(september catch-all) NOW WITH BIGGER, BETTER WAYS TO DIE

[vestigemods]

SEPTEMBER CATCH-ALL

► THIS SHITHOLE JUST GOT BETTER

The morning of the 10th feels just like any other. It arrives without fanfare, no itch at the back of your mind telling you something is different. If you're a homebody, you might very well go about much of your day without growing any the wiser... At least until you go outside.

The island is the first sign that something's amiss. Stepping out your front door and spotting the brand new tree-covered patch of land smack dab in the middle of your lake may not face some of you, but it's certainly not a thing that has happened before. Those who dealt with the hatch and the tunnel beyond in August might notice that the island very distinctly covers where that very hatch used to be, sealing off that tunnel system once and for all.

Those who live along the northern end of the lake will also hear the distinct sound of rushing water, a sharp contrast to the quiet atmosphere of the still lake you fell asleep to. Sure enough, a river now pours into the lake from the north, a whole ass river coming into existence overnight.

But the island and river aren't the only changes - they're just the most obvious. It may be today, tomorrow, or a week from now, but the next time someone makes their way to the north or east barriers in any shape or form, they'll find that the barrier no longer seems to exist. The trees are marked quite clearly, white spray paint on a trunk one per fifteen or so feet but you find that they're able to walk right through the area it's supposed to be. And walk, and walk, and walk. Is this a mishap with the barrier, or was it on purpose? Have the Technicians... set you free?

Maybe it's time to tell the others.

► LET'S SEE WHAT YOU'VE WON!

Those who make their way across the new and improved containment zone can encounter a fairly wide variety of things. Following the main road like a rational human being puts you on the direct route to town. Should you get curious along the way, you might detour off the asphalt to explore a stretch of farmland, with smooth rolling hills that may once have been idyllic before they fell into disrepair. If you're hungry, a grove of apple trees sit alongside the river, their branches heavy with fruits ripe for the picking. Consider sparing some for the horses fenced in the western field - they're too skittish to let you approach, but if you leave the apples inside their fence, they're certain to grab them as soon as you've backed away.

Conversely, heading due east from your cabin like the impulsive goblin you are will likely lead you smack dab into the swamp. It's dismal. It's disgusting. Use the damn road next time, and you won't be slopping your way through nearly knee-deep muck... And that's before you discover the alligators. (Are discovered by the alligators? Who discovers whom is just a matter of perspective, really.)

Whether you take the smart route or the soggy route, you'll (hopefully) end up in much the same place: the town. It's dirty and run-down and the alleys and back roads host a whole species roulette of strays, and you intermittently feel the distinct sensation of being watched or even followed, but it's not all bad. There's Foodland, which compared to the gas station pickings may as well be a five-star buffet. There's also a rec center with a functional bowling alley, if you know how to play - and across the street from that rec center sits an apartment complex, complete with nine mostly-clean apartments with fully-functional electricity and plumbing. I'm not saying the swamp-waders should hijack an apartment shower, buuuut that's definitely not not an option.

Finally, to the north, there's a bit of a mountain that I'm fairly sure that nobody is going to fuck with just yet, unless they happen to be some sort of overachiever who wants nothing more than to get a bird's-eye view of the landscape below. Mind the mountain goats. They like to shove.

► MOD NOTES

• This log is an introduction to the new expanded containment zone, but it also functions as the September catch-all log for all non-event starters.
  
• Refer to the Locations page for actual information on the various new areas and points of interest - the above flavortext is only meant to supplement the Locations page info.
  
• Also check out the September Infopost (most relevantly, the bottom two drop-downs) for more September-specific info to potentially include in your prompts.
  
• Because this is a catch-all for everywhere + all month, try to remember to label your top-levels with the date and location of each prompt (whether in the subject or in the prompt title within the comment)!
  
• Any questions (on the new setting or anything else) can be directed to this top-level or, for a quicker response, to Trace on discord/plurk. Additionally, if you catch any errors (incorrect links, etc) in the Locations post, please let Trace know!
  

Comments

lan sizhui ♪ ota

[deferences]

farmland;


[always rational, lan sizhui has chosen to follow the main road into town after gathering some necessities. on the way there, however, he can't help making the slight detour to explore a nearby apple grove that catches his eye. once he's gathered a sufficient amount for himself, one might find him with his robes hooked up, a makeshift ‘basket’ full of ripe, red apples he's handing out to people passing on the road.]

