TEST DRIVE MEME 002

[happyheartsstaff]

HAPPY HEARTS HOTEL

You wake up in a padded box. It rocks, gently, as though suspended in mid-air. You begin to stir, confusion or distress pushing you to try to sit up — and then the air begins to smell sweet, and you fall back asleep.

You wake up in a padded box. For a moment, you are beatifically calm. You don't know how you got here, or why, but that isn't really all that important. You don't need to know where you are. You're just... here. And here is a wonderful place to be.

But there is a niggling suspicion growing in the back of your mind. A suspicion that here is not somewhere you wanted to be. That it is not where you're supposed to be. You remember... chasing a white rabbit (or was it a person)? A mirror? Bright light, and green ivy crawling over your skin... Before you can worry too much, the box jolts, and then settles, and after a long moment the walls fall from around you to reveal —

A hotel lobby?

"Welcome to the Happy Hearts Hotel and Casino," says an attendant behind a desk. "We're so pleased you could join us. We have your room keys and Empathies here, please make an orderly line and we'll hand them out once we've confirmed identities. After that, feel free to explore the hotel! We highly recommend starting with the casino. Everyone's a winner here in Happy Hearts!"

Is this normal? It doesn't feel normal. And hey — you could swear you had shoes before!

I. THIS IS OUR GET ALONG SHIRT

You haven't been at the hotel long when you run into another Oyster. Hardly unusual for the hotel, after all. But there's something about this person, something that draws you in. Do you know them? Perhaps they're from your world, perhaps you've seen them around the hotel before, or perhaps you've never met at all?

No matter. Hopefully you enjoy this person's company, because suddenly you're unable to go more than a few feet away from each other. Maybe it's like a cord that snaps you both back together when you try, invisible but somehow there all the same. Maybe it's a feeling, a desire to stay together, a fear of being apart. Maybe it's physical pain when you're separated, and the sensation of comfort or pleasure when you're together. Maybe it's any combination of the above.

Whatever it is, looks like you'll be getting to know each other very well. The connection doesn't appear to be going away any time soon.

II. HONORARY STAFF FOR A DAY

It seems the hotel is a little short-handed at the moment. Why? Oh, no particular reason. These things happen to every establishment, of course. But since you're here, would you mind lending a hand? It's a two person job, and the staff member giving out assignments is just far too busy to help. Find a partner and report to your assigned area! They're preparing for something very exciting the Queen is putting on for guests. And of course, you'll be rewarded for your assistance.

There are a number of possible tasks that you could be assigned to.

Perhaps you'll be asked to assist with food preparation. You and your partner will be granted temporary access to the back area of the buffet to work with the kitchen staff — you can cook, can't you? Well. Perhaps you can put together some sandwiches. It will soon be clear that the food you're helping to prepare is all things that would be perfect for a picnic. Staff members will cheerfully inform anyone asking questions that the food is for the Queen's special surprise.

Or perhaps you'll be put to work sorting and cataloging a large inventory of items. Sleeping bags, tarps, pillows, toiletries, first aid kits, fire starting materials; all must be counted and sorted. A staff member will hand out a number of backpacks, and request that each be packed with one of every item. Not to worry about the size — each pack will have exactly enough room to store all the items.

Still others may be placed in a room lined with bookcases overflowing with books and loose leaf pamphlets. Examination of these will find that all are related to identifying native Wonderland plant life. Some are about edible plants, some discuss those that are medicinal, or poisonous, or likely to try to eat you should you get too close. Buried in all of that, you may even stumble across a particular poem. You will be given heavy card paper, pens and water colors, and tasked with condensing the information into portable, easy to read info packets.

At the end of the work shift, anyone who assists will have the expressed gratitude of the staff members they supported. They will also find an additional item from home, aside from what they were carrying with them, waiting for them in their room.

III. TIME TO UNWIND

What better way to unwind after a long day of work than with a massage? A staff member will hand you a token for the hotel spa. Yes, yes, all services are free, but this is an enhanced service. Premium massage oils, access to a relaxing tea, the devoted attention of the most skilled massage therapist, all for you.

