thelockedplace | MINGLE

MINGLE LOG | WEEK 2
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Greetings, house guests. Surely you're getting into the swing of things, by now? Though, a friendly reminder: there is no escape.

Sunday is, once again, a quiet and likely somber day. At least, until there's one hopefully welcome surprise: belongings from back home that you may have missed will be delivered to your rooms today, if you did not come in with them. (Note: these should be the personal items from your applications, if your characters don't already have them on hand. The dead's personal items WILL NOT be appearing.)

Iris, Shauna, and anyone else in the house who might be considered a mother will also find a red carnation in a small vase by their bedsides. Enjoy these small creature comforts. You have earned them.

(Don't forget to check out the post-trial afterparty!)

Come Monday, everyone will once again wake up to a most unpleasant surprise: their motive for the week. This one is more immediately apparent than the last; the house's hunger has not been sated.

Pratibha is, once again, nowhere to be found, but this time, she's absent every day this week. What's up with that? (Should you feel strongly about this, you may attempt to find her.)

Bucking tradition, this week's first puzzle also arrives on Monday; it unlocks, of all things, a huge wardrobe full of fancy clothes. What could all this be for?

On Tuesday, the second puzzle appears; and it unlocks, this time, a grand ballroom.

On Wednesday, it will become clear what this week's locations are for. Because the ballroom doors open by themselves at 6 PM sharp, and reveal:

A ball. Splendid and scintillating, this gracefully lit space is warmed by the sound of distant music that has no apparent source. There are tables for food and drink, and more tables besides at which to sit. The star, however, is the dance floor; are you feeling brave enough to step out there? More importantly: with whom as your partner?

The windows display only endless green forest before night falls. Twilight and rising darkness paint the ballroom in shadows and shades of gold. All of it is enchanting and lovely to behold. The ballroom even sports numerous little nooks for ... privacy.

Remember, above all, rule 5: Get to know each other. Become friends. Become more. Who cares. Just do it.

Thursday brings calm after the busy storm of the ball. Rest, recuperate, and reflect; you all know what tomorrow brings.

Friday is investigation time once again. The investigation post will go live at 3 PM EST, 5/16.

Saturday is the day of your second real ritual. You may find the ritual post here at 12 PM EST, 5/17.

Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

… you would have been the first if you were in your boy form.

[ said not exactly shyly, but something close to it. ]

[That. Actually manages to throw her off her witty game for a sec.]

... Wait, you've never danced with anyone before?

[Or, well, not with a guy?]

… remember what I said about parties being good for networking?

I was expected to work, not play. So … no. Not once.

[Oof. That hits a bit close to home there. Different circumstances, but still...

For a moment, Ranma lets a sympathetic look slip. Way to make her feel like an asshole...]

[... it segues to a smile. It wasn't her typical cocksure smile, but more gentle.]

Well, it's your lucky day then. No one's expecting you to work here.

[ … she really is … actually very sweet, isn’t she?

Lortel beams at that last statement. ]

Why do you think I wanted to come so badly? Even if it’s only here, the house hasn’t tried to eat anybody since we all started getting here. So for once… just this once… I think it would be fun to cut loose.

[She can be sweet as honey when she wants to be!

It's feels a smidge in poor taste talking about cutting loose when they're stuck in a murder game ritual where seven people've perished. But hey, misery is best spent with company.]

What're we waitin' for then?

[Ranma starts guiding Lortel by the hands over to the open space with an elegant and precise gait.]

Let's cut loose!

[ a smile full of sweet warmth splits her face. She even laughs as Ranma tugs her out onto the dance floor. ]

Let’s.

[ once they make it onto the dance floor, Lortel dances at her askance. ]

I’m still a little surprised you know how to dance. I thought all you thought about was martial arts.

[ is that a compliment or an insult… ]

Edited 2025-05-16 02:00 (UTC)

[Going with the suit was def the best choice Ranma made. If she was stuck in some gaudy puffy dress, they'd be tripping and toppling over. The shorter girl took the lead, keeping it to something simple for her dance partner to keep up.

Ranma doesn't try to take it as an insult, even if she had to push back down a sliver of offense. She has other hobbies and skills that don't tie back to fighting, thank you!]

Dancing's pretty similar to martial arts. [In a loosely connected sort of way.] It's all about knowing all the right moves to take. I've been to fancy-schmancy outings and dates before too, so I've had a little practice.

[ oops was that insulting. she doesn’t ~~care~~ notice.

The comparison makes her come over contemplative before she suddenly smiles. ]

I can see that. Your lesson the other day felt a little like learning to dance. It’s about moving your body with the proper rhythm, too.

That said… you? Dates? [ there’s a glint in her eye. ] With who?

[Ranma's visibly beams at her picking up what she put down. Explaining things isn't really her strong suit, figuring things techniques is, but she's glad it came across clear enough for the other to comprehend.

Nodding her head with a pleased smile.]

Bingo, atta girl.

[Now if only Martial Arts Ballroom Dancing existed to combine the two.

And in contrast to before, like a star burning out, Ranma's smile drops some at that look in Lortel's eyes. She answers plainly and automatically:]

People. [And spirits. And panda drawings. Lortel doesn't need to know those other ones.] No one here, if that's what'cha asking.

... Why, you jealous?

[Lortel's not the only one who's gonna be teasing tonight.]

[ why does Ranma telling her “atta girl” make her feel so … great? ]

Edited 2025-05-16 07:20 (UTC)

[ Oh. Oh, that look in her eyes. Lortel almost regrets saying that— ]

Absolutely not.

I—I have a boyfriend, you know!

[This face. Just this face all the way.]

And yet he's never taken you on date or danced with ya' before? [Playfully whistling, shaking her head with a tsk-tsk-tsk. :>] Shame on him.

… it’s Aqua, Ranma. He… well, he’s taking me on a date tonight. You didn’t see us arrive together?

[Lortel can see the pieces coming together in real time as Ranma mutely mouths an Oooooh.]

Y'know, that doesn't really surprise me. [She and Aqua, 90% of the time Ranma's seen them around, they're usually joined by the hip.] Congrats.

… thanks. I’ve … never dated anyone before. I hope I get it right.

[ she’s oh so faintly flushed. ]

[Awww... Ranma gives her a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder.]

Don't overthink it. Guys are pretty single-minded when it comes to datin', and you don't seem like the type of gal that could screw this up.

[Wait for it...]

Just don't try anything involving magic love-inducing mushrooms or magic umbrellas, and you two'll be alright.

[There it is.]

[ she laughs. She laughs and laughs, a wholly sincere sound. ]

I’ve never met anyone who’s led a stranger life.

MINGLE | WEEK TWO

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1/uhhhh ill tell you when im done

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DONE

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crawls in with starbucks after a billion years

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