Here, take some of these. [doesn't matter which way they're going, the boy will hand them an apple or two. (maybe three if they are amiable enough!)]

Wherever you're going, it's best to be prepared for anything!


[feeling satisfied enough with the friendly distribution though, he can be found afterward near the horses— or rather, as close as he can get without them prancing away. it happens a few times before sizhui realizes they're somewhat wilder than most equines he's handled and given the chance to get his hands on them, he wouldn't quite know what to do from there.

so, rather than end up chasing them off entirely, he takes some apples he gathers for himself throughout the days, dumps them just inside the fence and flees a reasonable distance in the opposite direction, only turns back around once he's certain it's far enough. there the lan disciple waits, watching them eat, murmuring underneath his breath about worth the risk? and perhaps leaving them alone would be better, actually! all while being well-aware the horses are warily watching him every time.]



town;


[farmland distractions finally aside (and with new bags full of fresh produce taken home), making it down the remaining stretch of road to get into town proves easier than he'd thought. assuming there'd be more trouble along the way is maybe where he had went wrong, but he'd rather overestimate what might come instead of underestimate and be ill-prepared.

the rec center is where he initially ends up, pushing bowling balls up and down the lanes, unsure as to what the point is, though he doesn't seem the least bit unenthusiastic.

whatever these (heavy!) spheres are, they sure do make a satisfying crack when they hit the pins he sets up over and over again. while he's not doing it right, what he doesn't know won't hurt him any, and it isn't like he's causing trouble.


compared to the gas station, the foodland grocery store really is like nothing he's ever experienced before. most of what sizhui takes can easily be stored without melting or it can be stacked just right, nothing will be crushed during the trip back home. many canned and boxed goods, other fruits and vegetables, snacks, candy, the essentials. there's one thing, however, he cannot leave without which he immediately sets about looking for with ellie's words in mind: big, white jug. plastic container. could even be in a glass bottle.

of course, he finds every single one of those and that's what brings him to his current predicament: deciding what milk they will need for mac n' cheese. neither ‘chocolate’ or ‘strawberry’ sound right, leaving him with all these non-fat, skim, one percent, two percent, vitamin d, and et cetera choices! what's the difference? taste, color, texture? will it make the macaroni awful if he chooses the wrong kind?

apologies to whoever happens along that might end up having a boy dressed completely in white running toward them, requesting earnestly,] Please, can you help me with something? [if it's someone he knows (gosh, maybe even if it isn't), sizhui will grab an arm or shoulder, attempt tugging them back toward the aisle where he's having his milk dilemma.


exploration, food runs and all else aside, there are multiple times where sizhui can be found, lunchmeat in hand, feeding the strays he finds. offering them attention, lingering to let them slink close enough to lay across his lap or roll over for a quick belly-rub before darting off again.

his plan, at some point, is catching one of them to bring home as soon as he's gotten the okay from his housemates.]

horses

[lookslikeacinnamonroll]

[ If the horses were skittish around Lan Sizhui, then they're just outright running away from Wen Ning. The minute his black clad figure appears over the horizon, they abandon their curious inspection of the pile of dumped apples and canter off in the opposite direction. Wen Ning deflates, a little discouraged, but not surprised. Animals just don't seem to trust him anymore.

He sees Sizhui watching a short distance be away and decides to head over towards him. ]

Sorry I scared them off...

[deferences]

[the horses moving further away does make sizhui slump disappointedly, though from the corner of his eye, he spots wen ning and perks right back up almost immediately, lifts an arm from his side to wave.] It's okay, [he reassures once wen ning's closer, not quite outright beaming, but he's pleased someone else is around, especially an individual he knows.] They're curious enough, I'm sure they'll come back.

Were you heading toward the town? Odd, how the barrier has suddenly...

[moved? disappeared? honestly, sizhui's not sure, so he lets the remark sit unfinished, hoping it conveys enough uncertainty.]

[lookslikeacinnamonroll]

[ Wen Ning comes over to sit himself in the grass by Sizhui, crossing his legs and draping his hands over his knees. ]

It's expanded... overnight, it seems. I don't fully trust it.

[ He can't help but think of the cave in. What if the walls come crashing down and separate people on different ends of the enclosure? They're all animals in a cage, never knowing what will happen in the next moment, only knowing that it likely won't be good. ]

I don't know what these people want with us. But until they come here themselves to tell us... There's not much we can do.

[deferences]

[somehow, sizhui's smile widens, he shifts around until his own legs are up and he can loop his arms around them.]