When you arrive to take advantage of the offer, you'll find another Oyster waiting there as well. Did the staff member not mention it was a couple's massage? Oh dear, it must have slipped their mind. Or perhaps they just assumed, given how so many of you Oysters seem to be in pairs. Well, you're both here, you might as well take advantage of it.

Or perhaps something that gets the heart pumping is more to your speed than relaxation. A staff member may excitedly tell you about a rave occurring at the The Rabbit Hole nightclub. Invitation only, of course, but the staff member is happy to tell you the code to get in.

There is indeed a party in full swing at the club that night. Live music, flashing lights, alcohol flowing freely, the works. You may find that the alcohol packs more of a punch than you're used to. You may even find that drinks that are supposed to be nonalcoholic, ones that you've had before in other parts of the hotel, suddenly pack quite a punch as well.

It's all in the name of enjoying yourself, right? Hopefully you won't be too hungover in the morning.

IV. WELCOME HOME

Maybe you just want to be alone — well, that's what you have your room key for! Oysters room on the second and third floors of the hotel, one to a room. You were assured your room would be exactly what you'd always wished for — and for some, that's right! It's exactly as you would have decorated it yourself. But for others, their rooms are totally wrong. A grizzled cowboy can't have a pink room! Hotel staff are firm, though: every room is exactly as its owner wants it to be. Search your feelings, Oyster. You know it to be true.

On each bed are the Oysters' personal effects, minus weapons, as well as a towel folded in the shape of a heart, and a single foil-wrapped chocolate. If eaten, the chocolate is delicious, and incites a feeling of tender warmth in Oysters — not lust, but a desire for closeness. Why spend time in your room, when you could go find a new friend in the casino?

For purposes of the TDM, you're welcome to play with having more than one linked partner! If you choose to app in the next round after playing on the TDM, there will be an extra add on to the application for you to claim your additional item from home. Please direct any questions to the first comment on this page, and happy playing, Oysters!

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

© tessisamess

Comments

jiang yanli ▶ the untamed

[soups]

get along shirt ▶

❰ speaking of shirts, yanli has discovered This Elegant Thimble, which is mystifying to her in so many different ways. clothes aren't usually so displayed and sold like this where she's from. fabric, perhaps, that you then turn into hanfu and the like. premade fashions are so strange, so modern, even if she doesn't know it.

some things that she removes from the wrack are actually not so off from what she's used to. very minimal, without all the layers that her own wardrobe has, but it's acceptable. there are several selections that make her wonder if she can just ask for the fabric that makes up the garment, to fashion her own robes with.

she's got a few dresses over an arm when she turns and let's out a loud gasp at a display of summer shorts. with a quick shift of her eyes, she raises her free hand to shield her eyes, hurrying to leave after a quick and awkward bow of apology. it feels like she's accidentally walked in on someone undressing, even if those someone's are half-body mannequins.

that's probably when you realize the strange feeling of separation -- yanli is hurriedly attempting to leave (after setting down her chosen clothes, of course!), even at the expense of the pain suddenly in her chest. ❱

honorary staff ▶

❰ luckily, at first yanli is put on kitchen duty. you've thankfully been paired with someone who has some sort of idea of what they're doing, even in this strange world with refrigerators and mayonnaise spread. sandwiches aren't that hard to assemble, even with her inexperience in this particular era of kitchen.

you, however...wow, you're really mangling this. ❱

Would you like me to show you an easier way? ❰ which sounds a lot better than better way; yanli has been given the gift of tact.

or, perhaps you've been tasked with helping her during her second shift, condensing wildlife information, which is much less in her wheelhouse. it doesn't mean she isn't working diligently, despite her packet growing in size beyond most others. everything seems important if it comes down to being poisoned or avoiding itchiness.

the atmosphere is quiet until yanli forgets herself, gripping her pen (which is a hell of a thing to learn how to use on the fly, by the way) tightly as she loudly whispers, ❱ It can eat you?

