['Oh you have the same rank and suit as my friend', he had said.]
[Matoba has already taken his own interest in investigating that man, for reasons that he had brought entirely on himself. But now he has confirmed for himself a second, equally interesting lead.]
[He will proceed carefully. It would be a shame to trip up with one, and spoil the other.]
In that case, [Matoba settles his shoulders back with a breath, as if a note of deep consideration,] You ought to read the rules of the game carefully. There are ways to maximize your profits, so to speak. You should pursue your targets with that in mind.
Who you choose to fuck, I mean. [No need to be coy about it. Matoba's lips quirk slightly. In the same dry, diplomatic tone,] ...Shall I take this moment to mention that I still lack my own card after a year in this place? If you're interested after getting settled, let's discuss business.
[ Alright, that does earn a frown. Having sex with others may end up being a necessity here in the resort, but to 'maximize profits' as Matoba says, to plan sleeping with specific person to increase payouts or to claim cards just seems... well, wrong.
He knows why they must— what the game requires, why it makes sense, why it may be that for long time residents they think nothing of it and it's as simple as sharing a pot of tea, but to put it into practice feels wrong to contemplate. He cannot help it, he comes from a time and a particular clan where any intimacy outside of wedlock is frowned upon!]
That's right. Unfortunate that you're not a Spade, really. I am quite lacking in cards from that suit... Elusive, that lot. But oh well, profit is profit.
[Without hesitation. Bloodless, mutually-beneficial trade; that is how the man before Lan Wangji treats all of this, as though it were no different from the negotiations of a piece of land or any other trade of political power, aside from the window dressing.]
[He thinks he's made his initial read: determined, measured, but not without the ever-exploitable weakness of kindness. To have someone precious to you present in the resort must be the greatest curse of all, Matoba thinks. He is thankful that is not the case for him, here.]
Game 52 aside, what I really wanted to ask you about was your read on the nature of this realm. [Cultivators, if he remembers right, could supposedly control and read the flow of energy in things, in a way that haraiya- more conduits and manipulators of their surroundings- could not.] I am interested in your professional impressions.
[ At least with treating it like a business deal he does not need to worry about feelings getting involved. That is honestly part of the problem too— the partnership of sex with affection— something that couldn't possibly happen when he has, will have, only one person in his heart. ]
We may discuss it at a later date.
[ If all goes the way he wants they can somehow find a way to get out of here without all the sex, but if not... well.
Lan Wangji is quite thankful for the topic to steer towards the resort once more, giving a rundown of what he has noticed so far. ]
An underlying energy sensed in the resort. But no source. Uniform, mostly. Unclear if it changes within restricted areas. So far has not affected the ability to cultivate. Other patrons do not appear entranced.
All wear a cursed mark. Attempts to remove it have failed.
Do take your time to consider your options, [Matoba agrees mildly.] I am always happy to work out a deal when it is convenient for both parties.
[Or, when the other party is so desperate that he is guaranteed the upper hand in negotiations. That's even better.]
[He definitely appreciates the concise answer- a few things he has picked up, and others he cannot. Cultivation, he imagines, would not benefit nearly so much from the spirit-rich nature of the resort as his own magic. But neither does it interfere, it seems. That's probably an advantage, to be able to keep a tidy internal spiritual habitat when outside influences can't be trusted.]
I would not call them entranced so much as.... no longer counting among "us", [Matoba adds- speaking of those so-called longstanding guests.] Perhaps many of them- the staff, as well- were once normal humans. But there are many stories in my land of humans spirited away to a realm where time passes until their bodies have died away and leave only their souls, without realizing. Likely, it is something just like that.
And we are the next batch. [His smile tilts, a little sardonic.] To see which will assimilate, and which......... Well, to tell the truth, I am still not certain what happens to the rest.
[ A little nod in confirmation. If the need arises they can revisit the offer of an 'arrangement' to collect each other's cards. At least in this moment Lan Wangji is still hopeful he won't need it, that he can find a way to dispel whatever this is, but we shall see. We shall see.... ]
What do you recall? Of the tales told in your world. [ There could be a clue in those tales, something missed that could be picked up by the fresh eyes and ears of an outsider. ]
We should research. Invoke assistance from others with similar intentions.