Neither do I. [because as much as he hates wondering, that is an unfortunate event he's considered, what consequences had come from it; jiang cheng breaking his leg, some strange man he met almost getting crushed, ending up trapped down there himself. imagining being cut off from his friends and family again isn't the most reassuring thing.]

No, there isn't, [he sighs, props his chin onto his knees and glances wen ning's direction again.] To be honest, I'm not sure I want them to come here if they have so much control.

[lookslikeacinnamonroll]

[ He nods, frowning in thought. Sizhui raises a good point, in that their captors have the upper hand, whether they show themselves or not. Then he shakes his head, and his hands clench into determined fists. ]

We may be trapped, but we are not powerless. We can't... We can't let ourselves be resigned to defeat just because the enemy won't show its face.

[ As he has many times before in his life, Wen Ning thinks, "What would Wei Wuxian do?" It's an easier question to answer than it usually is, given that Wei Wuxian is actually here to serve as a live example.

What would Wei Wuxian do? He would help people. He would solve problems. He would remain confident that if they work together, they can overcome whatever their captors put in their path. He would stand with his back straight and his head held high and face the darkness without fear.

Wen Ning puts as confident a smile as he can muster on his face, wearing it like one wears a coat in the winter-- to protect himself from the cold uncertainty that is chilling his bones-- and places a strong hand on Sizhui's shoulder. ]

Whether they show themselves or not, we can get through this, and find a way out. Together.

[deferences]

[from the spot where sizhui's curled into himself, he watches wen ning, somehow looking both curious and worried. he's right, of course, they can't let the technicians get the better of them, no matter what sort of horrors they throw their way—

it's hard, however, staying strong when it seems like they're being beaten down at almost every turn.

‘what would wei wuxian do?’ is most certainly a way to consider things; the former yiling patriarch would do all of that and more, undeterred by whatever it is they're up against. he's always been one of the strongest people despite every single hardship he's suffered, which is admirable, much like the way his only remaining descendant coaxes himself into smiling. there will always be troubles they'll have to face, but if they can do so with confidence, with themselves steeled against the technicians' ridiculousness, they surely stand a far better chance than if they were to lay down and just accept their fate.

not to mention giving up so easily isn't in their blood! the hand settles onto his shoulder, sizhui perks somewhat and straightens, reaches to reassuringly grip wen ning's forearm.] Yes, we can.

I don't know if I've said before, but... I'm glad you're here, Uncle Ning.

[lookslikeacinnamonroll]

[ The grip is reassuring, as is the sight of Sizhui looking not so down in the dumps. He almost corrects him, "Senior, not Uncle," but he doesn't have it in him to deny the boy that much, this time. Maybe it's better to be Uncle instead, now, here where there are dangers around every corner. Maybe it's okay to fall back on the trusted presence of family. To be there for each other, as best they can.

That's what Wei Wuxian would do. No... That's what Wen Ning will do. ]

I'm glad to be here with you, too... A-Yuan.

father-son bowling night

[mannerless]

( as a general rule, when investigating the source of a particularly abrupt clattering of noise, one of the last things he expects to find is lan sizhui at the source. the fact that he does on this particular occasion stops him short, and he leans against the door frame for a moment, arms crossed, a bemused little smile tugging at one corner of his lips.

by the third cycle (sizhui hefting the ball down the lane, pins falling about, pins being wiped away and replaced by upright ones), wei ying finally allows his gaze to scan the rest of the room... where it lands very quickly on a poster advertising 'league night' with a picture of a man holding one such ball in mid-swing.

he glances to sizhui, then back to the picture of the man, then back to sizhui.

then he strolls into the room more properly now, hands wrapped around chenqing below the small of his back, head tilting just slightly. ) Try it with one hand, hm? ( and if a-yuan seems at all confused, he'll nod toward the poster in question taped up on the far wall. )

[deferences]

[bowling the way he is has been about fifty-fifty; sometimes he knocks over a decent amount of pins and other times, the ball goes wildly off-course. (he's still not sure what he's doing wrong when that happens, but he's persistent if not a bit amused.) he's distracted enough, it doesn't occur to him that someone's watching this ridiculous back and forth until the faint sound of footsteps catches his attention. he whips his head in wei wuxian's direction, expression brightening for a moment before creasing faintly at the suggestion. one hand? though as he spares a glance toward the poster, his eyebrows lift with consideration, he downcasts his gaze to the bowling ball, twists it in his hands until the fingerholes are facing him.]