❰ she's seen large enough lotuses that it feels possible, but plants...shouldn't be allowed to do that?? ❱

unwind ▶

❰ does yanli have any interest in a party that includes people barely dressed (by her standard), loud and garrish music, and excessive drinking? no. but she's on a mission today, with a plan that formulated in her head the moment she was given the code to get in, despite her protests.

after a good 15 minutes of trying to get through the crowd, she obtains her prize -- a large bottle of what she's been assured is alcohol, given to her by a bartender who decided it was funeral if she wanted to go that hard.

it's easy to spot someone dressed like yanli if you're at the party and see her uncomfortably trying leave with a massive bottle wrapped tightly in her arms. otherwise, you may see her admiring her prize right outside the party, smile only partly because of finally getting out of that cramped, noisy den. ❱

wildcard ▶

❰ if you'd like to do something else, feel free to fling another prompt at me or hit me up at ships to plot something out! ❱

get along shirt!

[equivocations]

[ Lan Xichen had that exact same reaction when he first walked into this shop - there had been some things that he enjoyed quickly, but it had been only a few moments before he'd turned to walk right back out again. Unfortunately, there seems to be no where else to get clothing, and he can admit that he needs more than one alternative outfit to his robes.

He's dressed in white slacks, a dark blue button up, and flowing dress wrapped over both at the moment, though he still wears his headpiece and forehead ribbon. He seems more at ease in the store this time around - if only because he's very carefully avoiding letting his gaze wander and looking only at the section of clothes in front of him

So the ache of separation and the sudden sharp pain in his chest catches him by surprise, and he lets out a soft gasp. It's enough to pull his attention away from the clothing he'd been looking at, and it's then that he catches a glimpse of someone familiar hurrying to leave. ]

Jiang-guniang?

[soups]

❰ yanli stops at the voice, not just because she hadn't realized there was someone else in such close proximity, but it's a familiar voice. her hand moves away from her face, peering to see if it's actually who she can only assume has called out to her. ❱

Ah! Lan-zongzhu! ❰ her posture quickly shifts to a circled-bow, embarrassed to be shuffling right past him after seeing something so inappropriate. she stands erect again, observing xichen's new appearance; it's very obviously in line with how he dressed at cloud recesses, but of the style that surrounds them. ❱ You've acclimated very well to the fashion here.

[equivocations]

[ Her bow immediately prompts him to give one in return, and his smile is warm when he straightens. ]

I have my brother to thank for that. I must confess, my initial reaction was the same as yours.

[ He spares only a moment's thought for the strange pain in his chest, but it seems to have faded, and her presence is by far the more important thing. It doesn't surprise him to see her here, not after Meng Yao and the other Wangji and Wei Wuxian, but it is still both wonderful and extremely complicated. ]

Have you just arrived?

[soups]

❰ on one hand, she would agree -- this is a complicated situation in which she has no real awareness of. how to be removed from lotus pier and brought into such a fantastical inn...it's all beyond her. and yet she doesn't understand just how personally complex everything is; it's literally unfathomable to her, the things she doesn't know. ❱

Yes. It's a lot to take in all at once. Especially how different everything feels and looks. Some of the clothes here, for instance, are very...revealing.

❰ shorts aside, she pulled out a dress earlier that would have only covered just below her knees and the thought was enough to make her flush immediately. ❱

[equivocations]

[ He ducks his head a little at her mention of the revealing clothes, just the slightest bit flustered. ]

Yes, it - is certainly very different, from what we're accustomed to.

[ Which is his way of attempting to be polite without directly saying that he still finds himself resolutely staring only at someone's face when conversing with many others in the hotel. They don't seem to be embarrassed, but he hasn't quite gotten on board with so few layers and so much skin bared yet. ]

Would you take tea with me? I have been here for about a month, now, and I would be happy to tell you what I have learned.

[ He suspects it may do them both good to get out of the shop - and many of the things he's learned are not something he wants to discuss where they can be overheard. ]

unwind

[billowing]

[ Like Jiang Yanli, Lan Wangji is not interested in being at this party, but has somehow been harangued into being here for reasons even he is not entirely sure of. ]

Jiang-guniang?

[ He's surprised at first, but he realizes that he shouldn't be - people come from all sorts of different times here, as if it is a plane instead of a linear path. He reaches out as if to make a wall of his sleeve to protect her from the slightly drunken crowd. ]

Come with me.

