Closed Post: The only way to learn is by playing

[futaille]

There has been a seismic shift in the pinball status quo and Grantaire unwittingly brought it just by mentioning the game at the wrong time. Or the right one, really. Watching Magnus play was honestly kind of amazing, but it also was a very fast shift in fortune, especially with tales of Alex even beyond that. And if Grantaire wanted any hope of keeping any Rs at all on the high score list long-term, he needed to refine his game. (Sometimes it's easier to be spurred on by someone clearly ahead of you than someone coming up behind.)

So he is, of course, in the game room one dark (and Dark) evening, working on improving. Of course, as always, his plans are fully subject to change when previous offers come back to the forefront.

Comments

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji has not forgotten about his agreement with Grantaire. He rarely forgets anything¹. More pressing matters, however, have prevented him from seeking its fulfillment. Magnus is well enough now, but Lan Wangji has yet to discover any explanation for the attack that nearly took his life. Dark grinds onward, and the mood of the mansion is not a lighthearted one. He finds himself plagued by deeper and deeper unease, as if there is some threat he is missing, as if he could simply turn the right corner at the right moment and come up against some unseen enemy.

That uncharacteristic restlessness has him in the game room this evening. He meant only to glance inside -- its most frequent occupant is Shen Yuan, and they have nothing to say to one another. He stops, though, when he sees Grantaire. They have not spoken since this season began. Lan Wangji would like to be certain he is well.

He steps closer, watching Grantaire's activity with interest and curiosity. It is loud, fast, and distracting enough that he neglects to say anything, and only stands a pace behind him, observing.

¹Cue a laugh-track groan at this blatant abuse of the lever.