Oh! [sizhui exclaims, thoughtfully narrowing his eyes.] Hmmm. I'm a little wary about doing this, but...

[if it's supposed to be one-handed, he ought to at least give it a go, shouldn't he? thumb first then his index and middle fingers settle into the two remaining holes, holding tight and steady despite the heaviness. another quick glance toward the poster also tells him he should be standing, so he does, positions himself just right and hucks the ball down the lane, watching it spin to the point where it looks like it might roll into the gutter before it corrects and cracks into the pins, knocking every single one of them down.

with an exuberant grin, he turns back toward wei wuxian, an equally excited laugh following that.] I got all of them!

[mannerless]

( wei ying observes this process of consideration in patient silence, his humor tucked behind a bent finger pressed to his lips, until the boy finally attempts a one-handed throw of the ball down the shiny wooden path. and ah, ah - it's headed right for the gutter, bad luck - but wait. it's curving back the other way?? wei ying finds his head tilting slightly in the direction of the curve as he wills it to center a little bit more and -

there it is! a full sweep, or whatever such a maneuver is called, knocking down every single pin as if he has been rolling heavy balls down shiny wooden paths for much longer than a day. by the time sizhui whirls on wei wuxian, the older man is grinning brightly as well. ) Every last one, ( he confirms, stepping up to wrap an arm over his shoulder so they can both watch in bittersweet triumph as the mechanism sweeps away all signs of the victory and replaces it with upright pins once again.

then he casts his eyes down at sizhui, his free hand lifting to knuckle-poke the boy between two of his ribs. ) There's no way you're so terribly good on your very first try. You must have cheated.

[deferences]

[to see wei wuxian smiling in kind only furthers his happiness. having approval from his father is always nice, especially when it's something he'd offered and an attempt at it that went far better than sizhui could've ever expected. every last one, is right, although he does wonder if it's a one-time thing or not.

the pins get cleared and replaced, he tucks in closer to wei wuxian's side, an arm looping around his midsection to squeeze.] I can't believe it! [or he can because it literally just happened, but he's still surprised by his luck. the tell-tale sound of the bowling ball rolling back up from the chute briefly catches his attention, has him glancing over toward it with another wide smile. and it proves a good distraction in wei ying's case, considering it leaves an opening for the former yiling patriarch to gently jab the boy in the ribs.

sizhui's immediate response is an astonished yelp then he attempts pulling away, laughing in spite of himself.] But I didn't, though. It must be beginner's luck...!

Foodland

[lethechained]

[ Compared to what she's grown used to from the gas station, Foodland provides an overwhelming amount to choose from. On some level, it makes her feel terribly small, seeing all these products and aisles and imagining how many people it might take to use it up, or how many people it might take to create as many items in the first place. So perhaps she can be forgiven for staying put where she is a while, making a valiant attempt to decide what manner of cereal she ought to bring back with her when really, she hasn't the foggiest idea what most of them taste like to begin with.

There's a very colorful one, one that says something about fruit, and that's about as promising an offer as she can spot. But before she has a chance to examine it further, someone comes tearing up the aisle with such urgency that it sets her pulse loud in her ears before she's even whipped her head around to see who it is. When she does, however, ]

Sizhui--?

[ Recognizing him doesn't actually decrease her heartrate, not when he's so insistent - worry knits her brow almost immediately, her lips parted in surprise. He might find she tenses noticeably, however, if he tries to grab at her, despite her not actually resisting. ]

What's wrong? Is someone hurt?

[deferences]

Hurt? No, no, I just need—

[he hesitates when she tenses underneath his hold though, immediately withdraws, a mixture of surprise and concern overtaking his expression. both hands tuck behind him, interlocking at the small of his back, his head sheepishly inclining at the overzealousness. here's hoping he didn't hurt her in his feverish excitement since he's so unused to his own strength at times, someone as small and possibly frail as naminé could be injured far easier than others he knows.

following a quick once-over of where he'd clutched her arm,] I'm sorry, I didn't hurt you, did I?

[wouldn't that be his luck? getting overly enthusiastic about milk of all things and hurting someone he's not quite strangers with, yet not exactly befriended. which he still very much wants to ask for her help, but only once he's certain he hadn't hurt her in any way.]