[ He tries his best to help usher her away from this amount of odd strangers who are having a good time and not noticing two people who shouldn't be at a party and are definitely not having a good time. ]

[soups]

❰ for as little as she's directly interacted with lan wangji, it's definitely a relief to see a familiar face, as well as another obvious sore thumb in this environment. she nods at the command, more than happy to oblige.

once they've at least reached a less crowded area, yanli stops to offer him a bow, large bottle more noticeable in her now-outstretched hands. ❱

Thank you, Lan-gongzi. I didn't expect to see you in a place like that.

[billowing]

[ She is right, he had no intention of being there, but at the same time, it feels a little bit like fate. ]

There is much to explain to you, but I believe it would be better to hear from Wei Ying.

[ Because how is he going to explain that there are two of them, and that they're in a different place with no sense of time, space or universe, and that in his, she's already passed on?

He would rather not. ]

What is the last thing Jiang-guniang remembers?

[soups]

❰ that's to be expected, when so much about this place is so surreal to her. wangji always has this certain 'all-knowing' air to him, so his knowledge of where they are doesn't surprise her in the slightest.

it's a very casual observation -- it's skipped over almost immediately at hearing wei wuxian is somewhere near, or at least wangji has an idea of where he is. that's infinitely better than not knowing at all. ❱

A-Cheng and I had left the party at Jin Clan to return to Lotus Pier. I turned in for the night, and then now I'm here.

❰ the suddenness of it all had bothered her, especially the apparent gap in her memory that would lead her to be in bed at home and then in a box in...well, wherever this happened to be. ❱

I'd be grateful for whatever you can tell me...but I'd also like to see A-Xian, as soon as I can.

[billowing]

[ He nods and pulls out the empathy in order to text Wei Ying to meet him somewhere. For the sake of this thread, he won't be answering. Probably out drinking somewhere. ]

I've let him know to send me return message.

[ But he isn't sure how much he should say, and how much that he can show her about this hotel. He'd been surprised by the architecture, by the culture here, even by the food. ]

I do have to warn you. This place is very strange. Some of what we say - do not think we say it in jest.

[ He sounds so serious, so strict. Is it frightening? Maybe. ]

Unwind

[sadflutenoises]

After a few rough nights at the rave, Wei Wuxian has learned his limit, at least where it comes to Wonderland's more potent alcohol. It's not enough to keep him away entirely though, as he can't help wondering if there's something else to be found in a party they keep so secret from the rest of the hotel that you need a code to access it.

He knows how hot it can get on the dance floor, amid all the smoke and lights and heavy music, so he's only worn a loose black tank top and a pair of black athletic pants. After the heat wave, he's gotten a little more lax about wearing so many layers or feeling the need to dress a certain way.

He's seen her so many times in his dreams and waking nightmares that he walks right by at first. His head whips around a second later, certain she'll vanish like so many times before. But as his eyes fix on her and focus, she's still there, still whole and perfect and breathing. As light as he usually is on his feet, he can't help fumbling over them as he hurries to her side.

"Shijie?" his voice shakes as he reaches her and places a hand on her shoulders. He has to make sure this is real and not another fever dream; his eyes flick over her familiar features, her sweet face, her smile, gods how he's missed her smile. Before she can say a word or worse, vanish into smoke and memory, he pulls her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

[soups]

❰ seeing wei wuxian is certainly unexpected -- as a whole, being alone here has certainly put a damper on yanli's spirits, to say the least. it wasn't so long ago that she asked wei wuxian to make sure that he, she and jiang cheng were together forever. maybe it was too idealistic.

this whole endeavor was actually for his sake, for the next time she happened to see him. when she's encircled, at first assuming it to be a random party-goer based on the clothing choice, it hits her all too quickly that her brother is indeed before her again, just like he'd been seemingly the day before, at the jin clan's hall.

so his fervent elation is one that matches hers -- or, at least as much as she's aware. the hug is returned, quickly wrapping her arms around her adopted brother, bottle be damned. ❱

A-Xian! It figures that I'd find you in a place like this. ❰ excitement and alcohol have always been is forte, after all. ❱

[sadflutenoises]

[Even the gentle ring of her voice is the same; how many times had he wished he could hear her call his name like this and not those last feeble breaths. Her hug is warm and inviting, and it's a few moments before he's realized he's probably squeezing her much too tight, that there's already hot tears running down his cheeks, and he pulls back, just enough to wipe his eyes and remember to smile for her.]

