

"No more today," he commands, as he backs away to go get Wei Ying some water. He'll make him drink it, even if he doesn't want to.

[scaredofdogs]

He nods his agreement as he watches Lan Wangji move away, "Sorry if I worried you, Lan Zhan." He didn't really have any control over it but that doesn't mean he can't feel guilty about it regardless.

[billowing]

"As long as Wei Ying is safe, that is what I care about," Lan Wangji responds, frowning deeply because he knows he will just be more upset in the future.

[scaredofdogs]

He knows that as well but he can't help that he needs answers and is the only one who can get them.

He looks around the room, "It's been awhile since I've been here."

[billowing]

"You are welcome any time," he responds, knowing it to be true. The other one won't mind. Probably not any more than the other Lan Wangji would be surprised to find this one at Lotus Pier.

[scaredofdogs]

He smiles and flops back on the bed while he waits for Lan Wangji to get him that drink. "I'm sure there are some times when I'm not welcome."

[billowing]

He goes to fetch him the water and merely says, "You would be able to hear from outside if that were the case."

[scaredofdogs]

He turns a bright red and rolls over onto his stomach to try and hide it. Making sure his face is turned towards the wall. "I'll make sure never to walk by this room at night." Of course..it doesn't necessarily need to be nighttime as he has learned on a few occasions.

[billowing]

"Surely, you would be preoccupied at night," he answers, because--

--There's no way that Wei Ying is trying to tell Lan Wangji they haven't consummated their relationship.

[scaredofdogs]

They certainly have in many places, many times at many points during the day but that doesn't mean he wants to talk about it. He coughs softly and resists the urge to shape shift into something small and furry that can't blush.

"Ahh..yes..usually."

[billowing]

Even just this would make Wei Ying blush, and that makes Lan Wangji happy inside. "Usually?" he asks, quirking a brow.

He's definitely growing into being a gremlin, now that he's marrying one.

[scaredofdogs]

"I mean..we're not busy every night. Sometimes it occurs earlier.." and lately he has been enjoying the nightlife that the hotel has been providing. Which means he has been getting distracted and a bit drunk and coming back late.

[billowing]

"Mn," he says, not terribly convinced. But he also isn't around much at night, going to bed at 9 on the dot.

[scaredofdogs]

He keeps his back to the other man and rubs his cheeks to try and get the warmth in them to subside. He shouldn't get so embarrassed about such things but he can't help it. It's not like he expects to have such conversations with anyone except his own Lan Wangji.

"I may have been slightly distracted the last few nights since the hotel has been so active."

[billowing]

He would stop, but he finds this impossibly endearing. "Mm. But it is a good outlet for the frustrations provided by the hotel."

[scaredofdogs]

"Ah..ha..and what frustrations do I have? Everything is fine. Wedding to prepare for and all that. I don't need to let out any frustrations like that." The only thing he could possibly be frustrated by is just being in this place to begin with. But it isn't like he hasn't been having fun with things and he has much to look forward to. He would rather have better reasons for such an activity.

"Are you frustrated, Lan Zhan?"

[billowing]

There were plenty of reasons, but the frustration just makes it nicer. Or at least, his Wei Ying definitely feels that way, since he always attempts to rile Lan Wangji up. He'd be surprised to find if this one wasn't a total gremlin to try and get his Lan Wangji to, in a way, take out his grievances on him in a more productive and enjoyable manner than beating up trees.

"I will not relax until we are safe."

[scaredofdogs]

This Wei Wuxian is a perfectly well behaved gentleman with absolutely no gremlin tendencies and has certainly never used them to get sex... And there would be no way he could actually say all of that with a straight face and anyone who would believe that if he did manage it does not know him very well.

"Not even for one day while we get married?"

[billowing]

"I will try, but I make no promises," he answers. He did already agree to marry the other one multiple times if need be. He has all the hopes and dreams of making this wedding a success, but it's not the end of the world if he can't enjoy it.

[scaredofdogs]

He finally turns his face back to the other man but keeps laying there. His body actually feels rather tired so laying down feels better. His lips are in full pout mode as he stares at him, "If you can't be relaxed and happy and without frustrations on that day..then what is the point?"