[Matoba will see, indeed. :) They always are so stubborn at first...]
[Matoba raises a hand to his chin.] Aah. There are many such tales, some merely folklore passed throughout the ages as tales of caution against spirits. And some are actual events that have been recorded within our community's histories from past jobs. All quite situational, with different ayakashi to blame...
But there are some common warnings. "Do not eat food offered by spirits, or while within the real of spirits, for eating of their food and drink will assimilate you into such a form". Haha, that one is probably true in practice, but we don't have a lot of choice, do we? If that were partly to blame for the state of the other mortals that have lost themselves, I would not be surprised.
However, if I were to guess based on my observations, it isn't merely eating or drinking, but the general excess that the resort encourages, that is to blame for the eventual loss of self. Much of it is laced with various drugs and additions that further encourage relaxing of wits and the corruption of one's facilities.
...There are others like us, [Matoba agrees, thinking of a few of those he's met and had similar conversations with.] There is a woman- Topaz-san. She also has been interested in this topic, and her area of knowledge is quite different. Quite, ah... scientific, shall we say?
[ They have similar such tales in their own world. Warnings to heed, against the offerings from spirits, yao, those possessing a human form or otherwise. Yet as mentioned, the nature of this place leaves them with little choice. ]
Hard to avoid, when our access to necessities is controlled. Food, water, shelter.
[ Sure, he could practice inertia for a while, refuse to take in any sustenance, but then what? Be too weak to fight anything, should the need arise? ]
This woman. [ Topaz? He said? ] Perhaps we can arrange a meeting point when opportunity arises. Discuss our observations.
Yes. We have spoken a few times, sharing theories and knowledge. I'm told she is in contact with some others who have been investigating the nature of this realm, as well. She is cautious, which I cannot blame... It is difficult to speak privately when the resort itself is our captor.
But not impossible. [Matoba gestures towards the spells he's posted at his doorframes, at certain corners of his room. The same principles governed the flow of energy and spirits in both cultivation and the practices adapted by modern exorcists.] Although it is wise to remain discreet when possible.
[He pauses thoughtfully, a little rueful.] ...It has been, I think, a year's time since I arrived. I cannot say there has been no progress- there have been... some incidents within the resort, slipping of power. Even Great Demons are not completely impervious.
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no subject
Date: 2025-05-07 01:46 am (UTC)['Oh you have the same rank and suit as my friend', he had said.]
[Matoba has already taken his own interest in investigating that man, for reasons that he had brought entirely on himself. But now he has confirmed for himself a second, equally interesting lead.]
[He will proceed carefully. It would be a shame to trip up with one, and spoil the other.]
In that case, [Matoba settles his shoulders back with a breath, as if a note of deep consideration,] You ought to read the rules of the game carefully. There are ways to maximize your profits, so to speak. You should pursue your targets with that in mind.
Who you choose to fuck, I mean. [No need to be coy about it. Matoba's lips quirk slightly. In the same dry, diplomatic tone,] ...Shall I take this moment to mention that I still lack my own card after a year in this place? If you're interested after getting settled, let's discuss business.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 02:59 am (UTC)He knows why they must— what the game requires, why it makes sense, why it may be that for long time residents they think nothing of it and it's as simple as sharing a pot of tea, but to put it into practice feels wrong to contemplate. He cannot help it, he comes from a time and a particular clan where any intimacy outside of wedlock is frowned upon!]
You are propositioning me?
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 03:48 am (UTC)[Without hesitation. Bloodless, mutually-beneficial trade; that is how the man before Lan Wangji treats all of this, as though it were no different from the negotiations of a piece of land or any other trade of political power, aside from the window dressing.]
[He thinks he's made his initial read: determined, measured, but not without the ever-exploitable weakness of kindness. To have someone precious to you present in the resort must be the greatest curse of all, Matoba thinks. He is thankful that is not the case for him, here.]