Shijie... Sorry, I missed you.

[He probably seems a drunken mess to her, despite being completely sober, and all the strange rules and worries of this place fall upon his shoulders at once. He can't help wondering what world, what time, what does she remember?

He doesn't want to let go, as if she might disappear if he looks away too long, and so he holds childishly to one of her hands.]

When did you get here?

[soups]

❰ as the hug ends and they pull away from another, she sees the tears and immediately feels her face fall. sadness tugs at her eyes. she loves him so much, drunken fool in the moment or not. that's just one of his many endearing qualities, positive or negative to boot. ❱

Has it been so long, A-Xian? ❰ the hand still in hers is squeezed, other setting the bottle she was holding to the floor after an awkward lean. ❱ I arrived earlier today -- I was worried whether or not I'd eventually find you in this strange place.

[sadflutenoises]

[He'll take back every awful thing he's said about this place and every word he's said about wanting to go home. There's a empty part of his heart that he thought would never be whole again, but it's here, standing right in front of him. And if she's here, really here, what else matters?]

Just long enough to miss you, of course!

[His smile widens; the last thing he wants to do is cause her worry. The gentle squeeze of her hand in his is so reassuring, a reminder that this is somehow real. As impossible as it is, it's real.]

I'm easy to find if you know where to look! Has anyone shown you around yet? Have you seen your room?

honorary staff - kitchen

[scaredofdogs]

[To say that Wei Wuxian is out of his element in the kitchen is putting it mildly. Not to mention that since being forced into the room and placed on a stood quite roughly by some of the bigger staffers..he's basically been stuck here all day. His options are either wait until someone agrees to help him out of there..or locate wherever the staffers hid the crutches he has been hobbling along on since injuring himself. Neither of which appear to be happening any time soon. And so he has cut up more lettuce the last few hours then he has touched in an entire two lifetimes.

And so the staff gave him the task of assembly. Which..should have been easy enough except in his mind these sandwiches were severely lacking in taste. So not only were they about twice as big as what they should have been with extra everything but he is slowly trying to sneak hot sauce and peppers onto them.

He's just about so slather a piece of bread with some of the spices he had just found when he hears a voice that is all too familiar and makes his spine stiffen in shock. Trembling hands lower the bottle down to the counter as he slowly turns to face her.

In a voice that is barely over a whisper he says] Shijie...

[He doesn't know if it's his or the other Wei Wuxian's Yanli..but it hardly matters. His heart has stopped and tears are already rising to the corner of his eyes as he stares at a face he never expected to see again. And yet he sits there frozen, knowing that regardless..she has no way of knowing who he is in Mo Xuanyu's body. He knows he needs to stop staring and try to compose himself enough to answer..but it's hard.]

Ah..ah..Yes. I'd like that.

[soups]

❰ the expression the man wears is one of upset and immediately yanli is struck with a sense of guilt. it's perhaps not her place to critique anyone here -- sure, she has a talent for cooking, but this new playing field means there are obviously areas in which she's novice. she tried to be gentle, but perhaps he needs an even lighter touch.

she leans over from her own stool, examining the work he's done more closely. hmm, it's not like it's specifically sloppy, upon further inspection. mostly just...creative. ❱

My apologies. I just don't know how happy the masters would be with...artistic license. ❰ especially when it's so obvious. still, the effort that's been put in is one she appreciates in a way. the ingredients thus far have been very flat and without much flavor. what's the point if something doesn't have a little bit of kick to it? and so yanli whispers, in an attempt to make these sandwiches a little more uniform while still being more than just bland mush: ❱ I think the instructions are just to put a spread onto the bread, not what kind is required. It would be quick to make something a little more tasty, if you'd like?

[scaredofdogs]

[The fact that she is there and so close and all he wants to do is drop everything and hug her..is very distracting. But he keeps himself together and smiles brightly at her. He needs to enjoy this just in case he has fallen into some strange dream or trick of the hotel. He looks at this attempt at a sandwich as she offers to make them all taste a little better. At least he isn't getting scolded for his creativity.]