[lethechained]

[ Some of the concern eases out of her expression as he clarifies. It might not be proof that there's nothing serious amiss, but if at least no one's been harmed--

Blinking, Naminé holds her arm still a moment once it's been let go of, then finally allows it to fall. The movement is careful, and unconsciously she brings the other hand over to glide her fingers over her skin even before he asks after her wellbeing. (Although of course she regrets doing anything that might have implied he harmed her the instant thereafter.) ]

Hurt me? [ The concept seems to surprise her; she's quick both to shake her hand and place her hands back at her sides, just in case she might accidentally give the wrong impression. ] No - not at all.

[ But clearly he saw something that made him think so, which means she ought to explain herself. ]

I was only surprised. [ Does that sound like an excuse? It isn't, but just in case, ] I'm not used to...

[ Faltering, she realizes she's managed to force herself into one of those corners wherein there's no way to explain something about her own nature without addressing all manner of past experiences she'd rather not discuss. She gives a soft, 'um,' then, ]

... To being close to other people, that's all.

[ In the literal physical sense, that is. ]

[deferences]

[sizhui shuffles a few paces closer, tilts his head in an attempt at examining her arm better. from what he can see, it doesn't look like she's bruised... but injuries can show up long after they've happened too, so it might be a matter of time. here's hoping they don't appear though or else he'll feel terrible (without even giving her pale complexion a thought).

the gesture over her arm is somewhat discouraging, but he doesn't let it bother him much, even manages smiling once she reaffirms that she's alright.] Okay, good.

[surprised? oh! well, that makes more sense, given how he'd approached her. he could've been more calm, but the idea of possibly finding milk to make proper macaroni cheese with ellie is just too exciting.]

Ah... I see. [he tips his head in the opposite direction, considers how close he's standing, takes the slightest step back so there's a respectable arms-length of distance between them, grinning wider despite the almost timid motion.] My apologies, Miss Naminé. At times I get somewhat excitable and do things without really thinking.

I'll ask next time, I promise.

[lethechained]

[ The girl holds still as he peers at her arm. It feels like the best way to appease him - to let him see the truth for himself. There might be the tiniest hint of redness, but it's quickly fading and is likely gone before he's even finished his inspection. Hazarding a guess that she has delicate skin wouldn't be entirely unwarranted; all of her just has that sort of look, like she'd blow away in a strong wind.

Momentarily preoccupied with her self-consciousness, Naminé takes note of his inching backward a beat late. When she does, however, her brows lift - and then his intention seems to click in her mind as she sees his grin. Her shoulders jump in a faint laugh that she's not at all expecting to let out, her mouth curling up at the corners despite herself. His demeanor is proof enough that he's not in trouble, and she exhales a deep breath that can only be a sign of relief. ]

It's alright - really. There's no need to say you're sorry.

[ Clearly he hadn't meant any harm by it; although they're only so acquainted, she's quite assured that he means well. All his grinning even has the curious effect of buoying up her own mood, and presently she tacks on a gently teasing, ]

But I'll remember that you promised.

[ Not that she expects to actually call him on that, even if she does appreciate the consideration. She has to curl a hand against her mouth for a brief moment to try to bring the pull in her cheeks back down; once her arm falls again, she's left with genuine curiosity in her expression. ]

What is it that you're excited about this time? Is it something good...?

[deferences]

[it does put his mind at ease, her letting him check out any possible damage, but finding none settles his thoughts even more. red isn't so bad and the fact it's already fading is good, too. sizhui needn't worry about having left marks without actually trying, which is extra reassuring since he's constantly concerned with his friends' well-beings, but never when it comes to himself. (fine as she is, he'll still be thinking about his strength and how best to use it later.)

naminé's laughter really seals the deal, however. it's certainly not as loud as he's made others, yet it makes him outright beam, posture straightening as his expression brightens. the relieved sigh has him somehow smiling broader, a comforted breath of his own escaping.] So long as you're sure?

[even though she's already said he doesn't have to apologize, it feels proper, making certain she's sure, although an amused little giggle of his own escapes whenever she teases him.] Good! I meant it, after all, and will certainly do my best to remember if you don't remind me. [and reminding him for real or not, knowing she'll still keep it in mind is a nice mnemonic in and of itself. he attempts reeling his own excitement in a bit, looking no less thrilled about what he eventually admits.]

I believe so, yes! I've found milk here in this— [oh, what's it called? hmmm.] —this building, but I am unsure which kind would be best for a particular dish.