Game 52 aside, what I really wanted to ask you about was your read on the nature of this realm. [Cultivators, if he remembers right, could supposedly control and read the flow of energy in things, in a way that haraiya- more conduits and manipulators of their surroundings- could not.] I am interested in your professional impressions.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-09 06:12 am (UTC)We may discuss it at a later date.
[ If all goes the way he wants they can somehow find a way to get out of here without all the sex, but if not... well.
Lan Wangji is quite thankful for the topic to steer towards the resort once more, giving a rundown of what he has noticed so far. ]
An underlying energy sensed in the resort. But no source. Uniform, mostly. Unclear if it changes within restricted areas. So far has not affected the ability to cultivate. Other patrons do not appear entranced.
All wear a cursed mark. Attempts to remove it have failed.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 02:30 am (UTC)[Or, when the other party is so desperate that he is guaranteed the upper hand in negotiations. That's even better.]
[He definitely appreciates the concise answer- a few things he has picked up, and others he cannot. Cultivation, he imagines, would not benefit nearly so much from the spirit-rich nature of the resort as his own magic. But neither does it interfere, it seems. That's probably an advantage, to be able to keep a tidy internal spiritual habitat when outside influences can't be trusted.]
I would not call them entranced so much as.... no longer counting among "us", [Matoba adds- speaking of those so-called longstanding guests.] Perhaps many of them- the staff, as well- were once normal humans. But there are many stories in my land of humans spirited away to a realm where time passes until their bodies have died away and leave only their souls, without realizing. Likely, it is something just like that.
And we are the next batch. [His smile tilts, a little sardonic.] To see which will assimilate, and which......... Well, to tell the truth, I am still not certain what happens to the rest.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-15 10:57 pm (UTC)[ A little nod in confirmation. If the need arises they can revisit the offer of an 'arrangement' to collect each other's cards. At least in this moment Lan Wangji is still hopeful he won't need it, that he can find a way to dispel whatever this is, but we shall see. We shall see.... ]
What do you recall? Of the tales told in your world. [ There could be a clue in those tales, something missed that could be picked up by the fresh eyes and ears of an outsider. ]
We should research. Invoke assistance from others with similar intentions.
[ i.e. getting the hell out of here ]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-15 11:18 pm (UTC)[Matoba raises a hand to his chin.] Aah. There are many such tales, some merely folklore passed throughout the ages as tales of caution against spirits. And some are actual events that have been recorded within our community's histories from past jobs. All quite situational, with different ayakashi to blame...
But there are some common warnings. "Do not eat food offered by spirits, or while within the real of spirits, for eating of their food and drink will assimilate you into such a form". Haha, that one is probably true in practice, but we don't have a lot of choice, do we? If that were partly to blame for the state of the other mortals that have lost themselves, I would not be surprised.
However, if I were to guess based on my observations, it isn't merely eating or drinking, but the general excess that the resort encourages, that is to blame for the eventual loss of self. Much of it is laced with various drugs and additions that further encourage relaxing of wits and the corruption of one's facilities.
...There are others like us, [Matoba agrees, thinking of a few of those he's met and had similar conversations with.] There is a woman- Topaz-san. She also has been interested in this topic, and her area of knowledge is quite different. Quite, ah... scientific, shall we say?
no subject
Date: 2025-05-16 12:45 am (UTC)Hard to avoid, when our access to necessities is controlled. Food, water, shelter.
[ Sure, he could practice inertia for a while, refuse to take in any sustenance, but then what? Be too weak to fight anything, should the need arise? ]
This woman. [ Topaz? He said? ] Perhaps we can arrange a meeting point when opportunity arises. Discuss our observations.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-16 01:24 am (UTC)But not impossible. [Matoba gestures towards the spells he's posted at his doorframes, at certain corners of his room. The same principles governed the flow of energy and spirits in both cultivation and the practices adapted by modern exorcists.] Although it is wise to remain discreet when possible.
[He pauses thoughtfully, a little rueful.] ...It has been, I think, a year's time since I arrived. I cannot say there has been no progress- there have been... some incidents within the resort, slipping of power. Even Great Demons are not completely impervious.