They definitely need a little more excitement. I'd barely even taste it, if I ate what they wanted us to assemble. Everything tastes better with a little kick.

[He thinks about just how different he looks from the last time they saw each other. Despite just having a different face, he is now only a handful of inches taller then her, which is probably accentuated by the fact he is sitting on the stool.

And now they are cooking together. How many times has he wished he could taste her soup again and now..the possibility exists and it thrills him..if he can just get over how to tell her who he is.]

What should we do to improve them?

[soups]

❰ with a quick swivel of her head to check that the coast is clear of any of the kitchen managers, yanli pushes away a loaf of bread she'd been slicing through to reach for a small ramekin off to the side. this white, gloopy spread is...interesting, to say the least, but it shouldn't be too bad if it gets some pizazz added to it.

with a few polite reaches, she's got the peppers and hot sauce he'd somehow found, adding in a dash of the latter after chopping up the former finely, adding them in. she's got an herb bag from home, adding in some ginger root, dried onion, garlic. after a quick stir with the spreading knife, she gives it a sniff. ❱

Not that it's meant to be eaten by itself, but... ❰ the ramekin is extended to her culinary partner, offering for him to try it. ❱ With this spread onto them, I don't think anyone will notice the extra height or ingredients poking out.

honorary staff, information

[deferences]

[‘it can eat you?’ is a remark that instantly catches sizhui's attention, has him looking up from his own cards and carefully (precariously!) tipping his chair back on its legs until he can see where she's sitting, looking properly appalled by the idea of a man-eating plant. he bites his lip, the best attempt at stifling a smile while he settles his chair back onto its front legs then scoots it out to stand and make his way over.

interesting she chose the pen of all things, but hey, he's impressed with her diligence since he defaulted right to the watercolor brush rather than struggle unnecessarily on his part. she's doing well too, given her card-stack and all.]

Do you actually think there's a plant out there that can eat you?

[the lan boy doesn't sound condescending either, just genuinely curious. there's monsters and ghosts and many other types of dangers where he comes from, so foliage that might try and consume you wouldn't be too surprising.]

[soups]

❰ at the approach of a lan disciple, yanli stands up to give a small bow before turning back to her open book. a large plant graces the page -- maybe it would behest her to pick up the watercolours and illustrate the monstrosity, like she planned on eventually doing for the most common and noteworthy plants. ❱

It says that's the case...I don't think it would be incorrect, do you? Everything about this place is pretty fantastical. ❰ she knows plants are capable of killing a person, if you don't know the right berry to pick or leaf to brew. something so...violent? aggressive? it's ludicrous, but somehow true here. ❱ It makes me nervous about venturing outside.

[deferences]

[sizhui's momentarily taken aback, though hides it without effort, seamlessly raises his own arms and circles them in front of himself to bow in return. it's not that he's forgotten his manners, it's just been a while since someone has bowed to him after his arrival. once she turns back to the book, he shifts somewhat closer, casts the page a curious glance then raises his eyebrows.] Not if it's written down, [he concedes, upturning his gaze back to yanli.]

It is, yes, but as you also said: it's... worrisome. [a beat] Surely someone will protect you if you do go outside, though? [and if not then she certainly has someone who will now!]

[soups]

I wish it wasn't a situation in which I needed protection. ❰ it is pretty melancholy to think about, though. cultivation and fighting were never in yanli's wheelhouse, and so she has always had someone to protect her. being without her brothers is scary, heart-breaking...and yet there's nothing she can do about it.

but this isn't the burden for a lan clan disciple to bear, so she simply smiles sadly and turns back to the book in front of her, looking for something to take her mind off loneliness and man-eating plants. ❱ Hopefully they're rare and not so immediate...there are also lovely-looking gardens with other flowers. Nothing like home...but quite beautiful.

II. honorary staff - kitchen

[inquiryguqin]

[Assigned to kitchen duty for the Queen's surprise and picnic, he's wearing an apron with rabbit imprints on it. He is actually skilled at cooking, so when approached, he already has sandwiches perfectly made and aligned, and the server picked them up to be served off.

However, there's a higher demand for more sandwiches to be made. Still, at her offer and kindness]

If you like too? You can show me.