[lethechained]

[ With a girl like her, drawing out even a small laugh is an accomplishment. She's got such sad eyes most of the time and a reserved demeanor - but it really speaks to the strength of his smile that her features are softer now just for seeing it. ]

Definitely, [ she reassures. It'd likely bother her almost as much for him to think he hurt her as it would him if he actually had, so it only seems prudent to be as firm as possible in her confirmation that there's nothing to worry about.

Thereafter she regards him with a peacefully attentive expression, privately amused by his excitement that persists even when he tries to contain himself. There's something so honest about it that she can't help being glad for him, no matter whether this is a matter big or small. As he begins to explain, she volunteers a quiet, ] Grocery store...? [ when he appears to struggle with a word. Once his errand has become clear, ]

I see...! Are you learning a new recipe, Sizhui?

[ At least, that seems like a reasonable assumption. Curling a hand thoughtfully against her mouth, she hesitates, because-- ]

I don't know much about cooking... but I'll do my best to help. Where did you find the milk?

rec center

[soups]

❰ some days, the weight of the meaning of lotus pier is overwhelming. otherwise, jiang yanli has decided to escape for the day, journeying into places unknown. maybe it isn't such a wise decision -- normally, she'd need some protection, but jiang cheng is basically breathing down her neck at every turn as of late. to get out means going it alone, and she'd prefer that at the moment. if she senses trouble, running will be her only option.

since last she was in town, it seems as if there are more buildings to ooh and ahh at. they're so large and square, so un-ornate and plain. it makes them all the more intriguing. she's entered one such building, walking around and admiring the strange, openness of it all. and aha -- a familiar face! ❱

Lan-gongzi! ❰ oh, actually...perhaps she should call him something more familiar, as her nephew. hmm. ❱ This is a really interesting hall...you've discovered what these orbs are for?

❰ she'd noticed one lane and the mechanism filled with said balls, but had no idea what to do with them. ❱

[deferences]

[if lack of protection is why she's worried about venturing out, she very well could've recruited lan sizhui and he would have happily guided her through town. as it stands though, yanli seems like she's doing alright for herself and the fact she finds him without any problems is an amazing feat! she ought to give herself a bit more credit since she's done good thus far and appears as if she's still handling everything rather well.

he glances up at his name, whips his head in her direction, an exuberant grin overtaking his features.] Jiang-guniang, hello! [the neon green bowling ball he's currently holding gets hefted a little higher into his arms and he moves closer, careful to not drop it on either of their toes.] It's a game of some sort, I think?

You take the heavy ball and— [sizhui pauses, turns toward one of the lanes and gestures with a tilt of his head toward the pins,] —roll it toward the oddly-shaped things down the lane to knock them over for whatever reason.

[soups]

❰ if any credit is given, it should be how well she keeps her composure
throughout the day. life has certainly moved on here, but it doesn't stop her soul's core from vibrating underneath it all. left alone for a few moments, unaddressed, her mind can very easily bring back some darker memories to ruminate on. going for walks gives her something to do when the atmosphere of their makeshift lotus pier hits too close to home.

this is certainly an interesting distraction. yanli's head tilts as she listens to her nephew describe this unusual game. ❱ It's certainly not anything I'm used to. ❰ not that that makes it bad -- it makes it very intriguing. ❱ So how skilled have you become?

[deferences]

[then credit there would be proper-like! living with jiang cheng must surely test her patience on the daily, so sizhui could imagine (and is glad he simply has to deal with him shouting across the lake instead). at least while she's here with him in this bowling alley, he'll have plenty to distract her with— or he's going to try, anyway. teaching her the game will certainly be a lot of fun in his opinion, though he doesn't know if she will feel the same.]

It took some getting used to for me, too. [he adjusts the bowling ball he's holding, twists it around in his hands to examine the number on it which says eight. maybe one that's less heavy for her? but for now:] Would you like to see?

[soups]

Of course!

❰ she moves towards one of the seperate sections of seats, further away from the lane so she may sit and watch her nephew show off his prowess at this newfound sport. it's actually somewhat thrilling, to have the unspoken moment of bonding. ❱

[deferences]

Wonderful! [and yanli is already moving toward one of the seats before he can motion, so that works out perfectly.

sizhui waits until she's settled, moves to the nearest lane with ball in hand, rotating it to find the holes so he can actually use it properly. before wei wuxian had suggested he try one-handed, he'd just been crouching and using both to sort of push the ball down the lane, but now, he stands, lines up as best he can and rolls, watches it curve slightly then correct before knocking down a handful of pins. hey, it's not all of them like the one time, but it's still good!]